What Are Tenants Really Looking for in a Rental Property?

But tenants are looking at much more than the number on the listing.

From the photographs they see online to the condition of the property when they arrive for a viewing, all those smaller details contribute to their decision.

So, what should landlords be thinking about?

A clean, well-presented home

You don’t necessarily need the most luxurious property on the market.

What tenants do want is somewhere that feels clean, cared for and ready to become their home.

Fresh paint where needed, tidy flooring, working fixtures and a good overall standard of maintenance can immediately improve the impression your property makes.

Good-quality photographs

Most property searches begin online, which means your photographs are doing a lot of the work before a viewing is ever booked.

Dark, cluttered or poorly framed images can make a perfectly good property easy to scroll past.

Bright, professional photographs help tenants understand the space and encourage them to take the next step.

The right location

Location will always be important, but different tenants prioritise different things.

For some, being within easy reach of Chelmsford station is essential. Others might be looking for good schools, access to major road links, local amenities or somewhere with more outdoor space.

Understanding who your property is likely to appeal to helps you market it more effectively.

Practical features

It’s often the everyday features that make a property stand out.

Parking, storage, garden space, a well-equipped kitchen and good broadband connectivity can all influence a tenant’s decision.

Rather than simply listing the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, good marketing should show people what living in the property could actually be like.

A fair rental price

Demand is important, but tenants still compare properties carefully.

Pricing appropriately for the condition, location and specification of your property can generate more interest and give you a stronger pool of prospective tenants to choose from.

Pushing the rent too high can sometimes have the opposite effect.

A landlord or agent they can communicate with

The relationship doesn’t end when the tenancy agreement is signed.

Tenants want to know that if there’s a genuine problem with the property, there is someone they can contact and that it will be dealt with properly.

Good communication helps create better relationships between tenants and landlords and can contribute to longer, more settled tenancies.

Getting your property ready to let

Every property is different, which is why I believe the advice should be too.

If you have a property in Chelmsford or the surrounding area that you’re considering letting, I can help you understand the local market, how best to present your property and what you could realistically expect to achieve.

Get in touch to arrange a rental valuation or simply have a chat about your options.