As summer sets in, landlords across the UK have a valuable opportunity to review and improve their rental properties. A mid-year rental refresh is not just about maintenance – it’s a proactive way to increase rental yields, reduce void periods between tenancies, and improve your chances of getting that long-term tenant.
Below are five practical improvements that landlords can act on now to improve their property’s rental performance.
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Improve the Exterior to Strengthen First Impressions
In the UK rental market, kerb appeal remains a strong influence on prospective tenants. According to lettings data from portals such as Rightmove and Zoopla, listings with strong exterior imagery tend to generate more enquiries and take a shorter time to let.
Recommended exterior improvements include:
- Jet washing driveways, patios, and walls
- Repainting doors and external woodwork
- Tidying gardens and planting low-maintenance greenery
- Replacing dated door furniture, exterior lights, or house numbers
These low-cost changes can make a property appear better maintained and more desirable—particularly important in competitive urban and commuter belt locations.
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Add or Replace Furniture Packs to Increase Rental Appeal
In many urban areas of the UK, particularly in city centres and university towns, furnished rentals are in high demand—especially among professionals, relocators, and international tenants. Furniture packs offer a cost-effective way to deliver consistency, modern style, and compliance with fire safety standards.
A typical rental furniture pack may include:
- Beds, sofas, wardrobes, and dining sets
- Coordinated soft furnishings, lighting, and window dressings
- Optional extras such as work-from-home desks or mounted TVs
Well-furnished properties tend to photograph better and stand out in listings, contributing to shorter void periods. Furnished properties in high-demand markets also often command higher monthly rents, as supported by trend reports from UK agencies and property portals.
We supply fully compliant, ready-to-install furniture packs tailored for UK rental properties. Contact us to here to learn more.
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Upgrade Lighting to Brighten and Modernise the Space
Lighting remains a simple but effective upgrade, particularly in the UK where natural daylight hours vary significantly. Poor lighting can make even well-presented interiors feel dated or cramped, while brighter spaces are more inviting and photograph better on letting platforms.
Key improvements include:
- Replacing old ceiling fittings with flush-mounted LEDs
- Adding under-cabinet lighting in kitchens
- Optional: Installing exterior motion-sensor lights for security
Lighting upgrades are also in line with growing tenant interest in energy-efficient features, which are becoming more prominent with the UK government’s continued emphasis on EPC ratings and minimum efficiency standards.
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Service Heating Systems to Improve Reliability and Compliance
In the UK, heating systems are one of the most regulated and closely monitored aspects of rental property management. Landlords are required by law to carry out annual gas safety checks and ensure systems are functioning correctly.
Summer is a practical time to:
- Book boiler servicing and safety inspections
- Bleed radiators and check pressure levels
- Inspect thermostats and heating controls
- Consider installing smart thermostats, which are increasingly requested by tenants seeking lower energy costs
Properly maintained systems help avoid winter breakdowns, meet legal requirements, and reduce unplanned costs. Efficient heating is also one of the top features UK tenants consider when choosing a property, especially with rising energy prices.
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Tackle Preventative Maintenance Before Autumn
Deferred maintenance is a common issue in rental properties, and summer provides a window for landlords to address it before autumn damp and colder weather make repairs more complex or costly.
Key checks include:
- Resealing bathrooms and kitchens
- Inspecting extractor fans and window seals
- Refreshing high-traffic paintwork
- Testing smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors (required by law)
- Cleaning gutters and checking downpipes
Regular maintenance is not only good practice—it also helps ensure compliance with the Homes Act 2018, which requires rental properties in England and Wales to be kept in good condition throughout the tenancy.
Strategic Summer Upgrade Leading to Better Outcomes
UK landlords who take a structured approach to mid-year upgrades are more likely to experience lower voids, stronger tenant retention, and improved long-term returns. These five actions – focused on presentation, functionality, efficiency, and compliance – represent best practice in today’s evolving rental market.
At Complete, we support landlords with tailored property improvement plans and provide compliant, stylish furniture packs designed specifically for the UK rental sector.
To discuss your property’s summer refresh, or to request details on our furniture solutions, please contact us today.
