Preparing your property to rent in Edinburgh

1. Start with repairs, not the paint chart

Walk through the property room by room and make a written list. Look for leaks, damaged flooring, windows that do not close properly, unreliable heating and signs of damp. Check the entrance and shared access too, rather than stopping at the front door of the flat.

Separate anything affecting safety or the required repair standards from cosmetic improvements. A leaking shower needs investigating before you redecorate the ceiling below it. Persistent damp or mould needs its cause assessed, not simply painted over.

Scottish rental homes must meet the Repairing Standard and Tolerable Standard. These cover much more than appearance, including the building's condition, heating, ventilation and safe access. Read the official guidance on rental property repair standards.

2. Decide which improvements are worth making

A full refurbishment is not always necessary. Once essential work is identified, consider whether a few targeted changes would make the home more comfortable and practical.

For example, you might keep a sound kitchen but replace damaged handles, repair a sticking drawer and improve the lighting. In a bedroom, useful storage and properly fitted curtains may deserve attention before decorative extras.

Agree a budget and the order of work before booking contractors. Ask for advice on what the property actually needs rather than assuming every upgrade will pay for itself through higher rent.

3. Be clear about what you are supplying

Decide whether to offer the home furnished, part-furnished or unfurnished before arranging photographs. Think about how each room will work, how much storage remains and whether everything you leave has a useful purpose.

Do not use the property as storage for furniture you no longer want. Remove personal possessions and anything you would be upset to see damaged through ordinary use. Record the items you are supplying and their condition in the inventory.

Unfurnished does not mean there are no appliance responsibilities. A washing machine or fridge you supply still needs to be included in the appropriate electrical safety arrangements. The duty relates to landlord-supplied equipment, not just the label on the advert. See the Scottish Government's electrical safety guidance.

4. Clean thoroughly once the work is finished

Arrange the main clean after repairs and decorating, but before marketing photographs. Start with the places that are easy to overlook: inside cupboards, oven trays, extractor filters, skirting boards, window frames and behind movable furniture.

Remove leftover materials and rubbish, check that bathrooms are clean and deal with the cause of any lingering odours. A professional cleaner can be a practical choice, particularly after building work, but the important point is the finished condition rather than who does the cleaning.

Plan a final check before the tenant arrives. A home photographed several weeks earlier may need another clean after viewings or further contractor visits.

5. Photograph the home you are actually offering

Have the agreed furniture in place and clear away tools, packaging and personal items. Plan photographs that explain the layout as well as showing individual rooms, including useful storage or outside space where relevant.

Keep the presentation accurate. Do not show furniture that will be removed without making that clear, use old photographs that hide changes in condition or edit out defects that a viewer will find on arrival.

Before the advert goes live, check that the description, photographs and list of included items all tell the same story.

6. Arrange the checks and paperwork early

If you are letting a former home, tell your mortgage lender and insurer about your plans. Check the requirements for your intended tenancy and occupancy, including whether HMO licensing applies. The Scottish landlord responsibilities guidance is a useful starting point.

Before advertising, make sure the required landlord registration information and Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating are ready. Scottish adverts must show your landlord registration number, or state that registration is pending, and include the EPC rating. Check the official registration and advertising guidance.

Review the gas safety record where applicable, the electrical inspection report, such as an EICR, and inspection and testing records for supplied appliances. Check the required smoke, heat and carbon monoxide alarms too. Arrange any outstanding checks well before move-in, leaving time for remedial work.

These are starting points, not a complete compliance checklist. Use our landlord guide to review the wider process, including tenancy documents, deposits and ongoing responsibilities.