What should a landlord be prioritising?

What should a landlord be prioritising? 

In this week’s lettings article, we look at five areas landlords need to prioritise to improve their management of a property and a tenant’s experience. 

How to Be a Proactive Newcastle and Sunderland Landlord 

Being a landlord in 2023 comes with numerous challenges, including rental rule changes, tax upheaval, and mortgage complexities. However, amidst these challenges, it's crucial to remember the importance of your tenants and their experience with your property. To ensure a smooth tenancy from the beginning, here are five priorities for landlords to consider:

Create a property welcome pack: Invest a little time and patience in providing basic information that can enhance the tenant's experience. This welcome pack should include your contact details as the landlord or agent, instructions manuals' location, electric/gas meter information, thermostat operation, tenant's responsibilities, and emergency procedures. Consolidating this information demonstrates your thoughtfulness and helpfulness, benefiting both current and future tenants.

Improve energy efficiency: While getting a vacant property rented is a priority, take advantage of short vacant periods to implement energy efficiency improvements. Service the boiler, replace lightbulbs with energy-saving ones, and assess the condition of floor and loft insulation.

Stay informed: Stay updated on legal reforms impacting private rentals, such as tax changes, eviction notice reforms, and pet-friendly tenancy regulations. Prioritize being informed and prepared to avoid surprises in the future.

Conduct a mortgage check: Understand the details of your mortgage deal, including its expiration date and whether it's a fixed or variable buy-to-let deal. Knowing this information in advance allows you to prepare for securing a new deal when the time comes. Consider consulting with a mortgage broker as your mortgage deal approaches its end to explore available options.

Maintain clear communication: Effective communication is essential for landlords, whether with tenants or managing agents. While weekly chats with tenants aren't necessary, periodic check-ins can help stay on top of repairs, maintenance, and prevent unexpected issues or after-hours emergencies. A short text or email to inquire about the tenancy's progress shows your commitment to addressing any concerns if needed.

If you're seeking to let a vacant property, reach out to our team at Wright Residential for assistance.