0333 335 5172
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The previous tenant has moved out, and you’ve got new ones arriving next week. Time to roll up your sleeves and get the property ready—or risk dealing with complaints, bad reviews, and a relationship that starts on the wrong foot.
First impressions in rentals are everything. A well-prepared property attracts better tenants, commands higher rent, and reduces those awkward phone calls about things that should have been sorted before move-in day.
Getting it right takes time and effort, but it’s worth it. Your new tenants get a property they’re happy to call home, and you get tenants who respect what you’ve provided. Everyone wins.
Surface cleaning won’t cut it when new tenants are about to hand over their deposit. You need the kind of deep clean that removes all traces of previous occupants.
Every room needs attention:
- Scrub bathrooms until they sparkle (including behind the toilet and inside the shower)
- Degrease the kitchen thoroughly—ovens, hobs, extractor fans, and inside all cupboards
- Vacuum carpets and mop hard floors, including under furniture
- Clean windows inside and out (dirty windows make everything look shabby)
- Wipe down skirting boards, light switches, and door frames
Don’t forget the details:
- Inside wardrobes and cupboards (previous tenants leave surprising things behind)
- Light fittings and ceiling fans
- Kitchen appliances inside and out
- Radiators and windowsills
Pro tip: If you wouldn’t be happy moving into it yourself, it’s not clean enough. New tenants notice everything, especially things that suggest the property isn’t well-maintained.
Nothing says “landlord who doesn’t care” quite like obvious repair issues that should have been sorted before move-in. Walk through the property with a critical eye and fix anything that’s not working properly.
Common issues to check:
- Dripping taps and running toilets
- Loose door handles, cupboard doors, and window locks
- Cracked tiles or damaged flooring
- Doors that stick or don’t close properly
- Missing or broken light switches and socket covers
Systems checks:
- Test all heating and hot water
- Run taps and flush toilets to check water pressure
- Try all electrical outlets and light switches
- Check boiler pressure and radiator bleeding
- Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms
Quick fixes that make a big difference:
- Replace burnt-out bulbs with energy-efficient ones
- Oil squeaky hinges and sticking locks
- Touch up scuffed paintwork
- Tighten loose toilet seats and towel rails
Question for you: How would you feel moving into a property where the shower drips and the front door lock sticks? First impressions matter.
Legal requirements aren’t optional extras—they’re the foundation of responsible letting. Get these wrong, and you risk fines, insurance issues, or worse.
Essential certificates you need:
Gas Safety Certificate (CP12) Required annually for all properties with gas appliances. Only Gas Safe registered engineers can issue these. No exceptions, no excuses.
Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) Required every five years (or change of tenancy). Covers fixed electrical installations and identifies any safety issues.
Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) Valid for 10 years and must be provided to tenants before they move in. Properties need minimum rating of E to be legally lettable.
Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms Smoke alarms required on every floor, carbon monoxide alarms in rooms with solid fuel appliances. Test them before tenants arrive.
PAT Testing If you provide electrical appliances, they need portable appliance testing. Not legally required but recommended for insurance purposes.
Reality check: How current are your certificates? Expired documentation creates legal liability and stressed tenants.
Everything included in the tenancy needs to work properly. Broken items reflect poorly on you and create immediate maintenance requests.
Go through your inventory systematically:
- Test all provided appliances (washing machine, dishwasher, oven, fridge)
- Check furniture is stable and clean
- Make sure curtains hang properly and blinds work
- Verify all keys are labelled and working
Create or update your inventory:
- Photograph everything in its current condition
- Note any existing damage or wear
- Date all photos and descriptions
- Keep copies for yourself and provide one to tenants
Key management:
- Have at least two sets of keys for everything
- Label keys clearly (front door, back door, windows, etc.)
- Test all locks work smoothly
- Consider a key safe for emergencies
Smart move: Walk through the property as if you’re the tenant viewing it for the first time. What would concern you?
Presentation matters more than you might think. A fresh, well-presented property attracts better tenants and justifies higher rent.
Decoration priorities:
- Repaint scuffed or dirty walls in neutral colours
- Replace worn carpets or professionally clean existing ones
- Fix any damage to walls, ceilings, or woodwork
- Clean or replace tired curtains and blinds
Outdoor spaces count too:
- Tidy gardens and trim overgrown plants
- Clear gutters and check for obvious repairs needed
- Clean paths and external areas
- Check garden furniture if provided
Small touches that make a difference:
- Working light bulbs in all fittings
- Properly fitted curtain rails and towel rails
- Fresh batteries in smoke alarms
- Clean light switches and socket covers
The investment perspective: Every pound spent on presentation can return several pounds in higher rent and longer tenancies.
Professional landlords have all documentation ready before tenants arrive. Scrambling for certificates on move-in day looks amateur and creates unnecessary stress.
Essential documents:
- Signed tenancy agreement
- Current EPC certificate
- How to Rent government guide (latest version)
- Deposit protection scheme documentation
- Emergency contact numbers
Helpful extras:
- Appliance instruction manuals
- Meter reading forms
- Local area information (bins, parking, transport)
- Inventory and condition report
Communication is key: Send clear move-in instructions including parking, key collection, and what to expect on arrival day.
Before tenants arrive, do one last check to catch any issues you’ve missed. This isn’t being paranoid—it’s being professional.
Final checks:
- Test all keys in all locks
- Check heating timer settings and instructions
- Run through all appliances briefly
- Verify utilities are connected and working
- Check you haven’t left any personal items behind
Be available on moving day: Your presence (or appointed representative) shows you care about the tenancy starting smoothly. It’s also your chance to explain anything that needs explaining.
Pro tip: A smooth handover sets the tone for the entire tenancy. Invest time here to save headaches later.
Getting properties ready for new tenants involves multiple tasks, tight timelines, and potential stress. Qeeper handles the practical stuff so you can focus on finding great tenants.
Pre-Tenancy Repairs and Maintenance Our handymen fix all those niggling issues that need attention between tenancies. Quick, professional, and reasonably priced.
Common pre-tenancy jobs:
- Painting and decorating touch-ups
- Minor plumbing and electrical fixes
- Lock changes and security updates
- Appliance repairs and servicing
Landlord Certificates We handle all your legal requirements with automated scheduling and reminders. Never worry about expired certificates again.
Full compliance coverage:
- Gas Safety Certificates from Gas Safe engineers
- EICR testing by qualified electricians
- EPC assessments and renewals
- Smoke alarm testing and maintenance
Ongoing Maintenance Support Properties don’t stop needing attention once tenants move in. We provide ongoing support to keep everything running smoothly.
Continuous support:
- Emergency repair response
- Routine maintenance scheduling
- Appliance servicing and repairs
- Tenant communication support
Preparing rental properties for new tenants takes time, effort, and attention to detail. But it’s one of the most important investments you can make as a landlord.
A well-prepared property attracts better tenants, commands higher rent, and reduces maintenance calls. More importantly, it starts the tenancy relationship on a positive note that benefits everyone involved.
The key is having reliable support when you need it. Whether that’s professional cleaning, minor repairs, or compliance management, having the right help makes all the difference.
Ready to make tenant changeovers stress-free? Contact us and see how we can help you prepare your properties professionally and efficiently.