Presenting your property for viewings

When preparing a rental property for viewings, the process is similar to presenting a home for sale. The property should be clean, any repairs completed, and a fresh coat of paint can make it more appealing to prospective tenants. For fully furnished properties, presentation matters even more. Furniture quality and layout can influence tenant decisions. For short-term lets, tenants may expect extras such as bed linen, towels, and crockery. You can learn more about this in our guide to short let rentals.

Understanding tenant needs

How you present your property depends on the type of tenant you want to attract. Students and graduates often prefer furnished properties but may not expect premium furnishings. Young professionals, corporate tenants and families typically expect higher-quality furniture and décor.

Neutral décor works well for rentals, just as it does for homes for sale, creating a blank canvas for tenants. Allowing tenants to decorate can make them feel more at home and encourage longer stays, but this should be clearly outlined in the tenancy agreement, including:

• Approved colours and materials.
• Quality standards.
• Whether the property must be returned to a neutral state at the end of the tenancy.

Cleaning your property

If you live in the property, remove clutter and personal items before viewings. For properties with existing tenants, consider arranging professional cleaning to ensure the home looks its best.

Redecorating and repairs

Before each tenancy:

• Replace worn furniture if needed.
• Ensure plumbing, wiring, and safety checks are up to date.
• Service or check gas and electrical installations annually.
• Secure windows and doors.

Your letting agent can advise on essential work and help you prioritise improvements to maximise rental value.

Managing viewings

Letting agents can handle viewings and liaise with existing tenants to give proper notice. If you live in the property, consider being absent during viewings to help prospective tenants feel comfortable, unless your agent advises otherwise.