An empty property is of no benefit to a Landlord, and appearances really do count.
The moment a tenant steps into the property, they will have an idea of whether they can see themselves living there. A touch of paint to the front door and a fresh neutral colour scheme throughout offer a versatile backdrop for any prospective tenant to consider how their belongings might look in situ. Neutral flooring and carpet is an appealing feature to a prospective tenant – it is worth selecting a carpet that is easily cleaned and cost-effectively replaced, as accidents do sometimes happen. If lightbulbs have lost their glow, replace them. All these things demonstrate that this Landlord cares, and are likely to appeal to a tenant who wants to make your property a cosy home
Get Organised
Give some thought to the exact date you would like to let your property. We recommend introducing your property to the market six to eight weeks beforehand and, with our marketing and advertising campaigns, we will attract the very best tenants. Consider the cost of being a Landlord. Be prepared for any unexpected maintenance costs, don’t get caught out with unexpected expense.
The Lettings market can move quickly, so be prepared to allow tenants to view your property at short notice – and it does pay to be flexible with your move date
Current Legislation
Be assured that we will keep you up to date with the ever-changing Lettings legislation. We are experts in our field; we can advise you on all the important things that keeps you and your tenant safe. As a Landlord, here are a few things you need to be aware of:
- Arrange an annual gas safety check – does your cosy gas fire pass the Landlord’s Gas Safety Certificate?
- Fit smoke alarms on every floor and carbon monoxide alarms in rooms using coal or wood to warm them up. Make sure that these alarms are tested at the start of a new tenancy.
- Consider whether you need an Electrical Safety Certificate. We can provide you with all the information to ensure that you are legally compliant and aren’t at risk of any surprising fines.
- Does that cosy sofa have safety labels attached? If you are letting furnished, make sure your furniture complies with the Furniture and Furnishings (Fire Safety) Regulations 1988 (as amended in 1989, 1993 and 2010).
- If a deposit is taken, it is a Landlord’s duty to ensure this is protected
Inventories.
They say the devil is in the detail, and this couldn’t be truer when letting a property. Gone are the days when a handwritten note will suffice. A comprehensive inventory is the best way to minimise the risk of a dispute at the end of tenancy. Inventories need to be drawn up whether a property is being let furnished or unfurnished. Everything within the property needs to be recorded and photographed, including fixtures and fittings such as kitchen units and work surfaces, as well as carpets and décor. Should there be any existing damage, this would all be recorded as part of our inventory service.
Tenancy Agreements
Carrick Johnson Lettings & Property Management uses a tenancy agreement designed to protect your rights to possession and to help control the tenant’s activities, whilst ensuring that all terms are fair to both Tenant and Landlord, thus making sure you comply with the Unfair Terms in Consumer Contracts
Client Money Protection
Carrick Johnson Lettings & Property Management is a member of of ARLA Propertymark’s Client Money Protection Scheme
