Preparing your property

• It is essential to complete any obvious repairs. Remember! Your property will get the tenant it deserves.
• Any torn or damaged furniture should be removed. It is better to not have something in the property rather than it be there, but in poor condition.
• If you decide to let unfurnished, it is still advisable to provide the 'white goods' (cooker, washing machine, fridge)
• Take good photos of your interior (preferably digital) with as much light in the room as possible. Clear all clutter and make sure you get an exterior shot
• Bathrooms, kitchens and gardens really sell or let places, so concentrate your best efforts on getting these areas looking their best.

Keys

• Cut all keys necessary before you start viewings, thus avoiding rushing around cutting keys at the eleventh hour for furniture delivery, agents or whatever.
• Don't leave keys with an agent, unless they are actively marketing or managing your property. The same applies for tradesmen.
•  Always 'tag' your keys as soon as you get them cut.  You may know them apart by 'marks' or 'scratches' now, but give it half an hour...
• Always keep a master set at the office or your home. If you want to keep a set on you all the the time, fine, but cut another set.
• Do not write the full address on the key tag. 45WR is sufficient for the property: 45 Winchester Road. Otherwise, if it is lost - it is more headache
• Do not attach electricity or gas meter keys to your bunch. If they stop working, it is more work for you.
• Always carry a gas cupboard and radiator key on your 'Landlord Bunch' of keys. You can then check the meter and bleed radiators whenever, without special trips.

If you change a good, serviceable lock for any reason, keep it and collect any keys from the tenants/agent. Months or years later, I have refitted a lock, instead of unnecessarily buying another.

Marketing

• There are many Free Ad opportunities on the internet, which provide varying results. Being free -  they only cost you your time.
• Local papers can provide good tenants and can cost anything from £20 upwards.
• Consider your target market. Is it cost effective or sensible to take out an ad in 'The Financial Times'  for a studio in Tottenham? You may want a banker or an analyst as a tenant, but how many of those sort of professionals are renting in your area?
• You can employ an agent to let and/or manage the property for you. The Agent will handle all marketing and vetting of potential tenants. They also provide professional expertise with regards to contracts, notices and rent collection.