Establishing a rental price
You may have let the proprerty before, if so you will know of the price tenants are willing to pay. An alternative solution to gauge the price is to look at similar properties for rent, and there are a few places to find this information. You can enter the properties postcode into hotproperties4u tenant’s page or use the same process on fish4homes and other property sites. In addition to this you can look in the local newspaper to find out what agents are letting similar properties for.

Photographs and Virtual Tours
Make the most of your photographs, this is your opportunity to show case your property and capture your audience. Therefore, consider the angle and content carefully. Most tenants make their mind up from looking at these photographs as to whether they want to progress with your property in more detail. Ensure that your garden is maintained and your property is well groomed, see our home staging for tips and advise on how to dress your property for the photographs.

The photographs can be taken on a digital camera then uploaded via your computer to your property advert. If you do not have these facilities but have hard copy photographs, you can post them to us (contact us) and we will upload your photographs, free of charge, to your advert. If you would like to make your property very appealing then consider our virtual tour. Each property advert will benefit from four virtual tours, of various locations, which will generate interest and give tenants a real feel for your property.

Preparing the description of your property advert
Walk around your property with a pad and paper, writing down the sizes and the key selling features and benefits of each room. It is advisable to have a hard copy of your advert before you start entering your information onto the computer, in case there are any interruptions. Ensure that you create a true and fair description of your property.

‘To Let’ signs
A ‘To Let’ sign will let your property faster. This option has proven to increase interest in properties by 40% - 50%. If you have chosen the package to include a ‘To Let’ sign this will arrive within a few days of activating your advert. To erect the sign you will require a length of timber 2” x 2” from your local DIY store at a cost of approximately £3.00 with fixings. 

Virtual tour
The virtual tours will promote your property to the fullest potential. The quality of the visuals will support your advertisement, and viewers will aquire a genuine feel for the property, therefore providing the complete letting package for you. The professional photographers will contact you, usually within two days to arrange a mutually convenient time for filming.

Entering the advertisement
To reach the page for instructions on how to enter your advertisement and to begin starting your advertisement.(click here)

Property enquiries
Interested parties have two options for contacting you; one being the contact telephone number supplied by yourself on your advert and the other via the anonymous email address link which we have supplied. It is advisable for you to regularly check you email and reply promptly to any enquiries, in order to keep tenants interested.

Qualifying enquiries
This is your opportunity to consider each enquiry and see if the tenant’s situation is suitable for your requirements. Possible questions you may wish to ask to fact find are; their current situation, are they still under another contract with another property and if so when will it end, their employment details, can they provide references. You may wish then to conclude the telephone enquiry by informing them of the benefits of your property and finish on a positive note by arranging a viewing.

Arranging and conducting viewings
As there are no letting agents involved you will be communicating with the tenants direct, which gives you the freedom to control the viewing times. You may wish to arrange times which are attractive to your property, and show it in its best light. Before the viewing commences you need to create a pleasant environment, turn lights on in dark areas, air the property and make a fresh coffee for an inviting aroma. The viewing is an opportunity to build a rapport, be open and friendly. Tenants are more likely to warm to your property if the experience is pleasurable and advise them of all the key features and benefits of the property.

Feedback
If the viewers need to leave without making an offer, be sure to contact them to receive direct feedback. If there is an issue with the property, they will probably advise you as you have built a rapport with them. You may be able to overcome the issue or correct it for subsequent viewings.

In fact they may give you an offer.....

Negotiating the rental
You obviously want to let the property for the highest possible price and the tenant for the least, therefore contemplate your negotiating position. Bear in mind the viewer has decided that they like the property enough to want to live there and call it ‘home’, which places you in a strong position. Consider the stengths and weaknesses of the offer; their situation, you may be more generous if they are not in a contract and can move in straight away? Are there any other interested parties, or offers, how long has the property been on the market, if it has only just been placed on the market it probably is a desirable property as there is a quick offer? Do you want to let quickly, have you already a tenant? These are all important factors to consider when negotiating. You will know realistically what the property is worth and if you are happy with the offer, you may wish to accept.

Legalities
When you have agreed a deal with a tenant you will require a formal agreement signed and dated. It is important to include a tenancy agreement (click here) and an inventory of the present goods and details of their condition. Ensure the information is accurate and all issues noted to prevent a dispute for either party when the tenancy agreement expires. It is essential that all the correct safety certificates are obtained before advertising your property and if you have not let before and require detailed information we suggest contacting the Citizens Advice Bureau, alternatively click here for advice.