Leading estate agent Collinson Hall offer landlords’advice on property to rent in St Albans. Discover 3 essential tips for letting in lockdown from the award-winning lettings agent.
Despite signs that certain lockdown rules are now relaxing, it may be some while before the restrictions around home moves are lifted. Current government guidance is clear: tenants can only rent a new property if the move is essential, and this has naturally limited letting market activity. However, the high volume of online searches shows that interest remains strong amongst tenants looking to move when the time is right.
Tips for renting out a house
So what can be done to attract new tenants while the lockdown is still in effect?
If your property is currently empty, you could use the lockdown period to freshen up and redecorate. But it’s not advisable to arrange for non-essential works to be carried out inside the property if your tenant is still in place.
The government says: “Work carried out in people’s homes by tradespeople carrying out repairs and maintenance can continue. Provided the tradesperson is well and has no symptoms.” The guidance goes on to say that such work should not be carried out at all if a member of the household is self-isolating or shielding.
However, if the tenant agrees and social distancing rules can be observed, you could arrange for the exterior to be painted, or for some work to be done on the garden, so the property is ready to rent.
Go virtual with viewings
You may be wondering how to rent out a property during lockdown when escorted viewings are no longer possible?
While government restrictions currently prevent letting agents from showing people around a property, there has been an enormous increase in virtual viewings. Walkthrough videos allow applicants to get a feel for a rental property without actually stepping inside. Using video conferencing apps such as Zoom or WhatsApp, agents can talk renters through the property, answering questions just as they would for normal viewing.
Get ready to rent
Preparation for renting doesn’t need to stop at virtual viewings. “Right to rent” checks, tenancy interviews, referencing and credit checks can all be carried out online. With the paperwork prepared, the tenant can move in quickly once lockdown rules are lifted.
As busy letting agents in St Albans, we have arranged a number of lettings over the past couple of weeks through our virtual portal. Watch this informative video by Managing Director Steve Walker to learn how Collinson Hall organises lettings under lockdown and get in touch with us to start your tenant search.
