Spring property tips: How landlords can prepare for the summer lettings rush and attract tenants faster
Spring offers the perfect chance to reset a property, and even simple updates can make a big difference.
A fresh coat of paint, new sealant in the bathroom and a thorough declutter can quickly brighten tired spaces, while small fixes such as replacing worn handles or updating soft furnishings add polish without major cost.
Last year, June to August accounted for the majority of tenant enquiries. If you’re a landlord, getting ahead with a seasonal refresh can help attract interest and ensure properties are ready for the busy summer lettings market.
Here are Linley and Simpson's top tips for landlords and tenants:
For landlords: Use spring to spruce up before you list. Give walls a fresh coat of paint, refresh flooring and tackle simple energy fixes such as draught proofing and LED lighting. Doing the jobs now helps the home look its best for viewings and makes future upkeep easier.
Tidy your paperwork and keep it in one place. From May 1, 2026 new agreements will be rolling month to month, and you will need to give a short-written summary of the main terms. Current tenants should receive the government information sheet by May 31, 2026. Landlords can opt for a fully managed service to lighten their compliance load and make the most of available support.
Set a clear rhythm for rent reviews. You can increase the rent once a year and you must give at least two months' notice using the proper form. Put a reminder in the diary and explain the steps to tenants early. Support from managing agents is available to establish market rent and action the requirements properly.
Be prepared for pet requests. From May, tenants can ask to keep a pet. Reply in writing within 28 days and give your reasons if you need to say no. If you need more information, you will have seven extra days once you receive it. A short pet policy that sets out house rules keeps things fair for everyone.
For tenants: Know what changes in May. From May 1, 2026 private tenancies become rolling and Section 21 ‘no-fault’ evictions end. You can leave with two months' notice, and your landlord must follow set reasons if they need the home back.
Give your paperwork a spring clean. Keep certificates, emails and notes about repairs together. Councils already have stronger powers to ask for information, so a tidy file helps sort issues quickly.
Plan ahead for rent changes. Your rent can go up once a year, and you will be given at least two months' notice. If you think the new figure is above the going rate you can request the tribunal review the figure.
Ask early about pets. Send a simple written request with a short description of your pet. Your landlord should reply within 28 days and should not refuse without a valid reason. If they ask for more details the final reply is due within seven days of you sending the extra information.
Report damp and hazards quickly. Tell your landlord or the managing agent as soon as you spot a problem and keep photos and dates. Early reporting and friendly communication help fixes happen faster and keep the home in good shape.
If you're planning to let your property this year, timing your listing correctly could significantly improve your results. Missing the summer peak of tenant enquiries could mean entering a quieter market with fewer active tenants and longer letting times. Start your spring clean soon and get ready to maximise your summer listing.