Many landlords focus on choosing a tenant before first ensuring their property is ready to be let.
We have been one of the leading lettings agents in Cheltenham for the last 50 years, and in our experience, landlords who spend time preparing their property before marketing gain several advantages. Not only do they improve its presentation, they also reduce the void periods between lettings and typically achieve the best possible rental income.
A well prepared property is likely to attract stronger applicants and create a better experience by setting the standard for both the landlord and their tenant from day one.
Below are some key areas landlords should consider before appointing a letting agent.
Before placing a property on the rental market, landlords should ensure any necessary permissions are in place.
This might include consent from a mortgage lender if the property is subject to a residential mortgage, or permission from a freeholder or management company if the property is leasehold.
In the case of leasehold properties, landlords should review any restrictions contained within the head lease and provide a copy to their letting agent at an early stage. These can include restrictions on pets, flooring requirements (such as carpets in apartments), constraints on subletting, rules relating to balconies or communal areas, parking provisions and noise or nuisance restrictions.
Identifying these requirements before marketing can help avoid delays and ensure any prospective tenants are made aware of relevant conditions from the outset.
If your property has gas appliances, you should ensure a valid Gas Safety Certificate is in place before marketing and occupation.
Landlords need to ensure that annual inspections are up to date, appliances are functioning correctly and any recommended works have been completed.
At Morgan Associates, we work closely with reliable local Gas Safe engineers who can carry out inspections efficiently and advise where works may be required.
Landlords should ensure any electrical installation has been inspected and remains compliant.
Before marketing, it is also sensible to ensure, again, that any recommended remedial works have been completed and sockets, fittings and appliances are functioning correctly.
We also work with trusted local electricians who regularly undertake EICRs and remedial works to help keep properties compliant and ready for occupation.
Safety checks should never be left until the final stages of preparation.
You will need to check that smoke alarms are fitted correctly and operating properly, any carbon monoxide alarms are installed where required. All alarms must be tested before tenants occupy a property.
An Energy Performance Certificate measures the energy efficiency of a property and provides tenants with an indication of expected running costs.
Make sure you have a valid EPC before marketing begins and your property achieves an EPC rating of E or above where required under current regulations.
We work with local assessors who can recommend practical improvements that may help increase an EPC rating, from simple upgrades through to larger energy efficiency works where appropriate.
For properties with oil fired heating systems, an annual service is considered best practice before a tenancy begins to check its efficiency, and reduce the likelihood of breakdowns.
Preventative maintenance before a tenancy begins can often avoid more costly repairs later.
Where properties contain open fireplaces, wood burners or solid fuel appliances, landlords should consider having chimneys professionally swept before occupation.
First impressions matter, so it’s worth cutting lawns and hedges, weeding the garden, removing any debris, repairing fences, tidying pathways and making sure that bin areas and external storage spaces are presentable.
It’s fair to say that lower maintenance gardens often appeal to tenants and reduce ongoing upkeep. That might include gravelled areas or hard landscaping, easy maintenance planting, etc.
In our experience properties prepared properly before marketing tend to let faster and generate stronger levels of interest.
Taking time to address maintenance, compliance and presentation before appointing an agent can often save time later and help maximise the success of your tenancy from the outset.
Contact our Cheltenham team for personalised support on property ownership structures, tax implications, and investment strategy: Tel: 01242 514285 or email: info@morgan-associates.co.uk
