How to Rent Your Property Quickly and Attract Your Ideal Tenant

First impressions count when looking to secure the best tenant in the shortest amount of time for a Melbourne landlord.

Before you even start to list your rental property, identify the type of tenant you are looking to attract.

• There are tenants on a limited income who will not mind if the property is not in first class condition. 
• There are tenants looking for a well maintained, tidy family home close to schools and shops. 
• There are tenants who prefer low maintenance homes on small sections with modern features throughout. 
• There are tenants looking for a trendy apartment close to cafes, bars and business sectors.

Once you have identified your ideal tenant, you can then determine what budget to allocate in order to bring your property up to the standard required.

 
Property management presentation tips each landlord needs to be aware of:

First impressions count Mow the lawns, tidy gardens and clean the windows, paths, gutters and outside paintwork. These are all things seen from the street, and you don’t want prospective tenants to dismiss the property before getting to the front door.

Repair or replace leaking taps, sticking doors, broken light fittings, loose door handles, rotten floorboards and torn fly screens. Tenants love proactive landlords and if they have to choose between a few different properties they will generally choose the one that is ready to go.
 

Decorating If you are thinking about painting, only paint those areas that really need it unless you plan on doing the lot. New paint may only make those areas left unpainted look even shabbier. Use light, neutral colours as strong colours may not be to the tenants taste and can clash with tenant’s personalities or furniture. If paint is generally in good condition, touch up the scruffy bits.

Noisy? If your property is in a noisy area (main road, close to railway, schools etc) viewing times should occur when the noise is at its lowest. If you are showing your property at night then exterior security lights are a must and all tenants will be impressed when they step down the driveway and lights pop on automatically.

Freshen Up and Air Out Get rid of odours that you may not notice but prospective tenants will, such as cigarette or pet smells. It may be worth having the carpets and curtains cleaned, neither of which is very expensive. Air fresheners can be left at the property to help eliminate odours. Prior to prospective tenants arriving windows should be opened.

Lots of Light Open the curtains and blinds to let the sun and the view inside. Nobody likes a dark house, and the view will make the rooms feel bigger. More sunlight will reduce moisture and make the property feel warmer and often larger.

No-one Wants to View a Mess Have the property clean, tidy and uncluttered at viewing times. If the property is still tenanted then sometimes it may be worth waiting until the last tenants have vacated prior to showing new tenants.

Pools If your property has a pool, ensure the pool and the surrounds are sparkling clean with the appearance of low maintenance. You want the prospective tenants to think it is an asset not a burden. If the filter or the pool needs professional repairs, it is better to do it now rather than put it off. The repairs are usually tax deductible.

Safety First Ensure that all electrical wiring and power points are safe. This includes any electrical appliances to be included with the property.

Minimise Your Risk Take out comprehensive insurance cover on the property (including public liability). You don’t want to be sued by a prospective tenant who accidentally injures themselves while inspecting the property. 

Too busy or living out of state?  All tips mentioned in this article are areas that your property manager can look after for you.  If you would like more information on how True Property Management in Melbourne can provide this service to you, visit our True Owners page.