Getting Your Property Ready to Rent
The key to achieving the best return from your investment property is to look at the whole process in a business-like manner and first ensure that your property is ‘ rent ready ’.
Being ‘ rent ready ’ means that your investment property is clean , tidy , up-to-date , and compliant with all current regulations , before a tenant is placed .
Not only does this help to remove any unnecessary delays and costly vacancy periods , but it can also help secure greater levels of tenant demand , and stronger rental figures .
We ask that you consider the following questions when looking to purchase a new rental property , or preparing to hand one over for professional management :
Would your property be considered ' reasonably clean '?
The Residential Tenancies Act 1986 ( the Act ) requires a property to be provided and left ‘ reasonably clean ', however , this can mean vastly different things to different people . For this reason , we prefer to help set high expectations and standards for both our landlords and tenants in order to achieve better long-term outcomes . This includes recommending that all properties are professionally cleaned prior to advertising .
Does your property meet the expectations of the market ?
Think about how your investment compares to those currently available and how this aligns with your own price expectations . Do the features and benefits of your property stack up against the competition and target market for the area in which it is situated ?
Are all appliances , fittings , fixtures & chattels in good working order ?
Possibly , one of the most common areas of surprise for landlords is the amount of maintenance that is required in the initial stages of a tenancy . This is often caused by a lack of understanding around what is legally required .
Any chattel provided with the property must be in working order . This can include such things as : oven , dishwasher , fridge , door handles , window handles , garage doors , taps , wardrobe doors , incinerators , alarms , drainage , clotheslines , light bulbs - the list goes on . Ensuring this is done prior to the start of a tenancy can save you time and money .
Are the grounds & gardens well maintained , or at the very least usable ?
Unless otherwise stated , general lawn and garden maintenance is the responsibility of the tenant . Ensuring these are well-maintained throughout the initial viewing process helps secure the best possible tenants and sets the standard for ongoing maintenance .
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