Our services:
Tenant find
This service is designed for those landlords who like to take a hands on approach and look after the day-to-day running of the tenancy including rent collection, general maintenance etc.
Included in the Tenant find service, we will:
- Provide a free no obligation Market Appraisal of the property
- Proactively market your property to tenants
- Erect a distinctive ‘To Let’ board at the property
- Arrange and carry out viewings
- Obtain references and credit checks
- Provide and execute a suitable tenancy agreement in accordance with current legislation
- Collect the first months rent and tenant deposit which will then be passed to you
- Advise on the transfer of Utility service accounts
- Offer additional services such as check-in, Inventory, Insurance services, mortgage services, Energy Performance Certificates, Gas Safety Certificates, furniture packages etc*
- Renew the tenancy for a new term if required*
- Re-advertising and re-letting to new tenants as appropriate*
Tenant Find and Rent Collection
This service is tailored for those who wish to be involved in the day to day running of the tenancy but don’t want to collect rent or chase arrears.
Included in the Tenant Find and Rent Collection service we will give you all of the benefits of the Tenant Find service and will also:
- Collect the rent each month from the start of the tenancy
- Provide monthly/quarterly statements
- Protect the tenants deposit with an approved deposit protection scheme
Full Management
The Full Management Service is designed for those landlords who want to take a step back from the day to day running of the tenancy and don't want to, or can't be involved in the routine management of the property.
In addition to the benefits contained in the Tenant Find and Tenant Find and Rent collection Services we will:
- Advise on and ensure compliance with relevant safety regulations
- Check the tenant into the property
- Prepare an inventory and schedule of condition*
- Periodically visit the property to ensue compliance with the terms of the tenancy agreement
- Arrange any repairs, maintenance or replacements to the property or contents
- Take appropriate initial action in the event of rent arrears or any other breach of condition of the agreement in an effort to remedy the situation
- Liaise with the tenant on a routine basis
Full Management with Rent Guarantee and Legal cover
The Full management with rent guarantee and legal Cover Service is aimed at those landlords who want complete peace of mind for the duration of the tenancy.
In addition to all of the services included above, we will also:
- Include Rent Guarantee and Legal Insurance
*Some services carry an extra cost, please ask one of our representatives for further details.
Preparing the property to be let
There are many subjects to consider when preparing your property to Let, click on the titles below to view some examples:
General Condition
Electrical, gas plumbing, waste, central heating and hot water systems must be safe, sound and in good working order. Repairs and maintenance are at the Landlords expense unless misuse by the tenant can be established. Interior decorations should be in good condition and preferably plain, light and neutral.
Presentation
Experience shows that a good relationship with Tenants is the key to a smooth-running tenancy. As Property Managers this relationship is our job, but it is also important that Tenants should not only feel comfortable in their temporary home, they should also feel that they are receiving value for their money. It follows therefore that a well presented and maintained property in good decorative order will help towards this, whilst also helping to achieve a higher rental figure. Tenants are generally also more inclined to treat a well maintained and presented property with greater respect.
Furnishings
Your property can be let fully furnished, part furnished or unfurnished. We will be pleased to give you advice on whether to furnish or not and to what level. As a minimum you will need to provide decent quality carpets, curtains and light fittings. Its important to remember that there will be wear and tear on the property and any items provided. You will find further information in the section entitled ‘Health and Safety and other legal requirements’ relating to fire safety requirements of furnishings.
Removal of personal items
Personal possessions, ornaments, pictures, books etc. should be removed from the premises, especially those of real or sentimental value. All cupboards and shelf space should be left clear for the Tenant's own use.
Garden condition and maintenance
Gardens should be left neat, tidy and rubbish free, with any lawns cut. Tenants are required to maintain the gardens to a reasonable standard, provided they are left the necessary tools. However, few Tenants are experienced gardeners, and if you value your garden, or if it is particularly large, you may wish us to arrange visits by our regular gardener.
Cleaning
At the commencement of the tenancy the property must be in a thoroughly clean condition, and at the end of each tenancy it is the Tenants' responsibility to leave the property in a similar condition. Where they fail to do so, cleaning will be arranged at their expense.
Information to be left for the tenant
It is helpful if you leave information for the Tenant, e.g. on operating the central heating and hot water system, washing machine and alarm system, and the day refuse is collected etc.
Keys, alarm codes etc.
You should provide one set of keys for each Tenant. Where we will be managing we will arrange to have duplicates cut as required.
Financial Considerations
When preparing to let out your property, other considerations may include:
Obtaining mortgagee’s consent
If your property is mortgaged, you should obtain your mortgagee's written consent to the letting. They may require additional clauses in the tenancy agreement of which you must inform us.
Checking the terms of your lease
If you are a leaseholder, you should check the terms of your lease, and obtain any necessary written consent before letting your property.
Check the coverage of existing Insurance policies
You should ensure that you are suitably covered for letting under both your buildings and contents insurance policies. Failure to inform your insurers may invalidate your policies. We can advise on a range of competitively priced insurance products designed specially for Landlords, providing extra security and peace of mind. These include: Landlords Legal Protection, Rent Guarantee Cover and Landlords Contents and Buildings Insurance.
Click here for an immediate landlord quote
Click here for an immediate landlord quote
Arranging the payment of bills
We recommend that you arrange for regular outgoings e.g. service charges, maintenance contracts etc. to be paid by standing order or direct debit. However where we are managing the property, by prior written agreement we may make payment of certain bills on your behalf, provided such bills are received in your name at our office, and that sufficient funds are held to your credit.
Council tax and Utility accounts
We will arrange for the transfer of Council Tax and utility accounts to the Tenant. Meter readings will be taken, allowing your closing gas and electricity accounts to be drawn up. All these matters we will handle for you, however British Telecom will require instructions directly from both the Landlord and the Tenant.
Income tax
When resident in the UK, it is entirely the Landlords responsibility to inform the Revenue & Customs of rental income received, and to pay any tax due. Where the Landlord is resident outside the UK during a tenancy, he will require an exemption certificate from the Revenue & Customs before he can receive rental balances without deduction of tax. Where we are managing the property we will provide advice and assistance on applying for such exemption.
Inventory
It is important that an inventory of contents and schedule of condition be prepared, in order to avoid misunderstanding or dispute at the end of a tenancy. Without such safeguards, it will be impossible for the Landlord to prove any loss, damage, or significant deterioration of the property or contents. In order to provide a complete Service, we will if required arrange for a member of staff to prepare an inventory and schedule of condition, the cost for provision of this service can be discussed with our representative.
Important safety and legal requirements
There are a variety of Safety and legal requirements to be considered and adhered to when letting out a property including but not limited to:
- Gas – Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998
- Electrical – Electrical Equipment (Safety regulations 1994, the Plugs and Sockets Regulations 1994, 2005 Building Regulations – Part P, British Standard BS1363
- Fire – Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations 1988 (amended 1989 & 1993)
- Smoke Alarms – Building Regulations 1991
- Energy Performance Certificates
- Houses in Multiple Occupation
- The Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS)
- Tenancy Deposit Protection
- The Disability Discrimination Act 2005
Please call us on: 0115 8552355 and ask one of our team to arrange a no obligation Market Appraisal of your property, our representative will be happy to provide further information on our services or any of the subjects outlined above.