Landlords

In our experience, we have always found it beneficial to the amount of rent you receive and to how the tenant maintains your property to present the property to the tenant in the best possible way. Benefits include:

• The property should be clean
• Decorated - preferably neutral colours
• Clean carpets - again preferably neutral
• Curtain fittings and if possible curtains or blinds
• Smoke alarms and if possible carbon monoxide testers
• Grass should be cut and shrubs pruned

We will carry out a valuation and give you guidance as to the best and maximum price you can achieve taking into consideration the market conditions.

Yes - you should always inform your mortgage lender if you are letting a property as they may impose some special conditions and we will need to be aware of these prior to letting.

Yes - an EPC is an Energy Performance Certificate that is now required by law in order to market the property to let. An Energy Performance Certificate lasts for ten years and could form part of a Home Information Pack.

Most properties are now let as unfurnished. However there are some landlords that prefer to let as furnished or part furnished. We can advise you of the best course of action at our initial meeting with you.

All of our tenants are fully referenced in order that we can provide you with a Rental Warranty Insurance. The checks are extremely thorough and involve credit history, previous landlord (if applicable), employment history and proof of identify and address.

We would expect all of our tenants to qualify for Rent Warranty Insurance. We can provide you with information concerning this at our meeting. We have a dedicated Accounts Department who will process and administer any claims relating to the Rent Warranty, Possession of the Property.

We ask for a deposit from the tenant and this would be lodged with an approved Deposit scheme.

The tenant is responsible for paying all utility bills and the Council Tax.

Yes the property is regularly inspected during the occupation of the property by your tenant and we will report in writing to you our findings.

A statement of condition makes a thorough note of how the property is presented prior to occupation by the tenant. It is very important that this is carried out effectively and in detail, we will also provide you with a copy for your records.

Yes and we will report our findings to you. The property is checked and any repairs or alterations to the original Statement of Condition are reported and if necessary rectified by the tenant.

If you are renting a house or a bungalow, you will need to maintain your buildings insurance – the tenant is advised to take out contents insurance. If you are renting a flat/apartment, you will need to maintain your management/maintenance charges (which normally include your buildings insurance).

Your rental income is paid directly into your designated bank/building society account. We will process the monies received from your tenant, deducting our commission accordingly. We have a dedicated Accounts Department who will chase any rental payments for you and is on hand to offer advice.

Non-resident landlords can apply to the Inland Revenue for approval to receive gross income. Without this approval we are obliged to deduct tax. We strongly advise any landlord to appoint an accountant to deal with their tax affairs as many of the costs incurred in renting can be offset against the income.