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As an independent, local family run business, we find bringing sophistication to property management second nature. Our Tenants are professional individuals, couples or families seeking the flexibility renting one home permits. Some require independence without a major financial commitment, teachers, accountants, civil servants, Armed forces personnel the list is exhaustive. Our homes appeal to the discerning.
Marketing wisely to attract the desired Tenant is essential. We understand the need for immediate impact and maximum exposure. Naturally an effective form of advertising is the To Let board and as Charterhouse only accepts well maintained properties, our boards are a sign of excellence.
Our website it designed to be as informative as possible and we feature on other renowned lettings sites such as Rightmove, Find A Property and Prime Location.
We liaise closely with insurance companies, relocation agents and local businesses, whose confidence in our ability has been nurtured over the years. They appreciate the precise and detailed format of our agreements and inventories and our willingness to accommodate their heavy and demanding schedules.
All viewings are accompanies by a Charterhouse representative. The intention is to ascertain concise information as to the prospective Tenants circumstances prior to accepting application. Furthermore it promotes us with an opportunity to sell the advantages of the property.
To avoid personal involvement, Charterhouse uses the services of a professional referencing agency. In addition to a comprehensive credit search, employers and past Landlords references are provided. On rare occasions we may consult with the Landlord to give consideration of proceeding with guarantor for additional security.
It is preferential that rents be collected by Standing Order on the first of every month. Our proficient accounts department will inform you immediately of the unlikely event of a default and be assured every possible action is taken to ensure prompt payment. The funds (less deductions) are transferred to your account by bank transfer within 14 working days. Our detailed monthly statement simplifies the tax return issue.
Naturally we insist the Tenant pays a security deposit (Bond), usually equivalent to 1 months rent. It is paid at the commencement of the tenancy and held by Charterhouse in a client account until such time as the property is vacated and a full march out inspection is completed. Without exception deposits are registered with the Tenants Dispute Services. We liaise closely with you as to our findings, giving recommendations regarding to charges to be levied.
Detailed inventories compiled to HM forces standard are provided complete with photographs of unusual or exceptional items. The frustration of dispute is then easily avoided.
Property Management is virtually impossible without the inclusion of quarterly visits. The assumption that these are simply to ascertain the Tenants ability to care for your home is natural, however landlords need to be aware of general maintenance falling under the owners responsibility umbrella. Simple examples are overgrown ivy to exterior resulting in damp and raised tiles, filled gutters creating damp issues etc.
Our trained representative will provide a written report supported by digital photographs (where necessary)
Perhaps the most sensitive issue is property maintenance. A Landlord must be informed when a repair is necessary and whilst we are proud to recommend our own affiliated contractors, you may indeed nominate your own trades person. All maintenance issues are discussed fully before instruction with the exception of emergency situations.
As a nation of animal lovers it can be traumatic to leave the treasured family pet in alternative accommodation. So whilst another agent may recommend a no pet policy, we ask that you give consideration to the circumstances. With your approval consent is given on the proviso that all carpets are professionally cleaned by a Charterhouse contractor on termination of tenancy.
Regrettably all net unearned income is subject to tax and we advise that you
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Remember you are considered an overseas Landlord if you live abroad or work abroad.
It is important to firstly note that Inland Revenue regulations apply even if you are a non-UK resident. Moreover, non-resident Landlords must apply to the Inland Revenue Financial Intermediaries Claims Office (FICO) for authorisation (by way of an exemption certificate) to receive payment of property rental gross, that is without deduction of Income Tax by the letting agent or Tenant as required by law. Charterhouse can provide the relevant forms.
A primary objective is to ensure all Landlords are fully aware of their obligations and whilst we prefer not to take on the mantel of Insurance salesperson we must emphasise the need for Buildings & Contents insurance designed for tenant occupation. It cannot be sufficiently emphasised that failing to inform the insurers that the property is let can result in the policy being declared void.
