Ensuring your property is ready for tenants is key to attracting the right applicants and securing a smooth tenancy. Cambridge’s competitive rental market means presentation and compliance are more important than ever. Here’s a step-by-step checklist to help you prepare your home:
1. Prioritise Safety
Tenants value a safe living environment, and landlords are legally required to provide it. Make sure to complete gas and electrical safety checks and install smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. These are non-negotiable essentials for any rental property.
2. Update Appliances and Utilities
Modern tenants expect convenience and reliability. Ensure appliances like ovens, washing machines, and boilers are in good working order. Check that heating systems are energy-efficient to keep utility costs low for tenants. Carry out checks, and regular services. unscheduled call outs and repairs can hit monthly profits hard. Plus damage the relationship with a good tenant. Identify issues before they’re an issue.
3. Perfect the Presentation
First impressions count. Fresh paint, professional cleaning, and tidy landscaping can transform a property into a desirable home. Consider staging rooms with neutral decor to appeal to a wide range of tenants. Start as you mean to go on. After each void period check the standard and update as needed. Implement these checks and this part should be limited as you’ll have your good tenants for a long time.
4. Legal Compliance Matters
Don’t overlook the paperwork. A valid Energy Performance Certificate (EPC), tenancy agreement, and deposit protection are vital for legal compliance. These elements also instil trust in potential tenants. Systemise, organise and optimise. Make the legal side of renting as clear and easy for all those involved.
5. Stand Out with Staging
Homes that feel welcoming and aspirational tend to rent faster. Create a space tenants can envision themselves living in. Even if you rent an unfurnished property, invest in quality marketing material of your property staged. This not only is more appealing to look at but will also enable potential tenants to see how the space can be used and what will fit where. Plus can be used multiple time and limit void periods which are the quickest way for your property to become a liability rather than an asset.
Preparing your property doesn’t have to be overwhelming. At Citystay Property Agents, we work closely with landlords to ensure their homes are not only tenant-ready but also competitive in the Cambridge rental market.