How to Make Your Letting More Appealing to Tenants

A tenant may notice a stiff front-door lock before they notice new cushions. They will also remember a bathroom that smells damp or a kitchen drawer that comes off its runners. When you're preparing a property to let, these small details matter. A clean home that works properly and is accurately advertised gives prospective tenants more confidence to book a viewing and take the next step.

At Squires Estates, we've been helping landlords let properties in Finchley, Hendon and Mill Hill since 2004. Our independent team has strong local rental knowledge and a dedicated property management service, and our Mill Hill office won Gold for lettings in NW7 at the 2025–2026 British Property Awards. We can help you decide which improvements are worthwhile and present the property clearly to prospective tenants.

Fix the things people will use every day

Start with a walk-through. Open doors, turn on taps and check any appliances you plan to supply. Repair dripping taps, replace damaged seals and make sure cupboard handles are secure. These are small jobs, but leaving them undone can suggest there may be more problems after move-in. A freshly decorated room quickly loses its appeal if the window does not close properly.

Deal with leaks and damp before arranging photographs. Government guidance on landlord responsibilities explains the duty to keep a rental safe and free from health hazards. Safety and a good state of repair come first. Once those are dealt with, you can focus on presentation.

Spend on the rooms that need it

You may not need a new kitchen. Kitchen units that are in good condition, clean inside and have working hinges can be perfectly serviceable. Replace anything that is damaged and check the areas around the sink and cooker carefully. In the bathroom, remove limescale, replace failing sealant and check the extractor fan. If discolouration keeps returning, find out why before covering it.

Keep the decor simple so tenants can imagine their own belongings in the rooms. Warm, light colours usually make this easier than bold colours. Choose finishes that are easy to maintain and touch up between tenancies. In a small flat, useful storage may be a better investment than expensive decorative features.

Potential tenants need to be able to budget for bills as well as rent. The English Housing Survey’s energy efficiency findings show that 37% of private rented homes in England were rated band D in 2024. If your property has room for improvement, review the recommendations in its Energy Performance Certificate and ask a qualified professional which measures are suitable.

Repair draughty windows, check insulation where appropriate and provide heating controls that are easy to understand. Avoid promising specific savings unless you have evidence for that property. An EPC rating can help tenants compare homes, but it cannot tell them exactly what their bills will be. Be ready to explain the heating system and share the certificate.

Make the listing match the property

Have the home cleaned before photography, including the windows, carpets where needed and the inside of appliances. Remove belongings left behind and give each room a clear purpose. If you are supplying furniture, make sure it suits the room, is in good condition and meets the relevant safety requirements. An oversized sofa can make a useful living room feel cramped.

Use photographs that accurately show the layout. Include the kitchen and bathroom, explain what is furnished, what is included in the rent and which outdoor areas are private or shared. A floor plan helps people judge whether the rooms will work for them. Accurate information saves everyone time and helps avoid disappointing viewings.

Show what it's like to live there

For a rental property in Hendon, explain which station is most convenient from that address and whether the property has parking. If there is a separate room suitable for working from home, show it clearly. Give people enough information to assess the space without making assumptions about who the property is for.

The same applies in Finchley and Mill Hill. Describe nearby amenities accurately and check any walking times you include. Avoid broad claims that a property is ideal for every commuter or family. Clear information about the home and its surroundings is more useful than exaggerated claims, and Squires Estates can help you present it effectively.

Set a rent you can explain

Compare your property with similar homes, taking into account condition, size, outdoor space, and location. The asking rent on another flat does not show what it actually let for. Ask about recent local lettings and the response to comparable properties before setting an asking rent. A figure based on what you need to cover the mortgage may not reflect what applicants are willing to pay.

Our lettings service includes advice on how to present and market a property. A rental valuation lets you discuss the home's condition and likely rent, so you can judge whether proposed improvements make financial sense. Agree a realistic move-in date and have the necessary paperwork ready before moving forward with a tenancy.

Handle tenants professionally

Professional, clear communication can make a good impression on prospective tenants. Respond to enquiries, make viewings straightforward and give clear answers about repairs or moving-in arrangements. If work is still in progress, be clear about what will be completed before the tenancy starts. Once tenants move in, reliable communication and prompt attention to problems help maintain the standard you advertised.

If you're preparing a property for its next tenancy, talk to us about letting your property. We can help you prioritise the work, set an informed asking rent and decide whether ongoing property management would suit you.