1. In this issue:
SPOTLIGHTA GUIDE FOR LANDLORDS Jan/Feb 16issue 27
NLA Membership
Make sleep a priority NLA Property Services
Heating Systems.
Start with the basics
YOUR INVESTMENT.
THEIR HOME.

2. Spotlight January/February 20162
Being too emotionally involved with an investment property can be expensive if you lose sight
of its base purpose of being an asset to you.
Start with the basics
However, it is equally costly to overlook your tenant’s emotional
investment in the place they call home. Filling a house with the cheapest
thing you can find rather than something fit-for-purpose will make you
the nemesis of any renter, but nurturing your tenant’s attachment to the
property can offer a range of economic and workload benefits and make
you the hero of the hour.
Whilst the demand for rental homes is currently buoyant, acquiring the
calibre of tenant you desire can be tricky. One of the key tools in raising
the presentation standards of your property is the provision of appealing
domestic appliances within. As little as 50 years ago many items such
as washing machines, fridges and microwaves that we now view as
essential home possessions were classed as luxury items. Many of us
can still remember Grandma keeping the milk on the back step!
Despite mass production and competition bringing down the cost of
such appliances for the general population, there is still a perception
of white goods being “big ticket” items amongst many and it can be
a stressful experience for those setting up a first home. By supplying
these items, you immediately add value to the rental proposition in both
economic terms and stress management and this effect is multiplied by
the benefits of brand recognition. By purchasing a recognised & trusted
brand, prospective tenants can immediately see the financial value
therein as well as the lifestyle benefits to themselves that the additional
features of a quality machine provide.
So how do you, as a landlord, add these home comforts without greatly
diminishing your asset’s return? As mentioned before, costs have
dropped due to an increasingly competitive market, however the true
cost of switching to a cheaper brand is not always realised & second-
hand products can lead to reliability issues.
As an alternative to used machines, graded products offer a great way
for landlords to acquire trusted brands at lower-than-internet prices for
their same model equivalent without compromising brand preference.
However, you may be asking ‘what is a “Graded” product?’.
Every manufacturer faces the challenge of dealing with items in
production that for one reason or another have faced an issue, whether
that be a cosmetic mark or a mechanical fault. Similarly, if a new
model has been developed, the last generation of that machine will be
superseded leaving an excess of stock.
NLA Recognised Suppliers Indesit & Hotpoint have a dedicated rework
channel for such items to ensure they can be returned to a presentable,
working condition and offered for sale at a reduced cost through
their official brand outlets based in Gateshead, Peterborough and
Yate. Furthermore, such items are sold with the same manufacturer’s
warranty as any other item found on the high street and NLA members
receive a standard 10% discount on major appliances. Refrigerators and
freezers will be more susceptible to frontal blemishes than any other
type of product as it is not cost effective to replace the doors on an item
being reworked. Often these marks mean that a larger capacity unit can
be acquired for the cost of a smaller, “clean” one and because these
units usually end up covered in fridge magnets and children’s artwork
this is generally less of a concern for the end user. Brand recognition
provides the building blocks of a trusting relationship between you and
your renter; an unspoken understanding that says “If you look after my

3. 3Spotlight January/February 2016
house, I will make it your home”. But why should this be unspoken? Be
proud to be a considerate landlord and extol the benefits of the appliance
investment you have made.
Choosing a washing machine with a high energy efficiency rating will
reduce the running costs of the household. If all of the appliances are
aligned in this manner you are virtually putting money back into the
pockets of your tenants, which certainly helps pay the rent!
As technology advances, cost savings are the tip of the iceberg. Features
such as delay timers, customisable programming and intelligent cooking
design provide lifestyle benefits and more free time for the user;
something worth more than gold to them.
Similarly, new problems can sometimes be solved with old solutions.
Many student landlords find themselves with issues of damp caused by
the overloading of radiators with dripping laundry where there is no room
in the property for a washing line or tumble dryer. Stand alone spinners,
capable of being stored in an under-stair cupboard, remove vast
amounts of water and reduces the likelihood of a damp-related concern.
Having the foresight to assess the needs and habits of your prospective
tenant demographic and supplying the appropriate appliances will pay
long term dividends in care from the recipients. For example, when
given notice by a tenant of their intent to leave, why not offer them
the chance to purchase the appliances they are used to using? The
proceeds of this can then be put towards the replenishment cost of a
replacement with a whole new warranty to cover maintenance issues
& the renter leaves singing your praises to the next potential occupant.
If this purchase option is given at the start of the tenancy, they are also
more likely to take care of the machines whilst they are living there.
Meeting the expectations of the tenant is always a balancing act
between their desire for quality and the practicality of supply but it’s
easy to strike such a balance with the right product bought at the right
time. If you plan to avoid seasonal variance in pricing (tumble dryers
cost less in the summer, cooling appliances are cheaper in the winter)
then you can amplify the bang you get for your buck.
So challenge your appliance salesperson to find the right package of
goods for your tenant’s homestead and start reaping the rewards of
being the superhero landlord that saves the day (cape not included).
NLA Safer Homes Course*
This one-day course is designed to
help landlords and property managers
meet their legal obligations of
providing a safer home to tenants.
Overview:
• Practical guidance
and legal advice
• Real life examples
• Group discussions and
networking opportunities
Ensuring the letting of safe homes
www.landlords.org.uk/saferhomes 020 7840 8920
* Not available in Scotland
For details on NLA Membership benefits visit: www.landlords.org.uk/membership
For more information, visit: www.facebook.com/factorygraded
call: 01454 338479 or email: factorygradedcentre@indesit.com
24%discount for
NLA Full
Members

