Getting your property ready for a tenant
Getting your property ready for a tenant Making the best first impression is essential, we don’t want to detract the right tenant from renting your property due to a negative first impression. Cleaning Receiving your property back in good condition is high on the agenda for a landlord, so setting the initial benchmark high ensures your property is returned in the same fashion. Treat cleaning the same as you would for a spring clean and cover all the following items;
Carpets Walls can be scrubbed with a sponge that removes marks Ceiling & light fittings Curtains and blinds Kitchens & bathrooms paying particular attention to discoloured grouting Flyscreens Windows Garbage bins Garage items neatly stacked and floor swept
Attend to any repairs Repairing or replacing items such as leaky taps, chipped paint, broken tiles, or worn bathroom grout are simple repairs and could save you from a bigger and more expensive problem in the future. Ensuring your property is in a good state of repair from the start will encourage the tenant to take care of the property too, and most importantly, keeps them safe. Inclusions If you plan on leaving behind appliances or other items for your tenant, make sure they’re in good working condition. Under legislation it is the landlord’s requirement to maintain any items left at the property, therefore it is best to take older appliances with you or decommission any non-functioning items. For instance, if your kitchen has space for a dishwasher, it’s usually best to leave it as it can add value. Conversely, if your old air conditioning unit is faulty, it’s best to replace it or just remove it altogether to avoid expensive repair costs.
Don’t forget the outside Check that your gutters are clear, the fence & letterbox are in good condition, any pest control has been attended to, and any evidence of a pet is removed. Neat lawns, clear pathways and pruned hedges are essential to have the garden looking tip top. Add value Get some advice from your agent about some quick refurbishments that can add substantial increases to your rent. New paint, carpet and light fittings can be a cheap but effective way to update a property. Renovating an outdated kitchen or bathroom can be a cost effective option as it will add significant value to the rent, and also increase the capital value. Yes, you really need landlord insurance! Many owners often misunderstand the difference between landlord insurance and building insurance. A building insurance policy covers the outside of the property and generally includes public liability for common areas, such as the driveway, and any injury caused to anyone on your property etc. Landlord insurance has many aspects of cover. Firstly it has contents, such as fittings (not the tenant’s contents). It also covers storm damage, malicious damage, and loss of rent. You’ll need to let your insurance company know you’re no longer living there and arrange landlords insurance. We always recommend the tenant takes out contents insurance and many companies require door and window locks to be of a certain standard. The fine print Protect yourself and your tenants and ensure your property is compliant with the current legislation. Here is a checklist for you;
Pools require a certificate through your local council. Ensure stairs, railings, balconies, blinds and curtains, glass and windows are compliant. Does the property meet water efficiency standards? You may be able to claim water usage from your tenants. Landlords are also required to provide and check smoke detectors. Does your home contain any asbestos, you may be required to note this on the lease as a material fact
Your property manager can help you to understand and arrange compliance with the laws relevant to your property. We wish you every success in the leasing of your property.
Property Management Neutral Bay | Mosman | Northbridge | Chatswood