How to let your property the best way

Preparing to let your property

Before you begin the process of letting your property, you need to be thoroughly prepared. There is a lot to do before you can think about getting your new tenants through the door.

First impressions count for everything when it comes to property, so it's vital your home looks its best for potential tenants. Maintaining this condition for all your viewings will give you the best chance of letting your home and achieving the best possible price. So, what preparations should you make?

The external view

This is the first view your potential tenants will have of your property, so you should focus on optimising its appearance. Make sure all aspects of your property are up to scratch and meet all of the required standards to give you the best chance of finding the right tenants and achieving the best price. 

• Tidy up the front and back garden (weed, trim hedges, add some new plants if necessary, clear any dead or unsightly plants, mow and fix any damaged lawn)
• Repair cracks, holes or blemishes in the driveway or walls
• Give the window frames and door a lick of paint if they need it
• Make sure the house number is clearly visible
• Keep rubbish and rubbish bins out of sight

The interior

As well as the physical standards of the property itself, there are numerous other standards that will need to be met, including safety standards for gas and furniture.

Declutter - create more space by moving some furniture into storage, tidy away or remove unnecessary objects, books and knick-knacks, clear out cupboards and wardrobes of non essential items

• Make minor repairs - fix leaky taps and cracks in the walls, replace broken or crooked tiles, replace burned-out light bulbs - make sure everything works
• Clean thoroughly from top to bottom - carpets, floors, windows, fixtures and fittings
• Eradicate unpleasant odours, like pet smells and cigarette smoke
• Decorate rooms if required - a lick of paint can re-energise the appearance of a room

• Clean, tidy and presentable?
• Of a sufficient size for the family composition?
• Clean and free from damage, such as damp?
• Free from serious disrepair?
• Structurally sound and not suffering from conditions such as subsidence?

If the property is to be occupied by more than one family or party, this constitutes a House in Multiple Occupation and further regulations will need to be adhered to, as well as registering with your local authority. Read more about requirements for Houses in Multiple Occupation on the department of Communities and Local Government website.

It may seem like a lot of work, but with time, energy and even a bit of money spent now, it could really make the difference to how quickly you let your property and how much rent you can charge.