Landlord's Guide
a)

We would suggest that your property is let on an Assured Shorthold Tenancy Agreement which we usually prepare on your behalf along with the necessary statutory notices required under the Housing Act 1988. The cost of preparing the aforementioned is borne by the tenant. As an alternative, landlords may wish their solicitor to prepare the agreement. In this case the tenant will cover solicitors fees up to a maximium of £75.00 plus VAT, the remainder being paid by the landlord. We would ask all landlords to ensure that this form of agreement is appropriate to their particular circumstances.
b) If you are a tenant or a lessee it is essential for you to ensure that the letting is both permitted by your lease and also for a period expiring prior to the termination of your lease. Your landlord's written permission may be required for the sub letting if you wish to protect your position.
c) Where the property to be let is subject to a mortgage, permission is normally required from the mortgagee to let the property. Permission is usually granted where the landlord is using a professional managing agent and an approved form of tenancy agreement. We strongly advise that you obtain your mortgagee's permission at the earliest date rather than once a tenant has been found.
d) Unless otherwise agreed, the rent quoted to a tenant by us on your behalf must be inclusive of all outgoings for which you are responsible, ie. ground rent and service charges, with the exception of gas, electricity or fuel oil if there is an independent oil fired central heating system.
e) You should make sure that your property and contents are adequately insured and that your policy covers furnished lettings as some policies do not do so. We can arrange suitable insurance for you if required.
f) We would recommend that no items of sentimental or great value are left in the property.
g) With effect from 1st March 1993 all furniture included in accommodation let for the first time must be of a fire retardant nature. The landlord should be aware that this is an offence which carries a custodial sentence. As your agents we are also responsible and may require evidence that these regulations have been met.
h) It is assumed by the landlords agents that all electrical appliances included in the tenancy are in safe working order and have been left with clear instructions as to their operation, since this again is a legal requirement. Current legislation also requires that any gas appliance supplied by the landlord is tested annually by a registered gas fitter, a record kept of the inspection and a copy certificate supplied to the tenant at the commencement of the tenancy. If instructed to manage the property we will undertake to arrange this unless a specific written instruction to the contrary is received.
i) Should the landlord reside abroad, even temporarily, the Inland Revenue requires the Managing Agent (or the tenant if the property is not managed) to hold back 25% of the net rent and account to the Revenue quarterly unless the landlord in question has been granted a 'Certificate For Gross Payment' for which we strongly advise all non resident landlords to apply.
j) Where a property is let furnished, you are strongly advised to prepare a good quality detailed inventory. This will describe the condition of the property's contents, fixtures, fittings and household effects. Where we are required to prepare an inventory, it will be chargeable in accordance with our scale of inventory preparation charges, a copy of which is available upon request.