FURNISHED OR UNFURNISHED?

By far the greatest level of demand from tenants is for properties that are available unfurnished. This traditionally includes just carpets, curtains and essential white goods. This hasthe advantage, from the landlord’s perspective, of avoiding the need for additional maintenance/replacement and for annualtesting of electrical appliances.

DECORATIONS AND CARPETS

We recommend these should be fresh and neutral in terms of colour and style. Higher quality properties will always attract better quality tenants and therefore it is vitalthat a property is well presentedto meet the expectations

SECURITY

Security systems (locks on windows and external doors, lights, and even full alarm systems) are often considered essential by prospective tenants, and are taken into consideration by all the leading insurance companies when calculating premiums.

DOMESTIC APPLIANCES

These should also be of good quality and condition and subject to regular servicing. It is important that full instructions for use are left on the premises to avoid the need to call in an engineer to demonstrate. A Gas Safety Certificate must be carried out annually if applicable to meet the current legislation, electrical and oil appliances must meet legal safety requirements.

CLEANING

It is essential that the property is handed over in clean condition.

We very strongly recommend that the property be professionally cleaned throughout, including all carpets. This creates a benchmark that will be recorded in the Inventory and Schedule of Condition, and will allow us to maintain a high standard throughout subsequent tenancies.We can provide the names of reputable and economical cleaning contractors.

GARDENS

Gardens should be left in good seasonal order so that the benchmark is set for the tenants, whose responsibility it will be to maintain the same standard. We recommend that relevant tools are provided by the landlord. If the garden is particularly large, or complicated to maintain, it may be appropriate for the landlordto retain responsibility for maintenance, in which event this will be reflected in the rent. We will be happy to help findsuitable gardeners, be it for afull maintenance programme, hedge/lawn cutting, pruning or an occasional tidy.

UTILITIES

These services should be left connected and we will notify them of the change. Please note only the account holder can close the account. Under the Housing Health and Safety Rating System, Tenants must be able to control and regulate heating systems.