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Lettings

Initial steps

Once we have received your instruction for valuation we will carry out a rental appraisal. We recognise the need to fulfil the rental potential of your property, and the importance of an accurate valuation in order to secure a suitable tenant, minimising delay and void periods. We will advise you at this point if there are any necessary works and repairs to the property that need your attention. Upon request we can supply you a estimate quote from our preferred contractor list.

We offer 2 tenant find packages:

Tenant Introduction fee – 10.8% including VAT of the initial rental total sum within the initial fixed term tenancy agreement signed

Tenant introduction and rent collection fee – 13.2% including VAT of the initial rental total sum within the initial fixed term tenancy agreement signed

* All renewals for the above services are charged at 7.2% including VAT of the rental total sum within the fixed term renewal tenancy agreement signed

* All our tenant deposits are securely held in a separate annually audited client account. Our accredited Client Money Protection scheme is with Safe Agent

* This firm is part of the The Property Ombudsman Redress Scheme

Compliance

As a landlord you have certain responsibilities regarding the safety of your tenant, and there are several procedures that need to be followed before a tenancy can begin. These include (but are not necessarily restricted to) insurance, utilities, furnishings and fire alarms. A valid gas safety certificate, EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) and an EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report) must be in place prior to any tenancy commencement. Changingproperty.com can help you through this process and provide you with all the information you will need.

Viewings

To accommodate the busy lifestyles of your potential tenants, we offer extended viewing hours from 8am to 9pm on weekdays and from 9am to 5pm on Saturdays and Sundays by appointment, except national and bank holidays. When we receive a viewing request, we take every possible step to make sure that the client matches your ideal tenant profile and is genuinely interested in your property. You will be informed when there is a viewing and provided with feedback after the event.

Offers

On receiving a tenancy offer our priority is to contact you immediately. Upon acceptance of the offer being agreed we will secure a 1 weeks rent reservation deposit by debit/credit card via our lettings administration platform with Goodlord.co and issue a landlord and tenant acceptance letter for both parties to sign breaking down the content of the offer accepted. All references are checked via Goodlord.co within 3-5 working days, which include:

  • Credit score bankruptcy CCJ/Court Decree
  • Anti-fraud check
  • Personal identity check
  • Report on adverse credit history
  • Undisclosed addresses
  • Landlord/managing agent reference/employer’s reference
  • Previous employer’s reference (if applicable)

Based upon this information and upon request we can offer you a quote for an optional rent guarantee.

Due to current money laundering legislation, we also request two forms of identification for each applicant: (i) photo ID such as a driving licence or passport, and (ii) proof of address in the form of a utility bill, 3 months bank statement and a council tax statement that is no older than 3 months.

The Tenancy

We can advise you on the most suitable tenancy agreement. All our agreements are regularly updated and comply with the latest legislation. The keys will not be handed over to the tenant until we are 110% sure that everything has been covered to your satisfaction.

We recommend that you arrange for an inventory to be taken before the tenancy starts. At your request we can arrange for an independent inventory clerk to undertake this for you at an additional charge.

We advise collecting 6 weeks’ rent as a deposit and a month’s rent in advance. After the tenancy commences we will either retain the deposit, or transfer it to you at your request according to the tenancy deposit scheme rules and regulations. We charge £50+VAT to administer any deposits on your behalf through our insurance based scheme with mydeposits.co.uk, who are a nominated government appointed scheme. As of the 1st October 2010, the threshold for all Assured Shorthold Tenancies will be raised to £100,000. Any tenancy started before this date and going forward from this date will need the deposit registered. Please speak to us for further information as there could be change.

We will administer your account within 5 working days of the tenancy start date. You can request your balance which will be subject to deductions of our fees and any instructed works carried out on your behalf by either company cheque or bank transfer. Please allow 4 working days for any funds to be cleared into your nominated bank account. When there is any balance due to changingproperty.com after reconciling your account, we will require this to be paid in full by you and within 5 working days.

When a tenancy is terminated we will re-market your property at the push of a button and keep to a minimum any void periods.

CONTACT US

Tenants

Viewing

We operate extended viewing hours to accommodate busy modern lifestyles.  Properties may be viewed during Monday-Friday 8am to 9pm and Saturday-Sunday 9am to 5pm, except national and bank holidays.

