Preparing a Property for Rental

When preparing your property for rental, the following may be helpful:-

LEGAL REQUIREMENTS

Gas Safety Inspection
If the property has a gas supply, then it will require a Gas Safety Inspection to be carried out before the tenancy commences. Gas Safety Inspections must be undertaken annually.

EICR (Electrical Safety Inspection)
With effect from 1st April 2021, all rental properties must have a satisfactory EICR in order for a tenancy to commence. These are valid for 5 years.

EPC
Also required before a tenancy can commence. Valid for 10 years. Rating must be E of above.

Blind cords
Any blind or curtain cords must be secured to the wall or window frame with suitable cleats.

Legionella Testing (if applicable)
A Legionella Test may be required, see below: https://www.hse.gov.uk/legionnaires/legionella-landlords-responsibilities

Smoke Alarms
A smoke alarm must be fitted on each floor of a property. This is a legal requirement.

Co2 Detectors (Carbon Monoxide)
A Co2 detector must be fitted in any and all rooms where solid fuel is burned. It is advisable to also have them fitted in any and all rooms containing a gas appliance – boiler, hob, fire etc.

POWER BESPOKE REQUIREMENTS

Professional Cleaning
The property should be fully professionally cleaned throughout for the first tenancy (at the landlord’s cost) to include windows, with specific professional cleaning of the oven and carpets, with a receipt provided to the Inventory Clerk or Agent. This is so that the Inventory Clerk can record the Professional Cleaning with receipts provided in the Inventory Report. The tenant is then responsible to return the property in the same condition at the end of their tenancy, which keeps the cleaning standard high.

Inventory
An Independent Inventory company should be instructed to complete an Inventory Report for the property for the first tenancy. The tenant is then checked in with the Clerk with the report and then checked out with the Clerk at the end of the tenancy. The Inventory, Check In and Check Out Reports record the condition of the property and protect all parties. They are also used as evidence should a dispute arise in relation to a tenant’s dilapidations deposit. The landlord is responsible for the cost of the Inventory, Check in & Out.

Light Fittings & Window Treatments
Light fittings and either blinds or curtains should be provided ideally. This negates the need for tenants to drill holes etc in the walls of the property.

White Goods
White goods should be provided to the kitchen – oven, hob, fridge freezer, washing machine/washer dryer and a tumble dryer if possible, particularly if the property is a family sized home.

General
Obviously taking budget into account, the better the property is presented in terms of decor, flooring, fittings etc, the more appealing it will be to a wider market of applicants, resulting in higher enquiry levels, higher demand and hopefully competing offers, which gives landlords choice of tenants and often increased value. Small, inexpensive changes can make a big difference and we would be happy to advise on this