If you have decided to rent out your property, you need to consider all of the little details. It can get somewhat overwhelming, especially if you have not done this before. It is important to make a checklist of things to do before you rent, to ensure success with this endeavour. Here is what you have to consider in regards to getting your house ready for rent: 

• Start the work early on – if you are planning on starting the tenancy soon, you will have to prepare the property well in advance. If your property looks like a building site, then it is very unlikely that any tenant will be interested in it. If you are late with the renovations, you might expect awkward viewings. Give it about 8 weeks before you think of listing the property. That time should be enough to allow you to make the necessary changes to the property. 
  
  
  • Give the property a makeover – those 8 weeks mentioned earlier should go towards making the property look more desirable to tenants. The walls should receive a fresh lick of paint, and the furnishings should be new. If the place looks like it has been well-taken care of over the years, tenants will be more likely to say yes to the offer of staying there. Make sure that you invest in furniture and appliances that are built to last. 
  
  
  Design it with your tenants in mind – always consider the type of tenants the property will have. Whenever possible, go for neutral furnishings and colour, simply because they appeal to a larger audience. Sometimes, different people will occupy the property and it is not possible to match all of their requirements. That is why sticking to more general designs are more profitable over the long run.
  
  
• Make some repairs – the property needs to be safe and functional. In fact, this should be your main priority. And while it is true that repairs plus renovations are mostly part and parcel of the job, you have to ensure that you carry them out regularly. The house has to be risk-free after you have carried out the necessary repairs if you are renting it out. Replace broken furniture, repair the fixtures and fittings that call for it and test your appliances for functionality. Bear in mind that you can go with designs that are easy to replace. For example, instead of hardwood floors, maybe carpet tiles are better. Dark colours look cool, but they show stains and are harder to maintain. It is seemingly small things like that, which make a big difference in the long run. 
  
  
• Sort out your appliances and utilities – apart from conducting the necessary repairs, you also need to be 100% sure that all appliances and utilities operate in line with the safety regulations and guidelines. For example, gas appliances like boilers, radiators and ovens should be tested by an approved company. Ain addition, you should also test things like electrical outlets and lights. Install safety measures – smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. You need to acquire an Energy Performance Certificate, as well as a gas Safety Certificate. 
  
  
• Keep it clean – lastly, it bears mention that the property needs to be 100% clean and ready to welcome tenants. If you want to ensure that it is hygienic, fresh and clean, you can hire a professional company to do that for you. 
  
  

Knowing how to get your property ready for rent is essential for finding tenants quickly and getting them there. Make sure to follow all of the listed advice. 

© Onyx Property Team