UNFURNISED OR FURNISHED?
This is one of the most widely asked questions, and there is no right or wrong answer. Safety is now an import question and you (or your letting agent) must ensure that your soft furnishings meet the current standards.
You now get the same legal protection when your property is furnished or unfurnished. Furnished properties used to get higher rents but in today there is not much difference, though smaller properties are often let more quickly when furnished.
PREPARING TO LET UNFURNISHED PROPERTIES
The property should be professionally cleaned throughout; including carpets and curtains in all rooms. A property can never be too clean at commencement as this is how the tenant will have to hand back the property at termination.
The kitchen should include a cooker, a fridge/freezer, a washing machine and a dishwasher (optional). The remainder of the property can be entirely unfurnished with the exception of carpets, curtains/blinds and light fittings.
PREPARING TO LET FURNISHED PROPERTIES
A fully furnished property should be ready for immediate occupation without the tenant providing anything but their personal belongings (with the exception of TV/video, Hi-Fi) and should include the following:
Kitchen:
Cooker
Fridge/Freezer
Washing Machine/Dryer
Dishwasher (optional)
Microwave (optional)
Electric Kettle and Toaster
Set of Saucepans and Frying Pan
Matching dinner dervice
Cutlery and ditchen utensils
Selection of bakeware
Iron and ironing board
Vacuum cleaner
Broom
Dustpan and brush
Mop and bucket
Lounge:
Three piece suite
Coffee table
Table lamps
TV unit/stand
Bedrooms: (Each bedroom should have)
Bed and mattress in good condition
Mattress covers
New pillows and duvet
Wardrobes
Dressing table and stool/Chest of drawers
Bedside table and lamp
Dining Room:
Dining table with chairs (suitable for size of property)
Sideboard or equivalent
Placemats
Bathroom:
Bathroom cabinet
Electric shower (optional but preferable)
Shower curtain (if applicable)
Mirror
Bath and pedestal mat
Garden: (Should be left in a manageable, 'seasonal' order)
Dustbin
Lawn mover
Gardening tools
Hosepipe
Garage: Should be left empty with keys
It is important that furnishings, fittings and d