Landlords | 01305 858 911 Direct Number
Please note: The lettings industry is constantly changing, please contact us in case of any matters that require clarification.
At Dorchester Property Lettings we are committed to our Landlord Clients. The key element is listening to what YOU want. Equally, we can offer advice should you need it. This is especially important when you are starting to let your property for the first time.
Buy to Let
As a Landlord, you have to deal or comply with lettings regulations such as Gas Safety Certificates, Electrical Safety Checks, Energy Performance Certificates, Tenancy Deposit Regulations, Landlord Insurance, Furniture Safety Regulations as well as Tenant Referencing and Rent Guarantee Insurance.
In addition, there is the requirement to maintain the property in an acceptable condition meaning at some stage you may have to deal with Building Contractors. You do need to be able to create budgets and plan for the work to be done which does require some expertise.
If you are buying a property to let, this can all become a burden for the unwary. Consequently, this may stop you from Buying to Let which is a shame.
Dorchester Property Lettings is able to advise and assist with all aspects of the preparation of the property and the ongoing lettings procedure.
Gas Safety
If your property has any gas supply or appliances, these must have an annual inspection. This must be carried out by a Registered GasSafe Engineer. The website which contains all registered Engineers details is: gassaferegister.co.uk We routinely arrange for these inspections to take place at the required time interval but Landlords can undertake this should they wish.
Energy Performance Certificates
It is a legal requirement that any property marketed either for sale or to rent has an up-to-date Energy Performance Certificate and that this is made available to any prospective tenant. The average Energy Efficiency Rating for a dwelling in England and Wales is band E (rating 46). It is essential for energy efficiency that you:
- Insulate your loft, but allow ventilation to circulate around it.
- Insulate your hot water cylinder and all pipes.
- If renewing, fit a new, highly efficient boiler.
- Install cavity wall insulation.
- Install high quality double glazing.
- Consider fitting a water meter.
Why do you need a letting agent?
Many people have been in a position where they have a property to let. Generally speaking, it is a considerable undertaking to take this step, especially for the first time. This means that some potential Landlords shy away from taking the plunge and starting out on their lettings career.
Using a letting agent enable you to focus on life as you knew it and prevents the letting process taking over. You want to add value to your life and not take on a burden.
That’s why you need a letting agent!
Tenancy Deposit Protection
There are strict rules governing Tenancy Deposits.
We are members of the Deposit Protection Service. This is a Government approved tenancy deposit scheme. Its function is to oversee the registration of deposits, the secure holding of deposits and conflict resolution in the unlikely event that a dispute arises.
Deposits are the main worry of the tenant. Being open and transparent about deposit matters also gives the tenant piece of mind as to the handling of their money. A good situation all round.
The Lettings Process
Initial Contact
From initial contact with us at Dorchester Property Lettings, we take some time to listen to your requirements.
When we both know we are the right Company for you, we ask you to complete a proof of identity form and we make checks to confirm that you are entitled to rent the property.
We then issue you with our standard form of Contract. This outlines the services and charges we make together with an understanding and agreement of the management of the property should this apply (i.e. full management).
The terms and conditions of our contract are broadly negotiable but not to the extent that we cannot efficiently let and/or manage a property.
Our contract explains what you are required to do as a Landlord.
The contract must be signed by all owners of the property.
Marketing and Advertising
Tenants
Our standard form of tenancy is the Assured Shorthold Tenancy. This gives the Landlord control over the property and possession can be granted under S.21 of the Housing Act.
We keep a database of suitable tenants who require property to rent. All tenants have been interviewed in our premises in High West Street, Dorchester. They go on our waiting list if properties are not available straight away.
No viewings are undertaken without prior registration of the potential tenant.
Although we are committed to advertising on our website, we are still firmly convinced that lettings is about people and meeting them is all important.
Tenants who come and register with us are from every walk of life and in every circumstance. We are able to deal with each scenario presented to us. We are aware of people coming to us for positive reasons i.e. new/better job as well as unfortunately negative reasons i.e. family break ups, selling houses through divorce etc.
Primarily, letting is about tenants paying rent to you and we make recommendations based on the likelihood of a smooth running and profitable arrangement for you, the Landlord.
When a potential tenant is identified for your property, we have a Professional Referencing Agency carry out full checks on the tenants. This service is charged to the tenant as part of the ingoing letting procedure.
On receipt of satisfactory references, we then take the tenants deposit, first month’s rent and any other fees applicable. We recommend a “Pet Deposit” should the property be let to someone with such pets. YOU DO NOT HAVE TO PERMIT PETS.
In certain circumstances we require a guarantor.
We then give you the opportunity to meet the potential tenant should you wish.
To-Let Boards
By agreement, a To-Let board is erected outside the property where possible. This visibility is an additional tool to ensure the property is seen by as many potential tenants as possible.
Web Site
Our web site is an essential tool in Landlords and Tenants making initial contact with us.
We subscribe to Zoopla as our primary Internet portal although, of course, this is only used to draw traffic to our own web site.
In addition to Zoopla, our listings are also uploaded to many other portals which greatly increase the visibility of our property listings.
