Main Landlord Services

We fully understand that each client and each property is different and although we offer a number of services we are always willing to discuss individual requirements.

Finding A Tenant

With this instruction we will market your property through Internet sites, newspaper ads and even other selected local high street agents to find a tenant. Then by using a professional vetting service (Homelet) check any tenants found are of good character. We will then arrange for the tenant to sign a suitable tenancy agreement and pay the relevant deposit plus first months rent. We will then forward on, all relevant funds with a full statement of account.

Rent Collection

In the case of our rental collection (automatically included within our management service) we will take and hold the tenants deposit and collect the rent monthly in advance from your tenant. Once received, we then forward on your funds with a statement.

Property Management

This service is designed to take the worry out of letting. With the full management package we will confirm you have a suitable tenancy agreement in place, take and hold the tenants deposit and collect your rent on a monthly basis. We will also carry out regular inspections and report back to you our findings. If any problems do occur with regards to maintenance etc we, on your approval (when possible), will swiftly send in the relevant professional to resolve it. We recommended this service for hassle free letting.

Additional Services

Rent Guarantee

Once your prospective tenants have passed the credit and reference check they can be insured, if you so require, against the cost of the rent (This safeguards the landlord against the tenant not paying rent while they remain in the property, to a maximum of 6 months). This means you can feel safe with the knowledge that even if your tenant refuses or cannot pay their rent you will still get your money on a monthly basis. Please ask for full terms and conditions.

Private Advertising

This service is popular with those landlords who would not normally use a letting agent or who would like to try to let the property themselves. It is also used a great deal hand in hand with our main services as it gives landlords the opportunity to save money should they, through this advertising find their own tenant. (Please note: We would be happy to reference, draw up agreements etc as separate services for any landlord that has found their own tenant). We currently offer advertising in the News Shopper, Kentish Messenger and on 5 top websites.

Inventory

An inventory can be a very under-estimated document but is a very important part of the letting process. It helps avoid petty disputes between you the landlord and your tenants when funds are held back at the end of a tenancy term for repairs etc. Any inventory produced must be in detail, good or bad. Ideally it should always be produced to paint an over-all accurate description of the property without bias. Should you require an inventory we can arrange for a clerk to visit your property prior to the tenancy being taken up.

Check In & Check Out

An independent company can be appointed to check the tenants into the property and check them out when they vacate. This clerk on checking a tenant in will read the meters (where possible) and take them through an inventory (if supplied) and get the tenants to agree the condition and cleanliness of their new home (We use an independent company to avoid any form of favouritism in the eyes of the law should funds be withheld to cover repairs at the end of a tenancy).
When the tenants vacate, the company then return to the property and check them out. This involves them obtaining meter readings and receiving the tenants keys to the property. It also, more importantly, involves them drawing up an overall condition report, recommend any work/further cleaning if required to bring the property up to the condition the tenants originally received it (less fair wear and tear).

Gas Safety Inspections

The Law requires that when letting a property with any gas installation, a Corgi registered engineer, prior to commencement of the tenancy, must carry out a gas safety check. Any defects must be rectified. Records of the Gas Safety Checks must be made available to the tenant. This has to be in force on or before the move-in date and is renewed annually.

Electric Safety Inspections

The law also requires that where a property is let, all electrical installations and appliances should be in a safe condition. Whilst there is not yet any statutory requirement for regular electrical safety tests, in order to ensure compliance with the law, we highly recommend that an electrical safety test be carried out prior to commencement of tenancy and any defects rectified. Failure to do so means that the landlord / owner takes full responsibility of the tenants safety against faulty wiring / electrics within the property.

Other Services

Referencing Tenants

All prospective tenants can be vetted and references checked by our referencing agency. References obtained will confirm the tenant’s financial viability, reliability and trustworthiness. We offer this service to a landlord who has been able to find their own tenant but would like to confirm their suitability. Please note: This is automatically included within our ‘Find a Tenant’ service if we have found the tenant / tenants for you. We can then go on to offer the rent guarantee insurance for total peace of mind (see additional services for details).

Agreements

We have a standard tenancy agreement in operation but are willing to tailor them to suit the individual requirements of the owner. This service is included automatically within our ‘Finding a Tenant Service’ In order to safeguard against any damage or loss, when a tenant signs a tenancy agreement for the first time we always make sure a deposit equal to the value of a months rent is received. (Please state if you would require a larger deposit) If we are instructed to fully manage or manage the rent collection of a property then we will hold this deposit, otherwise it will be passed onto the landlord to hold.

Inspection Only

We offer this service generally to clients who don’t necessarily wish to let their property but are leaving it empty for a period of time and would like someone to regularly check on it.

Insurance

We regularly use a company called ‘Homelet’ for all insurance requirements. They are a company that have put together a professional selection of insurances that deal specifically for landlords and tenant, and can be tailor made to suit. They can supply cover for your building, give full or limited content insurance, insure you against any legal expenses you might incur and even insure you for emergency assistance (Please call us for further details).

Maintenance

We use skilled professionals that can help with roofing problems and building work, break downs on domestic appliances, decorating, cleaning and gardening. What ever is required we can help.

Purchasing Properties

If you wish to purchase a property either to let or for you’re new home why not let us search on your behalf. By using our network of local agents / contacts we are always one of the first to know about the latest properties, often before they come onto the market.