Now is the perfect time for landlords to embark on a spring clean to make the most of their rental properties.

Letting agent Belvoir said that an annual spring clean could help landlords to find top quality, long-term tenants by improving the appeal of their properties.

And Gwen Williams, manager of the firm’s Bedford office, has offered her five top tips on ensuring a sparkling clean rental home that will appeal to the fussiest of potential tenants.

1. Act now!

Spring is traditionally the time when a lot of people will be considering moving to a new property, and the last month of a tenancy is the perfect time to get all those little jobs done that may have built up over the winter.

It’s worth visiting your rental property the month before a tenancy ends and taking action to do any outstanding internal and external maintenance jobs. Do the carpets need changing? Is the paintwork bubbling? Is the guttering clear? Act now so that your property is ready for rental at the end of the current tenancy.

2. Flower power

If your property has a garden area make sure that this is looking its best. Tidy up borders, check fencing and if necessary give them a coat of paint. Get rid of any unsightly weeds on a patio area and replace any pots of dead plants with some bright daffodils or colourful spring bulbs. Families often want properties with a patio and garden area, and by making sure this looks its best you will help them to visualise how your rental property could become their perfect home.

3. Clean as you go

By ensuring that maintenance jobs are carried out regularly and tenants are keeping the property clean, you can save a lot of time and effort at the end of a tenancy.

“Regular property inspections are a great opportunity to make a note of any areas that need attention, and keep tenants informed. Regular cleaning and maintenance is also very important if a landlord is living in a property that they want to rent out. Just a few minutes of tidying and vacuuming each day will ensure that a property is always clean and ready for viewings.

4. Light and airy

As well as keeping your property clean, make sure that it is also light and airy. Does the paintwork need brightening? After a tenancy there will inevitably be a few scuffs and marks on the walls and skirting boards, but don’t try and save time by covering these up. It is much better to blitz the entire room with a fresh coat of paint, so that you can show everything off to its best.

Clean the windows, wash the doors and then leave the windows open for a few minutes to let the air in. Plug in some air fresheners and pour drain cleaner down drains and toilets to get rid of any unpleasant smells and you will ensure that your property is as light, bright and clean smelling as possible.

5. Get professional help!

Developers know the importance of creating a show home that will help to capture the imagination of potential buyers. Landlords need to do the same with their rental property, creating a clean, uncluttered space that will provide a blank canvas for tenants.

A show home has the wow factor that makes people commit to buying. Landlords should aim for their spring clean to create the same effect. If time is in short supply employ the services of a professional cleaner. You can also employ a gardener to cut the grass, and keep on top of the outdoor space. This is particularly important for landlords with older properties that may be competing against newer, more contemporary homes.