If you’re part of the 165,736 landlords in Northern Ireland, whether you’re preparing for your first or hundredth tenant, you should know that there are various steps to complete before and during moving day itself.
Whether the property you intend to let has been vacant for several months or inhabited by a previous tenant before a new one moves in, you want to ensure the property is ready.
Not only does this demonstrate your ability as a landlord, but it also shows that you’ve prioritised their safety and comfort and outlined the standards you expect them to adhere to throughout their stay.
From sorting out landlord insurance to ensuring that the property is liveable, we outline several steps new landlords should take while preparing a property for tenancy below:
Compare Landlord Insurance
Despite landlord insurance being optional in Northern Ireland, it is strongly recommended that you consider purchasing it to protect you against any unforeseen events throughout your tenant’s stay.
No matter if you’ve had a spiel of tenants stepping over your threshold and you’re confident in your abilities as a landlord, the possibility of accidents is never eliminated.
Whether accidental damage occurs to the property or the heating or hot water system fails, landlord insurance is always handy to fall back on. If you invest in landlord insurance, like other insurance policies, it is available in varying cover options, and the price can fluctuate between providers.
Therefore, ensure that you are getting your money’s worth by using comparison sites like CompareNI.com, where you can compare landlord insurance from thirty-plus providers to see if you can get a cheaper deal. From property insurance to motoring insurance, their site allows you to save money on all kinds of policies – consider visiting their website for more information or contact them directly for specific inquiries.
Refresh Outdoor Space
If you’re fortunate enough to have a property with some outdoor space, it is wise giving the area a once over before your new tenant moves in, although this does depend on your tenancy agreement. If your tenant is moving in during the warmer months, it will be a bonus to come home to a usable garden; even in winter, you should spruce up the outdoor areas to prevent the space from getting overgrown and more expensive to maintain.
Carry Out Safety Checks
As a landlord, the safety of your tenants should be one of your top priorities, which you can demonstrate by carrying out safety checks on the property before they move in. Depending on whether the property you intend to let is single or multiple occupancies, which commands stricter safety rules and regulations, landlords are obliged to carry out the following checks:
- Install smoke alarms on every floor.
- Install carbon monoxide detectors in every room with a fire-burning appliance.
- Present tenants with a valid Gas Safety Certificate on moving-in day.
- Ensure all light fittings, sockets, and other electrical appliances are safe.
- Install electrical safety mats to comply with regulations or safety standards.
- Electrical safety mats primarily provide an insulating barrier between people and electrical equipment to prevent electric current from passing through if accidental contact occurs. Learn more about electrical safety matting at matsdirect.co.uk.
Failure to adhere to these safety checks can endanger your tenants’ lives, and should your negligence be discovered, you could incur penalties such as hefty fines or, worst-case scenario, jail time.
Inspect, Clean, And Renovate The Property
Before a tenant moves in, carefully inspect the property to identify any existing issues or potential problems affecting comfort and safety, ranging from leaky faucets to structural concerns.
Promptly addressing repairs ensures the property is in good condition, demonstrating a commitment to a well-maintained living space.
Creating a positive impression for tenants involves thorough cleaning, including carpets, windows, and living spaces, to give the property a fresh, welcoming feel.
This eliminates lingering odours and accumulated dirt. Additionally, considering renovations like repainting walls or updating fixtures can enhance appeal. Renovations improve aesthetics, increase value, and attract potential tenants.
Conclusion
New landlords should bear in mind the key considerations mentioned above when preparing a property for tenancy.
By following these steps, landlords can establish a smooth and successful transition for themselves and their tenants, ensuring a safe, comfortable, and appealing living environment.
Attention to legal requirements, property maintenance, effective communication, and tenant satisfaction lays the foundation for a positive, harmonious landlord-tenant relationship.
