thesmartwaytorent

ATTENTION! Do you know your landlords responsibilities?

2009-12-10T14:22:00.000Z

What are my responsibilities as a Landlord?

1. To make sure that the property is clean before the tenant moves in.

2. To make sure heating and plumbing are in working order and well maintained.

3. To make sure all gas boilers must have annual maintenance checks and a certificate issued. The tenant must have sight of this.

4. To make sure any mains connected smoke alarms should be checked as working annually.

5. To make sure that furniture meets current fire regulations. If you’re letting a property part –furnished or fully furnished

6. To make sure that you provide an inventory and get it signed off by the tenant, it also helps to include notes as the current condition of furnishings.

7. The property must have a current Energy performance certificate (EPC)

ATTENTION! Landlord's get your tenancy documents, letters, notices, forms, references and paperwork in order

2009-12-10T14:19:00.002Z

What paperwork do I need?

Every landlord needs paperwork; rental agreement, rent receipts, safety certificates, inventories, eviction notices, etc. For more information visit www.direct.gov.uk

What about the tenants deposit?

If you’re accepting a deposit the landlord is legally obliged to deposit the money with a government approved tenancy deposit scheme; offering a free dispute resolution service for both landlord and tenant. We recommend UK landlords consider apply to join one of the schemes. For more information visit www.direct.gov.uk

Don’t forget if you don’t register the deposit and comply with the regulations, you will not be able to serve notice on your tenant and you may be fined for non compliance.

Some Landlords do not take deposits and increase the monthly rent to compensate for not taking a deposit. But remember you want the property back in good order, a tenant always wants a deposit back, an inconvenience now in administration for setting up your deposit could be a saving for when the tenant vacates.

Easy Guide to tenants responsibilities in plain english

2009-12-10T14:14:00.000Z

As a tenant, what am I responsible for?

As soon as you move into your rental property it’s you’re responsibility to keep it clean, un-damaged and secure. So let your landlord/ letting agent know if you are going on holiday for example so they can keep an eye on the place for you.

It’s your home and you have the right to enjoy it without unnecessary interference. However, from time to time the letting agent or landlord will want to make checks on the property, so ask for a few days notice so you can make yourself available for these meetings.

Paying your rent on-time! Rent is usually paid monthly in advance, so check your tenancy agreement as if you fall behind with your rent you could find yourself facing eviction. If it’s unclear, ask your landlord to clarify payment dates and set-up standing orders so you’re up to date with the rent.

Insist the landlord give you a detailed copy of a property inventory but don’t sign it until you agree with it. Take photographs of the condition of the property and the garden and make sure these are signed and dated by the landlord or letting agent.

Re-read your written tenancy agreement a few months before your rental period is ending. If you are moving out of the property, check your tenancy agreement and give your landlord or letting agent the proper notice.

Leave the property as close as possible to the state of the property at the beginning of your tenancy (allowing for wear and tear).

Take final meter readings for electric, water, and gas and get this signed of by your landlord or letting agent.

ATTENTION Landlords - How to evict a bad tenant

2009-12-10T13:03:00.000Z

What is the best way to evict a bad tenant?

Nobody wants to evict a tenant, but sometimes it's a regrettable necessity. As a landlord it’s your responsibility to follow proper procedures for legally ending the tenancy; evicting a bad tenant and removing the tenant's possessions from your property. Letting property is complex and you must be fully aware of the implications when issues arise. In order to evict a tenant legally, Some of the options a Landlord has are as follows:

1. Serve your tenant a Section 8 Notice of eviction by first-class post or in person by hand; clearly setting out the facts with valid reasons for evicting your tenant, such as rent arrears, staying after the lease is up etc.

2. Give your tenant 2 months notice (Section 21) that you are ending their tenancy, following a Section 8 Notice.

3. If your tenant ignores this notice or does not move out or pay rent arrears you should you should realize your tenant may mount a defense against your eviction.

4. Prepare yourself for worst-case scenario. It could take months to regain possession of your property

5. If things get really bad, don’t take the law into your own hands and deny physical access to the property or cut off utilities; gas, electricity, water, electricity.

Please note the above items are just some of the things to consider. When you need to serve notice, make sure you use the right notices or take the right advise from a solicitor or agent before proceeding. Serving an incorrect notice will not resolve your issue

Free landlords advice How to handle tenant disputes

2009-12-10T12:02:00.000Z

What if something goes wrong, how do I resolve tenant disputes?

From time to time landlords and tenants will fall out over property matters. However the key to a quick and successful resolution depends on how swiftly the landlord acknowledges and reacts to a dispute; striving for cooperation rather than conflict.

1. Find out the facts. Try and figure out who is responsible and determine whether this is a one-time problem or a constant occurrence.

2. To Stay calm and write it out. Get clear about what irks you and what you want done to resolve it.

3. To discuss it by creating a cooperative atmosphere. Rather than attacking causing animosity with your tenant, ask for assistance in finding a solution.

