What is rentable?
- It is possible to rent most properties, however some will let more quickly than others. Factors to take into consideration are the condition of the property and location in regards to local amenities, schools and transport links.
- Properties can be let on a furnished, part-furnished or unfurnished basis, although white goods such as a cooker, washing machine and fridge freezer are generally expected. We advise that you do not purchase any new furnishings for the property until you have secured a tenant.
Presentation is Key…
- When renting property, first impressions are of key importance to a successful let. Good presentation is critical in ensuring that your property is rented in the fastest possible time for the best possible price. Here are a few tips to help you create a lasting impression.
- Ensure that the front of the property is presentable to immediately create a sense of good feeling by touching up any paintwork and trimming back any overgrown shrubs.
- Address any maintenance issues you have been meaning to get done such as loose electrical sockets, damaged floors or changing light bulbs.
- Give the property a fresh coat of neutral paint where necessary. This will make the property appear more inviting and mask any unpleasant smells.
- Rooms can appear larger when they are less cluttered, make sure that the property appears neat and tidy by storing away any bits and bobs.
- Professional cleaning of the property and steam cleaning of any carpets will show the property in its best possible light and convince any prospective tenant that the property is well maintained and cared for.
- A well aired property with plenty of natural light gives the feeling of space. Remove any heavy curtains and nets and ventilate the property as best as possible.
- The garden can be a key selling point so it is important so ensure that it is well presented.
- Prospective tenants will want to know that the property is safe and secure so fix any broken fence panels, install smoke alarms and ensure there are sufficient locks to windows and doors.
The Accommodating Company Letting Procedure
- Selection of Tenants
- With your instruction, we will proceed to find suitable tenants from our extensive database of awaiting professional clientele, whom are subject to your approval. The necessary references and credit checks will be obtained through Homelet, part of the Barbon Insurance Group Limited who are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Services.
- Once Homelet have issued acceptance reports for all prospective tenants, The Accommodating Company will give you the option of Eviction with Legal Expense cover or Rental Protection cover, charges will apply.
- Copies of all references will be made available to you before the signing of contracts is undertaken. We advise landlords to sign contracts only when all references are satisfactory.
- Signing Contracts
- Once you are completely satisfied with the tenant(s), we will prepare the necessary Tenancy Agreements and Statutory Notices. We can furnish you with copies of these agreements prior to the sign up date if you wish for them to be checked by a solicitor.
- We will invite you into our office in order to sign the paperwork and hand over keys and any documentation you wish to provide us with. In the event that you are unable to attend, we are able to sign the agreements on your behalf if we receive written authorisation in advance.
- Rent and Deposit
- Tenants are required to pay one month’s rent and a five week deposit to The Accommodating Company upon commencement of the tenancy. We will only release keys to the property once all funds have been received and contracts have been signed by all parties.
- The rent will be paid out to you minus any deductions for agency fees, referencing costs, insurance premiums and contractor invoices. The rent will be due from the tenants on the same date as the contract start date for each successive month.
- We will register the tenants deposit with The Dispute Service and produce copies of certification for all parties charges will apply. Alternatively, you may wish to register the deposit under an assured scheme yourself. Please note that it is a legal requirement to register a tenant(s) deposit within an assured deposit protection scheme. Failure to do so may result in a fine.
Our services
- Only you know how much time you can spare to deal with your tenant’s telephone calls and the resulting work. Here is an outline of the services we can offer you:
- Lettings Service
- Comprehensive advertising and marketing
- Finding a tenant
- Obtaining references
- Organising the gas safety inspection
- Organising the electrical safety check
- Organising the energy performance assessment
- Drawing up the tenancy agreement
- Arranging the check-in of the tenant with an Inventory Clerk
- Rent Collection Service (in addition to the Let Only service)
- Collection of rent
- Deduction of fees monthly
- Emailed monthly statements
- Management Service (in addition to the Rent Collection service)
- Arranging repairs and maintenance
- Arranging payment of outgoings
- Key holding service
- Transfer of utilities
- Property inspections with detailed reports
- Recommendations as to general improvements needed
- Advising on deposit deductions
- Legal support and advice
- Managing the check-out process
- Landlords Additional Charges
- Tenant referencing, right to rent checks, Homelet Innovate Eviction and Legal Expense cover £60 inc VAT per tenant (available on all services, conditions apply)
- Tenant referencing, right to rent checks, Homelet Inspire Eviction, Legal Expense and Rental Protection cover £240 inc IPT per property (available on all services, conditions apply)
- Holding and registering of the tenants deposit with The Dispute Service, £60 inc VAT for initial tenancy term. Then £36 inc VAT for any continuation of that tenancy.
- Landlords Service Fees
- Lettings Service 8.4% incl VAT
- Rent Collection Service (in addition to the Let Only service) 10.2% inc VAT
- Management Service (in addition to the Rent Collection service)12% inc VAT
- Our comprehensive Management service is designed to give you peace of mind and relieve you from the commitment of being a full-time landlord. These days more and more tenants request managed properties as it allows a more professional service, removing the emotion from both sides. Our team is highly experienced in maintaining proactive relationships with tenants.
