Getting started
To help you get your let off to the best possible start, follow our step by step guide to successfully letting your property.
Preparing your property for market
To attract the best rental price and tenants, make your property as desirable as possible.
It is important to declutter and remove any personal effects and that you do not want to be part of the tenancy. This will also make the property look more spacious and appealing.
First impressions count so ensure both the front and rear gardens are well maintained and free from rubbish.
Freshly paint walls, woodwork (where applicable), varnish floors, re-grout and replace sealant in bathrooms/showers, kitchens and washrooms.
Have any carpets/soft furnishing professionally cleaned.
Fix any cracks in walls or ceilings and make good any maintenance issues like loose doors screws/handles.
If you are letting your property furnished, it’s a good idea to add the pieces you intend including in the tenancy before viewings commence. It is also important to ensure that any furnishings, fixtures and fittings meet fire and safety regulations.
Achieving the best market rental value
Once you have prepared your property for market, it’s time to obtain an accurate rental appraisal to ensure that your property is marketed at the right market value. Too high and you may be left with long void periods. Too low and you are losing out on valuable income.
Book yours FREE No-Obligation Valuation with our experts HERE.
Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)
Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR)
Gas safety Certificate (GSC)
Prior to marketing your property, you will be required to provide an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC), Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) and Gas Safety Certificate (GSC) for inclusion in your property details.
If you haven’t already obtained one, we can arrange for one to be carried out for a nominal fee.
Once obtained:
- EPC Certificate is valid for ten years
- EICR Certificate is valid up to five years
- GSC Certificate is valid for one year
- It is a legal requirement that all rental properties must achieve an EPC rating of E or above.
From 1st April 2020, the new minimum energy efficiency standards (MEES) will also affect continuing residential leases, meaning lease renewals must also comply with the regulation from this date onwards. Failure to comply could lead to fines of up to £5,000.
Ready to Rent
Once photographs, EPC’s and detailed and accurate property descriptions and floor plans are ready, we will seek your approval before launching your property on our website, Zoopla and On the Market.
Your property is now ready to let!
Finding a Tenant
We will let you know as soon as we have identified prospective tenants and viewings commence. We will keep you fully informed of our progress with regular updates and feedback.
Once we have found a suitable tenant, we will then carry out due diligence checks and ensure the necessary referencing are in place.
These will include:
- Right to Rent Checks
- Affordability
- Credit Checks
- Employment/Income Confirmation
- Reference Verification
- Guarantor Checks (if required)
Let Agreed
On finding a suitable tenant, we will provide you with their details and if you are satisfied that they are the right tenant for your property, we will then proceed in finalizing the rental agreement.
Tenancy Agreement
Once all checks are completed, we will produce a legally binding Assured Shorthold Tenancy Agreement (AST) which covers all aspects of the tenancy and offers legal protection to both landlords and tenants.
Both you and your tenant will receive a copy of this AST to check and sign before the tenancy can begin. Once approved and signed by both parties you will both receive a copy of the agreement.
Inventory Check-In and Out
An inventory is a detailed record of all contents and the condition of your property.
This is can be drawn up by either Sales and Lettings, you and the landlord or independently by a professional external company.
Although not compulsory, inventories can help to prevent disputes at a later date and can help to protect your investment.
As part of our Tenant Check-in and Check-out services, we will go through this document with your tenant on moving in day, and again on moving out day and note any discrepancies, damage and missing items.
Both you and your tenant will be provided with copies of the inventory.
This is an important document as it can affect the return of any deposits held.
Fees apply to inventory provision and checks.
Deposit
Before the tenancy starts, a deposit will be taken on your behalf from the tenant.
Once we have confirmed receipt of this payment, we will arrange the handover of the keys and to meet the tenant at the property to complete the inventory check-in process.
It is a legal requirement for all tenant deposits to be registered with a Deposit Protection Scheme and for tenants to be provided with their designated scheme details.
We can do this for you via our membership with the Deposit Protection Service (DPS).
Rent Collection
Prior to handing over the keys to your property to your tenant, we will collect the initial rental payment on your behalf. This in normally 6 weeks rent in advance and will be then paid to you less the deduction of our agreed fees.
Client Money Protection
It is a mandatory requirement that all letting agents are registered with a Client Money Protection (CMP) scheme, to protect landlord and tenants' monies.
We are registered members of UKALA (UK Association of Letting Agents) Client Money Protection Scheme so you know your money is in safe hands.
Landlord Services
- We offer a wide range of Landlord Services, including:
- Tenant Find Only
- Tenant Find and Rent Collection
- Full Property Management
Please get in touch with our friendly and helpful team to discuss your individual letting requirements so we can create a personalised service to fit your needs.
Talk to us TODAY!