4. Meet in person with your tenant and try to find common ground and focus on what you both agree on and search for an answer that satisfies both parties' needs.

5. If all else fails appoint a mediator (usually an expert in the field). The government backed tenancy deposit scheme offers a free dispute resolution service for landlords and tenants with regards to return of deposits, but you must comply with their requirements and have a schedule of condition as well as having subscribed to one of the approved schemes.

Easy guide to make your rental property more appealing to tenants

2009-11-13T16:06:00.000Z

How can I make my tenancy more appealing?

A good incentive to find and keep a good tenant is to keep your rent under market value by 5-10%. Every month your property is empty you loose 8% of your annual rental income plus cleaning, decorating, advertising and other upfront costs.

Remember your competing with all the other landlords in Thanet to find a good tenant. Keep your price competitive and make sure your property is well presented. Put yourself in the position of a tenant and look at a couple of similar properties to find out what sort of niche your property fits into. A longer tenancy period can affect who rents your property and how long they stay.

Landlord Tenant Deposits - Get The Facts

2009-11-13T15:48:00.003Z

How can I make sure I get my deposit money back?

Unless you are renting through an agent, pay your deposit by cheque or credit card so you can prove payment if there is a dispute and make sure you get a proper receipt, which clearly shows the amount you’ve paid, who you’ve paid it to and when!

By law your landlord/ letting agent is required to put your deposit in a government protected tenancy deposit scheme. (This law applies to all new assured shorthold tenancies in England and Wales started since April 2007). This way you’re guaranteed to get back all or part of your deposit at the end of your tenancy, providing you don't break the rules of your tenancy agreement and keep the property clean and un-damaged.

Why now is the time to rent

2009-07-07T12:58:00.004+01:00

Thousands of Buy-to-let landlords face negative equity
It's common knowledge amongst estate agents, that First Time Buyers fuel the real estate market. With mortgage providers tightening their lending restrictions, Buy-To-Let investors who purchased residential property in the last few years are seeing Capital Growth & Rental Yield plummet as rental income falls and mortgage rates rise.

Private landlords consider increasing their potential market
More than 23,200 people with 100% mortgages could owe more than their home is worth, the BBC learns. But the forecast isn't all doom & gloom. Smarter investors are looking at multi-lets as a way of increasing rental yield and reducing vacant periods. Whilst Buy-to-let landlords in suburbia are considering niche property markets such as 'pet-friendly-rentals' which increases your potential market.

Landlords search for tenants
The smartwaytorent.com recently reported a strong increase in demand for rental property in the Thanet area of Kent, which is an encouraging sign for landlords with property to rent in Thanet. (Source: hotpropertywebsites.co.uk )

Tips for Letting Property - Property Guide

2009-07-06T19:11:00.007+01:00

How do I find a good tenant?

Know your market! Find out how your property compares with other properties in Thanet and decorate/ furnish your property for the needs of your potential tenants. When it comes to finding a good tenant, you can either appoint a local letting agent who could find a good tenant for you in return for their fee. Or you can go independently by advertising on websites like Gumtree or advertise in local English and foreign language newspapers where potential tenants may be looking for property. Don’t rule out ‘word of mouth’ recommendation from friends, family and work colleagues either. Using the internet these days is vital and maximizing your property using online as well as local marketing is the surefire way of letting your property to be the best selection of tenants available. If you are using a letting agent, make sure they have a frequently updated website and use the latest tools and trends such as Facebook and Twitter.

Tips for Renting & Tenants - Property Guide

2009-07-06T19:11:00.006+01:00

Why should I bother using a local letting agent?

Many tenants prefer renting property through a professional letting agent because they know that established local letting agents have many properties to rent in their town(s).

If things go wrong the tenant can rely on a professional letting agent to act as a 'buffer' between tenant and landlord; which can help to quickly resolve problems before they become disputes.

An established local letting agent in the area you’re looking to live in can offer tenants a professional, reliable and personal service such as:

A comprehensive search in and around the Thanet area to match your requirements.
Offer a 'Fast and Efficient' credit check, employment and landlord referencing service
Experienced staff who will keep you up to date with progress.
Free email and text updates so you don't miss out on your dream property. By registering your specific requirements you will start to receive regular email or text alerts of new properties to rent in your town that match your requirements as they come onto the market.
Arrange accompanied viewings at a time that is convenient to you to view including evenings and weekends.
Offer you properties that meet the legal requirements in respect of The Gas Safety (installation and use) Regulations, Fire and Furnishings, Regulations and The Electrical Appliances Regulations.
Arrange for your deposit to be held securely in a government protected tenancy deposit scheme.
Manage an inventory and tenancy agreement, check-in/ check out and deal with any difficulties throughout your tenancy

What is the smart way to rent?

2009-07-05T11:20:00.000+01:00

Tenants Search for Property + Landlords Search for Tenants = thesmartwaytorent.com

It's so easy!