Lettings from Foley and Davis Estate Agents.

To attract the right tenant who will pay a good rental, it is imperative that your property be presented well. It should be in clean & tidy condition and well decorated, so when it comes to market, it will let as quickly as possible. Under the 1985 Landlord and Tenant Act, Landlords have a legal responsibility to ensure that Tenants are “safe from harm” - this in essence means that you the Landlord, must provide housing that is fit for habitation. A property on the rental market must be supplied and maintained to a good standard. Landlords must ensure the structure, hot water and water supply, lighting and the heating & ventilation is maintained throughout the tenancy.

Over recent years many people have turned to the buy-to-let market as an addition to pension provisions and for other reasons. This means that there is considerably more choice for people wishing to rent and consequently, as they have choice, the property owner has to ensure that they provide good quality accommodation that will attract tenants. Many investors have preferred to buy brand new properties as they have an advantage over older properties that may require some updating. The new properties, such as purpose built blocks of flats or other modern developments tend to come “fully fitted”, i.e. a new fitted kitchen, new bathroom, new boiler & heating system etc. If you have an older style property, or indeed one that is in excess of 15 years old, you may wish to consider replacing the kitchen, bathroom and generally updating so you can achieve a good rental.

It is worth noting, if you have a mortgage on the property you wish to let, you should gain consent from the lender prior to letting. If you don’t you will be breaking the mortgage covenant. Most mortgage providers will give consent provided they have seen and approved a tenancy agreement and that satisfactory references are taken up on any perspective tenant. In the case of Leasehold property, consent to underlet/sublet may also be required from the Freeholder under the terms of the head lease. You may have to pay for this consent. In some cases this can amount to a fair sum of money before you start each tenancy, so check the terms of your lease before you actually put it on the letting market.

Prior to letting any property a Gas Safety Certificate is required. This regulation was introduced to ensure that appliances are properly installed and maintained to avoid the risks of carbon monoxide poisoning. At the commencement of a letting, a Landlord is required by law to hold a current Gas Safety Certificate and the tenant must be provided with a copy of this certificate prior to occupation. Gas Safety Certificates must be renewed annually and must cover all gas appliances in the property. An authorised CORGI registered engineer can carry out the inspection. At present there is no specific statutory requirement to prove that the electrical appliances supplied at the property are regularly checked or tested, although as the Landlord, you would have a duty of care. Any faulty or dangerous wiring, exposed cable and damaged sockets must be replaced and appliances must be fitted with a sleeved insulated plug.

If you would like us to provide an up to date market appraisal for your property, please contact us and we will be happy to arrange a mutually convenient time for us to call round.

* Free valuation and consultation
* Full marketing of your property
* Comprehensive range of services to suit your requirements
* Arrangement of tenancy agreements
* Inventory Service Available
* Rental Guarantee & legal protection available.