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Properties can be let furnished or unfurnished and the
Landlord’s rights to repossession are not affected in either
event. Our experience shows that in this region most demand
is for unfurnished properties and there is little difference
in the rents achievable. Unless otherwise stated you will
need to replace items as they wear out, although you can
claim an allowance for this against your tax.
Presentation is everything
and if a property can be shown at its best it will attract
the best tenants. When decorating I suggest that you keep to
neutral colours such as magnolia or white. Curtains,
carpets, cupboards and cookers should be thoroughly cleaned
as well as windows and all paint work. The garden should be
left neat and tidy.
If pets have been kept in
the property the carpets must be professionally cleaned,
deodorised and treated for fleas prior to the property being
let. The same applies to tenants when they vacate if they
have kept pets.
The central heating system
should be tested and serviced if necessary along with any
other appliances (see notes on maintenance and gas
regulations). Any operating instructions should be left with
copies given to us along with any guarantees.
A television aerial must be
provided, which would remain the Landlord’s responsibility.
Smoke detectors must be present and tested.
The property should be
properly insulated against cold weather, with all pipes
properly lagged as necessary.
If the property has open
fires the chimneys should be swept by a professional chimney
sweep.
Three sets of keys should
be made available, two for the Tenant and one for
Tattersalls. All keys should be clearly labelled.
Unfurnished
property
As a guide carpets, curtains and cooker should be provided
with the property.
Furnished property
Exactly what is provided is
up to the Landlord and Tattersalls will happily provide you
with a list of suggestions of what you should supply.
Any items of particular
value, or not easily replaceable should not be provided. The
more odd items that are left, the longer it takes to compile
the Inventory and is therefore more costly. Enough room
should be left to allow the Tenant to bring in and use their
own personal possessions.
Please note: Soft
furnishings, in particular easy chairs including covers,
mattresses and head boards, etc. must be fire resistant and
be labelled as such to comply with current Furniture and
Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) regulations 1988 (amended 1989
&1993). Proof of purchase if bought after 1990 may suffice.
Furniture manufactured before 1950 is exempt from these
regulations. If any items of furniture do not comply they
must be removed from the property prior to it being let.
Gardens
As a rule most tenants like
to have a garden but in many cases they are not prepared to
put the work into looking after one. Tenants are expected to
keep the grass cut, paths swept and garden generally tidy.
Depending on your tenants
you may need to undertake the hedge cutting and if you have
a large garden, flowerbeds or a garden that is special to
you, it might be wise to consider employing a gardener. |
