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When marketing your home, you need to be satisfied that you are given the right advice. We at Geoffrey Matthew can provide this advice alongside a personalised marketing strategy and allowing you to find the right tenant in Hertfordshire & Essex , giving you peace of mind.
When it comes to marketing your rental property in Hertfordshire & Essex, Geoffrey Matthew utilise every proven means at our disposal. From advertising on the major property portals such as Rightmove, Zoopla and on the market, high quality photography, floor plan, front of office window displays together with a client database we are sure to match the right client to your property. We have helped many tenants across Harlow and Stevenage to find the right home amongst the many homes available for rent.
Income received from renting any property is subject to tax (we strongly recommend that you take advice from your accountant). Expenses incurred can be set against this liability as can the interest paid on the mortgage.
Mortgages
If the property you wish to rent is subject to a mortgage, then the mortgage lender must be informed that you intend to let the property. This should be done before a tenant moves into the property.
When preparing your property for the rental market, you need to make sure you know what you must do legally as a landlord.
Energy Performance Certificates
It is legal required now for all properties have an EPC when the property is being advertised and before a tenant moves in. If you do not have an EPC on your property we can arrange for this to be completed for you. The present legislation is the an EPC with a rating of ‘F’ of below is a fail and remedial action has to be taken before a tenancy may be allowed. It is therefore appropriate to ensure your property is assessed and improved within these limitations.
Gas Appliances
Every gas appliance and gas central heating system has to be inspected on an annual basis. They have to meet strict conditions and a safety record must be issued (this record or a copy must be kept with our files). We can arrange for the safety inspection to be carried out for you by our local gas engineer.
Furnishings
Any soft furnishings (chairs & beds etc) that are left in the property must comply with fire regulations, and a label clearly stating so should be attached. If not then the furnishings must be removed from the property.
Smoke Alarms & Carbon Monoxide Alarms
In October 2015 new regulations come into force requiring landlords to install smoke alarms on every floor of their rental property and test them at the start of every tenancy. Carbon Monoxide alarms are to be install in high risk rooms, such as those where a solid fuel appliance is situated.
Electrical Inspection Condition Report
After July 2020 it is a requirement to have a satisfactory certificate from a registered electrician . This must be given to the tenants before they occupy your property and within 28 days of the renewal of the certificate. Any remedial works stated by the electrical certificate must be done within 28 days or sooner. You must then get written confirmation that this has been done.
Water Safety Assessment (Legionella Risk Assessment Check)
It is legislation that all properties undergo a Water safety assessment. The guidance is that the assessment is conducted shortly before commencement of a Assured Shorthold Tenancy, especially if the property is empty.
Buildings Insurance
As a landlord you are still responsible for the building and accordingly the buildings insurance.
Tenancies
We recommend that all new tenancies commence with a six-month assured shorthold contract (AST). This allows both parties to ‘settle-in’. Once this contract has been in force for just over three months the tenancy is reviewed and we will will write to you asking if you the tenancy to continue.
Inventory/Schedule of Condition
Prior to the tenant moving in we will carry out an inventory of the property, with a description of its condition and photographs. Meter readings will also be read so update details on utility companies will be needed.
Keys
As a condition of the tenancy we will require sufficient sets of keys for the property (one set of sets for occupying tenant over 18 years). One set will be retained in our office for emergencies.
Repairs
Every property at some point will need some work doing to it. If things go wrong and the tenant contacts, we will then contact you.
Rent Payments
These are due every calendar month, in advance starting from the commencement of the lease. We do encourage tenants to pay their rent by standing order.
For further details or a copy of our Landlord Information, please contact us.
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