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Landlords - Do you need help letting your property?If you have a property that you would like to let out, lettingsearch.co.uk are able to put you in touch with your local letting agents. Through them, and with our help, they will market your property to thousands of potential tenants a month.Please complete the form below and send us your details today, it's that easy! Once lettingsearch.co.uk have received your enquiry, we will automatically forward it on to letting agents who will help you market your property. Our unique property matching system will help lettingsearch member agents market your property more effectively. Landlords - What is an EPC?
EPCs carry ratings that compare the current energy efficiency and carbon dioxide emissions with potential figures that your home could achieve. Potential figures are calculated by estimating what the energy efficiency and carbon dioxide emissions would be if energy saving measures were put in place. The rating measures the energy and carbon emission efficiency of your home using a grade from ‘A’ to ‘G’. An ‘A’ rating is the most efficient, while ‘G’ is the least efficient. The average efficiency grade to date is 'D'. All homes are measured using the same calculations, so you can compare the energy efficiency of different properties. Around 27 per cent of the UK’s carbon dioxide emissions come from domestic homes. Carbon dioxide contributes to climate change. The recommendation report EPCs also provide a detailed recommendation report showing what you could do to help reduce the amount of energy you use and your carbon dioxide emissions. The report lists:
You don’t have to act on the recommendations in the recommendation report. However, if you decide to do so, it could make your property more attractive for sale or rent by making it more energy efficient. The certificate also contains:
CR Energy is a National Provider of Domestic and Commercial Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs). They have invested in the latest technology providing point of sale ordering, case tracking, invoicing on line and all instructions sent directly to an assessors PDA. They are committed to market leading service standards returning jobs, where access allows, within 48hours. Pricing is highly competitive with a unique agent affiliate scheme.  |
Landlord top 10 tips:1. Research:As a landlord, you should thoroughly research the rental market in your area to make sure you are charging the right level of rent. How do similar rental properties compare on presentation and price? Why not look for similar properties on lettingsearch.co.uk? Tenants will be doing their research, and so should you. Do not set too high a rent. It is better to have a tenant in the property paying a modest rent than to set a high rent and have the property remain empty.2. Choosing the right agent/package:Letting agents can help landlords with a full management service right down to marketing only. Why not contact a lettingsearch.co.uk agent to discuss your options? lettingsearch.co.uk has over 31,000 tenants registered who we can match to your property! Choosing the correct letting package is something you need to consider. Whether you’d prefer a "let & forget" or a "compelte letting" solution, your letting agent can normally create a package to suit all parties.3. First Impressions:Well presented properties usually secure longer term tenancies, good tenants and a good price. If it’s been a while since you last had your property on the market, then it is likely you will need to make some changes. Repair any minor problems, clean the windows and clear up the garden/patio so that it is useable space once more. Do the bedrooms need a lick of paint? It’s this attention to detail that gives potential tenants the confidence to sign a longer lease.4. To furnish or not to furnish?Landlords should be as flexible as possible on this. Saying that, your flexibility should reflect the offer made - providing a house full of furniture at great expense should depend on the rental yield and length of tenancy on offer. Your letting agent will be able to advise you on the best way to present your property in the current market. Installing a dishwasher and washing machine may seem like an unnecessary expense for some, they can be a good investment. Having such appliances will make your property more attractive to prospective tenants.5. Pick your tenants with care:Don’t hand over the keys before carrying out credit checks, bankruptcy searches and previous residency information. Haphazard screening and tenant selection too often results in problems later on. Landlords and tenants both benefit from having a good relationship. Courtesy, reliability and availability will make for a happier tenancy all round. What starts off as a small problem can turn into something costly if it’s left to fester. Communication is critical.6. Deposits, get them protectedIt is critical that landlords should take a deposit. But changes to the law mean the cash now has to be protected in a Government-approved scheme. There are several approved deposit holding companies and your Letting agent may recommend one. To make life easier when it comes to handing back the cash, it is a good idea to draw-up a clear and simple inventory. Both you and your tenants need to agree and then sign two copies. This should help to avoid disputes at the end of the tenancy.7. Start a ‘just in case fund’Life as a landlord is rarely straight forward and any number of expensive emergencies can crop up without warning. Putting a bit of money aside each month will help take the sting out of the cost of a new boiler or windows. Try to stay on top of maintenance and repair needs and make repairs when requested. If the property is not kept in good repair; you'll alienate good tenants; and tenants may gain the right to withhold rent; repair the problem and deduct the cost from the rent; sue for injuries caused by defective conditions; and/or move out without needing to give notice.8. Have you got the correct insurance?All landlords should make sure that they take out adequate insurance for their properties. From injury to tenants and their guests, to avoiding the dreaded void periods, as well as building cover and damage insurance too.9. Landlord AssociationsWhether you’ve been a landlord for years or if you’re just thinking about investing in a buy to let property, it’s important to get good advice. The market is always changing and it’s worth listening to the view of an experienced landlord. By joining a landlord association, you gain access to plenty of useful information as well as a listening ear and sound advice when it’s needed.10. Understanding of the law:The list of rules and regulations with which landlords must comply is long and growing. Some of the laws include: Making sure that you have obtained any necessary permission for letting, from your leaseholder if the flat is held on a long lease, or from your mortgage company. If you furnish your property you will need to comply with all the various product safety regulations. All furniture provided must comply with the Furniture and Furnishings Regulations. This means that all soft furnishings must be fire retardant and carry the appropriate label. Also, under the Electrical Equipment Safety Regulations, any electrical equipment provided must be safe. In April 2007, landlords began having to protect their tenants’ deposits and 2008 saw the introduction of having to provide energy performance certificates for most rental properties in England, Wales and Scotland. |
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