Is Your Buy To Let Property Ready For A New Tenant?
If you own a buy to let property, it can be surprisingly stressful when it’s time for a new tenant. Whether your last tenant left the property in good condition or not, there’s usually lots to do to prepare a property for a new tenant. Nobody wants to move into a dirty house that needs repairs. Whether or not you use a property management company, there are a few essentials you need to check off before a tenant moves in.
Make Repairs
Take a walk through of the property, and look out for any repairs that will need completing before a new tenant moves in. Look out for issues like stuck windows, loose cabinet doors or bathroom locks that don’t work. Even small issues can be annoying for a new tenant. Sorting them out before they move in will start you on a good relationship with your new tenant and saves you from being called out several times in the first week of a tenancy to fix small issues, like doors that don’t close properly or broken washing machines.
Arrange A Deep Clean
Between tenants, you should give the house a good clean, from top to bottom. For a proper end of tenancy clean, you could use a professional cleaning company to get the place really clean. Pay close attention to the kitchen and the bathroom, as these areas are the worst to find dirty when you move into a new house.
Clean often forgotten areas, like inside kitchen cupboards too. Have the oven cleaned and hire a carpet cleaner to deep clean the rugs too. If the previous tenants were smokers or kept pets at the house, cleaning the carpets is especially important to get any lingering odours out.
Redecorate Where Needed
The house likely won’t need a full redecorate, but repainting the walls is usually a good idea before a new tenant moves in. A new coat of paint helps the house to look fresh and feel a little brighter. Repaint in a neutral shade, like white or cream, which will go with any style of furniture your tenant might bring in with them. White walls make a house look lighter and can help a small home look a little larger.
Make An Inventory
While the property is empty, make a full inventory before a new tenant moves in. On the inventory, you should note down all the main details of the property. List anything already in the house that will be left for your tenant, like any furniture or a washing machine. Test the smoke alarms and make a note on the inventory that they are working correctly. Note any appliances that are going to be left in the house, like the oven or fridge. If you have them, include the manuals. If the property uses gas, leave a copy of the most recent inspection certificate.
The inventory should also include any damage already done to the property. Note things like scuffs in the paintwork or furniture that has been marked. When the tenant has moved out, you will have a record of what condition the property was in when they took over it, and can accurately arrange any charges against the deposit.