With the rising cost of living, many people are looking for new ways to create a supplementary income stream. An effective and low-maintenance way to make a passive income is by making the most out of the spare room in your home and renting it out to a paying tenant. Becoming a resident landlord isn’t for everyone, but you cannot argue that using your existing resources is a smart way to make a bit of extra cash. Here are a few top tips to help you prepare a spare room for rent.
Get Rid of the Clutter
First thing’s first, clear out all of the clutter in your spare bedroom and give it a good clean. The last thing you want is to scare potential tenants off with a bedroom filled with bric-a-brac and a grimy floor. When cleaning, make sure you pay attention to the details. Don’t forget to scrub down the skirting boards, clean the light fixtures and dust the ceiling. A bit of effort on your part can go a long way.
Neutral Color Scheme
If, after clearing out the room and giving it a deep clean, you find that everything looks a bit lackluster, add a lick of paint to the walls and kit it out with neutral décor. Picking neutral hues for the walls can help potential tenants envisage themselves living in the room. Minimalistic window treatments are also a good idea for rooms for rent.
Essential Furnishings
If you want to be able to ask for a higher rental fee, deck the room out with high-quality furniture. At the very least, you will want essential furnishings for the room. This includes a wardrobe, a chest of drawers, and perhaps some shelving. A quality bed and a clean mattress will make your room look more appealing to potential lodgers. Reinforced Beds are an online retailer that specializes in beds. Their collection includes beds with wooden frames, strong metal beds, and heavy-duty divan beds. To view their collection, visit Reinforcedbeds.co.uk.
Add Extras to Boost Rental Fees
In addition to the essential furnishings, you can try adding a little extra to boost the amount of money you ask tenants to pay. For example, a sturdy desk with a comfortable chair, a floor lamp, a small bin, and a mirror are all items that will prove useful to future tenants. By providing more than expected, you could increase the number of people interested in your listing.
Take Good Photographs Once the Room is Complete
Once you have renovated the room and furnished it completely, you should take excellent photographs of it immediately. Try to make the most of daylight and take photos on a bright and sunny day. Natural light can work wonders in photos and make a small, dark space look light and airy. If photography isn’t your forte, try to take photos from all angles so that you can compare. On your listing, include pictures of the facade of your home and any shared facilities you offer.