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Landlords
WHICH IS THE BEST SERVICE FOR YOU?
A brief guide to the Lettings and Management
services provided by Duke Letting Property Management
OUR FULL TERMS AND CONDITIONS WILL BE
PROVIDED ON REQUEST
LETTING SERVICE
A tenant introduction service with unbeatable
value. If you ask for our Sole Agency Agreement we provide this
service for only 8.5% of the first six months rent. If you are confident
that you can manage the tenancy without professional help this could
be the service for you.
- We will visit your property and advise on the rental value
and on any other relevant points including the latest regulations.
At this time you will be able to ask us any questions you may
have.
- We then advertise your property and search our tenant database
for a suitable tenant. Duke Letting can show
the property on your behalf or arrange suitable viewing times
for you.
- When we have found a suitable tenant we will take up references
and check their credit profile.
- A tenancy agreement is prepared and issued to yourselves and
the tenant with any relevant notices.
- We collect the first months rent on your behalf and arrangements
are made for payments of further monthly rent in accordance with
the tenancy agreement. We also collect the deposit and hold it
in our client deposits account as stakeholders.
- All the relevant utility companies are informed of the tenancy
and given meter readings for the transfer of service accounts
(eg. gas and electricity).
- Duke Letting can on request check in your new
tenant at no extra charge.
- We can arrange for an inventory of the contents of your property
and its condition. It is very important that an inventory is prepared
prior to the commencement of the tenancy to avoid any disputes
on vacation of the premises.
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FULL MANAGEMENT SERVICE
Using our Full Management Service will give you
complete peace of mind that your property is being looked after
by professionals. We offer this comprehensive service for the competitive
fee of 14% if our sole agency agreement is requested.
In addition to the services offered in
our letting service we also include the following:
- Arranging the preparation of the property for the incoming tenant
and inspect the property, in the presence of the tenant where
possible, twice a year or more regularly if required.
- In the event of any repairs or maintenance being necessary
we will contact the tenant for access to the property, arrange
for any emergency repairs to be carried out immediately and liase
with the Landlord where possible in the case of non-emergency
repairs.
- We will accept rent payments, pay all the expenses for the property,
and remit the remaining funds to your bank or send it to you by
cheque. In all cases we will provide a comprehensive monthly statement.
- We will be in regular contact with your tenant and at least
one member of staff will be contactable by telephone at any time.
We will hold a key at the office for entry to the property in
the case of an emergency.
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GUIDELINES TO MAXIMISING THE POTENTIAL OF YOUR
PROPERTY
Decoration
Most tenants prefer rented properties to be plainly decorated. This
means that their furniture will not clash with the decoration and
plain painted walls are easier to repair should your tenant have
an accident.
Cleaning
If a tenant finds the property in good order they are more likely
to return it that way. We recommend the use of professional cleaners
prior to the start of the tenancy. The Landlord can then insist
that the tenant uses professional cleaners when they leave the property.
Viewings
It is important to present your property in good condition to prospective
tenants. They may be looking at a selection of houses or flats that
day and first impressions count. If you are showing the property
yourself make sure you have plenty of time so that they are not
rushed.
Below are a few items you may want to see to before
the tenant arrives:
- Keep the rooms uncluttered, as this will give an extra feeling
of space.
- Clean the windows to make the most of the light and ensure
that any cracked or broken panes are repaired.
- If you have a pet ensure that it is out of the house. You should
be cleaning your carpets prior to the tenancy, so why not do it
before the viewings start. This will give a good appearance to
your carpets and ensure a fresh smell.
- A fresh coat of paint can make a big difference for not much
effort, both inside and out.
- In the bathroom and kitchen remove any limescale from taps,
plug holes and other areas, repair leaks and check the grout and
sealant round the bath or shower. If necessary change the showerhead.
- No one likes cleaning ovens but if you leave it clean at the
start you can expect it clean at the end.
- Replace broken light bulbs and if viewings are done in the
dark or dusk ensure that the house is well lit.
- In the garden make sure that the patio and paths are swept
and weed free, the lawn is cut, the beds weeded and the shrubs
pruned. In most cases the tenant will be responsible for the garden
and you will be setting a good standard.
- Clear out the garage as much as you can and keep it tidy.
- Remember that tenants viewing your property will be comparing
it to others and its appearance will influence whether its yours
they rent.
Duke Letting are always available for
further advice so if you have any questions just ask!
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INVENTORIES
The importance of an Inventory and Statement of
Condition cannot be over stressed. It is an agreement that will
ultimately decide what dilapidation has occurred during the tenancy
and should be capable of being used in the event of a dispute. Under
the Tenency Deposit Scheme it is in practice essential to have an
inventory otherwise it is likely, in the event of a dispute, that
the tenant will be awarded the deposit.
Duke Letting use a trained Inventory
Clerk and have negotiated an exceptional deal to keep the cost of
an inventory to a minimum when arranged by us.
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