Top tips for first-time landlords

If you’re contemplating becoming a landlord for the first time, there are lots to consider. Here are some important ways you can prepare your home and ease your mind when taking the leap.

Insurance

It’s important that the property and its contents become appropriately insured beforehand as well as while it is let. Your insurers must be aware that you plan to let the property to ensure you get the right cover.

Security

You will want to make sure the property is safe and secure for your soon-to-be tenants. Consider installing a security system, ensure all windows and external doors lock, and make sure any security issues are fixed before you let the home. This will also be taken into consideration by your insurance company when calculating premiums.

Bills

Most landlords do not include bills in the cost of rent, however, some opt to do so. Think about whether you’ll include bills or not before finalising the tenancy agreement.

Deposit

Make sure the tenant pays a deposit on the property, which will be held via a deposit protection scheme. This is paid by the tenant before they move in and is held until their contract ends. If there are no damages incurred during their stay and the property is left in tip-top condition, the full deposit is to be returned to them upon vacating the premises. However, if there are any damages or missing items, or if there is cleaning required, this can be deducted from the deposit.

Furnished or unfurnished

Generally speaking, the higher the rent, the more likely the tenant will want to furnish the property themselves as they tend to have more expendable income. If you choose to let the property unfurnished, it’s one less thing to consider prior to them moving in, whereas unfurnished properties require all the necessary furnishings such as a sofa, bed, lamps, wardrobes, and so on. The benefit of choosing unfurnished is that you won’t need to budget for the necessary maintenance or replacements or have the need for annual testing of electrical appliances.

Home décor

Whether you decide on the home being furnished or unfurnished, you should make sure the home is decorated well as well-presented properties will increase the demand to rent the home and will potentially allow you to increase the rent. It’s best to choose neutral décor that is appealing to the masses as opposed to more quirky or colourful interiors. You’ll also want to consider any restrictions you’ll be likely to place on allowing the tenant to decorate themselves, such as putting nails in the walls to hang artwork or mirrors.

Inventory

You will want to create a comprehensive inventory, outlining the state of the property prior to the tenant moving in, along with every single piece of furniture included in the home. This will ensure everything is accounted for when the tenant moves out and help you assess any damages to the property.

Cleaning

Make sure the property is left in a clean condition. We would advise using a professional cleaning service prior to the tenant moving into the property.

Managed or unmanaged

Would you prefer to take on the responsibility of managing the property yourself or would you prefer to pay a letting agent to do that for you? Since it’s your first time letting a property, we’d advise having a letting agent manage the property on your behalf to ensure everything is in order and to establish good communication with the tenant.

If you are thinking of becoming a landlord, we can help you. Contact us today for more information - mail@harris-shieldscollection.uk or 01723 341557 & 01262 601704