Rental Management
Advice for Landlords
To have a hassle-free let, it is important to choose your agent with care and to prepare your property for letting. First impressions do make a difference.
Rental valuation
Arrange for a rental assessment on the property and one of our branch managers or experienced negotiators will advise you on the current rental value of your property. You will need to decide by which date the property will be ready for letting as it is advisable to start marketing the property approximately six weeks in advance.
If you would like a free rental valuation click here
Instructing your agent
When you have decided to proceed with the letting of the property, we will agree our professional fees in advance depending on the level of service you require, i.e. letting service only or full property management.
Advertising
We understand that excellent presentation and maximum exposure play a key role in achieving the best possible rental income for our landlords. The property details with digital photographs will be advertised on the internet including our website, with a 'To Let' board and within our local offices.
Viewings
Preparing your property for viewings is very important. It should be presentable inside and outside. If the property is currently tenanted, then you will need to let the tenants know that viewings will be taking place and their responsibility to keep the property tidy.
Tenant checks
Once we have found suitable prospective tenants, we will go through the procedure of reference checks and present them to you for consideration.
Tenancy agreement
A draft tenancy agreement will be prepared and once we have approval from both parties i.e. landlord and tenant, we will arrange for the documents to be signed by each party prior to the start of the tenancy.
Deposit
A security deposit of one month's rent is required from the tenant, which we as stakeholders will hold.
Inventory
A detailed inventory and schedule of condition of the property may be prepared in advance to the tenant taking residence and agreed to by both the landlord and the tenant.
Landlord's liabilities
The property and contents should be comprehensively insured and you will need to notify your insurers that you intend to let the property. Likewise, if the property is subject to a mortgage, you will need to seek the lender's consent to let the property. A leasehold property will need consent from the freeholder. If the property is owned by more than one person, the joint owner's permission must be obtained.
Energy Performance Certificate
Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) are required when any building is sold, rented out or constructed and for certain refurbishments. EPCs give information on a building's energy efficiency in a sliding scale from 'A' (very efficient) to 'G' (least efficient). Every EPC also has a recommendations report showing how you could improve the rating and make the property more attractive to tenants. An EPC is valid for 10 years. Click here to order yours now.
Utilities
Tenants take responsibility for the utilities, i.e. gas, electricity and water. The tenant is responsible for recording meter readings and the transfer of utilities into their own name.
Final preparations
It is money well spent to have the property professionally cleaned prior to the start of the tenancy. Also, ensure that the garden is tidy and the grass is cut. You will need to provide at least two sets of keys for the tenant and a set for the agent if the property is to be managed. Leave all the instruction manuals for the kitchen appliances in a folder in the property along with the internal door keys and window keys etc.
Moving in day!
The tenant will be checked-in and keys will be handed over.
If you would like a free rental valuation click here
Advice for Tenants
To assist you find your new home, here are a few tips to help you along the way.
Register your requirements
The first step is to register your details with one of our offices and our experienced staff will match your requirements to the range of properties we have available.
If you would like to search properties we have to rent click here
Viewings
Once you have viewed our selection of properties and found the one that best matches your criteria you will need to act quickly as rental properties tend to go fairly rapidly.
References
Satisfactory references will be required. You will be asked to complete a Tenancy Application Form (per applicant) and from this we will apply for references, i.e. a reference from your employer, your bank, current landlord and a character reference. If self-employed, a professional reference, i.e. an accountant or solicitor.
Tenancy agreement
We will prepare a tenancy agreement, which is signed by both landlord and tenant. This is a binding contract. Most contracts are for a period of one year.
Deposit
Most landlords require a security deposit equivalent to one month's rent in advance. The security deposit will be reimbursed to you at the end of the tenancy, subject to the details of your agreement.
Utilities
Tenants take responsibility for the utilities, i.e. gas, electricity and water. The tenant is responsible for recording meter readings and the transfer of utilities into their own name.
Home sweet home
Congratulations! Now you can start to enjoy your new home.
If you would like to search properties we have to rent click here
