Insurance
Property and contents should be comprehensively insured for letting and include cover for loss of rental income, legal costs and public liability. You must inform your Buildings and Contents insurers that the property is let. We can provide information on insurance policies specifically designed for rental property. Contact Davis Tate Insurance Services on 0844 770 7429 for a free quote.
Consent for Leasehold Property
If your property is leasehold you must ensure that any letting is permitted by your lease, and any tenancy terminates prior to the termination of your lease. Any lease condition must be noted in the tenancy agreement for the Tenant’s attention. If necessary, the written permission of your Landlord should be obtained for sub-letting.
Mortgage
Mortgaged properties require the mortgagee to give permission for letting and make aware of any special conditions or terms required by your mortgagee. Alternatively, we can introduce you to Davis Tate Financial Services who can offer products designed for let properties.
Jointly Owned Property
You must ensure that any joint owners are party to the Tenancy Agreement or give their consent in writing for the property to be let.
Tenant’s Deposit
All deposits for assured shorthold tenancies must be held under a Government-approved Deposit Scheme. We are members of My Deposits and tenants’ deposits are fully bonded through ARLA. All properties must have an independent inventory.
Utilities
Services such as electricity, gas, water, phone, broadband, TV licence and council tax are the responsibility of the Tenant, unless otherwise agreed.
Condition of the Property
Prospective Tenants will pay a great deal of attention to the cleanliness of the property and the condition of its gardens. Prior to occupation, both the house and the gardens should be overhauled by outside professionals. By doing so, you will achieve the best rent for the property
Continuous Improvement
We strongly recommend that Landlords invest in maintaining and enhancing their property year on year. This will improve both the rental return and the quality of Tenant it attracts.
Pets, Children, Smokers, Housing Benefit & Sharers
Please confirm to us if you will or will not accept any of these types of Tenant.
Furnishings
A property can be let fully, part or unfurnished. We can advise you as to any items which should be left. The Fire & Furnishings (fire safety) Regulations 1988 & 1993 require that all upholstered furnishing, loose fittings, permanent or loose covers supplied in rented properties must meet fire resistance requirements and must display the kite mark confirming it complies with the regulations.
Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998
The Gas Safety (installation and use) Regulations 1998 place a duty on Landlords to have all gas appliances and pipework at tenanted properties checked at 12 monthly intervals. The testing must be carried out by a Gas Safe registered engineer who will issue a Gas Safety Record.
Davis Tate recommends that all gas engineers are vetted to ensure they have the appropriate level of registration. You can do this by calling the Gas Safe Register direct on 0800 4085500 or visit www.gassaferegister.co.uk. We do not allow a tenant to take up occupation at any property which has a gas supply unless you can produce a valid gas safety certificate.
EPC’s
The property must have a current Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) available within 7 days of marketing. (Valid for 10 years). As of April 2018 all properties must have a minimum EPC rating of ‘E’ or above.