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Getting a house ready to rent can be the last thing on a landlord’s mind. Firstly, there are all the pressures of buying the property or going through paperwork if you’ve inherited it. Secondly, letting property is a business – chances are that you’re quite focused on property management and gaining an income. However, getting a house or flat ready to rent is a vital part of the process. Unlike selling a house, where the new owners can paint over your design choices, potential tenants will have to live with whatever they see at the viewing. The property needs to be safe, above all, and it also needs to attract the right tenants and be easy for them to look after. In this blog, we’ll look at the most important things to consider when you’re getting a house ready to rent.

“Do I need landlord insurance” is a common question among landlords. But did you know that landlord insurance is not mandatory in the UK? Even though it isn’t mandatory, it’s a good idea to take out landlord insurance – it’s the best way to protect yourself, your tenant and your investment. In this blog, we look at why landlord insurance matters and what your landlord insurance policy might cover.

What is an HMO? HMO stands for house of multiple occupation and it’s covered by different standards from traditional tenancies. Being a tenant in an HMO can also be a different experience from a normal house share. Let’s take a closer look.

Whether you’re new to letting property or you’re just looking for a better way, you might be wondering whether you need a property manager. We believe the answer is yes. It shouldn’t just be a financial decision – it’s also a good idea to consider factors like how quickly property issues are resolved, and whether you have the head space to manage a property alongside your other commitments. In this blog, we look at what property management involves, and why it’s usually better to leave it to the experts.

Property staging is the art of making your home appeal to a wide variety of buyers. It’s an important part of selling a property or attracting a tenant – the home’s new occupants will want to imagine what it would be like to actually live there. In this blog, we take a closer look at property staging (also called home staging) and share a few of our top tips!

What is an end of tenancy clean? It is just what it sounds like – a thorough clean of a rental property when tenants move out. If you’re a tenant, you can either book an external cleaning company to do it for you, or do it yourself. In this blog, we take a closer look at end of tenancy cleaning, weigh up the advantages of doing it yourself and how to fit the cleaning in around your house move.

If you’re new to renting property, you might be wondering whether it is better to let it furnished or unfurnished. There are pros and cons to both, but the biggest factor is making sure your property appeals to the right market. In this blog, we’ll look at the benefits of letting furnished and unfurnished properties, what furniture you should provide and how to decide what’s best for you as a landlord.

If you rent property in Guildford or anywhere else in the UK, you might find you have questions about your rights as a tenant, the property and what you’re allowed to do while you live there. In this blog, we look at the four top questions tenants ask and provide the best answers we can. Please remember, rules may vary from tenancy to tenancy – if in doubt, check your tenancy agreement.

Would-be renters following the property press will know that the government has proposed a bill that could make it easier for pet owners to rent property. While we wait to see if the proposed bill will be accepted, pet owners may still face problems when trying to find somewhere animal-friendly to rent. However, by showing landlords what a responsible pet owner you are, and preparing for a conversation, not a fight, you should be able to overcome these difficulties. In this blog, we look at what the new bill could mean for renters, share our tips for renting responsibly with pets and how to persuade your landlord.

“Do I have to let my landlord in?” is a common question tenants ask. While all tenants have the right to what is called “quiet enjoyment” of their rental property, there are some situations where it is reasonable to let landlords and tradespeople in. Before you refuse your landlord access or set an awkward precedent of letting them turn up unannounced, read this blog so you know your rights and responsibilities.