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 white goods. This has the advantage, from the landlord’s perspective, of avoiding the need for additional maintenance/replacement and for annual testing of further electrical appliances.

Carpets and Decorations

We recommend that carpets and decoration of the property should be fresh and neutral in colour and style. Higher quality properties will always attract better quality tenants and therefore it is vital that a property is well presented to meet the expectations of a potential tenant.

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 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. Gas and electrical appliances must meet legal safety requirements; oil appliances must also meet legal safety requirements and should be tested annually.

Cleaning

It is essential that the property is handed over in clean condition. We 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 through 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 landlord to retain responsibility in the rent. We will be happy to help find suitable gardeners, be it for a full 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.

Telephones

If a telephone line is installed at the property you should instruct the provider to put a temporary stop on the line when the property is vacated and send you a closing account. The property can then be let without an active phone number.