Getting a house ready to rent can be the last thing on a landlord’s mind. Firstly, there are all the pressures of buying the property or going through paperwork if you’ve inherited it. Secondly, letting property is a business – chances are that you’re quite focused on property management and gaining an income. 

However, getting a house or flat ready to rent is a vital part of the process. Unlike selling a house, where the new owners can paint over your design choices, potential tenants will have to live with whatever they see at the viewing. The property needs to be safe, above all, and it also needs to attract the right tenants and be easy for them to look after. 

In this blog, we’ll look at the most important things to consider when you’re getting a house ready to rent.

1.        Safety first!

Before you can rent your property, you must be able to prove that it’s safe for tenants to live in. You don’t need to employ a surveyor, but do take some time to check for any obvious problems and make repairs. It’s worth having the work done to a professional standard at the outset – if it becomes a problem later, the tenants will report it and you will still have to have it fixed. 

You must have the property’s gas and electrics checked, and the engineers will issue safety certificates. You can find out more about certificates and the paperwork you need here.

If you intend to let a furnished property, all the furnishings must meet fire safety standards. Beds, mattresses, sofas, armchairs and soft furnishings must all meet the BS7177 fire retardant standard.

2.        Give the property a thorough clean

Obviously, cleaning a property before you let it will make it more appealing. No one wants to live with someone else’s dirt! 

However, it’s also important to attract tenants who will look after your property and treat it with respect. A good way of doing this is to present the property as clean and well-maintained. If tenants start with a clean, safe property, they’re more likely to want to keep it that way. 

You might choose to clean the property yourself, or book a professional cleaning company. We have several in our network if you need a recommendation!

3.        Redecorate in neutral colours

It’s always a good idea to give the property a lick of paint before you put it on the rental market. It means that the tenants start their life there with a pristine property, which makes it easier for them to keep it clean and makes the inventory and property inspections easier too. 

Choose a neutral palette – presenting potential tenants with a neutrally decorated space makes it easier for them to imagine living there. And given that the tenants probably won’t be redecorating, it is better to give them walls and floors that will coordinate with anyone’s personal possessions. 

4.        Choose durable paint and furnishings

It’s worth investing in high-quality, durable paint and flooring. This will make the property easier for the tenants to maintain.  It should also offer value for money in the long run as it will last longer. 

However, do keep an eye on spending! Investing in mould-resistant bathroom paint will save problems in future. On the other hand, replacing a stainless steel kitchen sink with a ceramic one probably isn’t worth it. 

Let property in Guildford

If you’re considering letting property in Guildford, Cobbles would love to help! Visit our lettings pages here to see our services, and if you have any questions, please get in touch.