An essential guide to becoming a better landlord, and keeping tenants happier for longer

Let’s face it – letting out your property can be daunting, especially when it comes to finding (and keeping) tenants. The challenge is not only letting out your property quickly to avoid it being left empty for too long, but also ensuring that once you do find tenants, they look after it and stay for a solid amount of time.

A focus on value perception is key. It’s important to put yourself in tenants’ shoes and to spend time viewing and preparing your property as if you were seeing it from a viewer’s perspective.

After all, if you hand over the keys to a property which is in great condition, well cared for, and respected, chances are you’ll get it back in a similar state.

The responsibility doesn’t stop once you hand keys over – if anything, that’s when it really begins, as our two surveys, one of private renters1, and one of private landlords2 found… but more on that later in this guide.

We hope you find the information on the following pages useful and interesting, and that ultimately it can help you become a better landlord. One trusted by your tenants, and appreciated.

1 Online survey of 552 private renters (filtered from 4,177 adults) undertaken by YouGov on behalf of PC World Business between August 1-3 2016. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all GB adults (aged 18+).2 Research conducted by Dixons Carphone between 25 January-5 February 2016. Sample of UK landlords recruited via Research Now - 520 online interviews completed.

Simon Moyle, Head of Business Solutions

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Landlord Solutions

Despite a majority expecting security features, there remains a sizeable 38% who don’t expect either burglar alarms or security cameras, (indeed, nor broadband, satellite TV, a remote thermostat and smart metering systems) included. This perhaps shows a lag between technological innovation and adoption into the rental market – this is a perfect opportunity for you, as a landlord, to over-deliver and supply the unexpected.

While there is little surprise at the level to which renters presume to have the essentials (fridges, cookers, and ovens all had 89% of respondents expecting these within a furnished property), other non-essentials ranked intriguingly; TVs (24%), and dishwashers (23%) came higher than expected, while nearly three in ten (28%) said they expect a tumble dryer in a furnished property. High expectations indeed – however, if this can help set you apart from other landlords, the investment in them could return swiftly through higher rent, or happier tenants.

Interestingly, despite the emergence of internet access being seen as a utility alongside the likes of gas and electricity, only 19% expect wireless broadband to be set-up and included in their rental property on taking the tenancy.

Our Top Picks

Netgear Arlo Smart Home Security SystemThis security camera provides entirely wireless home CCTV

coverage that you can remotely monitor on your smartphone.

Code: N131178W

Nest Protect Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Alarm The latest incarnation of smart alarms, the new Nest Protect

Second Generation Wireless Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm is a convenient and non-intrusive way

to keep your home safe.Code: N139103W

SEIKI 32” LED TV

Features HD Ready visuals, offering you clear and detailed picture quality

with lifelike colours.Code: N164532W

Security is an increasing focus for renters – over a third expect a burglar alarm to be set-up and included in the cost of their furnished private rental property; while 6% even expect security cameras installed.

Compatible with most smartphones, please check before purchase.

Compatible with most smartphones, please check before purchase.

How can technology make you stand out?

To find out about leasing, visit pcworldbusiness.co.uk/smartplanIf you are planning a large order, contact us to see how we can help: 0344 561 6200

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Landlord Solutions

Our Top Pick

Nest Learning Thermostat 3rd Generation

A smartphone controllable thermostat, which learns your

heating preferences and creates custom heating schedules, saving energy. It now also includes hot

water control.Code: N152988W

80% of respondents to our survey agreed that private landlords should have a responsible attitude to their property’s environmental impact and footprint.

The energy management is also a direct influence for some on which property to rent – 55% of potential renters said that if the prices were the same, they would opt to take the tenancy on the property with a smart meter installed over one which didn’t. These are inexpensive to buy and fit, and not only manage utilities better, they also show a more considerate outlook.

When it comes to energy bills, only around a third (32%) of respondents agreed this was the landlord’s duty to establish prior to moving in, with 33% disagreeing. While this may seem a relatively trivial aspect of tenancy, this feedback suggests it’s important to ask your tenants how they would like to proceed prior to moving in, and accommodate them accordingly. Some may have favourite suppliers, or existing contracts they’d like to roll over, while others may be more supplier-agnostic.

