One of the most crucial steps in renting out your property is conducting viewings. This is your opportunity to showcase your property to prospective tenants and find the right fit for your investment. However, conducting a viewing is not as simple as just showing people around your property. It requires careful planning, attention to detail and excellent communication skills.

In this guide, we will provide you with everything you need to know to conduct a successful viewing at your rental property. From preparing your property to screening tenants, we’ve got you covered.

Preparing Your Property

Before conducting a viewing, you need to ensure that your property is ready to be shown. Here are some steps you can take to prepare your property:

• Clean the property thoroughly, paying close attention to high-traffic areas such as the kitchen and bathroom.
• Remove any personal items such as family photos or personal belongings.
• Make any necessary repairs and touch-ups to the property.
• Ensure that the property is well-lit and smells pleasant.

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Dressing your property 

• Ensure property is clean and clutter-free
• Use a neutral colour palette for walls and furnishings
• Invest in quality, low-maintenance furniture
• Be mindful of the target audience (families, professionals, students)
• Add thoughtful touches (fresh flowers, scented candles)
• Maintain exterior (garden, windows, paintwork)
• Present rental property in its best light to attract the perfect tenant

Advertising Your Property

Once your property is ready to be shown, you need to advertise it to attract potential tenants. Here are some ways you can advertise your property:

• List your property on online rental platforms such as Rightmove, Zoopla or OpenRent.
• Advertise on social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
• Put up a “To Let” sign outside the property.

Scheduling Viewings

When scheduling viewings, you need to be flexible and accommodating to prospective tenants’ schedules. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Provide multiple viewing times to accommodate different schedules.
• Confirm the viewing with the prospective tenant a day or two before the scheduled date.
• Be punctual and arrive at the property before the scheduled viewing time.

Conducting the Viewing

When conducting the viewing, it’s important to make a good first impression and showcase your property in the best possible light. Here are some things to keep in mind:

• Greet the prospective tenant with a warm and friendly welcome.
• Give a brief introduction to the property and its features.
• Answer any questions the tenant may have about the property.
• Encourage the tenant to explore the property at their own pace.
• Follow up with the tenant after the viewing to gauge their interest and answer any additional questions they may have.

What information should I prepare for a viewing:

When conducting a viewing of a rental property, it’s important for landlords to provide prospective tenants with relevant and accurate information about the property. Here are some key pieces of information that landlords should provide:

• Property features: Give a brief overview of the property’s features, including the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, any outdoor space or parking facilities, and any appliances or furnishings that are included.
• Rent and deposit: Be transparent about the rent and deposit required to secure the property. This includes the amount of rent, the due date for payments, and the amount of deposit required.
• Lease terms: Provide details about the length of the lease, any renewal options, and any special conditions or restrictions that apply to the property.
• Utility bills: Inform tenants about the utility bills that they will be responsible for paying, such as electricity, gas, and water. Let them know if any bills are included in the rent.
• Maintenance and repairs: Explain your policies for handling maintenance and repairs. Let tenants know how to report any issues that arise and how quickly you will respond to their requests.
• Move-in date: Clarify the date that the property will be available for move-in and any procedures that tenants need to follow to secure the property.

FAQs:

1. What should I do if a tenant wants to apply for the property after the viewing?
2. If a tenant expresses interest in renting your property after the viewing, you should provide them with an application form and ask for references. But we always advise they view the property before you accept their offer to make sure it matches what they’re looking for
3. What should I do if a tenant damages my property during the viewing?
4. If a tenant damages your property during the viewing, you should ask them to cover the cost of repairs. If they refuse to do so, you may need to take legal action to recover the costs.

By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can ensure that you make a positive first impression on prospective tenants and find the right fit for your property. Remember to prepare your property thoroughly, advertise it effectively, be flexible with scheduling, and conduct the viewing professionally.

Additionally, it’s important to follow up with interested tenants promptly and thoroughly screen them before making a final decision. By following these guidelines, you can avoid potential issues and ensure that your rental property is occupied by responsible and reliable tenants.

In conclusion, conducting a viewing at your rental property can be a daunting task, but with proper preparation and execution, it can also be a rewarding and successful experience. Use this guide to help you navigate the process and find the perfect tenant for your property.

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