Douglas Pryce provides a range of letting and management services based on the experience, skillsand expertise of our lettings team. As members of The Property Redress Scheme, The TDS, Client Money Protect, Rightmove and Zoopla, you can be assured that we have a detailed understanding of the lettings and management sector and will ensure that you are given the best possible service.
Over last few years and following the introduction of the 1988 Housing Act which offers greater protection and possession rights to Landlords, there has been resurgence in the lettings market.
People from all walks of life are looking to become involved in the rental market whether Investors Companies, people who need to relocate with their work or homeowners who are having difficulty in selling their own properties. Increasingly, large numbers of people are entering the Buy to Let sector as an opportunity for investment.
As a result, Landlords have come to expect extensive knowledge and expertise from the Agency they choose to act for them.
WHERE TO START?
1. Local Lettings Agent – we would suggest you find a local agent who both familiar with the Lettings market in your given area and also an agency that is associated to a property redress scheme, such as The PAS – Like us!
2. Having chosen your agent, you may want to consider preparing your property for rental, which we can gladiy advise you on and will do so with our initial foedback after the valuation. The rental market as with any other is competitive therefore, in order to obtain the best possible Tenants, you must present your property in the most effective way
3. Other important considerations for Landlords before Letting
- Written consent must be obtained from your Mortgage Provider/Freeholder of property is leasehold) Your Insurance Company must be notified that the property is to be rented out and appropriate insurance obtained for a tenanted property There are specialist insurance companies who can provide this and we would be happy to assist you.
- The Inland Revenue must also be informed within 6 months of letting your property, flat or apartment in the UK and failure to do so will incur penalties, interest and other consequences. The Inland Revenue are apt to deal harshly with Landlords who do not declare rental income and it is always best to seek advice on tax planning and Capital Gains Tax from a fully qualified Accountant
- Mail should be redirected with the Post Office.
- Further copies of keys will need to be provided, at least two if you have Management Agents acting for you.
- Utilities such as gas/electricity/water/telephone & Council Tax will have to be transferred to the successful Tenant.
- An Inventory and Check In should be drawn up. This is an important legal document which forms an integral part of the Tenancy Agreement and, as such, it is a false economy to prepare your own in most cases
The Inventory is required whether the property to let is furnished or unfurnished and accurate descriptions of the overall condition of wall floor coverings, kitchen and bathroom fittings to name but a few are essential, Amounts cannot be withheld from the Tenant’s deposit unless the loss or damage is proved to have been caused by the Tenant
In the event that any dispute concerning loss or damage to your property is not amicably resolved then the matter will be referred to the Courts and arbitration but should be noted that any judgement will be on the basis of written documentation- the Inventory.
We at Douglas Pryce pride ourselves of being a leading in the Sales and Lettings market and thus this is the main focus of our business. We feel our approach to property management and maintenance is what really sets us apart. Within some of the ‘larger’ corporate structures, clients can often feel as if they are getting lost within the system. No more than a cog within a larger corporate wheelhouse. Not with Douglas Pryce! We treat everyone that comes into our infrastructure like part of our growing ecosystem. We will not only speak to landlords, tenants and tradespeople via email(s) and call(s) but we also feel its important to move with the times. Therefore we also believe in utilising things such as WhatsApp communication to ensure those every day questions, queries and most importantly issues and being handled both correctly and efficiently by the team.