Can I Let Furnished & Unfurnished Properties?
Furnished & unfurnished properties are covered by the present legislation and we can advise on either type of letting. Furnishings must be of good quality and MUST comply with The Furniture & Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations 1988 (As Amended): Rented Furnished Accommodation.
How Do I Let My Property Through Real Letting?
Applicants wishing to proceed, who seem acceptable, are referenced before commencement.
Do I Need Property Insurance?
You MUST notify both your contents and buildings insurers of your intent to let your property. If your property is mortgaged, or leasehold, you MUST obtain your Lender’s and Lessor’s permission to let the property. Many tenants will require proof of this.
When Do I Sign The Tenancy Agreement?
Most tenancies, except for Company lets, are given under a fixed term Assured Shorthold Agreement (usually a minimum six months), at the end of which, subject to notice, or agreed extension, the tenant must vacate the property. We usually prepare the Tenancy Agreement and relevant Notices for the letting which must be signed by both parties.
How Much Rent Can I Get For My Property?
We advise on a market rent when our initial inspection of the property is made. Our opinion on the rental figure will be based on experience of current market trends and will take into account numerous factors, such as location, condition and presentation of the property. Rental opinions between Agents may differ slightly, but if more than one are instructed, it is important that we all offer the property at the same rent.
When Do I Receive Rent For My Property?
Tenants pay rent monthly in advance to us. This means we are able to monitor payments closely, arrears can be quickly spotted and the necessary steps taken for recovery. Once payments are cleared the balance is then sent to your bank account.
Who Pays For The Utility Services & Council Tax At The Property?
Where possible, we will arrange for the council tax, water rates, electricity and gas accounts to be transferred into the Tenant’s name. We are not usually able to deal with the telephone service.
Who Is Responsible For Repairs To The Property?
We arrange for minor and emergency repairs to be carried out as and when necessary. If there is a major item of repair, unless an emergency, we would seek your specific authority and advise if there is a possibility of claiming against the Buildings or Contents Insurance Policy. All Contractors will be instructed by you, either directly, or through ourselves, and their invoices will be for your account.
Your home is likely to be your biggest asset, so it makes sense for you to protect it. We reccomend that you have adequate home insurance cover in place to protect your property from potential loss or damage to the buliding or its contents.
Do I Need Maintenance Agreements?
Major appliances including plumbing and heating, should be left in good order and, where possible, be covered by maintenance agreements. Landlords are expected to maintain any items supplied with the tenancy and, in some cases, are required to do so in law, especially with regard to the Gas Safety (Installation & Use) Regulations 1994 and the Electrical Regulations. These regulations apply to both appliances and fixed installations. We should be advised of all items covered by guarantee.
What Happens To The Deposit?
We will obtain a deposit from the tenant, which will usually be held by us as Agent for the Landlord, to defray the cost of any dilapidations and accounts and rent outstanding at the termination of the tenancy. This deposit is returnable to the tenant when there are no such items outstanding.
Do I Need An Inventory For The Property?
An inventory of contents, including a schedule of condition of the property, is recommended. If required this will be prepared by an independent Inventory Clerk. An inventory check will take place at the termination of the tenancy and any dilapidations found by the Inventory Clerk will be noted and assessed and reported to us or to you directly. All Inventory Agents will be instructed by you, either directly, or through ourselves, and their invoices will be for your account. We cannot enter into disputes with the tenant over dilapidations where there has been no proper inventory check in or out.
Do I Need To Change Postal Arrangements?
You should inform the Post Office of your change of address. We will forward to you any personal correspondence passed to us, but we cannot guarantee that the tenant will hand over mail once he has taken possession.
Who Is Responsible For Maintaining The Gardens At The Property?
Generally, the Tenancy Agreement provides for the tenant to maintain the garden, although this does not usually include pruning trees or large hedges. The garden should therefore be handed over in good order and appropriate tools and equipment must be provided for the tenant to maintain it. If other arrangements are to be made, such as a part-time gardener, mention will need to be made in the agreement; we would only supervise this as part of our periodic inspections (Full Management only).
What Should I Expect From Letting My Property?
From experience, we find that tenants often do not look after your home as if it were their own and we remind you, therefore, that on your return you should expect some wear and tear, especially after a long period.
In an endeavour to select the right tenant, it is preferable that you should see prospective tenants when they view the property, or at a meeting arranged by us. It is also important that the property is well maintained and in good condition, to attract the right applicant.
To assist in the preparation of the inventory, we recommend that items of special sentimental value, linen, small ornaments etc, be omitted from the letting. We also suggest that items of miscellaneous cleaning materials, storage tins and goods stored in garages and sheds, be sorted prior to the tenancy, as unless otherwise agreed, these items will not be listed, or merely listed as “a variety of stored items”. However, as tenants are responsible for cleaning, suitable equipment such as brooms, dustpans and brushes and vacuum cleaners should be left.
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