What type of tenant can I expect? This depends very much on the type of property and the limitations imposed by you, the landlord. Typically, a detached 4-bedroom quality property would probably attract an executive with a local company or a serving military officer, both of whom may have a family with children. Smaller properties may attract single people or couples without children. In all cases, we consider that the quality and reliability of the prospective tenant is of key importance. This will depend on your circumstances. However, as a guide, if you were intending to let for a period of two years, for example, we would seek to place a tenant in the property for the full period. We would however recommend that as far as the tenancy agreement is concerned, an Assured Shorthold Tenancy be created for a period of six or twelve months initially, to ensure that the selected tenant is suitable in all respects for the full period. If desirable, an appropriate renewal for either another six or twelve months, or for the remainder of the period could then be arranged. This process allows maximum control to be retained and provides the flexibility to review rental charges, if needed. How long should I let the property for? Should the property be furnished or unfurnished? Generally, tenants are more likely to prefer an unfurnished property so that they can bring in their own furniture. The minimum requirement is carpets, curtains and cooker. However, if you wish to leave a few items in the property, these can be detailed as part of the Inventory and Schedule of Condition. Appliances left, such as washing machines and dishwashers, make little difference to the rent and are indeed an extra maintenance liability for the landlord. What sort of fixtures and fittings are required? All tenants have different requirements which are best negotiated at the time but, as a general rule of thumb, presenting a house with fittings such as mirrors over basins, loo roll holders, towel rails and medicine cabinets will always be well received. This is particularly relevant for brand new houses where the builder is unlikely to have supplied such items. More importantly, it discourages tenants from buying and fitting their own fittings, removing them at the end of the tenancy and possibly leaving, at best, filled/touched up holes in the plasterwork.
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