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Landlord services

Let Only

Upon instruction we will let your property for a fee of 3 weeks rent + VAT. The Let Only service involves the following:-

Rental Valuation

A member of our team will be more than happy to provide you with a free rental valuation taking into account location, condition and current demand.

We will also advise you how to achieve the highest market rent.

Marketing

In order to market your property fully we will do the following:-

Signage

To let boards are automatically erected on your property unless otherwise instructed.

Viewings

Prospective tenants are accompanied to all viewings. If the property is occupied all visits will be strictly by appointment. We follow up all viewings so that you are provided with essential feedback.

A set of keys should be provided otherwise the property is put on hold. Keys in our possession are coded for security. When the property is let we will deduct the cost of providing keys to tenants if keys are not provided.

Tenant Selection

Prospective tenants will be interviewed and selected via a Credit Reference Agency. If the tenant is a student a guarantor will be provided. The guarantor will also be referenced.

Tenancy Agreement

In line with current legislation we will prepare and execute a Tenancy Agreement.

Three months prior to the end of the tenancy agreement Knights of Newport will automatically carry out a rent review and offer the existing tenants the opportunity to renew the tenancy agreement. If the existing tenants do not want to renew the necessary safeguards to take possession of the property on expiry are initiated and Knights of Newport will advertise the property ready to let again.

It is essential that we are provided with details if work is being or to be carried out at the rental property.

Special Tenancy Conditions can be added to the tenancy agreement if the office is informed in writing and prior to signing of the tenancy agreement.

Rent Transfer

Rent & bond is collected in advance and forwarded to you less our fees via cheque or direct transfer to your account. You will receive a rental statement.

Charges

For the above service we charge a fee of 3 weeks rent plus VAT. This is deducted from the first months rent.

Additional Services

Why not take advantage of our additional services and avoid the hassle of drawing up your own inventory, arranging for certificates to be provided, the grass cut or even cleaning of a property. Please contact the office for charges for the following services:-

Management

Upon instruction we will let your property for a fee of 2 weeks rent + VAT and 10% of the monthly rent thereafter.

Management service involves the following:-

Rental Valuation

A member of our team will be more than happy to provide you with a free rental evaluation taking into account location, condition and current demand. We will also advise you how to achieve the highest market rent.

Marketing

In order to market your property fully we will do the following:-

Signage

To let boards are automatically erected on your property unless otherwise instructed.

Viewings

Prospective tenants are accompanied to all viewings. If the property is occupied all visits will be strictly by appointment. We follow up all viewings so that you are provided with essential feedback.

Tenant Selection

Prospective tenants will be interviewed and selected via a Credit Reference Agency. If the tenant is a student a guarantor will be provided. The guarantor will also be referenced.

Tenancy Agreement

In line with current legislation we will prepare and execute a Tenancy Agreement.

Three months prior to the end of the tenancy agreement Knights of Newport will automatically carry out a rent review and offer the existing tenants the opportunity to renew the tenancy agreement. If the existing tenants do not want to renew the necessary safeguards to repossess the property on expiry are initiated and Knights of Newport will advertise the property ready to let again.

It is essential that we are provided with details if work is being or to be carried out at the rental property.

Special Tenancy Conditions can be added to the tenancy agreement if the office is informed in writing and prior to signing of the tenancy agreement.

Inventory & Schedule of Condition

Prior to tenants moving into a property Knights of Newport will prepare a comprehensive Inventory and Schedule of Condition which the tenant(s) signs confirming the condition and contents. This means that we have a comparison for any deductions that may be necessary at the end of the tenancy.

It is essential therefore that the property is cleaned internally and externally prior to occupancy.

Most importantly the property should be a safe and secure environment as safety should be a priority. Your property should comply with council legislation and have the appropriate certificates in place.

It is essential that domestic appliance instructions and manuals are in place along with information on where stop cocks and meters can be located.

Knights of Newport will also contact all relevant utility companies, council tax department, and tv licensing and transfer accounts into the tenants name as well as closing these accounts at the end of the tenancy. This excludes telephone connection/disconnection.

Gardens maintenance is only the responsibility of the tenant if equipment and tools have been provided.

Inspections

Inspections are only carried out at the end of the tenancy or when a viewing takes place and a report sent to you. If you require an inspection quarterly, please inform the office in writing.

Please note an inspection is not carried out whilst the property is vacant although upon carrying out a viewing if we feel there is a problem we will contact you.

Legislation

It is essential that tenants are provided with a gas safety certificate as per the Gas Safety Regulation, 1998. We can arrange this on your behalf if required. If the certificate is not provided within 7 days of signing the tenancy agreement Knights of Newport will instruct Corgi engineers to carry out a maintenance check and provide a gas safety certificate. This cost will be deducted from the rent collected.

Please ensure that furniture supplied conforms with Fire & Furnishings Regulations, 1993.

Rent Transfer

Rent is collected in advance and when funds have cleared they are forwarded to via cheque or direct transfer to your account. You will also receive a monthly rental statement.

You will also have the ability to monitor your account and view the amount of rent collected. You will be provided with a unique code and a password of your choice which will enable you to view the account via the internet.

The bond is held in a client account for the duration of tenancy to use in case of arrears, and loss or damage caused to the property.

Overseas landlords (absent from the UK for 6 months or more) Knights of Newport are required to deduct basic rate tax, currently 22%, for any rent collected over £100 per week. If you wish to contest this you will need to contact the Inland Revenue and apply for approval. If you do not gain approval Knights of Newport will charge a fee (please contact the office and ask to speak to accounts) to generate quarterly tax returns.

Maintenance

Knights of Newport will respond to maintenance and organise for relevant tradesmen to deal with any problems that may arise. However, you may wish to choose your own tradesmen, if this is the case please inform the office in writing.

If you have a service contract in place please advise the office in writing. