Preparing Your Property
We have found that a good relationship with Tenants is the key to a smooth running tenancy. As Property Managers this relationship is our job. It is important that the Tenants should feel comfortable in their temporary home, and that they are receiving value for their money. It follows therefore that a well maintained property in good decorative order will go towards this, whilst also achieving a higher rental figure. Tenants are also more inclined to treat such a property with greater respect.
General Condition
Electrical, gas, plumbing, waste, central heating and hot water systems must be safe, sound and in good working order. Repairs and maintenance are at the Landlords expense unless misuse can be established. Interior decorations should be in good condition and preferably plain, light and neutral.
Furnishings
Your property can be let fully furnished, part furnished or unfurnished. Which of these is appropriate will depend on the type of property and local market conditions. We will be pleased to give you advice on whether to furnish or not and to what level. As a minimum you will need to provide decent quality carpets, curtains and light fittings. Remember that there will be wear and tear on the property and any items provided. If letting furnished, we can supply a list of recommended items.
Personal Items
Personal possessions, ornaments, pictures, books and such like should be removed from the premises, especially those of real or sentimental value. Some items may be boxed, sealed and stored in the loft at the owner's risk. All cupboards and shelf space should be left clear for the Tenant's own use.
Gardens
Gardens should be left neat, tidy and rubbish free, with any lawns cut. Tenants are required to maintain the gardens to a reasonable standard, provided they are left the necessary tools. However, few Tenants are experienced gardeners, and if you value your garden, or if it is particularly large, you may wish us to arrange visits by our experienced gardener.
Cleaning
At the commencement of the tenancy the property must be in a thoroughly clean condition so as to set a high standard by which future inventory/inspections can be compared. At the end of each tenancy it is the Tenants' responsibility to leave the property in a similar condition (less fair wear and tear). Where they fail to do so, cleaning will be arranged at their expense.
We recommend that the carpets and curtains be professionally cleaned every two years, such costs to be borne by the landlord, subject of course to unreasonable soiling by the tenant(s).
Information For The Tenant
It is helpful for all concerned if you leave information for the Tenant(s) to assist them in the operation of domestic appliances and heating, for example on operating the central heating and hot water system, washing machine and alarm system, the day refuse is collected and such like.
Keys
You should provide one set of keys for each Tenant. Where we will be managing we will arrange to have duplicates cut as required, the cost to be borne by the landlord.
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