Under common law, a Landlord must ensure the property adheres to safety legislation a legal duty of care.
Charterhouse, will upon request, carry out the following safety checks, deducting the cost from rent received:
1. Gas (The Gas Safety (installation & use) Regulations 1994 (amended 1998) The Landlord must maintain gas installations and all gas appliances through annual inspections and safety checks carried out by a CORGI registered engineer and a copy of the Current Inspection Certificate must be left at the property.
2. Electricity (The Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 1994 & Electricity at Works Regulations 1989) the Landlord must ensure that all mains voltage household electrical appliances and equipment is tested and safe to use. Any non-repairable items must be removed and replaced
An NICEIC or similarly qualified electrical engineer must carry out these tests on an annual basis.
All operating instructions must be left in the property for tenants benefit.
3. Fire & Furnishings The Furniture & Furnishings (Fire)(Safety) Regulations 1988 (amended 1989 & 1993) Soft furnishings (such as mattresses, settees, bed bases, cushions and padded headboards) must meet fire resistance standards and bear a permanent label confirming this. If compliance cannot be proved, the item must be removed or replaced.
4. Smoke Detectors whilst only properties built after 1992 legally require the fitting of smoke detectors (Building Regulations 1991), we would strongly recommend that smoke detectors are fitted to each floor of the property being let.
NB: The penalty for failure to comply with statutory safety legislation is currently a maximum of 5000 and / or 6 months imprisonment for each offence. This can be harsher in the case of injury or fatality.
The above is only a guide to the legal safety requirements and should you have any further queries, we would recommend that you contact a qualified solicitor who will be able to verify these in full.
BRIEF GUIDE TO OUR SERVICES
1. Advice on letting your property.
2. Rental evaluation
3. Advertising of your rental property on our website plus prominent Lettings sites including Rightmove, Find A Property and Prime Location
4. Accompanied viewings and finding of a suitable tenant
5. Status enquiries / reference and credit check of prospective tenants
6. Obtaining security deposit.
7. Obtaining competitive quotes for insurance
8. Organising / preparing the Inventory and Check-In
9. Preparing Tenancy Agreement and Legal Notices.
10. Arranging transfer of Utilities to Tenants name and establishing Council Tax and Water Rates in Tenants name
11. Advising on compliance with Safety Regulations for Gas / Electricity supplies etc.
12. Collecting monthly rental payments and providing monthly accounting to Landlords.
13. Arranging annual gas safety checks (chargeable)
14. Periodic inspections of the property and reporting of any problems
15. Obtaining competitive quotations and, upon approval, arranging for necessary repairs / maintenance to be carried out.
16. Contacting the Tenant and arranging for renewals and / or check-out as necessary.
GUIDE FOR LANDLORDS
1. If mortgaged apply to relevant lender for permission to let
2. Appoint managing agent - return all documentation and service agreement.
3. Book removals
4. Contact all utility companies to take final readings and redirect future bills to Agents office
5. Contact telephone company to arrange disconnection.
6. Redirect mail - allow 10 days
7. Organise insurance cover for buildings and contents that applies to tenant occupation. Inform them of your impending vacation.
8. Arrange for professional cleaning of carpets
9. Organise redecoration where recommended
10. Enlist services of gardener for unoccupied periods.
11. Ensure Agent has keys.
12. Relax
Useful Contractors
Carpet Cleaner: Mighty Clean, 07951 075254
Domestic House Clean: Greengage Gardens & Cleaning Specialists, 07891 911878
Gardener: Greengage Gardens & Cleaning Specialists, 07891 911878
Oven Cleaning: Greengage Gardens & Cleaning Specialists, 07891 911878
Oven Clean, 0800 7833257
Decorator: Mighty Clean, 07951 075254
John Wade, 07891 006174
Electrician: Youngs Electrical Services, 07885 914307
Gas Engineer: Gaswarm, 07976 209868
