Top Five Property Checks

Top Five Property Checks for Landlords to Make Between Tenancies

Both landlords and tenants will know that the rentals market moves pretty quickly nowadays, especially in big cities like Manchester.

While this is great news for landlords from an income point of view, it can mean that the period between one tenancy and another is short. In turn, this can lead to important property checks being overlooked.

At Julie Twist Properties, we understand the importance of checking a property thoroughly between tenancies. Not only can it help you to maintain your investment in the best condition; it can also mean that your tenants are much happier – and happy tenants tend to respect the property and stay on longer, of course!

Here are our top five suggestions for the property checks that you should be making between your tenancies:

1. Commission a deep clean: It might be an obvious one, but your new tenants really don’t want to be moving into a grubby home. It’s not just the fact that someone else’s dirt is off-putting; it’s also that increased grime build-up can damaged integrated appliances and decor, which will could cost you in repairs and replacements in the long run. All in all, it tends to be best to have a professional clean conducted between tenancies – particularly if the tenants have been in situ for a long time.

2. Ensure that gas and electrical appliances are working: Related to the previous point, it’s good practice to ensure that all equipment at the property is on top form. Make sure that gas and electrical safety checks are up to date, and examine all fittings for loose cables, exposed wires or broken parts that might need to be mended before the new tenants move in. After all, your new tenants’ safety is potentially at stake here.

3. Check for changes in legislation: As a tenancy comes to an end, it’s a good idea to ensure that you’re up to date on rental law, as it’s changing all the time! One important thing to look out for is the energy performance of your property, which needs to be an E rating or above, in line with new legislation that’s coming into force. You can read more about the changes here.

4. Look for hidden damage: Not all property-related problems are visible on the surface, so remember to look in cupboards, under loose carpets and floorboards, and behind furniture. You never know where you might find a slow leak, a cracked wall or a damaged appliance – picking up on these problems now and repairing them could save you a lot of money and hassle in the longer term.

5. Conduct deposit-related repairs: Much of the maintenance required between tenancies is wear and tear, but if your previous tenants are responsible for any damage, it’s wise to have things fixed quickly and efficiently. For one, it’s much easier to conduct work while the property is empty and you have right of entry. Secondly, you’ll want to inform your old tenants of costs and organise the return of any remaining deposit as soon as possible in order to comply with tenancy deposit law.

The good news is that if your tenancy is managed by a reputable lettings agency, you’ll have experts on hand to deal with property checks for you. At Julie Twist Properties, conducting thorough checking procedures and completing any maintenance works required is all part of the service.

Are you looking for a management package for your rental property? Contact us today to find out more about the deals that we offer.