If you have decided to rent out your property there are some simple guidelines that will help you avoid the pitfalls of doing so and help to make it hassle free.
Firstly, you want to be able to get a suitable tenant into your property quickly so ensuring that the property is clean and tidy, that all fixtures and fittings are in good working order and that any furniture is practical, comfortable and meets safety standards. Remember that it is unlikely that the prospective tenants will only look at your property so making it stand out from the rest will help in doing so.
Next it is essential to make a detailed inventory of everything in the house, making sure that you note any damage, as we will get all prospective tenants to check it carefully before signing it off.
We normally ask that tenants to pay their own bills as this will save money hassles in the future. Make sure that you state this is the case. In some circumstance landlords include bills in the rent, make sure we are aware of this so it can be included in the advertisement as well as any other benefits or restrictions such as no pets or no smokers.
Once we have an interest in the property we will ask for detailed references and check them thoroughly. No landlord wants to get caught with non-payment of rent, so we ask for a returnable deposit as security against this or any damage to the property. We will also need to set up a tenancy agreement, and get your inventory signed off.
If we are not satisfied with the way a tenant is looking after your property, we will tell them about your concerns. If the situation does not improve, or you are not happy with them staying there, you are within your rights to give them two months' notice to leave.
However, the best way to ensure your property doesn't turn into a bombsite is to maintain a reasonable relationship with tenants and come to an amicable agreement as to the frequency of visits for checking everything is in order.
Tenants do have rights, but so do landlords and as long as you keep to your side of the bargain, the law will be on your side.
