5 Ways you could be scaring off tenants

It doesn’t matter whether you have one property or one hundred, as a landlord you will want to attract tenants and persuade them to make your house their home. Most tenants have certain requirements that they look for in a property, such as a shower, good central heating system and a washing machine, but once you’ve got these essentials covered what else could be putting them off from choosing your property? We take a look at some of the ways that you could be scaring off tenants.

Haunted House

Viewings during the autumn and winter can mean that you are conducting viewings of your rental property in the dark, making it hard for potential tenants to see a true representation of the property. The odd cobweb and pile of leaves can turn from friendly signs that autumn has arrived into the makings of a haunted house. Don’t let the dark nights and cold weather put off potential tenants before they’ve even stepped a foot through the door; make sure your entrance is well lit, clear of clutter, and cobweb-free!

Eerie EPC

As a landlord, you should be aware by now that the minimum standards for an EPC on a rental property are changing. As of 1^st April 2018, all rental properties must have an EPC rating of an E or above. Now, although you aren’t currently breaking the law if your property has an EPC rating of F or G, this could prevent a potential tenant from choosing your house to rent.  A potential tenant who is aware of the impending changes might wonder what will happen to their home if/when work had to be completed in order for the property to meet the new legal requirement. Therefore, it could be worth considering making those changes now, especially if they’re only small.

Morbid Maintenance

Poor maintenance could appear to a tenant like you don’t care about the property, leading them to question what else might be wrong or need to be fixed. Don’t give tenants an excuse to doubt your competencies as a landlord. Make a quick list of small but essential maintenance jobs that can be ticked off over a weekend; these could be as small as fixing a light switch, or replacing a cracked tile.

Deadly Decor

We appreciate that high quality decor isn’t compulsory; however, it will influence a potential tenant when they view your property, and ghastly décor could prevent them from seeing the benefits that your house offers. Try to avoid injecting your own personal taste into the property’s interiors, and keep rooms neutral to allow tenants to see them as a blank canvas for their own furnishings and accessories.

Mysterious Management

Who is managing your property? The reputation of yourself or your letting agent could influence a tenant’s choice of property. This may not be something that you have considered, but all tenants look for security and want to have confidence in the person looking after the property that they will be renting. The management of a rental property requires a high level of customer service, rental knowledge and commitment to landlord obligations, which is why so many landlords choose to work with Anthony Pepe to ensure that all of this is covered. We offer different levels of management to suit your needs, and all services show tenants that you are supported by a trusted local letting agent.

Have you ever thought that you could be unknowingly scaring off potential tenants? We hope that we have shed some light on the areas that you might want to take a look at before you place your property on the rental market. If you have any questions, or have a property to let in North London, contact your local branch today.