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LANDLORDS

Your property is one of the largest single investments you will make; so you the want peace of mind of knowing that your investment or home is being properly cared for (even if it's Sunday at 10pm!). We are landlords ourselves, so we know how you feel.

We are also available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week (yes, Sunday at 10pm again!) to your tenants should they need a plumber, an electrician or simply advice in an 'emergency'. 

Getting your property ready to rent out. We offer help and advice on refurbishments. We have a small team of local, reliable, trustworthy, reasonably priced, experts - electricians, plumbers, handymen, plus recommended household suppliers and retailers. We will oversee refurbishments and source necessary items; yes, we will even do your shopping for you! Charges? We don't simply add 10% or 20% to the bills, we negotiate a price with you for this service, based on your individual requirements.

The Deposit

As of 6 April 2007, by law, agents and landlords have to join a government-authorised tenancy deposit protection scheme (DPS). . We can deal with the paperwork and administer the placement of deposits in a DPS for our landlords.

If you are holding a deposit for a tenancy which began before 6 April 2007, the deposit must be transferred to a DPS on the first renewal fo the tenancy after 6 April 2007.

Some Helpful Information and Suggestions for Landlords from LetsCo

General decor. Light, bright and clean is a good rule.  Everyone has different taste. Paint or wallpaper in neutral colours, and choose carpets in plain colours that will not show the dirt too easily. Good lighting is important.. If the property is let unfurnished, tenants will have their own soft furnishings etc, so if  you supply carpets, curtains which are neutral and coordinate easily with other colours, the property will be more appealing. Your tenants will want to make it 'their home'.

Gas central heating boiler and gas appliances at the property. These must be checked by a Corgi Registered Engineer The boiler must be serviced, and a Landlord's Gas Safety Certificate must be issued. This is a legal requirement.

All soft furnishings must have fire retardant labels in place, this includes mattresses, headboards, sofas, armchairs, sofa beds, pillows, cushions, children's furniture etc. If there are items of furniture or soft furnishings without these labels, they must be removed from the property. This is a legal requirement.

Smoke Alarms/smoke detectors should be fitted in the hall, landing and other rooms as appropriate. It is recommended that a fire extinguisher and fire blanket are supplied for the kitchen. Your local Fire Service will be happy to give advice on positioning smoke alarms etc.

The property, including carpets, curtains and upholstery (unless new) should be professionally cleaned prior to letting. The tenancy agreement we use requires the tenants to have these items cleaned anually and/or at the end of their tenancy whichever is the sooner.

Any electrical work must be done by a part P qualified electrician who can provide a certificate for work done. Electrical wiring and appliances should be checked by an electrician who is an "approved contractor" and can supply you with a certificate. Wiring should then be checked periodically as recommended by the electrician. Instruction booklets for appliances should be provided.

Rented properties are required to have appliances PAT tested every year and an electrical PIR inspection on change of tenants. For more information see www.niceic.org.uk/specifiers click on "guidance" and select "landlords" from the drop down menu.

Buildings and your contents must be insured. It is strongly recommend that landlords take out insurance to cover non-payment of rent and legal fees.

Stamp duty is payable on some, but not all, tenancy agreements. Further information can be obtained from the Stamp Office in Birmingham.

More detailed information on all the above is supplied in our fact sheet