Summary of Services
  Responsibilities of Landlords
  The Letting Process

  Furnishing your Property

  Decoration

The quality of interior decoration may substantially affect the level of rent achievable on a property. Whether your own home or rental investment, take advice so that the decoration is chosen to suit the market.

• Keep carpets and walls neutral. Whites and creams make a cleaner, fresher impression.
  
  
• Paint finishes are easiest to maintain. Wallpaper may be expected in higher value properties.
  
  
• Good quality carpets and curtains. Particularly important in unfurnished property where they are highly visible.
  
  
• Kitchens should be well equipped. Ideally a dishwasher, large fridge/freezer, washing machine, separate tumble drier and microwave.
  
  
• Bathrooms should have high quality fittings and well lit. Power showers and fully tiled floors and walls are expected by corporate tenants.
  
  
• The provision of ample amount of wardrobe space in the bedrooms is important.
  
  
• Corporate tenants will expect an exacting standard of finishes. Woodstrip floors, low voltage lighting, granite work surfaces are all popular.

A landlord enjoys the same legal protection whether the property is furnished or unfurnished. The majority of Central London properties are offered furnished whereas Country properties are more likely to be unfurnished. Furniture, fabrics and upholstery must comply with the fire regulations.

  Unfurnished: Definition

An empty property that includes carpets, curtains and white goods.

The rent ultimately achieved for an unfurnished property may be similar to a fully furnished property.

However, void periods may be longer for an unfurnished property. Larger family houses tend to be unfurnished or partly furnished.

  Presentation Tips

• Take advice as to what suits the market.
  
  
• Neutral colours are best.
  
  
• Choose fabrics and furnishings that can withstand reasonable wear and tear.
  
  
• Keep the overall look uncluttered, clean and crisp.
  
  
• Furnished items should be easily replaceable.
  
  
• Supply a few simple accessories such as fresh flowers.
  
  
• Gardens should be well maintained.
  
  
• Make beds up with linen.
  
  
• Professionally clean the property.
  
  
• Keep the property well aired.
  
  
• Use glass table tops rather than wood to reduce staining.

  Fully Furnished: Definition

A property ready for immediate occupation, including furniture, linen, all kitchen utensils and pictures.

Clean, crisp and uncluttered are most suitable for the letting market. In Central London one and two bedroom properties are in greatest demand with most tenants looking for fully furnished properties.