4. Spotlight January/February 20164
Make sleep a priority
Ensure your tenants get their forty winks in a bedroom that is both luxurious and comfortable.
Enhance the room with quality furniture and interior décor to create an overall homely feeling.
Comfort is one of the highest priorities for many tenants and there
is no greater way to ensure this than through the use of quality
bedroom furniture, fittings and décor. In fact, research tells us that we
spend on average twenty-five years of our lives asleep. So ensuring
tenants have a comfortable and appealing space in which to get a
good night’s rest is key.
Having a beautiful bedroom also makes for an extraordinary first
impression, guaranteed to wow potential tenants into signing on the
dotted line. It ensures trust and a sense of security; this should be a
place where they feel safe, satisfied and completely at ease.
Get the basics right
When investing in bedroom furniture and décor it’s important to opt
for quality so that it feels like a real home to those who reside there.
You want to select furniture that your tenants themselves might have
chosen if they had owned their own home.
Start with the most obvious comfort – the bed. Not only does a firm,
properly padded mattress ensure a restful sleep but it is also great for
supporting one’s posture whilst relaxing.
However, with such a large range of beds on the market it can be
difficult to choose the right fit. Therefore, it is crucial to know the
technical details of a bed i.e. what steel has been used for the frame
as well as details about the foam and coils and how these materials
contribute to the overall sleeping experience.
Consider the needs of your tenants
When selecting a bed keep in mind the needs of current or future
tenants. Try to consider their lifestyle. Is this an apartment exclusively
for a young couple? Is this a house for a family of four? Their needs
will most likely determine the kind of bed required. Everything from
size, to practicalities such as storage space below the mattress
should be considered.
Also take into account any allergies tenants may have (or may
develop over time). Therefore, it is recommended to opt for a
mattress made from antimicrobial material; robust enough to prevent
damage, dust mites and even mould.
In fact, a really good mattress should last around ten years.
Unfortunately, as soon as you compromise on quality you’ll have to
keep replacing the mattress every five years or so which can be a
burden, both to you and your lessee.
Clever use of small spaces
Also consider the size of the bedroom when selecting a bed. For
instance, Ottoman storage beds are ideal for small bedrooms. Not
only are they particularly trendy right now, but they are both functional
and aesthetic since you can store bedding and linen below.
Ottoman storage beds are available in single or double sizes and
have reinforced fabric handles which allow you to lift the opening
of the base to access the storage space. These storage beds are
particularly sturdy with hydraulic gas struts on either side which lift
to reveal the inner space. This means that your tenants also have
the choice of providing their own mattress and can merely place this
above the base, should they wish to.
Princess and the pea
A more luxurious alternative to an Ottoman storage bed base is
a Zip and Link bed. Zip and Link beds have all the luxury without
compromising practicality. These are both mattress and base
combined and storage space is usually in the form of a drawer in the
front of the base or on the sides. Zip and Link beds are usually higher
than loft-style beds which have a much lower height, perfect for
apartments with low ceilings.
According to online retailer, Divan Beds Centre (http://www.
divancentre.co.uk), Zip and Link beds are available as either two
single beds to be combined or as a double form. They have 1500

