Homeowners have been advised to prepare themselves for possible damage to their kitchens and other rooms when letting out their properties.Research by the Association of Residential Letting Agents (ARLA) has revealed a sharp rise in reluctant landlords - namely those who have decided to rent out their property as they cannot find a buyer.Indeed, 34 per cent of ARLA member offices surveyed during the third quarter of 2010 saw an increase in the number of rental properties coming onto the market because they could not be sold.The organisation has therefore released a range of tips for people in this position, noting that property damage can often be an issue.In all the decisions you make about letting out your home, remember that its no longer your home - no matter how much you love it, it is now a home for someone else and, hopefully, an investment for you, it said.The chances are that accidental damage or wear-and-tear will happen, and tenants will complain - so try and keep a clear, detached head when dealing with those kinds of issues, and dont take it personally.Meanwhile, Victoria Loustalot of takepart.com recently noted that homeowners can do their bit for the environment simply by turning off kitchen taps as soon as possible.