Landlords

We understand that it’s the ‘little things’ that matter, like returning your calls, keeping you informed and prompt payment of rent. We are known as ‘The agent that get’s things done’ because we don’t leave things for another day. If there is a problem at the property we deal with it as soon as we are made aware of it. When you decide to invest in a property To Let we can help you find a suitable property in the right location and help you prepare it for rental.

Here are a few tips:

• Walk through the property and fix all those 'small' things that have been left e.g. missing cupboard handles or squeaky doors.
• De-clutter - store all unessential items in order to give a sense of space
• Decorate with neutral colours which will give a sense of calm and light (your taste may not be the tenant's taste)
• Clean windows inside and out
• Tidy the garden, front and back

Landlords are obliged to abide by certain regulations:

• Gas Safety Certificate: Gas equipment such as boilers, fires and ovens must be annually inspected by a person qualified to undertake testing. These engineers must be registered with and qualified by GasSafe (formerly CORGI). Then, as a landlord, you must give the safety record to the tenant.
• EPC – Energy Performance Certificate: Each and every new tenancy (not renewals) must have an EPC Certificate. This is the landlord’s responsibility and, therefore, the landlord’s cost. We estimate the EPC will cost £75.00 + VAT. The EPC Certificate is valid for a 10-year period. What is an EPC? Each property must be assessed by an EPC Assessor. They will go to the property and check on things like, double glazing, insulation etc and then grade the property from A - G, A being the most energy-efficient.
• Electrical Appliances: All electrical appliances must be tested by a competent person such as a NICEIC qualified electrician.
• Fire Safety Regulations: It is an offence to let a property containing furniture and furnishing that do not comply with safety regulations. This includes beds, sofa beds, futons, garden furniture, pillows, and nursery and children's furniture.
• All new homes available to rent must be fitted with mains operated smoke detectors, installed on every floor and interlinking. For older properties, it is advisable to install at least battery operated devices.
• Deposit Protection Service: The new legislation makes it very clear that no landlord or agent will be able to hold the tenants deposit with out being in a recognised Deposit Scheme. We have opted to use the Deposit Protection Service (DPS) where we send your deposit to be held by them until the end of the tenancy. When both parties agree to the return of the deposit they will release the funds appropriately. If there is a dispute between Agent/Landlord and Tenant the DPS also provides ADR (Alternative Dispute Resolution) overseen by an Independent Case Examiner.

The Dispute Service PO BOX 541, Amersham, Bucks, HP6 9ZR. Tel: 0844 226 7837 Fax: 01494 431 123 www.thedisputeservice.co.uk

Overseas Landlords NRL Form:

If you work abroad, you will be required to complete the relevant form (below) in order to receive your rent without any tax deductions. An Approval number will be issued to you so that we can do this otherwise we will be required to deduct tax from your rent and forward this to the Inland Revenue on your behalf.

Please see details supplied with the forms below. We are happy to help you with this

The following appropriate forms should be completed and submitted to The Inland Revenue

NRL1 (for individuals)

NRL2 (for companies)

NRL3 (for trustees)

What are a landlord’s obligations?

As a landlord you’ve got certain responsibilities and legal obligations to your tenant. These are the main things you have to do.

Look after the building
Keeping the exterior of a property to let in good condition is a landlord’s obligation. Make sure you maintain the roof, drains and gutters.

Have the right insurance
You should insure the property to let and the contents that are included with it. Your tenants are responsible for insuring their own possessions. Make sure your insurance covers you as a landlord, for renting your property and carries Public Liability insurance - normal household buildings and contents cover probably won’t.

Make sure services are available
It is also a landlord’s obligation to make sure that the property to let is supplied with services like gas, electricity, water, sanitation and heating.

Leave your tenants in peace
A 'covenant of quiet enjoyment' is part of most tenancy agreements. It means a landlord mustn't interfere with the tenants. For example, you can't

• Go in to the rented property without their consent, except in an emergency
• Do anything that affects the tenants’ rights, for example cutting off services to force a tenant to leave

Our Services

Full Management (10% of monthly rent)

• Valuation of property
• Marketing property on Letting Portals
• Accompanied viewings
• Thorough credit referencing
• When let agreed, drawing up of tenancy agreement
• Collection of rent and deposit
• Deposit transferred to DPS
• Inventory (additional cost)
• Check in/out and renewals
• Regular inspections
• Maintenance issues dealt with (after landlord is informed)
• 24/7 emergency service

We have good, honest, qualified contractors available for maintenance issues if required. These contractors are always available to us immediately ensuring swift service. They are also very competitive. We are happy to deal with all your maintenance issues and ensure the work is done to a high standard.

Let Only (50% of one month’s rent; min £350.00)

• All of the above except collection of rent and property management.

Inventories with floorplan:

Click here to download our Landlord Terms of Engagement