Property investment has become increasingly lucrative in recent years, thanks to high rental yields. However, simply renting out a flat isn’t enough—you must ensure that it’s habitable, compliant, and safe for tenants to live in.
Before signing a lease, potential tenants assess properties based on their appearance, facilities, and safety standards. If your property fails to make a strong impression, you may struggle to secure the right rental price.
Your tenants are looking for a place to call home, not just a place to live. As a landlord, it’s your responsibility to ensure your property meets tenant expectations and is well-maintained.
If you’re a landlord looking to rent, here’s a guide outlining everything you’ll need to do to ensure your flats are fully tenant-ready.
Reconstruction and Repairs
Whether you’re building a new flat or repairing an existing one, you need to make sure all construction is complete and all materials are cleared before tenants come to visit. Ensure you’re only using top-quality materials for construction and repair works, as it impacts the health and safety of your apartment and its residents.
If your project requires aggregates or building sand, sourcing them from a trusted local supplier ensures you’re using high-quality materials while keeping costs manageable. For example, if your property is based in Northampton, it’s best to source aggregates and building sand from Northampton than Kettering.
Keeping the site clean and tenant-ready ensures that your property is both appealing and safe for prospective renters.
Test All Appliances
If you’re renting out a fully furnished or semi-furnished apartment, you’ll need to make sure every appliance and piece of equipment works fine. This is especially important if you have previously rented a flat with the same appliances and fixtures before. Some common appliances to check include plumbing, taps, bathing fixtures, toilets, and electronics.
In addition, check the boiler and radiators to see whether they’re working optimally or need to be maintained or repaired. You must also hire professionals to check the cooking range and gas connection.
Some landlords also provide refrigerators and dishwashers as part of their rented apartments. If you do so as well, you need to make sure they’re in proper working condition. All of these checks ensure the apartment is safe to live in and can offer an optimal living environment.
Refurbish the Interior
The next point on the list is to ensure your apartment looks welcoming and in proper condition before the new renter can move in. Sometimes, when you’ve rented your units for a long time, with constant usage and wear and tear, things can start to look shabby.
No one wants to pay the market price for a run-down flat, let alone live in it. Whether it’s minute upgrades like giving the floors a good scrub or changing the carpet and upholstery or some significant upgrades like repainting the interior walls or adding new wallpapers, ensure to get it all wrapped up before your tenant moves in.
Get All The Necessary Paperwork
This point is especially important if you’re a first-time landlord. You cannot simply rent out the extra room in your apartment. First, you’ll need to make sure you have all the necessary EPC documents. You can get an EPC assessment done. If your property rating is below ‘C’, you can implement certain upgrades to improve your ratings.
Next, ensure you have a Gas Safety Certificate, to be renewed annually, and an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR), which must be updated every five years. If your property is a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO), you may also need an HMO licence from your local council. Additionally, protect your tenants’ deposits by registering them in a government-approved tenancy deposit scheme.
Proper documentation can help ensure tenant safety, legal compliance, and a smooth rental experience.
Pests and Moulds
If you’ve received complaints about mould or pest sightings from previous renters or heard your neighbours discuss an outbreak, it’s best to get professional help.
Check for signs of mould or dampness in bathrooms and kitchens. These are unsightly but can lead to bigger issues in the future. Any stains on the floor, broken windows or loose hinges may also need fixing.
Wrapping Up
Renting out an apartment is not as simple as it may seem. You need to make sure the arrangements are up to standards and compliant with government regulations.
A well-maintained property is much easier to rent and can fetch you competitive rental income. It will make the living experience much more pleasant and safe for your renters, leading to better reviews and landlord-tenant relationships.
Tags: apartment
