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Finding a reliable tenant for your property can be challenging, the good tenants will often expect a higher standard from their properties and in a crowded rental market, you need to make sure that yours stands out from the crowd. The consequences of an unappealing rental property can be devastating and you risk losing a lot of potential income or worse putting yourself in a position where end up selling a rental. So what can you do about it? Here are 5 things you could do to make your rental more appealing.
- Upgrade your windows
Never underestimate the importance of good windows in your rental property. Windows provide security, they keep warmth in and adverse weather out and as such, broken or poor quality windows will not appeal to prospective tenants. If your property is not double glazed then this can lead to poor energy efficiency and costly heating bills which can be offputting to potential tenants. Repair any windows that need attention, fill any gaps that, may cause a draft and consider replacing old single glazed windows to help energy efficiency. - Have the property freshly decorated
Something as simple as a fresh lick of paint can make a huge difference to the appeal of a property. No one likes to feel as though they are living in someone else’s house, which means they don’t want to have to live with the dirt marks and scrapes of your previous tenants. Give the walls a fresh coat of paint to bring them back to life and remember to have the property thoroughly cleaned including the kitchen units and carpets. - Pay attention to your curb appeal
Curb appeal is quite simply how attractive your property looks from the road. If the garden is overgrown, an old dead car occupies the driveway or the yard is filled with rubbish then this doesn’t send a good message to a prospective tenant. Keep the exterior of your property in good order, clean the windows, remove any rubbish and keep the garden design simple but tidy. - Invest in decent quality furniture
If you are renting your property as funrished then a prospective tenant will not only be judging the space but what’s in it too. Replace old and tatty furniture and try to invest in better quality pieces that fit the overall look and feel of the house. Something as simple as a new, clean mattress sends a clear message that you value your tenant’s experience and are willing to provide for them.
Ensure that your property is reasonably priced
For most tenants, their primary concern is going to be how much the property costs. Tenants are willing to pay a little more for the things mentioned above but no one wants to feel like they are paying above the market rate if they aren’t getting something special in return. Be realistic about what you are charging for your property, research other rental prices in your area and benchmark yourself accordingly. Don’t just assume that because one tenant paid that price that others will too.
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