Landlord Registration with Local Authority
It is a statutory requirement for all residential landlords to register with the Local Authority in which they let property. Registration lasts for three years and is approximately £55 for registration and £11 per property thereafter. The quickest and more economical way of registering is online for which a saving of 10% will apply. If you require guidance with this process, we will be more than happy to assist.
Mortgage Lenders Consent
The consent of your mortgage lender will be necessary before the property is let and we will require written confirmation that this has been granted as applying for permission after the tenancy commences could prejudice the tenancy agreement. This can normally be done by contacting your mortgage provider who will update your records accordingly. Some lenders may require sight of the proposed lease and we would be happy to provide you with the necessary assistance in this area.
Insurances
It is essential that you notify your insurers of your intention to offer your home/property for rent. In certain circumstances the insurers may impose special conditions, increase the premium, or both. If difficulties arise with your insurers over varying the terms and conditions for your building and/or contents insurance, we will be happy to provide you with additional advice or direct you to an independent insurance provider.
Legal Protection Insurance
It is possible to arrange a Legal Protection policy which provides wide ranging cover in the unlikely event of a problem arising with your letting. A specific quotation for this type of insurance can be provided on request.
Inventories
An essential part of our letting service is the preparation of an inventory of landlords’ furniture, fixtures and fittings. Unlike many of our competitors, we do not charge a separate fee for the preparation of an inventory as we believe that it is an essential part of a Managing Agents’ duties to prepare the inventory and agree it with the tenant at check-in. In addition we ask that clients to leave instruction booklets for all electrical appliances and central heating systems, along with a note of the location of all necessary stopcocks for gas, water etc. and any other useful information which we may pass on regarding the property. Similarly, if any item is under guarantee, details should be left with us.
Tenancy Agreement
It is a legal requirement for landlords to sign their own tenancy agreement. Therefore, we will require clear instruction regarding the length of time the property will be available for rent. We will require therefore a contact address, telephone number, fax number and email address to allow original documentation to be signed by you in the first instance. Please note that if notice to quit is not served on a tenant two months prior to the expiry of the lease agreement, then the tenant will have the legal right to continue in the property on “tacit relocation” for a further period of time equivalent to that of the initial rental period. This, in theory, could affect vacant possession of your home for your return.
Sufficient Funds
It is essential that you leave sufficient funds in your relevant bank account to deal with any delay or shortfall in rent reaching your account on time. We cannot guarantee there will be no delay in either receiving rent or bank transfer of funds.