When preparing your property for let, first thing you will need to do is to decide whether you want to let your property furnished or unfurnished. We advise most of our clients to offer both options, as this means the tenants have a choice and your agent can market to a wider audience. In terms of decorating and soft furnishings, our advice is to keep it fresh and neutral. A well-maintained, clean property will attract good tenants. Making sure your property is safe for tenants to occupy, also to meet the current government regulations, you must make sure you have an electrical certificate and a Gas Safety check every year. Your rental property should be fitted with smoke alarms throughout your property.
By law, you will need an EPC (energy performance certificate) for your rental property. We can help you to organise this. You won't be able to market the property without one, you will need to get it sorted as soon as possible - they're valid for 10 years. There are some restrictions on letting a property with a low EPC rating; F or G, but your agent can advise you on the rules. It's a really good idea to get a professional inventory taken at the start and end of each tenancy. Our letting team can help. Having an inventory can help with any disputes that may arise when a tenant moves out. Without an inventory it is very difficult to prove you are entitled to any of the deposit funds in the event of damages and disrepairs. You need to figure out what level of services you want from your estate agent for example, we offer let only services, management services and rent guarantee.
A safe and trouble-free entry!