When deciding to let your property, there are many things that need to be thought about and arranged to avoid pitfalls at a later stage.
Firstly, is your property ready to rent?
The better condition and easy maintainable your property is the better tenants you are likely to attract. A thorough clean of the property is essential.
Have you considered and set in place all the legal requirements?
Such as the annual gas safety certificates, energy performance certificates, smoke alarms, right to rent booklets, tenancy agreements, Section 21, and deposit protection together with issuing the prescribed information.
Referencing and checking your tenants is very much advised to reduce the risk of problems later.
Have you thought about an inventory?
Just before the tenants take residency an inventory should be carried out to note the condition of the property and contents. This detailed document is invaluable at the end of tenancy should any dispute arise regarding the condition of your property.
Who is going to check on your property?
Once the tenants have been welcomed into their new home and all relevant paperwork signed and dated, we would recommend that periodic inspections be carried out. These should ideally be carried out every 3/4 months. At these checks the condition, any health and safety issues and maintenance needs of the property should be assessed.
This is also the opportunity to look for signs of condensation and mould. If this is left it can build very quickly and be extremely difficult to get rid of. Most importantly documented periodic inspections provide evidence that you were aware of a problem and took appropriate action.
How much deposit are you entitled to keep?
Finally, at the end of the tenancy a check out report should be carried out to note the difference in the condition of the property between the start and end of tenancy, minus fair wear and tear. Deposit deductions should always be done by negotiation between tenant and landlord / agent.
Letting a property to good tenants takes time, commitment and knowledge. We are always here to help