Compatible with most smartphones, please check before purchase.

How important is energy management?

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Landlord Solutions

Our Top Picks

Logik Solo MicrowaveThe compact silver microwave is a convenient way to cook your food, with six auto programmes

and modern touch controls.Code: N067132W

Samsung American-Style Fridge Freezer

This fridge freezer with SpaceMax technology increases inner storage

space whilst keeping external dimensions the same, allowing you to store more, shop less often and organise your groceries to suit you.

Code: 106272

Beko Washing Machine

This is the perfect appliance for busy homes, accommodating up to 8 kg of washing. It includes a

choice of 15 programs, giving you great variety when you have to

accommodate for different loads Code: 133838

Unsurprisingly, a large majority of respondents from our YouGov survey believe it is the landlord’s responsibility to make repairs to and replace kitchen appliances. Over a third even believe this should be done before a new tenant moves in. In contrast, only 10% of landlords surveyed in our own research tend to replace kitchen appliances at the start of a new tenancy. Diligence in replacing and repairing kitchen appliances is not just best practice, it’s crucial in the eyes of the tenant. It’s definitely worth investing time regularly checking items and replacing them when needs be – you may lose out on tenants if you don’t.

First impressions are vital when it comes to securing tenants, and kitchen appliances are no exception. 80% of respondents said when viewing a furnished private property, they expect to see electrical items and kitchen appliances that are in working order, while a further 10% expect these to be new.

Kitchen appliances:What are the expectations?

Furniture repairs and replacements are equally important. 89% of people believe it is the responsibility of private landlords to make repairs or to replace this type of item. But it’s not enough to simply do so when they are broken, as 22% believe furniture should be replaced at regular intervals (such as every two years), while a third believe it should be replaced before a new tenant moves in. Tenants are expected to pay extra for furnished flats. Keeping your furniture in excellent condition will help show them this added expense is worth it.

To find out about leasing, visit pcworldbusiness.co.uk/smartplanIf you are planning a large order, contact us to see how we can help: 0344 561 6200

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Landlord Solutions

As a landlord, you are responsible for ensuring the appliances in your property are safe for your tenants. The good news is a majority of landlords we surveyed wouldn’t consider providing unfitted electrical or kitchen appliances. However, not all agree with this – 5% said they would consider it. More worryingly still, 2% even said they buy appliances from second-hand retailers. This clearly presents a safety hazard for tenants, and when it comes to appliances, it’s definitely worth investing in new models. This will save you money in the long run, but will also ensure the items you provide are fit for purpose.

Our Top Picks

Numatic Henry Cylinder Vacuum Cleaner

With a huge capacity, long-lasting suction power and a range of

tools, this energy efficient vacuum cleaner is an all-round performer

that’s great for all kinds of vacuuming tasks.Code: N114164W

Dyson V6 Cordless Vacuum Cleaner

With no cord and no hassle, you can easily clean your house.

Powerful suction that cleans both hard floors and carpet, with up to

20 minutes run time.Code: N131152W

Samsung 5 Series - 49” LED TVEnjoy Full HD visuals and Smart

TV capabilities.Code: P239363P

At PC World Business we offer an extensive range of products and services, so we can find the best solutions for you, whether you have one or tens of properties.

A PC World Business account provides you with a number of benefits and can also be used on purchases from Currys PC World, providing access to a huge range of products for your properties, from large appliances to household essentials.

Benefits of an account

• Access to over 60,000 products

• 30-day credit facility1

• Expert business advisers on the phone and in store

• Spread the cost of your purchases with a business lease1

• Full VAT invoices

Plus, we have flexible delivery and installation services, 7 days a week at a time that suits your busy schedule.

1. Subject to Status

When it comes to electricals, an overwhelming majority believe it is the landlord’s responsibility to make repairs or fund replacements. While three quarters believe this needs to be done when items are broken or faulty, there are also many other drivers; for example, over a quarter believe this should also be done when a product becomes outdated.

Electricals:What are the expectations?

Reasons to shop with PC World Business

Call 0344 561 6789 | Click pcworldbusiness.co.uk | Visit us in store Discover over 60,000 products, visit pcworldbusiness.co.uk

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Landlord Solutions