Why landlords should plan the re-let early
Every day a rental property is empty can mean lost rent, so starting the process early gives you more time to prepare.
You can organise repairs, get the advert ready, arrange viewings and progress your next applicant before the property has been sitting vacant for an unnecessarily long period.
The aim is not simply to find a tenant quickly. It is to give yourself enough time to find a suitable tenant while still keeping the void period under control.
Confirm the tenant's move-out date
Start by confirming when the current tenant is due to leave.
Make sure you have the date in writing and understand how it relates to the existing tenancy.
The move-out date affects when you can inspect the property, arrange works, conduct viewings and realistically begin the next tenancy.
Check the tenancy agreement
Review the existing agreement so that you understand the relevant notice arrangements, move-out obligations and any provisions concerning inspections or viewings.
Doing this early can help avoid confusion with the outgoing tenant later.
Arrange a pre-move-out inspection
Where appropriate, inspect the property before the current tenant leaves.
This can help you identify repairs, maintenance, cleaning or decoration that may need attention before the property is marketed or the next tenant moves in.
Plan repairs and maintenance
Repairs can delay a re-let if they are only discovered or arranged after the property becomes vacant.
Make a list of required work and organise contractors as early as practical.
Arrange cleaning and presentation
A clean, well-presented property can make both the advert and subsequent viewings more appealing.
Review the rent
Before re-advertising, consider whether the previous rent is still appropriate for the current market.
Compare genuinely similar properties nearby and consider condition, location, furnishing, parking, outdoor space and transport links.
You can read our guide to deciding what rent to charge for more detail.
A realistic asking rent can help generate stronger enquiry levels and reduce the risk of an unnecessarily long void period.
Prepare your property advert
Gather the key information before you start creating your new listing.
Advertise your rental property
Once you have a realistic availability date and the advert information ready, you can begin marketing the property.
Online advertising helps put your listing in front of prospective tenants who are actively searching for somewhere to rent.
Respond to enquiries quickly
Prospective tenants may be considering several properties at the same time.
Responding promptly can help you answer questions and arrange viewings before suitable applicants move on to other properties.
Arrange viewings
If the outgoing tenant is still living at the property, communicate clearly and arrange access appropriately.
Once vacant, you may have more flexibility to offer viewing times and keep the re-let moving.
Choose a suitable applicant
After viewings, assess interested applicants carefully.
Consider their proposed move-in date, circumstances and whether they appear suitable for the property before deciding who you want to progress.
Do not rely solely on first impressions. Relevant referencing and checks should form part of the decision-making process.
Complete tenant referencing
Referencing can help you assess your chosen applicant before the tenancy begins.
Complete Right to Rent checks
For relevant adult occupiers in England, Right to Rent is a separate part of the tenancy setup process from ordinary tenant referencing.
Make sure the required check is dealt with at the appropriate point before occupation begins.
Prepare the tenancy agreement
Once you are ready to proceed, prepare the agreement setting out the key terms of the tenancy.
This should record the relevant parties, property, rent, deposit, start arrangements and other applicable terms.
With Full Tenancy Setup, letlaunch can prepare the tenancy agreement and arrange electronic signature through DocuSign.
Collect rent and deposit
Before handing over the keys, make sure the required move-in monies have been dealt with.
Register the deposit
Where a tenancy deposit is taken, make sure it is dealt with correctly and within the applicable legal timescale.
The tenant should also receive the required deposit information.
Complete property compliance checks
Before move-in, make sure the property and tenancy are ready and that the relevant requirements have been considered.
Prepare the inventory and check-in report
An inventory records the condition and contents of the property at the beginning of the tenancy.
A clear record can be useful later if questions arise about cleaning, damage or the condition of particular items.
The letlaunch landlord portal includes an inventory creator which you can use to create the report yourself.
Hand over the keys and start the tenancy
Once the agreement is complete, relevant payments have been received and the property is ready, you can move on to key handover.
Make sure the tenant also has the practical information they need for the property.
Common re-let mistakes landlords should avoid
Re-letting becomes more difficult when important stages are missed or left until the last minute.
READY TO RE-LET?
Advertise your property and
set up the next tenancy.
Rightmove Advertising
For landlords who want to find their next tenant and handle the tenancy setup themselves.
Full Tenancy Setup
For landlords who want more support progressing the next tenancy.
