• Place your bins to the side or back of the property as this will be unsightly. (Remember to let future tenants know the days of collection).

• Pressure hose any unsightly surfaces such as pathways, patio or decking as these may need some tender loving care after the winter months.

• Is your garage being offered with the property? Are you keeping this as your storage solution? Perhaps find out as you would not want to loose a tenant if they cannot have the garage (especially if they have a car). If they have no use for it, then this is the obvious solution for keeping your costs down low for storage. 

• Give all windows a clean to look professional and smart. Your tenant will have to leave them in the same state they found them in. 

• Check all outside maintenance like drainpipes, guttering and taps plus electrics such as security lighting (should all be in good working order).

Decide whether the property is furnished or unfurnished.

Have you decided the type of tenant you would like? This will determine whether you go down the furnished or unfurnished route. It varies with different prospective tenants to the demand of which route to choose. When letting unfurnished, you would not achieve a lower rental income and you would have peace of mind knowing that they will provide their own interior items instead of you having to buy furniture etc. Furnished properties doesn’t necessarily suit individuals who already have their own furniture as they would not want to store their own items as this is expensive and time consuming.

• If it will be Furnished:

• Remove all personal items and keep it simple.

• Leave only main pieces of furniture in the house for the tenant and remove unnecessary items this will now create a more spacious feel. People like to see how the space will work.

• Clean and dust the property thoroughly - particularly carpets, curtains & furniture. Also clean doors if they do not need repainting, bathrooms (including de-scaling toilets) and kitchen (including the oven). Consider using professional cleaners. A good management company will arrange to have it professionally cleaned at the end of the tenancy. Once this has all been done and the inventory written – any future tenant will have to leave it in the same condition.

• Make sense of the space and perhaps utilise a spare room and make it purposeful for example, convert the spare third bedroom into a basic study (which can be converted back if needs be).

• Work the Space - if possible, add a small table and chairs into the kitchen area as this room is considered a vital room in the house for social events and family eating – people could be put off if there is no where to eat (especially, if the house is small)

• Keeping the space looking bright and fresh as you may feel a few rooms need a clean neutral look as this will then appeal to most people so they can dress it how they want.