Getting your property ready to let

Landlord Focus

10 ways to get your property ready for rental

Getting your apartment or property ready for the market is much more than just placing an ad online. From deep-cleaning and repairs to painting and decorating, your tenants expect to walk into a fresh and clean home and you need to make it ready to move right in. And remember, the better condition you have it in at the beginning of the tenancy, the higher the standards you set and the more likely it is your high standards will be maintained.

• Get started on the interior of the property and, make sure it is professionally cleaned and thoroughly de-cluttered, removing any evidence of previous tenants or whoever has lived there most recently  prior to letting.
• Like any property, the kitchen is always the true heart of the home and you must make sure all kitchen appliances are modern, spotlessly clean and in proper working order.
• Plumbing is a vital aspect of daily domestic life and you need to check all bathroom plumbing, fixtures and fittings and that they are in good working order and well-presented.
• Wallpaper and paintwork need a refresh every few years and make sure any existing work is done to a high standard. 
• Carpets - as much as you believe you can get most carpet stains out ‘with a little elbow grease and soap and water’, all carpets must be professionally cleaned.
• A messy or overgrown garden can be an immediate turn-off for any tenant so do your best to ensure your garden is neat and easy for tenants to maintain with all grass and hedging cut, and trimmed as required. 
• Everybody has different taste when it comes to decor and that’s why it makes sense to use only neutral colours as they will make it a little easier for tenants to adjust to their tastes. And similarly, furniture should also be neutral, but ideally hard-wearing and in very good condition.
• For major appliances and systems like heating, get all instruction manuals ready for the new tenant. If you have mislaid them, many are available online so check them out in plenty of time.
• Servicing - it is also very important that you have the gas boiler or oil burner and fire serviced. And remembers that regular maintenance will probably increase their life-span and cost you significantly less in the long term.
• Laws and Regulations - In Ireland, there are strict regulations in place to protect both landlords and tenants in relation to gas safety, fire safety, and more, including the need for smoke alarms, carbon monoxide alarms, and fire blankets. You can access these minimum standards right here.