Below we summarise some of the issues you need to be aware of before letting your property. Our staff can provide full and detailed information as required.
FIRE AND FURNISHING REGULATIONS
Landlords need to be aware of the current legislation. All furniture which is upholstered and intended for use in a residential dwelling house must carry a permanent label detailing its compliance with the appropriate regulations. A landlord or agent can be prosecuted for supplying furniture that does not comply. There are certain exemptions.
GAS AND ELECTRICAL SAFETY REGULATIONS
All gas appliances need to be serviced and certificated on an annual basis. We are happy to arrange this where necessary. All electrical equipment provided; is required to be safe. We recommend such is inspected on a regular basis and certainly before the first letting.
INSURANCE
We are able to offer specialised letting insurance for all eventualities. We are an Appointed Representative of HomeLet, Letsure & Deacon (all major specialist letting insurers). We are able to provide let property insurance for buildings and contents, standard legal protection and rent /tenancy guarantee cover. We provide tenants with contents insurance and landlords with emergency appliance/property cover. As an Appointed Representative we are constrained to operate within the Financial Services Authority regulations giving further piece of mind.
SMOKE ALARMS
Smoke alarms should be provided in all properties (One on each floor) and be tested before a tenant moves in.
CLEANING/GARDENING/MAINTENANCE
These services can be provided by us via our approved contractors. Such services are charged out as per our client fee scale.
DEPOSITS/DILAPIDATIONS/MISSING ITEMS
A deposit is taken and held under the terms of the government's new Tenancy Deposit Scheme. Upon final check out inspection any damages are assessed and dealt with in accordance with these approved procedures taking account of wear and tear.
TAXATION
Generally, your rental income will be taxable. Although the law is complicated, with the right advice your liability can be significantly reduced. As a landlord you remain responsible to declare your income to the Inland Revenue on an annual return. Our Letting and Property Managers can advise on the basic principles and what expenses may be offset. For more in-depth advice, we are able to call upon the services of a Tax Associate.
NON-UK RESIDENT LANDLORDS
For non-resident (Overseas) landlords the law is more complex. Landlords will be required to complete a Tax Office Non Resident Landlord application (NRL) provided by us upon request. As Agents we have a statutory obligation to deduct and pay tax to the Inland Revenue (unless an exemption certificate has been issued). We are required to make regular quarterly and annual returns. Good advice is invaluable.
QUALITY OF SERVICE & REDRESS
We offer a quality service and have had many tributes to our professionalism and effectiveness. We are members of the Association of Residential Letting Agents (ARLA) and the National Approved Landlord Scheme (NALS) whose rules ensure we operate in accordance with a strict code of practice providing arbitration and fidelity bonding cover should we fail to provide a professional service.
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