The Small Refresh Checklist Every London Landlord Needs
Between tenancies, the gap is often short. A landlord or letting agent needs a property back to let-ready condition quickly, without overspending. A focused small refresh usually delivers more value than a full refurbishment, especially when the right jobs are done in the right order.
At coreMaint, we help landlords across Chelsea, Kensington, Greenwich, Knightsbridge, Mayfair and Belgravia carry out small refreshes that protect rental income, reduce void periods and keep tenants satisfied.
What Is a Small Refresh?
A small refresh is a targeted set of improvements carried out between tenants or guests. It is not a full renovation. It typically covers:
- Painting and decorating touch-ups
- Flooring and carpet replacement or cleaning
- Silicone replacement in kitchens and bathrooms
- Minor joinery repairs and snagging
- Deep cleaning, including appliances and windows
- Replacing worn fixtures, handles and fittings
Why Small Refreshes Matter
First impressions decide rental speed. A property that looks clean, fresh and well-maintained lets faster and often at a higher rent. It also reduces the frequency of mid-tenancy complaints and emergency callouts.
The Landlord Refresh Checklist
Walls, Ceilings and Woodwork
- Repaint scuffed walls and ceilings in high-traffic areas
- Touch up woodwork around doors, skirting and architraves
- Fill picture holes and repair minor cracks
- Use neutral, tenant-friendly colours to broaden appeal
Flooring and Carpets
- Replace carpets that are stained, worn or smell
- Consider engineered wood or luxury vinyl for durability
- Clean and polish hard floors where appropriate
- Replace damaged floorboards or loose tiles
Kitchens
- Replace worn silicone around sinks and worktops
- Touch up cabinet paint or replace damaged doors
- Clean ovens, extractors and appliances thoroughly
- Replace broken handles, taps or light fittings
Bathrooms
- Renew silicone around baths, showers, basins and toilets
- Regrout where tiles are stained or mildewed
- Repaint ceilings with anti-mould paint
- Replace damaged shower screens, seals or taps
Joinery and Snagging
- Repair doors that stick, handles that wobble or locks that fail
- Fix loose shelving, cupboards and wardrobes
- Replace broken tiles or cracked plaster
- Check and repair window catches, sash cords and draught seals
Cleaning
- Deep clean the whole property including carpets, windows and appliances
- Remove limescale, mould and grime from kitchens and bathrooms
- Clean light fittings, switches and sockets
- Freshen the property before viewings
Budgeting for a Small Refresh
As a general guide, set aside one to two months' rent per year for routine maintenance and small refreshes. This covers painting, flooring, cleaning and minor repairs without the need for major capital outlay.
A typical small refresh between tenancies might range from £1,500 to £5,000 depending on size, condition and location. Prime Central London properties often require higher-spec finishes to meet tenant expectations.
How coreMaint Helps Landlords
We provide a single refresh service for landlords and letting agents. One team handles painting, flooring, carpets, joinery, cleaning and minor repairs. We work to tight schedules and provide clear, itemised quotes so you know exactly what you are paying for.
Need a property refresh between tenancies? Get a free quote or call us on 020 3488 1913.
