Landlord Information

Residential Lettings

We pride ourselves on good customer relations; we want a long term business relationship with you. Some of our customers have been with us for as long as 20 years.

ARLA, Association of Residential Letting Agents

We are proud to be a long standing member of The Association of Residential Lettings Agents. This gives you the reassurance of knowing your property is in safe hands. What does ARLA do for you?

  • Probity and Protection - ARLA leads the industry in setting and regulating the highest standards in the industry and demands certain levels of professionalism and commitment to customer service from its membership.
  • As an ARLA member firm we are required to work within a robust Code of Practice, which covers the key stages in letting and managing a property. There are comprehensive membership Byelaws which include compliance with such issues as handling and accounting for Clients’ money; the mandatory ARLA Client Money Protection Bonding Scheme; Professional Indemnity Insurance.
  • We are required to employ a minimum of at least one member of staff who holds a suitable industry qualification, recognised by the Association. Over 75% of our staff has such a qualification.
  • ARLA keeps us up to date with changes in legislation and provides wide-ranging training and guidance to help members understand and interpret all aspects of letting and managing a property.

Marketing

What are some of the things we do to market your property?

  • Regular feedback
  • Erect a TO LET board at the property
  • Town Centre shop window display
  • Circulate full colour property lists to potential applicants
  • Regular full colour Local Newspaper advertising
  • 24/7 advertising on a variety of property Internet portals including Rightmove and our own website
  • Properties are displayed in Park Lane. Being a member of the Guild of Professional Estate Agents allows us to advertise your property to let on their website and in the London Office.
  • Regular mail shots
  • Carry out accompanied viewings
  • Professional, external tenant referencing
  • Regular feedback during application period
  • Open 6 days a week

Technology

What do we offer?

  • Bespoke computer package in line with ARLA bye-laws
  • Staff mobile phones, you can always contact someone during working hours
  • Email statements, photographs
  • SMS – text message your property to our waiting applicants
  • On-Line contact

Managed Service

What do we do?

  • Act as your advocate
  • Advertising & Marketing (see Marketing Section)
  • Find and vet a tenant
  • Free advice if you wish to increase your portfolio
  • Assigned Property Managers – you will be allocated two named people who will manage your property once it has been let
  • You will be given the Property Managers’ business mobile number
  • Prepare the Tenancy Agreement on your behalf
  • Produce a detailed Inventory including photographs
  • Organise your annual Landlord Gas Safety Certificate
  • Arrange your EPC (Energy Performance Certificate)
  • Collect and record rental payments and pay into your bank account
  • Send you a monthly statement
  • Register the deposit with the Tenancy Deposit Scheme
  • Carry out regular property visits and provide you with a report
  • Arrange tenancy extensions and terminations
  • Arrange annual rent increases subject to market conditions
  • Carry out a Check Out and produce a Check Out report
  • Arrange any Check Out works
  • Advise you of current legislation when applicable
  • Deal with any repairs or maintenance on your behalf
  • Deal with any tenant issues on your behalf
  • Provide a 24 hour emergency call-out repair service
  • Serve relevant Notices on your tenant (at no extra cost)
  • We have access to an advice-line with a firm of London solicitors, specialising in Landlord and Tenant Legislation
  • Send you a periodic Newsletter with up to date information on market conditions and new legislation
  • Provide professional and experienced staff

Let Only with Check Out Service

What do we do?

  • Act as your advocate
  • Advertising & Marketing (see Marketing Section)
  • Find and vet a tenant
  • Prepare the Tenancy Agreement on your behalf
  • Produce a detailed Inventory including photographs
  • Organise your Landlord Gas Safety Certificate
  • Arrange your EPC (Energy Performance Certificate)
  • Collect and record first rental payment and pay into your bank account
  • Register the deposit with the Tenancy Deposit Scheme
  • Carry out a Check Out and produce a Check Out report
  • Arrange any Check Out works
  • Provide professional and experienced staff

Let Only Service

What do we do?

  • Act as your advocate
  • Advertising & Marketing (see Marketing Section)
  • Find and vet a tenant
  • Prepare the Tenancy Agreement on your behalf
  • Produce a detailed Inventory including photographs
  • Organise your Landlord Gas Safety Certificate
  • Arrange your EPC (Energy Performance Certificate)
  • Collect and record first rental payment and pay into your bank account
  • Collect the Deposit and pay into your bank account
  • Provide professional and experienced staff

Frequently Asked Questions

How many sets of keys do I need to provide?
3 sets for managed service, otherwise 2 sets

Is the tenant responsible for the utilities and council tax?
Yes, it is the tenants’ responsibility to arrange and pay for these services

Should I furnish the property?
Please speak to our experienced negotiators for individual advice

Am I responsible for Building Insurance?
Yes, it is a legal requirement for the Landlord to provide insurance on a freehold property. Leaseholders insurance is usually included in the Service Charge.

I have a mortgage. Do I need permission to Let?
Yes, it is a legal requirement for you to seek permission from your lender. Leaseholders may need to get consent under the lease.

I am a Leaseholder. Will the tenant pay the Service Charge?
No. The Landlord must pay this.

What about tax?
You should speak to an accountant about any tax implications as this depends on your personal circumstances. We are obliged to send the Inland Revenue details of your rental income annually.

I am going to live abroad, how does that affect me?
If you live abroad and do not complete the relevant forms we are obliged to deduct tax from your rental income. Please speak to a member of our team for more information.

Can I take Rent Protection Insurance?
Yes. These are usually related to the referencing procedure so speak to a member of our team in the first instance.

Can the tenant alter my property?
No. Not unless written permission is given.

What happens if the tenant damages my property?
Accidents can happen. Legislation dictates how a deposit may be used at the end of a tenancy. Our qualified staff will be able to advise you about this if it were to happen.

Who is responsible while my property is empty?
You are.

Do you add commission on contractors’ invoices if you arrange a repair on my property?
No.

Do you charge if my tenant renews an existing contract?
Yes. An administration fee is payable.

Insurance

As part of our service Underwoods Town & County have teamed up with Let Insurance Services to offer the following specialist Insurance products.

Rent Protection & Legal Expenses Insurance

Non payment of rent can occur for many reasons; as a result of a dispute or due to unforeseen circumstances such as sickness or redundancy. Let Insurance Services Rent Protection and Legal Expenses policy covers you against loss of income due to non payment of rent and legal expenses that are incurred in obtaining vacant possession.

Buildings & Contents Insurance

Your let property is a precious investment and naturally you want to protect it. Let Insurance Services are specialists in let property insurance and provide quality policies that have been specifically developed to cover the risks associated with property rental.

Three levels of cover are available.

Underwoods Town & County are Appointed Representatives of Let Insurance Services Ltd. who are authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority