Frequently Asked Questions

1. What decorations and furnishings are expected?

Some tenant sectors such as student lets will require the property to be furnished. Furniture would include bed, wardrobe, drawers, desk for each bedroom. Sofas, coffee table for lounge. Kitchen appliances to include cooker, fridge/freezer, washing machine.

Furniture should be modern and un-damaged. Decorations should be in a good condition.

2. Do I have to insure the tenants contents?

No, your obligation is to insure the buildings, advise your insurer as soon as possible of your intentions to let your property as some insurers have stipulations as to tenant type.

3. Can I get insurance against the tenants not paying?

Yes, we can arrange different forms of rent guarantee & legal expenses warranty insurance.

4. Who else do I need to tell?

Your Mortgage lender, Freeholder (if leasehold)

5. Is my rental income subject to taxation?

Yes, however many items are tax deductable, it is recommended you speak to an accountant.

6. How do you check out the suitability of tenants?

Each tenant will be subject to a reference check, this will ask for verification of employment/income, credit check, proof or residency, landlord/letting agent reference (if applicable)

In some instances a guarantor may be suggested, the guarantor will then be subject to the reference process.

7. What size of deposit do you take?

Six weeks rent.

8. Who advises the Utilities ?

We will write to the gas, electricity, water suppliers and Council tax department advising of tenants details and meter readings, at the commencement of each tenancy.

9. I am intending to move/travel abroad, how does this affect my rental income?

If you are to be out of the UK for more than 6 months, an NRL1 form from Inland Revenue will need to be completed. If this is not done and we do not receive notification from IR, we are obliged to deduct income tax from rental monies, an extra charge is made for this.

10. Do you inspect the properties?

We carry out an interim inspection of the property (if managed). A visual inspection will be carried out of all areas of the property and this report sent/e-mailed to you.

11. Who is responsible for maintaining the gardens?

The tenants have an obligation within their tenancy agreement to maintain the gardens. If the tools are provided, they are expected to keep the gardens in order. They are however not expected to be experts in this field and it would always be recommended that if the gardens are presented in very good order with certain requirements necessary to various shrubs, plants etc that a gardener be instructed at landlords cost and to incorporate this in the rent charged.

12. Can you help with my end of year returns?

We all know that the taxman does not wait, so we have the facility to provide you with an end of year returns that can be handed to your accountant.

13. Do you abide by a recognized Code of Conduct?

Most definitely. We are members of the National Association of Estate Agents (NAEA) and we are committed to providing a high standard of service to all our customers. As a residential lettings agent we also subscribe to an approved client Money Protection Scheme. Membership of the NAEA demonstrates that we are operating within the guidelines and that customers can expect an honest, open and high standard of service. We are also members of the Property Ombudsman Scheme.

14. Would you recommend I had an inventory/schedule of condition prepared?

Yes, even if the property is un-furnished, a schedule of condition will go into very precise detail of every aspect of the property, floors, walls, ceilings, fittings etc, it will also form the main evidence establishing the properties condition at the commencement of each tenancy.

15. What is an HMO?

An HMO is a House of Multiple Occupation. If the property has 5 or more bedrooms and is over 3 or more floors, the property will require an HMO license from Brighton & Hove Council.

16. What safety certificates do I need to provide?

A gas safety certificate is required before the commencement of a tenancy.

17. What is an EPC?

From 1st October 2008, all rental properties with a new tenancy in England & Wales require an EPC.

Energy Performance Certificates look similar to the energy labels found on domestic appliances such as fridges and washing machines. The energy efficiency and environmental impact of your property will be rated A-G.

Current running costs for heating, hot water and lighting will also be shown on the certificate, together with a list of recommended energy saving improvements.

The EPC will last 10 years.