Landlords

Letting Services

You have the option to choose between two letting services:

1. Let Only

2. Fully Managed (including rent collection)

Property Valuation:

We always strive to provide a realistic valuation based on the current property market, avoiding inflated or unrealistic rental prices. Our approach is rooted in honesty and a genuine assessment for every valuation we offer.

Viewings and Feedback:

We maintain a secure set of keys to facilitate viewings, sparing you the need to be present. Viewings can be arranged at your and your current tenants' convenience, whether on weekdays, evenings, or weekends. We consistently provide feedback, along with recommendations based on our experience, received feedback, and current market trends, to assist you in renting out your property effectively.

Commission Rates:

Let Only Properties

• Tenant Find Fee: £499.00 + VAT

Fully Managed Properties

• Tenant Find Fee: £399.00 + VAT

• Monthly Commission: 8% + VAT of the rent

Local Services:

We collaborate with a selection of reputable and competitively priced local services. If required, we can recommend a solicitor, builder, decorator, Gas Safe registered engineer, plumber, electrician, and cleaners.

Our Let Only Service:

If we arrange the let only, we will:

1. Conduct a complimentary rental valuation and advise you on your landlord responsibilities.

2. Market your property and conduct viewings.

3. Negotiate terms between you and the tenant.

4. Arrange for references and credit checks.

5. Finalize the move-in date.

6. Prepare an Assured Shorthold Tenancy agreement, which can be tailored to suit your and the tenant's needs.

7. On move-in day, ensure receipt of the first month's rent and a mutually agreed-upon security deposit before handing over the keys to the tenant. We will send you the deposit and first month's rent (minus our commission) within five working days, along with an accounts statement.

8. Request the tenant to set up a standing order for their monthly rental payments.

The following are your responsibilities, but we can assist you if needed:

1. A comprehensive inventory, which we highly recommend for the protection of both you and the tenant in case of disputes later on.

2. Registering the tenant's deposit with a government-backed deposit protection scheme.

3. Informing the local authority and utility providers about the new tenancy.

4. Once the tenancy commences, you will be the tenant's point of contact for any repairs or maintenance. If you prefer, we can handle this on your behalf through our full management service.

For the Full Management and Rent Collection Service:

In addition to the services provided in our let-only package, once the tenancy is underway, we will be the first point of contact for the tenant regarding any queries or issues. We will also perform the following tasks at no extra cost:

1. Collect your tenant's rent and transfer it to you via bank transfer each month.

2. Register your tenant's deposit with a government-backed deposit protection scheme.

3. Notify the local authority and utility providers about the new tenancy.

4. Maintain a set of keys for the property.

5. Handle any insurance claims, including rent default or accidental damage estimates.

6. Communicate with apartment block management companies on your behalf.

7. Conduct regular inspections throughout the tenancy and assess the property when the tenant moves out.

8. Provide you with a monthly accounts statement showing your rent payments, our commission, and any deductions for repair or servicing costs.

We will coordinate any repairs or annual servicing at the property, with costs covered by you. This will be deducted from your rent payments after your approval. These services include:

1. A comprehensive inventory at the start of the tenancy.

2. Annual boiler services, gas safety certificates, and electrical certificates.

3. General repairs, redecoration, or cleaning.

We collaborate with local builders, plumbers, and electricians known for their efficiency and reliability. All work is fully guaranteed, and costs are reasonable. We will always consult with you before authorizing any work, unless it is an emergency, and we will respond to your tenant within 48 hours, ensuring a hassle-free rental experience.

Steps Before Letting Your Property:

Before we can market and let your property, there are several steps you'll need to take:

1. Letting Agreement: Review and sign a letting agreement.

2. Photos and Description: We will take photos and create a property description, which will require your confirmation and approval before use.

3. Keys: Provide us with a set of keys for the property to facilitate viewings.

4. Let Board: Inform us if you prefer not to have a 'To Let' board displayed on or near your property.

5. Utilities and Council Tax: Let us know the details of your local authority and the providers of gas, water, and electricity for billing purposes.

Ensuring Tenant Safety:

As a landlord, it is your responsibility to ensure your tenant's safety in relation to gas, electric, and fire. Here are some general guidelines:

Gas Safety:

By law, you must:

• Repair and maintain gas pipework, flues, and appliances in a safe condition.

• Ensure a gas safety check is conducted within 12 months of installing a new appliance and flue that you provided in the property. This check must be repeated annually.

• Keep a record of each gas safety check.

We can arrange for a Gas Safe registered engineer to conduct the safety check on your behalf if needed. For more information, visit the Gas Safe Register and Health and Safety Executive websites.

Electrical Safety:

You must ensure that:

• The electrical system in the property (e.g., sockets and light fittings) is safe.

• All appliances you provide in the property (e.g., cookers, kettles) are safe.

While landlords are not legally required to provide an electrical safety certificate, you may be held liable if any electrical fittings or appliances within your property cause harm to a tenant. We can arrange for electrical system and Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) if needed.

Fire Safety:

You must:

• Adhere to fire safety regulations, ensuring your tenants have access to escape routes at all times.

• Ensure all furniture and furnishings you provide in the property are fire-safe.

• Provide fire alarms and extinguishers (depending on the property's size).

Under The Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations 1988, any furniture you supply should come with a fire safety tag.

We strongly recommend installing smoke alarms in the property.

Tenancy Deposit Protection:

Agents and landlords must protect their tenant's deposit using a government-backed deposit protection scheme, regardless of who holds the money. The deposit must be registered within 30 days of receiving it, and the tenant must be informed, in writing, of where the deposit is held.

When we fully manage the property on your behalf, we will arrange for the deposit protection. If you choose our let-only service, you are responsible for this process. Depending on the chosen scheme, there may be a charge. We can provide details of government-backed schemes, and you can find more information on tenancy deposit protection on the GOV.UK website.

Inventory and Check Out:

While tenants typically leave properties in good condition, we recommend conducting a thorough inventory for the protection of both you and the tenant in case of any disputes later on. This inventory will detail the condition of the property and its furnishings, listing all contents.

It's essential that the same company conducts both the initial inventory and the check-out inspection when the tenant leaves.