Landlords
We currently have over 200 happy landlords on our books, many gained through recommendations. We pride ourselves on the relationships we build with our landlords and we aim to keep you updated on your investment at every turn.
We offer a full management service at competitive prices where we will:
- source and reference a tenant
- complete move in paperwork
- check tenant in along with inventory
- carry out quarterly inspections
- end of tenancy move out
The majority of our leases run smoothly and any issues that are brought to our attention are dealt with in a timely matter. As we carry out quarterly inspections, sometimes we can highlight issues before they amount to something of a more serious nature.
GETTING STARTED
You require to have the following before you can begin advertising. We can help you organise the below through our local tradesmen.
Renew every 10 years. Involves giving your property an energy performance rating, taking into factors such as heating, glazing and insulation. Minimum requirement of an E rating by April 2020, then D by 2022.
Renew every 3 years. We require a copy of your landlord registration number before we can begin advertising as the number must be displayed on all adverts.
Renew Annually. Gas appliances and systems must be checked and deemed safe by a registered Gas Safe Engineer.
This can be obtained after advertising but must be in place before a lease can begin and a tenant takes possession.
Before leasing. A carbon monoxide detector must be installed within 3 feet of any gas appliance. This can be portable. It will be tested at every gas safety visit.
This can be obtained after advertising but must be in place before a lease can begin and a tenant takes possession.
Renew every 5 years. To ensure electric appliances and systems are safe and in working order. This is also to protect the users of the appliance from both electric shock and fire hazard
This can be obtained after advertising but must be in place before a lease can begin and a tenant takes possession.
Renew every 4 (or on installation of new appliance). All portable appliances left must be tested and certified by a certified electrician.
This can be obtained after advertising but must be in place before a lease can begin and a tenant takes possession.
Before leasing. You are required to have: one functioning smoke alarm in the room frequently used by the occupants for general day time living purposes (eg lounge), One functioning smoke alarm in every circulation space (eg hallway) and One heat alarm in every kitchen area. All alarms must be interlinked.
This can be obtained after advertising but must be in place before a lease can begin and a tenant takes possession.
Annually. All water systems require a risk assessment, but not all systems require elaborate control measures. Landlords and letting agents can carry out a Legionnaires risk assessment themselves if the property is a single dwelling or a flat with its own water supply (hot and cold) and are competent to do so.
This can be obtained after advertising but must be in place before a lease can begin and a tenant takes possession.
FURTHER TIPS
Appliances – All appliances left in the property for the tenants should be certified as safe (gas safety for gas and PAT testing for electrical). It is also the landlords responsibility to ensure these are maintained for the duration of the tenancy.
Decoration – Our preference would be fresh, neutral décor, avoiding personal taste. Neutral, darker coloured carpets are also preferred. We will advise during tenancy if décor and carpets need updating the same as you would in your own property especially in a longer term tenancy.
Personal Items – we recommend all personal items are removed from the property especially items with sentimental value. All cupboard and shelf space should be left clear for tenants own personal use. Our preference is to have the property completely empty (with only white goods).
Gardens – Tenants are required to upkeep the garden, provided they are left the necessary tools. Upon occupancy, we prefer that the gardens are to the standard you would like the tenant to upkeep.
Mortgage & Insurance – you may be required to obtain permission for letting from your mortgage lender. Please ensure you are covered for both buildings and contents insurance under your landlord insurance. Many landlords who have previously lived in the leased property continue with their own personal insurance and unfortunately this invalidates the policy.
Tax – If you are resident in the UK, it is your responsibility to inform the Inland Revenue of any income received and pay any tax due. We are asked on an annual basis to provide landlords details and they will contact you should you not declare. If you will be resident outside the UK we may be asked to retain income tax from rent received. Please contact Inland Revenue for any such deductions and advise us upon instruction.
Mail – please ensure you have set up mail redirection through royal mail
Our Fees
We are transparent with our fees and they are as follows:
- £250 marketing fee (inc VAT)
- £150 New tenant fee (inc VAT – payable when a new tenant is required)
- 10% + VAT of monthly income (minimum £50.00 + VAT)
We have a landlords information pack that you can request from our office on 01389 731730 or email info@sbproperty.co.uk