How to prepare your property for the rental market

Whether you’re a first-time landlord or a seasoned investor with multiple properties, preparing your property for the rental market is key to attracting the right tenants and securing a good return. A well-presented, compliant, and thoughtfully maintained rental home won’t just let faster – it’ll likely achieve a higher rent and attract longer-term, more responsible tenants too.

Here’s our step-by-step guide to getting your property market-ready.

1. Understand your legal obligations

Before anything else, make sure you’re up to date with the legal side of letting. As a landlord, you’re responsible for providing a safe and compliant home. Key things to consider:

EPC rating: Your property must have a minimum Energy Performance Certificate rating of E (though new legislation may soon raise this to C).
Gas and electrical safety: You’ll need annual gas safety certificates and an electrical inspection (EICR) every five years.
Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms: Smoke alarms are legally required in all rentals, and carbon monoxide alarms are legally required where applicable.
Right to Rent checks: Make sure you’re compliant with immigration checks.

If you’re unsure, our lettings team can advise and help you stay on the right side of the law.

2. Fix and freshen up

Small issues can make a big difference to tenants. Before putting your property on the market, carry out a thorough inspection and tackle the following:

Repair any leaks, cracks, or broken fixtures
Repaint tired walls in neutral colours
Deep clean carpets or consider replacing worn ones
Replace any dated or damaged fittings and finishes

A clean, neutral, and well-maintained home makes it easier for tenants to imagine themselves living there – and it photographs better too.

3. Decide on furnished vs unfurnished

Think about your target tenant and what they’re likely to want. For example:

Young professionals may favour fully furnished properties
Families often prefer unfurnished, as they bring their own furniture
Corporate lets or HMOs usually require a full furnishing package

If you do let furnished, make sure everything provided is in good condition and complies with fire safety regulations.

4. Maximise kerb appeal

First impressions matter. The exterior of your property should be as inviting as the inside. Tidy up the front garden, jet wash the driveway or path, and repaint the front door if needed. These small touches can make your property stand out.

5. Stage your property for viewings

Even for rentals, presentation is everything. Dress the home in a way that feels welcoming but not too personal. Use mirrors to reflect light, add soft furnishings for warmth, and remove clutter. Good staging can help tenants visualise the space and encourage quicker decision-making.

6. Get the marketing right

Quality photography and a strong online presence are essential in today’s rental market. At Jacobs Steel, we make sure your property is professionally photographed and listed across major portals like Rightmove and Zoopla, as well as our own website. Our lettings team will also highlight key selling points such as proximity to schools, transport links, and energy efficiency.

7. Set the right rental price

It’s tempting to aim high, but an overpriced property can sit on the market and lead to costly void periods. We’ll carry out a full market appraisal to help you strike the right balance between income and speed of let. Remember: a well-priced, well-presented property will often achieve the best return in the long run.

8. Work with a trusted letting agent

Managing a rental property can be time-consuming. At Jacobs Steel, we offer flexible lettings services, from tenant-find only to fully managed packages. We’ll help you find the right tenants, manage referencing and contracts, and handle ongoing maintenance, giving you peace of mind and protecting your investment.

Find out more about how a lettings agent can help you rent out your property.

Thinking of letting your property?

Whether you’re preparing your first rental or growing your portfolio, our friendly Lettings team is here to help. Get in touch with your local Jacobs Steel branch today for expert advice and a free lettings valuation.