Optional extras
Everyone could do with a hand from time to time. That’s where our optional extras come in. It’s a range of services designed to streamline the lettings process even further.
Maybe you’d like some help with property insurance or need to switch the utilities into your tenants’ names but don’t have the time. The optional extras allow you to pick and mix the services that are right for your situation. So you only pay for what you need. Explore the range, below.
EPCs
Before you can rent out your property it has to have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). This certificate, which looks similar to the energy labels found on domestic appliances, gives your prospective tenants information on the building’s energy efficiency and carbon emissions. And it gives them an idea of the kind of fuel bills they can expect.
Renting out a property to a new tenant without an EPC is illegal, and carries a fine of £200. That’s why at Andrews, we won’t market your property unless you have a valid EPC in place.
if you’d like more information or would like us to arrange an EPC for you, through our recommended supplier Gateway Surveyors, call us on 0800 876 6002.
Landlord insurance
As a landlord, it’s your responsibility to arrange buildings insurance on your property. This includes cover for contents and public liability.
Of course, you may already have your property insured and feel that the cover is sufficient. However, in our 75-years’ experience, we’ve learned that specialist insurance designed for landlords and tenants can save a lot of headaches. That’s why we’ve teamed up with insurance partner to provide you with just such specialist cover.
This special Landlord insurance protects and safeguards your needs and includes many extra features associated with letting property, such as the risk of damage caused by tenants.
We strongly recommend taking out a policy such as this. If you do decide to stay with the insurance cover you have, you still need to tell your insurance company that you’re going to let out your property. That way you can be sure that you’re adequately covered.
Switching utilities
Chances are, your tenants will be liable for the utility bills, such as gas, electric, water rates, and council tax during their tenancy. So, to avoid any billing confusion, you need to make sure that all the bills are in your tenants’ names.
Sounds like a hassle? So leave it to us. With the help of our trusted partners, we’ll endeavour to make sure that these changes are made. That way it’s a whole lot more straightforward for you and your tenants.
Speak to your local branch to find out more.
Management visit
Letting out your property involves a certain degree of trust. Trust that your tenants will care for it properly and treat it with respect.
To help put your mind at rest, we can visit your property on a quarterly basis to give it a check over. Once we’ve paid a visit, we’ll provide you with a report on its condition and draw your attention to any obvious defects. It’s not a structural survey or a check against the original inventory but it does give you the extra reassurance of knowing that your property is being properly looked after. Invaluable if you don’t live close by.
Obviously we need to make a charge for any inspections made by us or our recommended surveyor, Gateway Surveyors, but it’s a relatively small price to pay for peace of mind.
Speak to your local branch to find out more.
Deposit
It’s standard practice to take a deposit from your tenants before they move into your property. This can be used to cover any damage or breakages during the tenancy term and is normally equivalent to 6 weeks’ rent. If you like, we can collect this deposit on your behalf. Once we’ve received it, we’ll register it with my deposits and issue a statutory certificate in line with tenancy regulations.
Opening up the tenancy market with Flatfair
What is it?
Tenants secure a new home with a small check-in fee equal to one week’s rent (+VAT) or £120 whichever is greater instead of paying for a costly deposit, with any damages paid when it’s time to move out. The fee is non-refundable and does not count towards any end-of-tenancy charges.
How does it work?
You get up to 10 weeks protection for free. Unpaid established charges up to a total value of 10 weeks rent (though never more than 5 weeks rent arrears).At the end of the tenancy, with a traditional deposit you only have 5 weeks worth of rent in monetary terms. So, if the rent is £1000 per month, you would have a deposit of £1153 with which you could claim on for rent arrears or dilapidations of the property. With Flatfair, you have 10 weeks worth of rent as protection at the end, so, on a rent of £1000 pcm, you would have £2307 at the end of the tenancy to claim for arrears or dilapidations of the property. Flatfair deal with the risk by supporting referencing and collecting documentation.
Why Flatfair?
Properties let faster and attract more quality tenants.
If there’s any damages or unpaid rent, you’re put back in pocket within 10 days of charges being agreed.
Speak to your local branch to find out more.