Owning your own home opens up a whole range of opportunities for you, one of those being the opportunity to rent out your house. Renting out your home can provide you with a steady stream of income and it can be a good way of building a real estate portfolio. Having said this, that doesn’t mean renting out your home is a simple process, there are many things you need to consider when preparing your home to rent.
If you are thinking of renting out your home, then this article is for you. In this article, we will go over 5 things you need to consider when preparing your home to rent. Keep on reading to find out more.
Deep Clean The Entire House
In order to get your house reading to let, you must first ensure that you deep clean the entire house. No one wants to move into an unclean home, so it is important that you take the time to give your home a proper clean. If you have been living in your house for some time, then it is likely that a lot of dirt and grime has built up over the years. Because of this, it could be a good idea to hire a cleaner instead, as they will be able to properly deep clean your home, so that it is ready for a tenant. Having a presentable clean home will make your home look more appealing to potential tenants too, so be sure that you are focusing on ensuring your home is clean.
Fix Any Repairs
Another thing you need to consider when preparing your home to rent is fixing any repairs. While there may not be extensive damage to your home, after living in a place for a few years, you will start to notice general wear and tear. As a landlord, it is your duty and responsibility to ensure that future tenants have a safe house to live in, so fixing repairs is something that must be completed before you put your house to let. You may find that this process takes a fair bit of time, especially if there are lots of little repairs throughout the house. However, it is important to remember that you are working on your own timelines, so try your best not to rush your rush yourself and just take your time so that the repairs are completed to a high standard.
Redecorate In A Neutral Way
When you are preparing your home for a tenant, you must ensure that your interior décor is neutral. While having fun wallpaper or brightly coloured paint may be your cup of tea, most people looking to rent will want a house that is neutral, so that they can put their own personality on it. When it comes to redecorating, you may want to start with replastering the walls. New plaster on the wall gives you a smooth surface on which to paint, which can mean the paint has a higher quality finish and lasts longer. To look for someone reliable, you should find a local plasterer to help you complete the job. Using a plasterer near you will just make it more convenient and it means you can get the job finished quicker.
Unfurnished vs Furnished
If you have ever been a tenant yourself, then you will know that there is often a choice between having a furnished property and having an unfurnished property. As a landlord, you have to make the decision of whether you want your property to be furnished or if you want it to be a blank slate. This decision is completely up to you and there are both disadvantages and advantages to advertising a furnished property. While you may assume most people want a property to be already furnished, some tenants may already have furniture that they want in their home. So, if you are unsure which direction to go, you could always advertise the property to be furnished on request, so that you do not isolate any potential tenants.
Consider Working With A Letting Agent
While some landlords go down the private route and choose to organise the rental property themselves, others find it easier to work with a letting agent. There are pros and cons to both of these, so it would be a good idea to have a sit-down and do some research on both options. You should weigh up the positives and negatives and see which one would be more convenient for your life. If you know that you won’t be in the area much or you will be super busy with work, then it may be better to work with a letting agent instead of managing the property yourself. If you do decide to work with a letting agent, make sure that you choose the right one, contact multiple agents before you settle on one.