What are the advantages of using a Letting Agency?
There are a number of distinct advantages to employing a letting agency:
- Database of prospective tenants waiting to rent your property.
- No hassle from tenants who would otherwise be contacting you at home, work or on your mobile every time they have a problem.
- A dedicated team of professional tradesmen who are readily available to carry out repairs at short notice.
- A 24 hour emergency call out service for urgent requirements.
- Rent collection service which operates a strict arrears policy and follows up late payments vigorously.
- Key holding service.
- Quarterly property inspections are available to ensure that your property is being properly maintained.
- Property inspection upon termination.
- Rental reviews at the end of the tenancy to ensure that you are receiving a rental that is in line with current prices.
- A full, hands-on management service which allows you the peace of mind that comes from knowing that your property is being looked after professionally.
How can I ensure that my property will rent quickly and obtain the optimum rent?
We encourage landlords to brighten up the front of the property, with a fresh coat of paint if necessary. Landlords should try to ensure that the driveway and gardens are clean, the grass is cut and shrubs have been trimmed. The interior of the property should be free of clutter and painted in neutral colours. We also recommend a thorough clean of the entire property and in many cases the use of a professional cleaning service can pay dividends. All appliances should be in full working order and furnished properties rent far quicker than those that aren’t furnished.
NB. See our ‘Smart Let Property Maintenance’ service for further details on how we can assist you in preparing your property for rent.
How are the viewings conducted?
Smart Lettings will show the property to as many eligible tenants as possible. The viewings are held at times that are suitable to the prospective tenants and we operate hours that are as flexible possible to cater for the tenants needs. At all times a representative of the agency will accompany the prospective tenants to the viewings and will provide them with all relevant information.
How do you vet the prospective tenants?
Smart Lettings does its utmost to ensure that the tenants we recommend are of the highest standard in terms of reliability and character. All prospective tenants are required to provide a written reference from their employer, previous landlord and, in some instances, their bank. These references are then verified by telephone to ensure their authenticity. Only when the references are satisfactorily verified will the prospective tenant be recommended for tenancy.
Do you carry out an inventory check?
Smart Lettings will carry out an inventory check as well as a Schedule of Condition for all properties, on request. Even in the case of lesser quality furniture and fittings we would recommend that landlords get an inventory taken as it can be very helpful in dispute resolution at a later stage. We can arrange a photographic inventory at an extra fee.
Will my insurance be affected?
We strongly recommend that you contact your insurance company to inform them that you are letting your property. Tenants will be responsible for insuring their own possessions under a separate policy.
Am I responsible for repairs and maintenance?
The general rule is that the landlord is responsible for any repairs or maintenance that arise from ‘normal wear and tear’. This might include the break down of a washing machine or a leak from a sink. However, if it is obvious that the tenant is responsible for the damage through neglect or misuse then it is commonplace to charge the tenant for the cost of repair or withhold an appropriate portion of their security deposit.
What happens if the tenant fails to pay their rent on time?
If a tenant fails to pay the rent on time there are a number of options open to the landlord. Under our Smart Let Complete and Smart Let Rent Collection services, we operate a policy whereby a letter is sent immediately upon realising that a payment has been missed. The tenant then has 3 days in which to contact the office and explain the problem or rectify the issue. If the tenant does not contact our office then a member of our team will telephone the tenant. This is backed up by progressively sterner written reminders and calls to the property by our representatives. If the problem persists then the landlord will be advised to issue a Notice to Quit. Failing this, an application to the PRTB would have to be made seeking an ejection order.
