Tenants want their house to feel like a home. If it does, they are more likely to stay for a long-term, guaranteeing a regular rental income and the avoidance of void periods.
As a landlord, there are a number of things you can do to make your tenants feel comfortable and happy in their surroundings. And they are all things that won’t take much time, effort or money to implement.
Below, we outline a few of these top tips...
Get the right furniture
You won’t necessarily have to buy from scratch; high-quality furniture can be sourced second-hand for reasonable prices. Either way, attractive, modern and stylish furniture will have far more appeal to tenants than tatty, old-fashioned items. Cushions, designer lamps and clever lighting can also give your home a more intimate, homely feel.
Also, it’s important to work out which demographic you are targeting towards and tailor your property accordingly. For example, students and professional tenants are likely to have quite different needs.
Plump for tiles
Easier to maintain and more durable, tiles are cost-effective and a good way of fighting off mould – especially in rooms that are susceptible to it (i.e. bathrooms, kitchens, utility rooms).
You can get tiles in all colours, shapes and sizes these days. It is of course advisable to make sure the tiles you choose fit well with the room they are in and that any existing tiles that are cracked or discoloured are replaced.
Refresh the paintwork
A fresh lick of paint on the walls – blues, creams, whites and pale greens are the most sensible, neutral choices – could make all the difference, allowing your tenants to live in a home that looks brighter and more vibrant.
This also shows them that you care about the appearance of the place they call home, that shabbiness isn’t acceptable. If tenants feel valued and house proud, it stands to reason that they will stay put for longer. Stable, reliable, long-term tenants are what every landlord is striving for, so you should do all you can to make that a reality.
What’s more, decorating on the cheap could end up costing you more in the long-term, so it’s best to get it done properly first time round.
Decide on flooring
Carpets and wood flooring both have their ups and downs. If you decide to go for carpet, keep it neutral and go for a colour that doesn’t stain easily.
With wood flooring, of course, you will have no issues with stains and it will be easier to clean. Nonetheless, walking on it will create more noise, it will be colder on the feet in the winter months and the chances of things being smashed or broken will be upped.
Make your home look its best
If you are looking to attract tenants to live in your rental property, it will need to look its absolute best to stand above the competition. If you already have tenants in situ, keeping them there will be that much easier if your property is attractive, well-maintained and cosy.
This can be done in a few simple steps. Give your bathrooms and kitchen the once over to ensure it has that new, gleaming, sparkling look, plump up the cushions in the living room and make sure that garden space – assuming you have some - is kept in a decent condition throughout the year.
Tenants have a duty to keep the home they live in up to scratch, but as a landlord you have a duty to make sure it doesn’t fall into disrepair or look tatty or uncared for in any way.
If you would like more advice about letting out your home in Redbridge, Chadwell Heath, Ilford or Seven Kings, please get in touch withSandra Davidson on 0208 551 0211.
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