Presentation

Always present your property in the best possible condition. The more attractive your property, the greater your chances are of finding a tenant and keeping your property occupied throughout the year.
Good quality properties always rent quickly. When properties are obviously looked after and presented in the best possible condition, tenants are more likely to treat the property as if it were their own. If you don’t appear to look after your property, the tenant will do the same!
Also don’t overlook the furnishings – make sure these reflect the quality of the property, and the type of tenant you want to attract. Properties can be let down by the condition of their furnishings.
Also, the better the quality of furnishings the less maintenance and repair will be needed by you.

Furnished or Unfurnished

We get asked this a lot, and there is no right or wrong answer. In the past, furnished properties used to achieve higher rents however, today there is little difference in rental value between furnished or unfurnished.
You now also get the same legal protection when your property is furnished or unfurnished.
Whether furnished or unfurnished, the property should include:
All kitchen “white goods”, ie cooker, fridge/freezer, washing machine, (a washer-dryer is recommended to avoid condensation), and in larger more expensive properties a dishwasher is always a plus.
Carpets, curtains and/or blinds and light fittings.
Unless a gardening service is provided, it is a good idea to provide garden tools, lawn mower etc
Bathrooms should always include a shower, ideally have tiled floors and adequate ventilation
Instruction manuals for all appliances, including boilers and timer controls
A fully furnished property would also include:
furniture, linen, kitchen crockery and utensils
Soft furnishings must meet with current safety regulations. The Regulations are explained later.