Landlords

Landlords may vary from the individual property owner to the professional investor, each with a wide range of legal and moral responsibilities towards their tenants. Many of these are covered directly under Statutory Regulations and many indirectly through regulatory requirements of other institutions. To help deal with these matters we provide a comprehensive support for the landlord to include, Landlords Guidance Notes, Tenant Finding Service, Rent Collection Service and Full Management Service.

Landlords Guidance Notes

These notes are just a guidance of the principal issues that require attention prior to the letting of a residential property.

• Ensure there is a clear title to allow the property to be let. Check to see that there are no covenants or interests of other parties that need consideration before signing any formal lease agreements.
• If the property is subject to a mortgage ensure that consent of the Building Society or Bank is obtained before any letting agreement is completed.
• It is important to ensure that the property is correctly insured for letting and the Insurance Company is informed when this is occupied or vacant ay any time
• It is a requirement under the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations Act 1998 that all gas appliances and gas installation pipe-work have to be checked annually by British Gas or a registered member of the Council of Registered Gas Installers (CORGI). A current safety certificate must be available for inspection. A copy of the certificate should be retained by the Landlord or their agent and a copy provided for the tenant.
• There is a statutory obligation under The Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 1994 and Consumer Protection Act 1987 requiring landlords to ensure that all electrical equipment and fittings in tenanted property is safe.
• If the property is a furnished letting the contents have to comply with the Furniture and Furnishings (Fire Safety) Regulations 1993
• If a property is a house in multiple occupation (ie bedsits, shared house or flat) there may e a requirement for a HMO Licence issued by the Local Authority
• From April 2007 it is requirement that all deposits taken by landlords or lettings agents for Shorthold Tenancy Agreements in England and Wales must be protected by a Government recognised tenancy protection scheme. There are two types available being an insurance based schemes and custodial schemes, each providing a free dispute resolution service.
• Energy Performance Certificates (EPC’s) are now a legal requirement for all UK commercial or residential properties sold or rented. It is the landlords responsibility to provide the certificate.

Tenant Finding Service

Our Services

• Provide full marketing of the property to find a suitable tenant
• Accompanied viewings and negotiation of tenancy agreement
• Provide Tenancy Agreement
• Collect initial monthly rental and deposit
• Transfer deposit to Deposit Protection Agency
• Manage the transfer of utilities
• Prepare inventory
• Arrange annual gas and electricity checks where required
• Deal with end of lease check-out and resolve any deposit claims
• Re-Market property where required

Rent Collection Service

• Provide full marketing of the property to find a suitable tenant
• Accompanied viewings and negotiation of tenancy agreement
• Arrange tenant references
• Provide Tenancy Agreement
• Collect initial monthly rental and deposit
• Collect on-going rents and chase any rent arrears
• Transfer deposit to Deposit Protection Agency
• Manage the transfer of utilities
• Prepare inventory
• Arrange annual gas and electricity checks where required
• Deal with end of lease check-out and resolve any deposit claims
• Negotiate tenancy renewals and re-market property where required

Full Management Service

• Provide full marketing of the property to find a suitable tenant
• Accompanied viewings and negotiation of tenancy agreement
• Arrange tenant references
• Provide Tenancy Agreement
• Collect initial monthly rental and deposit
• Collect on-going rents and chase any rent arrears
• Transfer deposit to Deposit Protection Agency
• Manage the transfer of utilities
• Prepare inventory
• Arrange annual gas and electricity checks where required
• Regularly inspect the property
• Resolve any tenancy issues
• Deal with any routine maintenance
• Deal with end of lease check-out and resolve any deposit claims

Negotiate tenancy renewals and re-market property where required