Getting your property ready to rent out

So, your property is empty and you are getting it ready to re-let or to let it for the first time. What things do you need to consider to attract the right tenants.

Firstly, is the property safe? If it has a gas supply you must have a valid gas safety certificate, this must be renewed every 12 months and it is illegal to let out a property without one. You must also make sure you have a working smoke detector on every floor of the property and a carbon monoxide detector if there is a solid fuel (coal, wood etc) burning appliance in the property. Make sure the electrics are safe, its recommended that you have an electrical certificate carried out every 10 years.

Does everything work? The last thing you want is a tenant moving in and finding things don't work as they should. Check the boiler works, that they can get hot water and heating and that the thermostat and timer work as they should. If you have provided white goods, check that they work, the oven gets hot and the washing machine is plumbed in correctly. Check the little things too, do all the taps work without leaking, the kitchen drawers open and close and the toilet flushes.

What about cleaning? Moving is a stressful time and the last thing tenants want is to move in to a dirty home. The kitchen should be thoroughly cleaned, this includes the oven and hob, inside the kitchen cupboards and floors and surfaces. The bathroom should also be spotless, if the seal around the bath or shower is black or mouldy consider having it re-sealed. The whole property should be dusted and hoovered and ready for someone to move in to.

Those extra touches...Think about having the instruction manuals available for the new tenants so they know how to work everything. Make a note of what day is bin collection day or where the bins are kept. You could even leave them a card to welcome them to their new home.

Make sure you have an inventory! You've worked hard to make the property safe, clean and tidy and have tenants ready to move in. Now is the time to make a detailed account of everything in the property and its condition. That's everything from the walls - newly painted magnolia walls - excellent condition, no marks or walls painted magnolia, good condition, two scuff marks next to plug socket, to the carpets - grey carpet, good condition, small burn mark under window etc. This is your protection so that if the tenants vacate and have damaged something you have proof of the original condition to enable you to deduct the money from their deposit.

Its hard work but by putting the work in now, you will have happy tenants who are more likely to look after the property,  you shouldn't have any unexpected repair bills when they move in and you have the peace of mind of knowing you are adhering to all of the relevant landlord legislation.