🛠️ Decorating and maintaining rental properties

Decorating and maintaining rental properties is crucial for ensuring that your tenants are happy, your property is in good condition, you are able to attract new tenants and to attain the best possible rent. There are several best practices for decorating and maintaining rental properties that landlords should be aware of which we’re going to touch on today.

When decorating a rental property, it is important to choose neutral and timeless colours that will appeal to a wide range of tenants. This can help to ensure that the property remains attractive and in-demand, even if you have to change tenants frequently. Consider using light and neutral colours, such as magnolia, white, or light grey, on the walls, and opt for carpeting in a neutral shade to make the space feel warm and inviting. If you are using different trades for the various jobs, be sure to give clear instructions, ending up with magnolia walls and grey carpet is a big no-no!

It is also important to choose durable and low-maintenance materials and finishes when decorating your property. This can help to keep maintenance costs down and ensure that your property remains in good condition for longer. For example, choose laminate flooring instead of carpeting in high-traffic areas, and consider using tile or other low-maintenance materials in bathrooms and kitchens. Hard wearing paint can also be more costly in the short term, but will last longer and can help to avoid troublesome deposit disputes.

Regular maintenance is crucial for keeping your rental property in good condition and ensuring that it is attractive to tenants. Although it is a tenant’s responsibility to let you know of issues, checking regularly for any maintenance, and making repairs as needed, is best practice. Some of the key tasks to focus on include:

• Cleaning: Regular cleaning is important for keeping your property in good condition and ensuring that it is attractive to tenants. Consider hiring a professional cleaning service, or reminding your tenants they are responsible for keeping the property clean.
• Repairs: Regular repairs and maintenance will avoid more serious problems and higher repair costs down the line. Check for any issues, such as leaks or broken fixtures, and make repairs as needed. You can use a tool like Help me Fix to manage your maintenance more easily.
• Upgrades: Consider making regular upgrades to your rental property to keep it in good condition including during the course of tenancies. This could include updating the bathroom or kitchen, adding new light fixtures, or installing new flooring. Although potentially inconvenient for the sitting tenants, it will improve the property for them, justify increases of rent and make vacant turn-around much quicker.

Decorating and maintaining rental properties requires careful planning and attention to detail. By focusing on the above you can help to ensure that your rental property remains in good condition. By following these best practices, you can help to protect your investment and maximise your return on investment over time.