Getting a property ready for new tenants: five tips for responsible landlords
As a landlord, the process of preparing your property for new tenants can be challenging on many levels. Finding good tenants who will take care of your property is critical to maintaining your investment and making your life as a landlord easier. After your current tenants leave, there is often a lot to do before you can rent out the property to new renters.
You’ll need to ensure that the property is up to the legal safety standards and take the opportunity to do repairs and renovations while it is empty. You do not want your property to remain vacant for too long, as this can be a drain on your resources.
Hire a professional cleaner
Having your property professionally cleaned between tenants can be an excellent option. Fostering a good relationship with your new tenants is crucial, and moving into a property that has not been adequately cleaned can get your relationship off to a poor start.
There are many options for professional cleaners that offer pre-tenancy cleaning that will have the home sparkling for your new renters. If the previous tenants have left the property in poor condition, you may be able to take some money from their deposit for this expense.
Decorate in neutral tones
If your previous tenants have decorated the property, you may need to redecorate it before showing off the home to its next occupants.
Choosing a neutral colour scheme for your property can help potential tenants see themselves in the space. Choose neutral carpeting and paint in shades like beige and grey. Wood flooring can be an excellent option, as this will match most décor schemes and is timelessly classic.
Safely remove debris and rubbish
If you have to dispose of rubbish left by past tenants, you’ll need a suitable way to do this. You could consider hiring a skip if the tenants have left significant rubbish or unwanted items.
Hiring a skip may be the most cost-effective way to remove large amounts of debris from a property. Again, you may be able to take some money out of your previous tenants’ deposit to pay for necessary removals. Choose a reliable skip hire business like Skip Supply Network to ensure you get the best value for money.
Conduct the right safety checks
Carrying out safety checks is a legal requirement between tenancies. You should check that the smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms are working correctly, ensure the Energy Performance Certificate is up-to-date, and have a gas safety check.
It may also be an excellent time to review your landlord’s insurance to ensure you’re getting the best level of cover.
Change the locks
While not all landlords do this, changing the locks can be a good idea to ensure the safety of your property. Your previous tenants may have had a number of spare keys cut, and there is no way of you knowing for sure, so having the locks changed could be a great way to reassure yourself and your new tenants that the property will be secure.
