Before that TO LET board goes up... what should you consider?
Much like homeowners spending much more time at home in the past year has driven many renters to reassess where they are living and what they want from their home. A move out of the city to coastal or countryside areas, which are still commutable, has become very appealing. Since the first lockdown and the reopening of the property market back in May, the rental market has been growing. Meaning that as a landlord, you are in a great position to secure the perfect tenants. When a new property becomes available, we immediately have multiple viewings booked with tenants we already have on our books.
When deciding on an agent to advertise your property, it is key to choose carefully. You don’t just want to fill your property. You want to fill it with high-quality tenants who will look after it and importantly, pay on time. This is where we come in. With years of experience in the rental market and a large database of people looking for their ideal home, we can find those perfect tenants. The same applies to managing your property. A good agent will take away all the stress, leaving you feeling secure that your property and tenant is looked after.
Before that TO LET board goes up, consider the following…
Which agent? Every lettings agent should be up to date with any regulations affecting the rental market. For example, any tests required on services or appliances, including gas and electrics and notice periods required for ending a tenancy. But it is years of experience that will enable your agent to spot any potential issues and act quickly before they arise.
Rent guarantee insurance We’d strongly recommend landlords taking out rent guarantee insurance. This protects against tenants defaulting on payments (terms apply depending on insurer and policy taken out). Not all agents offer this option of cover. At Brambles, we are happy to provide this service.
Is your property in good order? To attract a good quality tenant, you need to offer a well-presented property. It is a good idea to get any work carried out, walls freshly painted, and the property, including carpets, cleaned top to bottom. Manuals for appliances should be available. Avoiding unnecessary call-outs and breakages from incorrect use. It pays to be well organised and have all this in order before putting your property out To Let.
To manage or go it alone? Whilst it can be tempting to ‘save’ money on managing your property yourself, in the long run, it doesn’t work out this way. An agent will manage multiple properties. They are objective and fair when carrying out inspections. Will ensure that an inventory is carried out properly and have built a relationship with the tenant over time. A good agent will have reliable and trusted tradespeople on hand to carry out repairs and maintenance when the need arises.
Our rental team are experienced and knowledgeable about the local market. If you’re interested in the level of rental income your property could achieve, the team can give you an idea of potential income over the phone and arrange a visit for a detailed rental valuation. Call the office on 01489 536331.