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 ideal time to display your garden, so be sure to trim your lawn and paint your fences. 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. It’s therefore best to clean them out before your tenants move in to save yourself some trouble next year.
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. It’s therefore 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. Before you rent out your home, make sure it’s fully insured. That way, you won’t have to pay huge amounts of money if your renters damage it or something goes wrong.
Increase security
You can boost your property’s security in time for summer by installing burglar alarms and doorbells with security cameras you can view from your mobile phone. 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. Planting flowers or ensuring weed-free borders conveys a sense of well-maintained and cared-for property. A flower bed can indicate how well your property is maintained when you’re away.
