Valentine’s Day is nearly here, so in the name of love we are discussing how to woo a new tenant for your investment property. This February, find out how to charm potential tenants and, most importantly, secure a long-term commitment from them! As a landlord you probably know, demand for rental properties has never been higher, but when it comes to securing tenants, the aim is always quality over quantity. So, how do you attract those golden tenants who are in the market for a long-term let and will look after your property as if it were their own? James Richards, Director of Maddisons Residential (and expert in ensuring your property assets are well managed), explains how to attract the ideal tenant, to reduce void time and protect your investment. 

First impressions count for tenants

Inspiring pride in prospective residential tenants is the best way to attract the best candidates, and encourage them to look after your property as if it were their own:

  • Kerb appeal: Keeping the outside of your property in good condition is vital to attract all the right attention in the local community. Tenants would view a well-kept property as a sign that the landlord takes good care of their property and their tenants. By keeping your property looking appealing from the outside, you can encourage interest and admiration from the local community, and once the ‘To Let’ sign goes up, you are more likely to have inbound calls from keen local tenants. Focus on things such as the front door being bright and freshly painted and the pathways clear and well-lit. Open Rent has some ideas to help with kerb appeal.
  • Deep clean: When tenants step into your property the condition and cleanliness of the space is the first thing they will notice. Any unsightly stains on woodwork, grubby doorhandles or strange smells will have an irreversible effect on how they view the rest of the property. Sparkling bathrooms, a well-polished kitchen and clean carpets allow potential tenants to feel so comfortable in the space that they want to move in tomorrow!
  • Quality finish: A perfect property will ultimately command higher rental yield and attract better quality tenants, so the investment in quality finishes is worth it. Similarly, good workmanship and solid furniture (if you have opted to supply a furnished property) will ultimately reduce replacements and call outs for jobs to be re-done.

Long-term commitment is key to avoid empty property

We know that void time for a landlord is a huge source of frustration. At Maddisons Residential we work on many aspects of a contract and pay close attention when it comes to tenant selection with the aim of minimising the chance that your property is left empty.

To secure a tenant who is likely to stay for a long period, you should consider the following tips to make your property their perfect home:

  • Unfurnished property is more popular with tenants who are looking for a long-term commitment. Allow tenants to fill the space with their own belongings and they are less likely to want to move. The space will feel more like home and will be furnished in their own style – which they are less likely to tire of! It is also worth noting that when a home is filled with tenants own furnishing, they are less likely to want the bother of moving them all out with them, and therefore encouraging longer tenancies.
  • Pet friendly property is in high demand. At the beginning of 2021 the UK Government set out guidelines surrounding pet owner’s rental rights. The UK is a nation of animal lovers, and particularly in towns like Tunbridge Wells, with dog -friendly shops and wonderful countryside walks on the doorstep, dogs are a part of the local lifestyle! As a landlord you will attract longer-term tenants by allowing well- behaved pets. You can set your own boundaries when it comes to your new tenants and their furry friends, such as a higher rent or an end-of-tenancy deep clean requirement.
  • Personalisation of a property is something that long-term renters yearn for! It is no surprise that putting their own stamp on the property gives them pride in their home and encourages them to stay longer! Again, you can state your own terms in the contract, such as ‘must return to original state before vacating’ to protect your investment and give you peace of mind. Not convinced? Landlord Vision has collected the evidence and shares some tips on making arrangements that let your tenants decorate without damaging your rental asset.

James Richards is Director of Maddisons Residential, a leading, award-winning independent estate agent based in Tunbridge Wells, and serving landlords and tenants in the surrounding areas. We offer expert advice on all aspects of sales and lettings and understand that your rental property is more than just income, it is an asset. Our passion is your property, and we are proud to offer our clients expert advice, excellent customer service and scrupulous standards.