5. 5Spotlight January/February 2016
pocket springs and body-moulding memory foam to support every
part of your body for a sturdy yet comfortable sleep.
Comfort in an extra layer
No modern-day bed is complete without a memory foam mattress
topper for even more comfort and support. Mattress toppers give
people a sense of weightlessness whilst lying on a bed and well-
designed toppers mould to the contours of one’s body. Mattress
toppers do not only provide an extra layer of comfort but they also
help extend the life of the mattress below making them a particularly
useful purchase for the lessor.
It’s in the details
A good quality bed is just one simple way to make a bedroom more
luxurious. Adding an eye-catching headboard to the bed can complete
the look. Today’s headboards are colourful talking points, making the
bed the centrepiece of the room.
Also consider various accessories such as pillows, throws, bedding,
carpets, mirrors and lamps to uplift the look and feel of the bedroom
for tenants. Find objects that are aesthetic but also timely and durable
enough to last.
If you’re purchasing for spec without flair for the details you might
consider hiring a freelance interior decorator. This will help ensure
consistency of design and will also create a warmer and sincerer
space.
Investing in a good bed, quality bedroom furniture and proper interior
décor makes your tenant feel appreciated and adds value to their
overall experience of your property. The bedroom, like every other
room of the house should be something to be proud of. It is a quality
investment and one that can be done in no time at all and merely by
beginning with the basics.
Divan Beds Centre - www.divancentre.co.uk
- is offering a 10% discount to readers who use
the discount code “divanoffer” on the NLA website.
Discounts may be higher for bulk purchase of over
five units. Delivery with Divan Beds Centre
takes between 7 and 10 working days.
For more information on our service visit: www.divancentre.co.uk
call: 0161 920 6998 or email: sales@divancentre.co.uk
NLA Property Insurance
Find the right policy for you with
NLA Property Insurance
Benefits:
• Online quote in minutes
• Highly competitive premiums
• No minimum security condition
• Covers alternative
accommodation or
loss of rent
Don’t be let down by your insurance!
15%discount for
NLA Full
Members
www.landlords.org.uk/propertyinsurance 0344 980 0299
NLA Property Insurance is a trading name of
HFIS plc. HFIS plc is authorised and regulated
by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).
For details on NLA Membership benefits visit: www.landlords.org.uk/membership

6. Spotlight January/February 20166
Getting a new boiler and
maintaining the heating system
One of the most important aspects of a property is the heating system; this is possibly
the second biggest outlay that any landlord will face. Therefore having a new boiler and
maintaining the heating system is paramount to keeping your tenants happy.
If your property has a heating system that isn’t in tip top condition NLA Property Services
can help.
NLA Property Services offers 3 simple options to get
a new A-rated boiler installed at you property:
Option 1 – FREE Boiler*
If you have tenants that are in receipt of qualifying benefits such as
Child Tax/Working Tax Credit, Pension Credit or Job Seeker’s allowance
then you could qualify for a FREE replacement boiler at that property.
Get in touch with us today to find out if you have tenants that qualify.
Option 2 – Buy a Boiler Pack
We offer landlords the ability to buy a boiler ready to install complete
with ADEY products such as a MagnaClean Filter and chemicals to
properly flush and protect the system. You can then use any Gas Safe
registered Heating Engineer to install the boiler for you
Prices for this option start from just £850 +VAT for a Vaillant boiler with
a 10 Year Parts and Labour Manufacturer’s Warranty on the Boiler as
standard.

7. 7Spotlight January/February 2016
Option 3 – NLA Property Services will deal with installation
from start to finish
The final option is to have a FREE no obligation boiler quotation survey
carried out by one of our expert energy assessors. We will give you
a guaranteed boiler replacement quote at the end of the survey and
should you choose to progress we will take care of the installation too.
Prices for this option start from £1999 inc VAT. Should a Vaillant boiler
be installed then a 10 Year Parts and Labour Manufacturer’s Warranty
will come as standard.
We also have finance available at 0% APR.†
Already have a new energy efficient boiler?
You may not know that NLA Property Services also provide a
competitive boiler servicing facility so why not give us a call for a
quote today.
* Contribution may be required towards cost of install.
†
A deposit of 10% of the total install cost is required
before selecting the time period of the finance. £2000
install cost with a 10% deposit equalling £200 would
result in £1800 to be financed. Payment over 120
months for remaining £1800 would equate to £15 per
month to be repaid at 0% APR.
NLA Property Services
Improve the energy efficiency of your property
Benefits:
• FREE Energy Assessment
• Telephone Helpline
• Easy to use, one stop solution
We also offer services such as
Energy Performance Certificates (EPC)
Electrical Safety Certificates, Legionella
Risk Assessments and many more.
www.landlords.org.uk/propertyservices 0800 779 7700
Discounted
rates for
NLA Full
Members
For details on NLA Membership benefits visit: www.landlords.org.uk/membership

8. NLA Membership:
Helping you through
your landlord journey
Benefit from on-going support, access to a wide range of products
and services, networking opportunities and exclusive
discounts and privileges. Full Membership starts
from as little as £89 per year.
For details on NLA Membership:
Visit: www.landlords.org.uk/membership
Call: 020 7840 8937
Email: membership@landlords.org.uk
Information, advice and
training to help you
buy and insure
your property.
Taking your
first steps
Advice and assistance on
ending a tenancy and
gaining repossession of
your property.
Property
repossession
Find the right tenant, set
up best practice tenancy
agreements and get
discounts on tenancy
deposits.
Starting and
managing your tenancy
Ensure your property
meets safety regulations,
is energy efficient and
is marketable.
Preparing and
marketing your property
Assistance on letting finances,
rental income protection and
free Tax Investigation
Insurance.
Managing Cash Flow
Guidance and updates
to help you prosper in the
private rental sector.
Expanding
your portfolio