If you’re a new Landlord and you’re preparing to let your property, be sure to look over our guide! We want you to feel as supported as possible from the outset which is why we’ve put together this quick guide!
This should give you everything you need but if you have any questions contact us. We’re always happy to help.
Prepare your property
Business often runs smoothly with our landlords and we credit a lot of this to maintaining good relationships with them. Fostering a good relationship with your tenants begins with your property.
For a tenant to feel comfortable they need to feel like they are getting value for their money. This, in most cases, means a well presented and maintained property. Well decorated properties not only tend to get higher rents, they are often treated with more respect.
It’s also important that all amenities such as gas, electric, plumbing and heating are all working properly and safe.
Furnished or un-furnished
Deciding whether or not to furnish your property will depend on the local market and type of property. We’re always happy to advise on how you should be furnishing your properties. As a bare minimum however, you should provide carpets, curtains and light fittings.
Maintenance
It’s up to you to hand over the property in a fully cleaned condition. This extends to the property itself and the garden should there be one. It will be the tenant’s responsibility to keep the property in shape and return it to you in a similar state.
Health and safety
There are various health and safety codes to comply with when letting your property including carrying out annual gas safety checks and fitting working smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors in your property among others. If you require any information about your responsibilities as a landlord or in depth details regarding the specifications your property must meet, please get in touch. We’ll be only too happy to help.
EPC
Since October 2008, it has been a legal requirement that every property has an Energy Performance Certificate. Each EPC will be valid for 10 years, after which time they will need to be renewed. These documents must also be made available to tenants upon request.
New legislation is due to take effect soon which no longer allows you to let your property if it is anything lower than a category E.
Want to know more?
These guidelines should get you on the right track but we know there’s always more to cover. If you need any more information regarding your legal obligations, how best to proceed with letting your property or even just some friendly advice, we always encourage a friendly chat with the team. We’re here to help you get the most from your property so be sure to ask us any questions.