Landlords looking to impress prospective tenants who want to rent on a fully furnished basis should spend lots of time preparing their property before advertising the vacancy. No-one wants to spend money on empty property insurance for too long, but it is worth spending a little time in between clients to give the house a spring clean and partial refurbishment.
Dining space important to tenants
One of the most important areas is the dining room. If you have a spacious dining room then you can arrange a formal, proper layout. Centre the dining table in the room below the main light fixture, preferably a chandelier. It is useful to have a dining room cabinet that can serve different purposes such as storing napkins and candles. As a formal dining room is primarily for eating, the dining layout such as place settings indicated by mats, a floral centre piece decoration or candlesticks are laid out permanently even when the room is not in use. Use heavy curtains and keep the lighting subdued. Also keep a sideboard or buffet in a corner to place extra dishes and bottles. Tenants will love to see an orderly room that epitomises the basis of family life.
Create the space
If you have a smaller property and a dining area in a living room but want to create an atmosphere of a formal dining room, use a small corner cabinet, sideboard or buffet instead, and choose furniture with fine details. Keep TV and other entertainment equipments away from the area, possibly out of sight. If it is difficult to place the dinner table below the main light fixture, consider installing recessed lights or a big sconce, or use a tall floor lamp or two. It is important to many would be renters to have a separate eating area so this approach could pay dividends.
Contemporary kitchens fit for purpose
If you have a kitchen diner, having a built-in bench on one of the walls and placing a dining table opposite it will create a relaxed, convivial atmosphere as well as saving lots of space. If you have a contemporary kitchen, match your dining table and chairs/benches to the units and create a sleek, continuous feel which is unique and very different from a formal dining room atmosphere but will appeal to some families.
Remember to ensure your homeowners insurance includes contents cover and ensure all the furniture conforms to health and safety standards.