A
member of our experienced team will visit
your property to advise on rental value
and discuss the type of letting recommended
to suit your individual circumstances. We
will give advice on whether you should let
furnished or unfurnished, the type of tenancy
agreement, landlords regulations and responsibilities,
and the many more questions you are sure
to have. We can even give guidance on how
to fit-out your property cost effectively
and recommend tradesmen if required. If
you haven’t made your purchase yet
and need some advice prior to making the
commitment we will be happy to discuss your
options.
Furnished Or Unfurnished?
If you are unsure whether to let your
property furnished or unfurnished we can
advise on the pros and cons of each. If
the property is to be let unfurnished,
it is preferable to supply curtains, carpets
and white goods. If being let furnished,
when you are deciding what furniture and
equipment to leave or supply, it is a
good idea to place yourself in the shoes
of the future tenant and give consideration
to what you yourself would require. The
furnishings and equipment form part of
the letting for which the tenant is paying
so everything should be serviceable and
functional. It is advisable to provide
instructions for such things as white
goods and the heating system. The functionality
of all items is the responsibility of
the owner unless it is established that
there has been carelessness or misuse
by the tenant. It is advisable to remove
delicate or irreplaceable objects before
the property is let.
Tenancy Preparation
A detailed inventory and schedule of condition
will be prepared, a tenancy agreement
prepared (all tenants are required to
sign a Assured Shorthold Tenancy Agreement
under the provisions of the Housing Act
1988 for a minimum fixed term of six months),
collection of rent (payable monthly in
advance), and collection of deposit (normally
equivalent to one months rent). The tenant
will be checked in and we will notify
the appropriate authorities re transfer
of utilities.
Finding a suitable Tenant
We advertise in both local newspaper property
supplements ensuring the widest exposure
of your property to perspective tenants.
Services
Tenants are responsible for their own
supply of gas and electricity, and council
tax whilst occupying the property. Phone
lines should be disconnected and should
the tenant wish to re-connect they are
responsible for the charges involved.
Property Visits
Periodic visits are carried out to ensure
all is being kept in order.
Landlords Responsibilities
Landlords are responsible for any use
of services and council tax during vacant
periods. If the property is unfurnished
it may be possible to gain an exemption
from Council Tax for this period. During
the winter months it is advisable to ensure
the property is adequately heated to avoid
damage such as burst pipes. If repairs
are required we can contact reputable
maintenance companies on your behalf.
We will always contact you to advise on
any necessary repairs, but in an emergency
will instruct repairs to avoid further
damage to your property. You must ensure
that your property and its contents are
adequately insured. Consult your existing
insurer, but you may need to make changes
to your policy. Your insurers must be
told that you are renting the property.
Real Estate Services can obtain quotes
and arrange Landlords insurance cover
on your behalf. Permission should be obtained
from your mortgage lender (if applicable).
Tax liability is assessed on the net income
you derive from the investment. There
may also be Capital Gains Tax on the future
sale. It is advisable to consult an accountant
on these matters. We can recommend a number
of local accountants is you so wish.
Landlords Legal Protection
We recommend that you arrange a comprehensive
landlord’s legal protection policy
to ensure your peace of mind. Real Estate
Services can obtain quotes and arrange
on your behalf.
Safety Regulations
It is the Landlords responsibility to
ensure that the property meets safety
regulations and Real Estate Services can
assist with arrangement of the required
certificates.
The Furniture & Furnishings (Fire)
(Safety) Regulations 1988
The Furniture & Furnishings (Fire)
(Safety) (Amendment) Regulations 1993
The Gas Safety (Installation and Use)
Regulations 1994
The Low Voltage Electrical Equipment (Safety)
Regulations 1989
Electric Equipment (Safety) Regulations
1994
The Building Regulations 1991 –
(Smoke Alarms)
Contact Us
If you would like to discuss any of
our services please call us on 01234
840555
or
Email Us
