Renting out a property can be a fantastic investment that will boost your finances and secure you an additional source of income. The rental market can be extremely lucrative, but it is also highly competitive. You must find ways to stand out from the crowd and gain a competitive edge in the letting market. One of the easiest ways to do this is by learning how to prepare your property for rental. Here are the top things to consider before a new tenant moves in.

Give your property a deep clean

First impressions are important, and you must give your property a thorough clean before new tenants move in. You can clean the property yourself, but this is a big task, and it needs to be done to a high standard. This is why most landlords choose to use a professional cleaning company. On top of general cleaning, you should also consider hiring carpet cleaning Balham services. Your carpets get daily use and are likely to become dirty and stained over time. Having your carpets professionally cleaned will keep them in good condition and boost the visual appeal of your property. Other essential deep cleaning tasks include de-scaling bathroom and kitchen faucets, emptying gutters, and dusting hard-to-reach areas like light fixtures and on top of cabinets.

Complete necessary repairs

Houses experience wear and tear over time, and you will likely need to undertake some repair work and renovations before new tenants move in. As a landlord, it is your responsibility to check the condition of your property regularly and carry out essential maintenance to keep the property safe and functional. You must also check safety devices like smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors to ensure that they are working correctly. Assess your property for signs of damage and arrange necessary repairs before the new tenant starts. This may include:

• Replacing broken windows and doors

• Repainting the interior/exterior of the property

• Treating damp areas and mould 

• Upgrading faulty appliances

• Replacing broken furniture

Change the locks

According to experts at addictedproperty.co.uk: “Landlords are under no legal obligation to change the locks on a rental property before a new tenant arrives.” However, you have no way of knowing whether the previous tenant had multiple sets of the keys cut. This is why you should always have the locks on your property changed before a new tenancy starts, even if the old tenant has handed their keys back. Replacing the locks before a new tenant moves in will ensure that your property is safe and secure. Make sure that you have a set of keys for yourself, a set for each tenant, and a copy for your property manager if you are using one.

Summary

Every landlord should take steps to prepare their rental property before a new tenancy starts. Following the above suggestions will welcome new tenants into your property and help you stand out from the crowd in the competitive letting market.