Viewings Made Easy: How a Tidy House Means Fewer Disruptions

We know viewings can feel like an interruption, especially when you've got lectures, deadlines or just want a quiet day in. The good news is that you have a big say in how many viewings happen. A clean, tidy house helps us find the next tenants quickly, which means fewer knocks at the door for you.

Here's how it works, and some easy ways to get your place viewing-ready in minutes.

We'll always email you first

You'll never get a surprise visit. Before any viewing, we'll send you an email with the date and time, so you can plan around it.

• Check your inbox (and junk folder). Add our email address to your contacts so our messages don't get lost.

• Share the news with housemates. Drop it in your house group chat so everyone knows.

• Let us know about any problems. If the time clashes with an exam or something important, reply to the email and we'll do our best to help.

Why a tidy house means fewer viewings

The better the house looks, the faster it gets let, and the fewer viewings we need to do. It really is that simple.

When potential tenants walk in, they're trying to picture themselves living there. Clear floors and clean surfaces let them see the size of each room and how much space there is. Clutter, piles of washing or a sink full of dishes make rooms look smaller and put people off, even if the house is great.

A house that looks its best might let after a handful of viewings. A messy one could mean viewings week after week. A little effort now saves you a lot of disruption later.

Your 20-minute viewing-ready checklist

Split these between housemates and it's done in no time.

Kitchen

• Wash up, or load the dishwasher, so the sink is empty

• Clear and wipe down the worktops

• Take out the bins and recycling

• Wipe the hob and microwave

Living room

• Pick up anything on the floor: shoes, bags, cables, takeaway boxes

• Clear the coffee table and sides

• Plump the cushions and fold any blankets

• Give the floor a quick hoover

Bedrooms

• Make the bed

• Put clothes away or into a laundry basket

• Clear the floor so people can see the room size

• Tidy the desk

Bathroom

• Wipe the sink, toilet and mirror

• Hang towels neatly

• Put toiletries in a cupboard or basket

• Give the floor a quick wipe

Hallway and stairs

• Clear shoes, coats and bikes from the walkway

• Move post and parcels out of the way

Handy extra tips

• Let the light in. Open curtains and blinds. Bright rooms look bigger and more welcoming.

• Freshen the air. Open a window for 10 minutes before the viewing, especially after cooking.

• Tidy as you go. Ten minutes a day keeps the house close to viewing-ready, so you're never doing a big panic clean.

• Use a "grab box". Keep a basket or box handy to sweep loose bits into when you get the email. Stash it in a cupboard.

• Lock away valuables. Put laptops, phones, cash and important documents out of sight.

• Keep pets secure. If pets are allowed, keep them in one room or out of the way during the viewing.

• Turn off loud music and TVs. It helps people focus on the house.

• Feel free to head out. You don't need to be in. If you are, a quick hello is great, but there's no need to stay in the room.

Moving out? Find your next home with us

If you're moving on at the end of your tenancy, why not stay with us? We have a range of student houses available for next year, and as an existing tenant you already know how we work.

[Search our available student houses →]

The best houses go quickly, so start looking early and get your group sorted.

Thank you

We really appreciate your help. A tidy house means quicker lets, fewer viewings and less disruption for everyone. If you have any questions about an upcoming viewing, just reply to our email and we'll get back to you.