Prepare for Tenant Turnover

Being ready for tenant turnover is one of the most important components of maintaining a rental property as a landlord.

Landlords must react quickly to prepare the property for the next tenant once a tenant vacates. You can reduce the amount of time your rental property is vacant by following a few simple steps to make the transition from one tenant to the next quick and easy.

Here are our top tips.

Perform a check-out inspection

To get ready for a tenant turnover, start by doing a check-out inspection. Before the next tenant moves in, this inspection will provide you with a clear understanding of any repairs or cleaning that are required.

It's crucial to perform a complete inspection of the property, checking the walls, flooring, appliances, and fixtures. Keep a log of everything, note any problems or damages, and if required, take photos.

That log is your evidence if you need to deduct any money from the leaving tenant's deposit.

Clean and repair

If required, the property will need to be cleaned and repaired after the check-out inspection is completed. Most cleaning companies can undertake an 'end of tenancy clean.’

Don't forget to replace any burned-out light bulbs and check the smoke alarms. If you found any damage during the check-out inspection, such as holes in the walls, cracked tiles, or damaged appliances, then be sure to fix them before your new tenants move in.

Update your documentation

Make sure to update all essential paperwork prior to the next tenant moving in. This entails revising the tenancy agreement, updating the inventory document, preparing the move-in inspection report, and ensuring that you have all of the documentation that you are legally required to provide to your tenants.

A valid Electrical Installation Condition Report must be obtained before the tenancy begins, for all rental properties since 1 April 2021. This is so that any corrective work that has been determined to be necessary in the report can be finished before the tenant moves in. Unless otherwise stated in the report, an EICR is valid for five years.

It is a legal requirement for landlords to arrange a gas safety check every 12 months with a Gas Safe engineer. They are legally required to give a copy to their tenants before their tenancy starts. The landlord has 28 days from the date the report is issued to rectify any faults that are highlighted in it.

An EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) is required for your property if you are starting a new tenancy with new tenants. Every property listing should include the EPC rating, and landlords are required by law to give tenants a copy of the EPC upon request. They are valid for ten years.

Market your property

Once all relevant paperwork has been updated, the property has been cleaned, and any necessary repairs have been made, it is time to start marketing your property.

To attract potential tenants, use social media, online property portals, and consider employing the assistance of a letting agent who may already have potential tenants waiting.

Be sure to draw attention to your property's strongest features, including its amenities, location, and any recent renovations or improvements.

Check references

Make sure you properly review all applications you get from prospective tenants. Check their credit history, confirm their employment, check references, and get in touch with former landlords. This will help you choose a trustworthy tenant who will look after your property and pay rent on time.

If your tenants are moving out and you would like to find out how we can help you find a reliable new tenant in Kent then please give us a call on 01634 393 700 or send us an email to theteam@docksidekent.com.