Expectations for rental property

The private rental sector in England has doubled in size to around 20 percent of all households in the last 7 years. The proportion of rental households in the UK is set to grow by 22 percent by 2023. So the market is full of opportunities. But what are tenants’ expectations?

In the capital and the South East, the proportion of people renting has increased, especially among those aged 35–44, primarily because of affordability. Also, changing demographics, urbanisation and the digital revolution. That means that jobs and the workforce are evolving and more people enjoy the flexibility of renting.

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How should the best landlords respond to this changing environment?

Tenants’ expectations

Remember your unique selling point

Remember, many tenants appreciate not having the responsibility of owning, or living in an area where they couldn’t otherwise afford to live. One in 10 tenants say renting allows them to live in an area they could not otherwise afford.

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Give your tenants a home

Today’s tenants wish to make their rented house feel like home. High-quality finishes and well-maintained properties are increasingly what tenants expect. Landlords need to make sure their properties feel homely as well as being functional.

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Up to date kitchens and en-suite bathrooms 

Tenant priorities are more focused on ‘internal’ factors – such as en-suite bathrooms and cleaning services – than on ‘external’ factors such as local shops. Other sought-after amenities that renters are looking for these days include high-end kitchen appliances, fully furnished and fireplaces. Most tenants want to see a property in good condition, especially internally. That’s largely driven by the amount of new build properties, particularly in and around London.

Tenant fees Act

Stylish furniture

If the property is furnished, invest in furniture that is functional and stylish. Dated or worn furniture will put tenants off. Demand and rental value is strongest where a landlord has furnished properties with smart sofas, on-trend lighting and bedroom furniture that is in keeping with the style and period of the building. Complementary colour palettes and interior design that flows throughout a property suggest a well-considered interior, created with individuals in mind.

All landlords with a Victorian property will have to carry out extra maintenance on internal condition and décor. The competition has become very strong as brand-new developments that offer all the most popular amenities pop up.

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Make your property pet-friendly

More tenants wish to keep pets. Being flexible where pets are concerned will help a tenant feel more at home and could open up the market for landlords.

Bear in mind that, in light of the Tenant Fees Act, landlords are no longer be able to significantly increase the deposit to factor in additional damage where pets are concerned. Nonetheless, landlords can tailor clauses to an assured shorthold tenancy that can cover any damage and wear and tear caused by pets.

HMO Fire Safety and Health Regulations

Location matters

Location is often a larger concern than the size of the property itself. One in four tenants claim that location is their second-biggest priority, followed by the size of the property.

Depending on the budget, if it’s a tight budget tenants will be location-driven – how near they are to transport links and other facilities, such as the gym or cinema and restaurants.

Transport is also very important, with over a third pointing to the proximity to transport links or the ease of the commute to work as a major factor.

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Is your property meeting tenants’ expectations? 

If you have any questions on property or block management, please contact Pelin Martin to book a 30-minute complimentary property consultation on +0208 994 7327 – pm@bluecrystallondon.co.uk