As the summer breeze sweeps across the UK, it’s the perfect time to get your buy-to-let property looking its best for potential tenants looking for somewhere to kick back and relax.
Freshen up the garden
Summer is the best time to showcase your garden, so make sure your lawn is trimmed and your fences have a fresh coat of paint. You don’t need to go to great lengths of expense to neaten up, a simple touch-up of the lawn and pruning the trees where needed can make the garden feel spacious and fresh. It’s also a good idea to leave some tools behind for your tenants to encourage good maintenance when they move in.
Clean your windows
Your windows may have collected dirt and muck throughout the winter months, and this will show up when the sun starts shining through. Use hot soapy water and a brush for the frames to remove any dirt, and then glass cleaner and a buffing cloth on the window for a polished finish.
Clear the gutters
The winter and autumn months are likely to have clogged up your gutter with leaves and moss. To save yourself more trouble than necessary when the next year rolls around, it’s a good idea to get the gutter cleared out before your tenants move in.
Check everything is working
It’s easy to leave small maintenance issues for later when the weather is so inviting, but your new tenants will expect everything to be in full working order as soon as they move in, so it’s better to get little odd jobs out of the way sooner rather than later.
Make sure you are fully insured
Landlord insurance protects your return on investment in case something doesn’t go to plan. Make sure your property is fully insured before you let it out, that way you’ll avoid paying out hefty sums if your tenants cause any damages or if something goes wrong.
Increase security
Burglar alarms and doorbells with security cameras that can be viewed from your mobile phone will help you increase your property’s security in preparation for summer. This is particularly important over the summer months as tenants are more likely to be away from the property for lengthy periods of time, leaving an opportunity for thieves to notice their absence. Visible cameras or security warning signs also act as a great deterrent for theft.
Finishing touches
First impressions can be make-or-break for prospective tenants, so small details matter. Investing some time into planting flowers or making sure borders are clear of weeds gives the impression that your property is well looked after and cared for. A flower bed can be a great indicator used to measure how well your property is being maintained when you aren’t around. While it’s not a tell-all, it would be a good sign to see that your tenants are taking care of the garden.
