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Lettings Agents In Fitzrovia, Soho, Covent Garden, Bloomsbury, Marylebone

WIth our professional approach and a team of six motivated and dedicated staff, we pay particular attntion to finding the right tenant at the optimum rental price. Once prospective tenants are found, they are carefully reference checked and only when we are totally satisfied will we recommend the Landlord to proceed. Through this we have gained an excellent reputation for providing consistently high quality professional tenants.

As part of the Lettings service and at no additional charge to our Landlords, all of our properties are shot by a professional photographer using state of the art technology with Virtual Tours and we are able to send out details by SMS texting to our potential tenants.

Whether it is a studio apartment or a substantial family home, each property we let and manage is carefully looked after with regular inspections, maintenance and feedback to the Landlord via our dedicated in-house Property Management team. Our Accounts department collect all rental payments by Direct Debit and forwarding payments are made by BACS payment on a daily basis.

KEEP IT CLEAN

A clean and tidy property will not only be easier to rent, it will also mean that a fair rent is justified. Think about whether you would want to live there or not.

TO FURNISH OR NOT TO FURNISH?

Property can be let either completely unfurnished, part furnished or fully furnished. This will be reflected in the rent asked for the property. Decide whether to furnish the property or not and to what level. Remember to allow for reasonable wear and tear on any property that you provide. No matter what level you decide on, carpets and curtains (of a decent standard) must be provided.

DO I NEED TO TELL ANYONE THAT I AM LETTING THE PROPERTY?

You must inform and have consent from your mortgage lender and freeholder (if you are a leaseholder or a management company). Keep any written consents safe along with any other documents regarding the property.

For a definition of Freeholder, see our Moving Terms guide

WHAT ABOUT INSURANCE?

You will need to make sure that you have third party insurance and that you are covered for public liability and against defective premises risks. You will also need to make sure that the building itself is insured and that any furnishings or contents provided by you are covered. You may also like to consider special insurance for landlords which gives cover for legal costs if you have any disputes with your tenant.

WHO PAYS THE COUNCIL TAX?

When the property is let (for a period longer than 6 months), the tenants pay the council tax (direct to the local authority). If the property is not occupied, the landlord is accountable for the council tax on that property. It is in the best interest of the landlord/agent to let the council know when there is a change of occupancy as the landlord will continue to be held responsible by the council until they are informed of the change in occupancy status of the property.

MAINTENANCE BILLS

As the landlord, you will usually be responsible for maintaining the property. It is also normal for the landlord to pay the ground rent, water rates and any service charge on the property.

THE BEST FORM OF LETTING

The Housing Act (1998) has resulted in greater protection for the landlord. If you have any questions about this, your letting agent will advise you on the most appropriate letting agreement to suit your circumstances.

HOW DO I RECEIVE MY RENTAL INCOME?

You will need to discuss with your letting agent how you will receive your rental income. Some agents have client accounting centres which deal with this. Do not be afraid to ask your letting agent questions. They are there to help you with the letting process and will be able to advise you if you are unsure of anything.

HOW DO I KNOW I AM GETTING A GOOD TENANT?

Usually it is the letting agent's job to check the prospective tenant's references, perform any financial checks (bank and work references), take care of any legal formalities and select suitable tenants.

DO I HAVE TO PAY TAX ON RENTAL INCOME?

The short answer is yes. How much will vary on whether you are classed as a UK resident or not. The taxable amount is calculated after a series of deductions. The Inland Revenue publish a series of leaflets which will give you more information about this (leaflets ir150 and ir87). You can find these on the Inland Revenue website or contact the Inland Revenue direct for more details.

INVENTORY

As the landlord, you must provide an inventory for the property which can be signed and agreed upon by both tenant and landlord at the start and end of the lease. Your letting agent will take care of drawing up an inventory and guiding the tenant through the signing. It is usual for the tenant to pay for the inventory when checking in and the landlord when checking out.

When changing tenants, you must provide a new inventory for each set of tenants. You should also ensure that all tenants are made aware of their responsibilities towards the property.

SAFETY MATTERS

All gas equipment MUST be serviced annually and the relevant certification provided.

All electrical equipment provided must be safe. We suggest that at least one RCD (Residual Circuit Device) in at least one dedicated ground floor socket to be used for any outside electrical equipment. The consequences of not ensuring safe gas and electrical appliances are fitted in the property are serious for landlords and we recommend you take advice on this from your letting agent.

West End Property