Greenwich Landlords: Tips For Between Tenancies
10th December 2019 posted in Landlords
No landlord wants a void period, but they are an inevitable part of the rental process. When there is no tenant in the rental property, landlords don’t generate income. If you are dependent on the monthly rental income to pay the monthly mortgage, you cannot have too many, if any, void periods.
However, if you do have a void period, it is vital to make the most of the opportunities which arise. We are pleased to say we have worked closely with many landlords in and around Greenwich. While our support helps to minimise void periods, when they do arise, taking the right action during void periods can make your rental property more attractive to tenants, and can even increase the value of the rental property.
You must undertake a deep clean of the rental property
There are many benefits to carrying out a comprehensive clean of your rental property, and it makes sense to do it when you have no tenants. While it is possible to do this work for yourself, there is a lot to be said for calling on the services of a local cleaning company. This is something landlords can arrange for themselves, or it can be left to the property management service provider to arrange.
While hiring a professional cleaning company incurs a cost, the benefits of doing so will pay for themselves. When you have a clean and attractive property, it is easier to attract tenants. You will even find tenants consider the rental property to be of a higher standard, and this may lead to them being happy to pay a higher rental fee.
Also, when the rental property is clean before a tenant moves in, the tenant is more likely to maintain this standard of cleanliness. Conversely, if a rental property isn’t clean when a tenant moves in, they won’t be motivated to maintain a good standard in the rental property. Therefore, landlords who set the correct tone at the start of the rental process are more likely to see tenants maintain these standards.
Check fittings and appliances
When there is no tenant in place at your rental property, you can take steps which ensure the tenant gets off to a flying start when they move in. Take the time to check every appliance and fitting. If everything is in good working order, the tenant will have no complaints when they move in. However, if there is a problem, you can resolve it there and then, ensuring the tenant doesn’t have any complaints when they move in.
This is also an ideal time to arrange for tests and checks to be carried out at the rental property. Arrange for the Gas Safety check to be completed, and with Electrical Safety checks set to come into force in 2020, make sure the rental property is at the right standard in this regard. These tests must be carried out by qualified engineers, and it is easier for these professionals to carry out this work when the rental property is empty.
If you are a landlord in Greenwich looking for support in managing rental property and tenants, get in touch with Hunters Greenwich, and we will be happy to assist you.