Landlord’s Guide

Lettings and Property Management

At Lemon Street Lettings we are happy to tailor make a package to suit your needs. Whether you are a first time landlord or an experienced portfolio holder, we will have a package to suit you. We have experience in all types of property lets, from a ground floor flat to a small holding we will be able to advise on the best rent and market conditions at the time.

Contact Us for a free letting appraisal so we can discuss your needs

LANDLORDS… PREPARING TO LET

Things to consider:

 How to present the property to attract the best possible tenant

 What items are to remain at the property

 Recommended pricing strategy

 Advice on Buy to Let

 Specific marketing

 Landlord requirements

 Current market conditions

 The letting process and the responsibilities of the landlord

 Level of management required

 Legal requirements Landlord Requirements:

 EPC – Energy Performance Certificate As from the 1st April 2018 there will be a requirement for any properties rented out in the private sector to have a minimum energy performance rating of an E. The regulations will come into force for new lets and renewals of tenancies with effect from 1st April 2018 and for all existing tenancies on 1st April 2020. It will be unlawful to rent a property which breaches the requirement for a minimum E rating, unless there is an applicable exemption. A civil penalty of up to £4000 will be imposed for breaches. Lemon Street Lettings can advise of EPC exemptions and recommendations for ratings.

 Gas Safety (Installation and use ) Regulation 1998 Where there are gas appliances in the property provided by the landlord, the landlord must ensure that an annual gas safety certificate is carried out by a registered gas safe engineer. A copy must be provided to the tenant before they move into the property and must be carried out within the past 12 months. Checks must be done annually on all gas appliances and all copies of certificates must be given to the tenant. If landlords fail to do so, they may lose their Section 21 rights in England as of 1st October 2015.

 Carbon Monoxide and Smoke detectors Important Notes for landlords:

1. DO YOU HAVE A MORTGAGE ON THE PROPERTY? If so, you should request permission from the lender and forward to Lemon Street Lettings as applicable.

2. IS YOUR PROPERTY LEASEHOLD? It is essential to ensure that you have permission to sublet your property and with provision for any license or other conditions that may apply.

3. INSURANCE As the legal owner it is essential to pay the relevant buildings insurance/ contents. Tenants contents insurance will cover their belongings only.

4. INVENTORY REPORTS A full inventory and schedule of condition is required. This is carried out before any tenancy commences and provides a clear division between landlords and tenants property. This becomes more relevant at the end of a tenancy if there are any damages beyond fair wear and tear. The inventory report is carried out by a third party.