In addition to the let only service we will provide:

An inventory will be provided detailing the general condition and contents and will be checked at the termination prior to any deposit being repaid to the tenant.

Collecting ongoing rental payments and forwarding them by bank transfer to your chosen account and forwarding monthly statements (Deposits retained by an government approved deposit scheme)

Inspecting the property at agreed intervals to ensure that the tenant/s are fulfilling their obligations under the terms of their tenancy agreement as well as providing a written report of the property.

Action against the tenant in the event of rental arrears or any other breach of condition within the tenancy agreement.

Organising repair or maintenance, instructing a tradesman to attend the property, obtaining estimates where necessary, supervising works and settling accounts. This shall be subject to the agreed cost limit, however in an emergency; the right is reserved to proceed without prior authorisation.

Arrangement of service contracts if requested by the landlord.

Carrying out a full property inspection and inventory check at the end of each tenancy and dealing with matters relating to unfair wear and tear before releasing the tenant’s deposit.

Re-letting the property unless otherwise instructed by the landlord.

Valuation

We will initially view the property to assess its rental value. At this point we will answer any questions you may have and determine the most suitable service to meet your requirements. We will also be able to make recommendations where necessary that could potentially increase the rental value of your property. Our advice at this point is completely free and aimed at making sure you have a firm understanding of all your obligations before proceeding to let your property.

Marketing your property

Once you have decided to appoint us as your agent, one of our representatives shall visit the property in order to take some internal and external photographs. We shall use the photographs and the information we have collected to create an attractive advert which we shall display whilst marketing your property.

In order to maximise property exposure, our website is updated daily and our properties are listed on market leading property portals

Our highly trained and efficient staff will make sure that the best service is delivered to both the landlord and tenant.

Presenting the property

As the lettings market becomes more and more competitive, it is important that the property is presented in the best way possible. Without this, the property could remain empty for longer as well as affecting its rental value.

To help a rental property appeal to a wider market, we would suggest the following:

Keep the colours in the property neutral.

Gardens must be kept maintained (when a tenant occupies the property, the maintenance of the garden becomes their responsibility).

Keep the equipment provided and furnishings as contemporary as possible (can still basic).

Check for any grouting issues in places such as the bathroom. Any mould issues here can really effect a prospective tenant’s decision to rent the property.

If the property is a flat with a communal entrance and hallway, make sure that for the benefit of all tenants that this area is kept tidy and clear of debris at all times.

Double glazing and gas central heating is another popular feature amongst prospective tenants.

In general, try to find and rectify any damages around the property that can be easily seen or experienced.

Obtaining the tenants and referencing

Arguably the most important factor when letting the property is the prospective tenant. The whole success of letting depends on finding the right tenant. If an applicant wishes to proceed with a tenancy, we will assess their suitability.

The references aim to check that each tenant is creditworthy by for example checking for CCJ’s and arrears and obtaining employer, landlord and character references. Once references have been received, we will contact you to confirm the results of this and advise of the proposed checking in date.

All necessary legal paperwork, including an inventory will be prepared and signed and any outstanding balances settled by the tenant before the tenancy commences.

Gas Safety

The Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 say landlords must ensure that gas appliances, fittings and flues are safe for tenant’s use and that installation, maintenance and annual safety checks are carried out by a technician registered with the Gas Safety Register (which superseded CORGI on 1st April 2009).

The landlord must keep a record of the safety check for two years and issue a copy to each existing tenant within 28 days of the check being completed and issue a copy to any new tenants before they move in.

Electrical Safety

While there isn’t a legal obligation on landlords to have professional checks carried out on the electrical appliances, there is, however, an obligation to ensure that all electrical equipment is safe, under the Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 1994, the Plugs and Sockets Regulations 1994, the 2005 Building Regulation – Part P, and the British Standard BS1363 relating to plugs and sockets.

All electrical certification should be carried out by an electrician who is registered with the National Inspection Council for Electrical Installers and Contractors (NICEIC). There are two types of electrical certificate:

Fire Safety

The Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations 1988 (as amended in 1989 and 1993) sets minimum fire resistance standards for domestic upholstered furniture, furnishings and other products containing upholstery that remain in a dwelling during the course of a tenancy.

Smoke Alarms & Carbon Monoxide

All properties built since June 1992 must have interlinked mains-connected smoke detectors / alarms on each floor of the property. Smoke alarms must be checked regularly to ensure that they are in full working order. A carbon monoxide detector should also be supplied.

Energy Performance Certificate

With effect from 1st October 2008, all new tenancies require an Energy Performance Certificate. Their purpose is to determine how energy efficient homes are on a scale of A-G. The most efficient homes – which should have the lowest fuel bills – are in band A. The certificate uses the same scale to define the impact a home has on the environment. Better-rated homes should have less impact through carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. The average property in theUKis in bands D-E for both ratings.

The certificate includes recommendations on ways to improve the home’s energy efficiency to save money and help the environment.

Houses in Multiple Occupancy

If the landlord wishes to rent their property to multiple occupants, it may mean that a licence is required before the property can be legally rented. Houses in Multiple Occupation are also referred to as “HMOs” and the purpose of the licensing scheme is to improve management and safety standards in this area of the rental sector.

Private Rented Property Licensing

Newham, Waltham Forest, Barking & Dagenham and parts of Redbridge  and Tower Hamlet have all been designated as Private Rented Property Licence Area’s.

Put simply, this means that owners of every privately rented home in either borough must apply for a Private Rented Property Licence (PRPL), to be issued by the Council.

Owners with multiple rented properties in the boroughs must complete an application for each property that is rented.

 Fee’s & Charges

The fee’s and charges for a Private Rented Property Licence will vary depending on which borough the property is located in.

Further details on the licensing costs can be found on the Local Authority websites listed below.

What happens to landlords who refuse to apply

Every landlord will be given reasonable time to licence their properties but the council will pursue those who flout the law. Complete applications to licence a property must be submitted to the Property Licensing Team.

It would be an offence to fail to licence a property that requires one. It could result in prosecution, with a fine of up to £20,000. Additionally a rent repayment order (RRO) for up to 12 months rental income can be made.

Overseas Landlords and Income Tax

The scheme requiresUK letting agents to deduct basic rate tax from any rent they collect for non resident landlords. If non resident landlords don’t haveUKletting agents acting for them, it is their responsibility to inform the Inland Revenue of rental income received, and to pay any tax due. Non resident landlords can apply at any time for approval to receive rent with no tax deducted.

The Tenancy Deposit Protection Scheme

Under the provisions of the Housing Act 2004 every landlord or letting agent that takes a deposit for an Assured Short-hold Tenancy in England and Wales must join a Tenancy Deposit Scheme. The new regulations came into effect from April 6, 2007. The purpose of this regulation is to ensure good practice. The secondary purpose of the new regulations is to try and keep disputes between landlords and tenants out of the courts by encouraging Alternative Dispute Resolution.