Landlords information

Why let your house?

Deciding to let a property can be a big decision, but we aim to help you through this process making it as easy and profitable for you as possible. Below are some of the most common reasons for letting a property. To find out what we offer see our services, and find out why our landlords choose us to help them in this venture.

Buy to let

Buying a property to rent out is a worthwhile investment which is currently giving a better return than savings accounts or investments in the money market. Bear in mind that there will be capital appreciation on the property as well as rental income. With our experience and up-to-date knowledge of the rental market we can help you to maximise these benefits by advising on the kind of property to buy and the areas which prove most popular.

Going abroad?

If you are working or temporarily living abroad, it makes sense to let your home so that you keep a foothold in the British property market. It is not wise to leave a house empty for too long a period. Far better that it be occupied and whilst the rent should cover your mortgage and maintenance costs, the tenants will be responsible for paying local council rates, water rates and other utilities. Please see our advice for overseas landlords for more information.

Moving area and unable to sell?

If you need to move area and the selling market is slow, letting your home can give you breathing space whilst covering your mortgage payments and preventing your home from getting that sad 'unlived in' appearance.

Why employ us?

As one of the regions largest and most established independant Lettings and Property Management Agencies we are able to offer services which can be individually tailored to meet your needs. We are members of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and are a RICS regulated firm, we are also members of the Ombudsman for Lettings Scheme, and all our services conform to their standards. We aim to provide a highly professional service with personal attention to all our clients` needs. We are well known locally for straightforward honesty and integrity, and over 50% of our new instructions come to us via recommendation from our existing landlords. Consequently we now hold a major market share in the Nottingham and Lincoln areas, and our experience and up-to-date knowledge of the rental situation in these areas are second to none.

We have well established marketing channels, including weekly adverts in the local press, and an online presence with our newly rebranded website which is updated daily with the latest properties. Website users can also sign up to receive email alerts of each property added to our list. We also have good links with local tradespeople who are able to carry out any repairs which may be needed. These trusted people are regularly used by ourselves, ensuring a reliable and efficient service at good value for money.

Legal information

Tenancy agreements

All properties are let under Assured Shorthold Tenancies usually for an initial guaranteed period of six months, but the term can be longer by arrangement. If a landlord requires the tenant to vacate the property, a minimum of two months notice must be given from a rent due date.

Tenancy Deposit Scheme

A deposit will be taken from tenants to cover any dilapidations or unpaid rent at the end of the tenancy. In compliance with Government Legislation this money will be held under the terms of the Tenancy Deposit Scheme. Full details of the scheme are available from our office.

Safety checks

Once a property is tenanted you do have an obligation to ensure that it is well maintained. Basically you are responsible for repair and maintenance of the structure and exterior of the property and for maintaining in working order the installations for the supply of water, gas, electricity (or other fuel), heating and hot water and any appliances included in the let.

It is a legal requirement that all gas appliances are checked annually by a GAS SAFE registered plumber and a 'Landlords' Gas Safety Certificate' kept on file. We keep records of expiry dates and can arrange annual renewals as part of our management service.

Electrical equipment and soft furnishings in the property must also comply with the appropriate safety regulations - please ask for details. Over and above all you have a 'duty of care' to your tenants in relation to their health and safety whilst living in your property.

Maintenance and repairs

In order to ensure high standards of repair work at good value for money, we deal with local tradespeople whom we have found to be reliable and efficient. We have a successful working relationship with these people and the benefits of this are passed on to our landlords.

Tenants must contact us regarding all repairs and must not have the work carried out themselves unless in an emergency. They are reminded, however that care should be taken at all times to minimise damage by turning off water, gas or electricity if necessary. Tenants are also responsible for maintaining and replacing items such as smoke alarm batteries, light bulbs and tap washers.

If necessary, we will assess the damage ourselves to determine if there is any cause due to tenant negligance. If not, we will usually authorise any repairs up to a cost of £150, with any work over this amount to be discussed with the landlord first. However, landlords' authorisation of repairs is covered in our agency agreement and can be adjusted to meet individual requirements. Invoices for repairs are passed directly to ourselves and are settled out of the rental income, and we will of course keep you fully informed at all stages of the maintenance process.

Insurance

As a landlord you are responsible for insuring the building and any contents included in the let. It is extremely important that the Insurance Company are fully aware that the property is let as this can affect the cover.

Overseas landlords

If you are working or temporarily living abroad, it makes sense to let your home both to keep a foothold in the British property market and to ensure it retains a 'lived in' appearance. If you choose to follow this option, employing a trusted agent who is on hand to deal with the property is essential for peace of mind. We are used to dealing with clients overseas - over 8% of our managed properties have a landlord living abroad.

We can also advise you on issues unique to overseas landlords. For example if you are non-UK resident we as your agents would be required to deduct tax from your rental income and pay it to the Inland Revenue. However, by completing a form you can apply to Inland Revenue to receive UK rental income without tax deduction and it is our agency policy to ask all overseas landlords to follow this procedure.

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