RLA: Presentation key to letting

Landlords with property to rent in London and other parts of the UK should be very carefully when considering the presentation of their flats and houses.

That is the opinion of the Residential Landlords Association (RLA), which has suggested that the "competitive" nature of the market means that the way a property is fitted out and decorated is very important for prospective tenants.

The RLA noted that landlords should resist the temptation to present a property like a second home and instead remember that it is a "business package".

Director Alan Ward asserted that the two most important rooms to consider are the bathroom and the kitchen. He also noted that storage is extremely important to renters.

Mr Ward explained: "Presentation ... helps the landlord to be able to choose the tenant they want and not to have to take the first tenant to see the property. Kitchens and bathrooms are the working areas which take the hardest use - but moisture needs good ventilation, usually best linked to the lighting. Good storage space is always appreciated."

In April this year the average price for a rental property increased to £631, according to the Residential Rental Price Index.

Published 27th June, 2008

© 2008 Estates IT Limited