Residential Letting
across the South Coast
- Why do I need to use a Letting Agent?
- Should I furnish my property?
- What happens if the tenant stops paying rent?
- What happens if the tenant does not leave my property?
- Who insures the property and the contents?
- Who is responsible for maintaining the property?
- Who pays the council tax?
Why do I need to use a Letting Agent?
Many private landlords let and manage their own properties quite successfully but as with many other businesses it is often better to instruct a professional. Finding a tenant does sometimes appear easy and sometimes it is but there are many times you are left waiting at a property for a prospective tenant that never appears. Few of us have spare time on our hands and those who do may not want to waste it. Professional agents are experienced in sorting the wheat from the chaff and will invariable know from the first meeting whether the tenant will suit the property or not. They will then carry out extensive independent referencing and draw up all the relevant paperwork. A professional agent will be able to advise you on your legal responsibilities and the current safety regulations. They will also be able to create inventories and schedule of conditions, inform service providers of change of occupier and receiving cleared funds, damages deposits and arrange for the stamping of any relevant documents.
Tenants who respond to private adverts are usually the ones who know they will not pass referencing via a professional agent.
Should I furnish my property?
The short answer is no. The majority of tenants in this area are looking for unfurnished
property—this enables them to make the property more personal and it also encourages people to stay for longer—they would much rather relax on their own sofa and sleep in their own bed. Unfurnished is classed as carpets, curtains and white goods in the kitchen. The other incentive not to furnish is the Furniture & Furnishing (Fire)(Safety) Regulations 1988. Click here.
What happens if my tenant does not pay the rent?
All our landlords are
encouraged to take out Rent & Legal Insurance. There are policies available from several insurers, offering
different levels of cover and at varying premiums starting from £52.50 for
six months. Please feel free to
contact us to discuss your requirements.
What happens if the tenant does not leave the property?
The Rent & Legal insurance covers you for legal costs to gain possession via the courts.
Who insures the property and the contents?
The landlord insures the building and the landlords contents. It is always advisable to use a specialist insurer who will offer cover for accidental damage and theft/malicious damage by tenants and most importantly these days public liability insurance. LETSURE offer both landlords buildings and contents insurance.
Who is responsible for maintaining the property?
The landlord is generally responsible for maintaining the property. The structure of the building, services and heating are your responsibility. The remainder depends on the Tenancy Agreement but normally landlords maintain the property and its contents ie white goods. Tenants are allowed ‘fair wear and tear’ but they must also look after the property as they would their own home.
Who pays the council tax?
The tenants are responsible for all service bill, including water, council tax, gas, electricity and TV Licence for the duration of the tenancy. We inform the service providers of the new tenants names and ingoing meter readings. We also inform them of closing account details when the tenant vacates.
Landlord's
HomeWe can help you from day 1—sourcing and vetting properties, offering realistic rental valuations, advice on refurbishing, finding the right tenant for your property and managing the let. Click here . .
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