Landlord Guide
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Complete any small DIY jobs. I.e. painting
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Clear away and clutter - if possible store off site
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If any rooms have bright colours or carpets, it may be wise to neutralise them
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However do not go out and buy expensive carpets
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Have carpets professionally cleaned
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Bathroom and kitchen- repaint ceiling and walls, clean or re-grout any tiled areas that are going black or alternatively replace the suite in a neutral colour
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Ensure that the front door is immaculate, and both front and back gardens are neat and tidy
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Organise each room so that its purpose can be seen.
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Furnished or Unfurnished
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Unfurnished
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Carpets
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Curtains
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Light fittings
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Possibly a cooker
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Furnished
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Cooker, washing machine, dryer (optional), fridge freezer
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pan kettle, toaster, baking tins, cake tins, cake tray, casserole dish, mixing bowl, breadboard, bread bin, colander, vegetable knife carving knife and fork , whisk, butter dish, tin opener, cruet set.
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Six of each of the following: dinner plates, dessert plates, soup bowls, cups and saucers, mugs, egg cups, dinner knives, dinner forks, dessert spoons, dessert forks, teaspoons tablespoons
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Teapot, milk jug, sugar bowl
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Washing up bowl, sink tidy, dustpan and brush, broom, vacuum cleaner, bucket, scrubbing brush, ironing board and iron, table mats
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Dining table and chairs
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Three piece suite
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Coffee table
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Table lamp
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Mattress cover
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Bed
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Quilt and two pillows
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Wardrobe and chest of drawers
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Bedside lamp
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Bed linen/towels
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Garden equipment: lawn mower, spade, fork, rake, hoe, shears, wheelbarrow, washing line, dustbin
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Managed or Not
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Let Only
From (3% + VAT)
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Advertise property with no charge until a suitable tenant is found (no sole agency required)
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Advise on deposit protection scheme, legals and safety compliance
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Arrange viewing with prospective tenants. (The ability to carry out viewings is dependant on the area)
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Reference and credit check the tenant via a specialist credit referencing company. (Rent Guarantee insurance is available subject to the tenant passing the above)
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Prepare the tenancy agreement
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Collect a holding fee to secure the tenant to the property and then collect the first months rent. This is then forwarded minus our fee. Subsequent rental payments will need to be set up directly between landlord and tenant
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Send out renewal reminders to make sure both landlord and tenant are aware that the tenancy agreement is due to expire and to check that both parties wish to renew
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Extension paperwork
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Optional - rent collection and/or deposit holding
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Full Managed?
From (8% + VAT)
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Advertise property with no charge until as suitable tenant is found (no sole agency required)
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Advise on deposit protection scheme, legals and safety compliance
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Arrange for views the prospective tenants.
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Reference and credit check tenant (Rent Guarantee insurance is available subject to tenant passing the above)
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Organise inventory and check in
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Prepare tenancy agreement
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Collect a holding fee to secure the tenant to the property and collect the first months rent to then forward minus our fee. We will collect subsequent rental payments via a standing order. We will forward the rent minus our fee along with monthly rent statements
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Hold deposit as per government deposit protection scheme
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Organise gas and other safety inspections if required
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Notify all relevant utility companies of change of occupier and supply meter readings
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Be the point of contact for the tenant should any problems arise e.g. maintenance or rent arrears
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Carry out quarterly inspections on the property to ensure its general condition is being maintained and write a report to the landlord
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Serving of notices
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Mortgages and Insurances
FAQ's for Landlords
Do I have to change may mortgage?
Check with your mortgage lender whether they will give you permission to let your property on a temporary or permanent basis. It your mortgage lender will not give you permission there are many lenders who will remortgage the property you intend to let as an investment.
Call Landlord Mortgages on
International 00 44118 377 4692
UK 0800917 3324 and press 1 to obtain a quote.
Do I have to change my insurers?
Most likely not, however you must tell them that you are letting the property or it may invalidate the insurance policy affecting any potential claim. If your insurer does not agree to the property being let, there are insurance companies which will provide insurance at normal rates.
Call Landlord Mortgages on
International 00 44118 377 4692
UK 0800 917 3324 and press 3 for insurance.
What will I have to pay if I let my property?
(unless under leaseholder flat arrangement)
w The mortgage
w The building insurance (contents insurance is optional)
w The annual gas safety check (if property has gas)
w The cost of repairs
w Tax as per Inland Revenue requirements
What is a break-clause?
A break clause in a lease or tenancy agreement allows the landlord or tenant to terminate the contract even if it has not run its full term e.g. a six-month break clause can be put into a twelve-month tenancy agreement enabling either parties to terminate at six or twelve months.
Can I get my property back?
To regain possession of the property, at least two months notice is required. Within an Assured Shorthold Tenancy it is not normally possible to regain possession within the first six months. Possession can however be regained at anytime if the tenant agrees to leave.
What do I do if my tenants are in arrears with their rent?
Immediately serve a Section 8 notice on the tenants. This notifies the tenant of an intention to apply to the Court for possession of the property by the landlord. At best the tenant will immediately pay the owed rent. At worst the notice enables you to commence proceedings in the court after the appropriate period (normally l4 days)
The notice must state the grounds for possession upon which you will rely in any proceedings. In cases of arrears this will normally be Ground 8 (if arrears total more than 2 months rent), Ground 10 (in all cases) and Ground 11 (if the tenant is persistently late paying the rent). The exact text of the ground as written in the Housing Act must be used.
Even if you can cite Ground 8 you should also cite Ground 10 is case the tenant pays some the arrears between receiving the notice and any court hearing.
The notice must be served on each tenant individually (if there are more than one) except that a married couple need only receive one copy between them.
The notice must be served in the correct format and it is necessary to use standard form.
A method of proving that the notice has been served (recorded delivery, independent witness) is recommended in case there is a dispute.
Risks
What are the risks?
The main risks that landlords face are the tenant not paying rent or the tenant not looking after the property. A returnable deposit is taken from the tenant as security against these possible issues.
What will I be responsible for?
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The safety of any furniture and furnishings provided by Repair and maintenance of the structure and exterior of the property including fixed drainage, plumbing, heating and hot water installations.
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The safety of the electrical installation and any electrical appliances provided by the landlord.
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The safety of the gas installation and gas appliances provided by the landlord and completion of the statutory annual gas safety check.
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The safety of any furniture and furnishings provided by the landlord.
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Insuring the building/house.
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What is the tenant responsible for?
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Paying the rent
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Paying all utility bills
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Looking after the property
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Repairing any damage caused by themselves/a guest
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Maintaining the garden
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