Securing a tenancy

Once you have decided on a property and made an offer we will submit your offer to the landlord. Upon your offer being agreed at this stage we will require you to sign up to the property via out lettings administration platform with Goodlord.co and pay a non refundable pre tenancy deposit fee of 1 weeks rent by debit card or credit card and sign the property reservation agreement (statement of account including all rent and security deposit) and tenant acceptance letter (terms of tenancy agreed) before proceeding to the checking of references with Goodlord.co.  The pre tenancy deposit fee is non refundable if you change your mind and fail to move in on the agreed contract start date and or your references fail upon false information being provided and verified.  If the Landlord decides to withdraw from the tenancy terms agreed at any time you will be refunded 100% of your pre tenancy deposit.

If you intend to keep a pet, this must be discussed at the offer submission stage. Many property blocks are excluded from allowing pets by head leases, which individual landlords must comply with.

References and tenancy administration

Each potential tenant over the age of 18 must complete an online reference application form within 24 hours of paying a non refundable pre tenancy deposit (1 weeks rent).

Due to current money laundering legislation, we also require two forms of identification for each applicant and a rent to right code for NON UK residents: photo ID such as a driving licence or passport, and (ii) proof of address such as a utility bill, bank statement or council tax statement that is no older than 3 months and last 3 months bank statements.

Reserving a property:

Pre tenancy holding deposit: 1 weeks rent (non refundable, please ask for terms)

Reference and credit checks usually take 7-10 days to be completed, this includes all the following:

  • Credit score bankruptcy CCJ/Court Decree
  • Anti-fraud check
  • Personal identity check/Right to Rent
  • Report on adverse credit history
  • Undisclosed addresses
  • Landlord/managing agent reference/employer’s reference
  • Employer and previous employer’s reference (if applicable)

Tenancy agreement

On or before commencement of the tenancy you will normally sign a tenancy agreement. Each party to the tenancy over the age of 18 must sign the tenancy agreement before the keys can be released.

The tenancy agreement is a legal and binding document which commits you to paying rent until the end of the agreed term. If during your tenancy your circumstances change in any material way it is advisable to let us know.

Minimum tenancy period

This may depend on the individual property, and we can advise you accordingly. An Assured Shorthold tenancy is for a minimum of six months, but many landlords prefer one year, which is the maximum initial term of this kind of tenancy. Some landlords may offer to include a mutual break clause, which can often be invoked at two months notice after the initial six month period expires.

Inventories

It is good practice for an inventory to be taken prior to both moving into a property and moving out. This will normally be done by an independent inventory clerk, and records details of the condition of the property and furnishings. If during the tenancy this deteriorates beyond fair wear and tear a sum representing compensation may be taken from your deposit at the end of the tenancy according to the tenancy deposit scheme rules and regulations.

The inventory compilation and check-in is paid for by the landlord and the check-out inventory is paid for by the landlord.

Commencement of tenancy

You should assume a minimum of 7-10 days after making a successful offer before you can expect to move in.  This allows time for references to be completed and for preparation of the property.  In the unlikely event of any delay beyond this period changingproperty.com will keep you fully informed.

Payment

You will be required to pay the first month’s rent and a deposit typically equivalent to 5 weeks’ rent, as soon as your references are returned by Goodlord.co successfully. Your 1 weeks’ reservation fee will be offset against this, your landlord is legally obliged to protect your deposit using an authorised tenancy deposit scheme.

Once payment has been made and contracts e-signed, the keys can be released. Please note that any monies payable to changingproperty.com must be paid in cleared funds and by online bank transfer ONLY. Our preferred rental payment method is by monthly standing order or direct debit from your bank, set up to be withdrawn from your account 3 days before your rent day so that it arrives on the due date. In any case, please be sure to tell us if your financial circumstances change, as we can then take steps to help you to protect your tenancy.

Council tax and utility bills

Unless otherwise agreed with the landlord, you will be responsible for payment of council tax, opening of new telephone, gas, electricity, water and TV license accounts.

Contents insurance

The landlord’s insurance covers the actual property and fixtures and fittings, but not your personal possessions.  We are happy to recommend companies who specialise in this type of insurance for tenants.

Disclaimer: The information on this website is intended only as an aid to the understanding of the rental process and we cannot guarantee its accuracy.  Changingproperty.com, its partners and staff accept no responsibility for any action taken or loss occurring on account of this information and we reserve the right to change the content of the website at any time.