Late spring into early summer is typically the most buoyant period for the lettings market, particularly for family houses as tenants look to be in and settled ahead of the new school year. With spring well under way, it’s a great time for landlords to rejuvenate their rental property to set it apart from others on the market. Here are some of our top tips to be ahead of the game.

Get your property ready

As a landlord, you are responsible for ensuring that your property adheres to a number of points (which can be found in our Landlord Guide) and these must all be addressed before coming to the market. Running through this checklist first is a must-do.

Taking care of tidying and touch ups

While there’s no need to undertake comprehensive redecoration, seeing to minor imperfections such as scuffs and chips to the paintwork and worn or discoloured grouting can be well worthwhile. And of course a declutter will help show the space for what it is. This is particularly key for family tenants who’ll usually be looking for an unfurnished property so will be considering where their furniture might fit. Presentation is just as critical; beds should be made, blinds up or curtains straightened and practical items put away that don’t need to be on display.

Set the summer scene

It’s a sensible move to do a walk through the house and identify the soft furnishings which are more suited to winter. If you have tenants in situ, ask if they could pack away items such as blankets or coats which are no longer needed. Setting the summer scene with some fresh flowers on a kitchen island, windows open and perhaps some lighter toned soft furnishings can be a nice way of demonstrating the lifestyle that the property can offer through the warmer months. 

Getting the outside in good order

Particularly for family homes, the outside space will be one of the most important features of the house so it’s really important that it is well presented for prospective tenants. Tidy up the garden, and if you've got outdoor furniture and play equipment, it’s worth freshening and cleaning it up. Inexpensive flowering plants can also be a nice way to add colour and make the area even more appealing.

Flexibility wins

As a landlord, being as flexible as possible makes good sense and being open to tenants’ requirements can widen the pool of interest. That could apply to length of tenancy, offering the property fully, semi or unfurnished, or other requests such as accepting pets. Across the family house market this tends to be a much more common theme and considering tenants with pets could not only broaden the number of people who’ll want to view but it might even keep them in the property for longer given the low number of landlords currently willing to allow animals. You should make sure your tenancy agreement specially negotiated clause defines the type of pet, age and breed you’re agreeing to, and is clear about the tenant’s responsibilities during and at the tenancy end.

Pricing sensibly

Now more than ever, getting the price right is essential to help achieve a successful rental. While it might be tempting to launch at a higher price, it might result in a lack of interest or even, competition. To attract interest and get families in before the new school term, setting the price sensibly is vital so make sure you discuss the let with agents who know and understand the local market. 

Further information

Contact Adam Muden or John Roberts