Do you provide a 'free' valuation service?
Yes we operate a 'Free no obligation Valuation'. We will advise on how best to market your property and we can make suggestions if we feel there are any low cost improvements to enhance marketing. After viewings have taken place feedback is given to keep you in touch with applicants thoughts.

What are your fees?
Our letting and full management service is 10% + VAT, these fees are taken monthly so that you have an income straight away with no upfront letting fee.

What do these fees include?
We will find a suitable tenant for you carrying out the appropriate references and financial checks, the utilities will be changed into the tenant's name and meters read, rent is collected monthly by standing order and then paid immediately to you by BACS payment, a monthly statement and invoice are sent by email/post. 

Where do you advertise?
To attract over seven million potential tenants each month we use the top property portals to publicise your property worldwide. These are updated daily and monitored to ensure your property details are up to date and fresh. We use virtual tours to promote your property which allow a tenant to 'walk through' your property online.

Should I let furnished or unfurnished?
Ideally do not make this decision until a tenant has been secured and then we can negotiate on your behalf. We can arrange delivery of most types of good quality, value for money furniture from stock within 24 hours from kitchen appliances to sofas and beds. All items are assembled on site so no need for you to worry about flat packs.

Will my existing home insurance cover me when I let my property?
You must check with your existing company as usually your insurance will not cover you when the property is rented out. We can advise you on the best way to insurance your home and contents and if required suitable rent guarantee schemes.

How do I arrange maintenance of property when it is let out?
We carry out regular quarterly inspections of the property on your behalf and will report back to you with any problems that we find. Our in house team can deal with any maintenance issues and costs are agreed in advance with you.

What about the legal issues?
Our tenancy agreements are legally binding and have been checked by our solicitors. Legal advice is available from our solicitors that specialize in landlord and tenant disputes.

Do I require an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)?
As a Landlord you are responsible for providing an EPC for a property which is to be let, we can arrange for an EPC to be carried out. A completed EPC lasts for 10 years and the penalty for not providing one for a residential property is £200. If you already have an EPC from when the property was purchased.

I have heard that there are new laws regarding the tenant's deposit.
For tenancies starting after 6th April 2007 all deposits must be protected within a Tenants Deposit Scheme. We are members of this scheme and deposits are held in an interest bearing solicitors deposit account on behalf of the tenant. Our accounts are independently audited and we are covered by the Solicitors Regulation Authority.

What is a gas safety certificate?
An annual gas safety check must be carried out every 12 months by a Gas Safe Registered engineer. A record of the safety check must be kept for 2 years and a copy issued to each existing tenant within 28 days of the check being completed and a copy issued to any new tenants before they move in. Under the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 you must arrange maintenance by a Gas Safe Registered engineer  for all pipe work, appliances and flues, which you own and have provided for your tenants use.

What are the regulations regarding soft furnishings?
The Furniture & Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) (Amendment) Regulations 1993 It is now an offence to install any furniture in let properties that do not comply with these regulations.

The regulations apply to Headboards Mattresses Pillows and scatter cushions Stretch or loose furniture covers Children’s furniture Garden furniture suitable for use in the dwelling Sofa-beds Futons and any other item with similar type fillings of which must carry the appropriate labels of compliance.

Upholstered furniture must have fire resistant filling material and must pass a cigarette resistance test and permanent covers must pass a match resistant test.

Any furniture added to the property since 1st March 1993 must comply with these requirements whether new or second hand.

The regulations do not apply to Antique furniture made before 1st January 1950 Bedclothes including duvets & pillowcases and loose covers for mattresses Curtains Carpets Sleeping bags Cushion covers The recommended way to check whether furniture complies is to look for labels attached to the furniture. If there are no labels, you must try and establish when and where the furniture was bought and contact the retailer or manufacturer to check whether the item complies. If you are unable to establish where the furniture came from or its compliance, it must be replaced. It is illegal to let a property with furniture which does not comply with these regulations.

If you have any further questions we would be delighted to help out, please telephone 020 8772 1004 or email sean@londonandsurreyhomes.com