We’d like to remind Forumites to please avoid political debate on the Forum.

This is to keep it a safe and useful space for MoneySaving discussions. Threads that are – or become – political in nature may be removed in line with the Forum’s rules. Thank you for your understanding.

PLEASE READ BEFORE POSTING: Hello Forumites! In order to help keep the Forum a useful, safe and friendly place for our users, discussions around non-MoneySaving matters are not permitted per the Forum rules. While we understand that mentioning house prices may sometimes be relevant to a user's specific MoneySaving situation, we ask that you please avoid veering into broad, general debates about the market, the economy and politics, as these can unfortunately lead to abusive or hateful behaviour. Threads that are found to have derailed into wider discussions may be removed. Users who repeatedly disregard this may have their Forum account banned. Please also avoid posting personally identifiable information, including links to your own online property listing which may reveal your address. Thank you for your understanding.
📨 Have you signed up to the Forum's new Email Digest yet? Get a selection of trending threads sent straight to your inbox daily, weekly or monthly!
The Forum now has a brand new text editor, adding a bunch of handy features to use when creating posts. Read more in our how-to guide

Renting a house out for the first time - any tips?

smiler247
smiler247 Posts: 84 Forumite
in House buying, renting & selling
Hello everyone,

In the next few months I will hopefully be renting a property out for the first time. Being completely new to this I need all the help and advice I can get!

I am in the process of getting quotes for it to be painted... new flooring etc and to have a new bathroom suite. I have been advised to replace the existing bath with a shower, and also to remove the gas fire and replace it with a radiator in the room to save servicing.

Could I replace it with an electric fire instead or are there regulations for that?

Thank you for reading x
«1

Comments

  • I_have_spoken
    I_have_spoken Posts: 5,051 Forumite
    Join a LL association, the subs are tax deductible.
  • Davesnave
    Davesnave Posts: 34,741 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper Photogenic
    No one goes on an educational course called 'tips.'

    You need knowledge.

    The best place to start acquiring it is probably here:

    http://www.landlordzone.co.uk/

    but you could also read this forum for a non-risk, vicarious view of scrapes some people get into on both sides of renting. :)
  • smiler247
    smiler247 Posts: 84 Forumite
    Thank you for your replies.
  • G_M
    G_M Posts: 51,977 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper Combo Breaker
    Read

    [FONT=&quot]New Landlords[/FONT][FONT=&quot] (information for new or prospective landlords)[/FONT]

    [FONT=&quot]Letting Agents [/FONT][FONT=&quot](Tips for selecting, and tips for sacking them)[/FONT]
  • hazyjo
    hazyjo Posts: 15,476 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper Photogenic
    smiler247 wrote: »
    I have been advised to replace the existing bath with a shower.

    In a house? Who advised you that? Bath is better if looking to rent to family with young kids. My OH and I (without kids) would not buy a house with just a shower (unless we were prepared to put a bath in) - would possibly put up with it in a rental for a short term, but not in a long term rental. Lots of discussions on here if you search for 'bath shower house' (or something similar). I'd keep the bath and add a shower to wall over bath (if no room for cubicle).

    Jx
    2024 wins: *must start comping again!*
  • Annie1960
    Annie1960 Posts: 3,009 Forumite
    Tenth Anniversary 1,000 Posts Name Dropper Combo Breaker
    Tip no 1: learn the difference between renting and letting.
  • kidmugsy
    kidmugsy Posts: 12,709 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper Combo Breaker
    1. Get the electrical circuits, gas system, and chimneys checked/serviced/swept in ample time, so that you can deal with any problems that emerge. Don't decorate until after.

    2. Aim to undercharge a little on rent so that you can select the tenants rather than them select you.
    Free the dunston one next time too.
  • hollydays
    hollydays Posts: 19,812 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper
    Design your bathroom as low maintenance as possible, disagree about the bath.
    As regards the radiator/ gas fire, is it warm enough to not need a fire occasionally.
  • hazyjo
    hazyjo Posts: 15,476 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper Photogenic
    hollydays wrote: »
    disagree about the bath.

    With OP or me? ie replace with a shower or keep the bath?

    Jx
    2024 wins: *must start comping again!*
  • hollydays
    hollydays Posts: 19,812 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper
    Keep a bath
This discussion has been closed.
★ ★ ★ Meet your Ambassadors

🚀 Getting Started

Hi new member!

Our Getting Started Guide will help you get the most out of the Forum

Categories

  • All Categories
  • 354.4K Banking & Borrowing
  • 254.4K Reduce Debt & Boost Income
  • 455.4K Spending & Discounts
  • 247.3K Work, Benefits & Business
  • 604.1K Mortgages, Homes & Bills
  • 178.5K Life & Family
  • 261.6K Travel & Transport
  • 1.5M Hobbies & Leisure
  • 16K Discuss & Feedback
  • 37.7K Read-Only Boards

Is this how you want to be seen?

We see you are using a default avatar. It takes only a few seconds to pick a picture.
Update Your Picture