Offering a house as a buy to let's

it'smeinit

Hi
I have recently completed a full refurbishment on a property that I'm going to offer for let. I'm looking for a little advice on what should be added. It has new carpets and flooring throughout but has no window dressing. The windows and doors are all new and I wouldn't want prospective tenants to drilling in to the frames to install blinds etc.
How have others got around this? The house is unfurnished, would you expect there to be wardrobes, washing machine etc?

My ideal would be to let to a family who would want a long term family home, so appreciate they would want to add their own- touch!!

What's your experience of letting out property? Any advice!!

kinger101

If you want long term, let unfurnished. Furnished appeals to students (trashed), young professionals (won't stay long) or people with no savings/assets (might not pay rent).

You don't have to provided any white goods, though a cooker is usual.

As for no window dressings, is there a curtain rail at least? If you want them there long term, I'd let them install blinds if they want. Deduct any damage from the deposit after they leave (if they don't restore). If you want them there long term, you have to let them treat it like their home (which it will be).

EnGee

it'smeinit wrote: »

Any advice!!

Do lots and lots and LOTS of homework, do not rush into anything until you know EXACTLY what you are doing. Both here and LandlordZone can give you loads of info.

EnGee

it'smeinit

Thanks for the Landlord link... I have tried to research and although there are some horror stories out there I have to believe their are some decent people left in the word. Let's hope I don't end up eating those words!!

I am thinking of going for a full management service with a Local Estate agent and take out their rent guarantee insurance, have you any experience of that?

it'smeinit

Kinger101.. Yes there is a Neff fan oven and extractor fan but no washing machine or curtain rails- Bay windows so not the easiest to fit with poles

room512

We rent and to be honest it's far easier for us if the house has window dressings as it's expensive to buy curtains for a house when they may not fit the next rental. Our current property has blinds for all of the windows except for in the bedroom where there was already a curtain pole so we only had to buy one set of curtains.

it'smeinit

Room512. it's nice to get things from the renters perspective.. I was hoping the tenants would remain for some time so hadn't thought of that-
How long would you normally rent for and what would make you move on?


The house is a three bed semi with a huge garden, the garden size may put off some renters , but aiming for the family market.
I've never rented before so would like a view from both sides!

Pixie5740

You're letting, not renting because you're the LL.

No curtain poles and no window dressings but you don't want tenants drilling holes....?

I agree with Room512, having to buying curtains and curtain poles and having to make good any holes drilled would put me off a bit. No washing machine wouldn't be a problem for me though. I'd much rather have the option of getting my own washing machine rather than having some Beko or Candy piece of !!!! which are the Aberdeen landlords washing machine brands of choice regardless of how much rent to pay.

Be aware that paying for a fully managed service doesn't absolve you of your responsibilities as a LL. Ask to see copies of inspection reports and take control of the deposit. It's you that'll get sued if it's not protected or the PI issued. Join a landlord association.

ACG

Put it in the agreement that they must seek your approval before putting up pictures/blinds etc.

Anything you class as important underline it and ensure you make it clear before they agree to move in.

A little different but I have a fee agreement with my clients and do that. I make sure I point out the bits that are important to me even if it means I may lose the client (never actually happened, parts of it have been questioned but once I explain why its there, people tend to understand).

it'smeinit

Thanks Pixie -
I meant I have never personally rented before so have never been a tenant. but as a Landlord your comments re curtain poles / blinds has made me think I'd best instal them to prevent unnecessary damage along with the cost implications for the future.

Pixie5740

Ah, I see. Yes either install curtain poles or blinds yourself if you don't want tenants to do it themselves. It'll make things easier all round.