Lettings & Property Management – Not Your 9–5 Agent!

Landlords Area

Documentation

FAQ's

Will I need to contact my Mortgage Lender?

Yes, you are required to obtain permission from your mortgage lender before letting out your property. We will need to know about any conditions imposed by them before we let the property.

What is an Energy Performance Certificate, and will I need one?

An Energy Performance Certificate or EPC is required for all new tenancy agreements signed after October 2008. An EPC lasts for 10 years and Landlords have the option to supply their own EPC or we can arrange for one to be carried out on your behalf.

How much say do I have about who lives in my property?

We believe it is important that you are happy with the tenants in your property so will put forward any potential candidates for your approval, subject to satisfactory references.

I’m not sure how much rent to charge?

We are happy to carry out a free valuation for you. We combine our local knowledge with a visit to the property and research about recent rental amounts for similar properties in the same area to suggest a suitable rental amount. Of course if you already know how much rental income you expect we will work to your requirements to find you the best tenant we can as quickly as we can.

Furnished or Unfurnished, which should I choose?

This is something we can discuss with you individually as it depends on the type of tenant you are looking to attract as well as your specific requirements. As a general rule though student properties should be fully furnished and we’d recommend unfurnished for family homes as most families already have their own furnishings. It is also worth bearing in mind that soft furnishings are required to meet fire safety legislation, we can also help you with this.

What do you do to ensure I get a good quality tenant?

We carry out thorough checks on potential tenants including credit checks, identity checks, previous Landlord and Employers references. We can also carry out the similar checks for guarantors if they are required.

What do I have to do with the tenants deposit?

All deposits are now required to be registered with a government approved scheme within 14 days of the deposit being received. We can provide a deposit registering service on your behalf to make the process of letting your property as hassle free as possible.

What is an Inventory and do I need one?

An inventory is a detailed list of the condition of the property and all items within it at the start of the tenancy. Inventories are optional for our let only and rent collection services but are required for all management properties. We use an independent inventory clerk to carry out our inventories.

Do I need Buildings and Contents Insurance?

The Landlord will need to provide buildings insurance however contents insurance is optional. You may wish to cover your own furniture etc if you are letting the property furnished or part furnished. The tenants are responsible for insuring their own possessions at the property.

How will I receive my rental income?

If you have chosen our Let only service then your tenants will be given a standing order form to take to their bank to arrange payment straight to your account each month. If you have selected our Management or Rent collection service then we will collect the rent and forward payment on to yourself, less our agreed fees, by BACs payment usually within 3 working days.

What is an HMO and do I need an HMO licence?

A House of Multiple Occupancy or HMO is a property with two or more unrelated tenants. A Mandatory HMO licence is required for properties 3 or more stories high (excluding basements or attics) with 5 or more tenants where 2 or more are unrelated. You may also need to apply for change of use if you intend to let the property to three or more unrelated tenants when the previous inhabitants were a family or non sharers. If this seems a little confusing you can contact us to discuss your individual circumstances or contact your local council.

Will I need a Gas safety certificate?

You are required to provide a gas safety certificate every 12 months if gas is used at the property. You can either provide us with a copy of a certificate from a qualified engineer or we are happy to arrange one on your behalf.

"Dennis James found us a tenant in record time...I am Very Pleased." Mrs C "...It was all very prompt and professional." Mr B "...honest and reliable employees, very happy with our house.” Miss D & Miss A