Now that universities have closed their doors for the summer, students up and down the country will be moving out of their accommodation into new homes or back to their parents. For landlords, this period is the perfect time to carry out refurbishing work to make your property as attractive as possible to prospective tenants. This article will look at some of the key points to remember and tips to keep in mind when renting out your student property.
Oven and Appliances
An oft-forgotten area of rented properties is the inside of ovens, microwaves and other appliances. As these items are often used multiple times on a daily basis, there can be a large build-up of grease and food inside them which is both unsightly and unhygienic. Simply cleaning the inside of these appliances with the correct cleaning products can remove all unpleasant material and restore them to their normal appearance.
Windows and Doors
Check all window and door frames for build-up of dust and dirt, and also any wear and tear that may have occurred from their use. Frames may need a lick of paint here and there to restore them to their original condition. Clean windows can make a world of difference to your property, so make sure they are cleaned before any prospective tenants have viewed your house or apartment.
Drains & Plumbing
Drains can be easily forgotten about unless they present an obvious problem to you or your tenants. That is to say you won’t necessarily remember to check them unless your water isn’t working properly or you notice a smell. When your tenants have moved out, check the drains for blockages or damage – fixing these issues removes any chances of standing water or faulty water supplies and any malodours that can occur. Any damaged plumbing will greatly hinder the way your property is seen by tenants, so ensure your plumbing is treated as a priority before you re-list your accommodation.
Bins and Storage Units
Although tenants will be aware of the regular bin collections in your area, it is very common for them to forget to put the bins out when they are about to vacate the accommodation. The same goes for cupboards and drawers – tins of food or pieces of cutlery may be left behind and it is important that these are removed, both for aesthetic and hygiene purposes.
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Here at VHL, we understand the stress involved with being a landlord. That’s why we are proud to offer our three star landlord contracts that provide cover for boilers, drains and cleaning while also offering comprehensive tests on all electrics and gas appliances. For more information about our property services for landlords, including how we can tailor it to suit your needs, get in touch with us today!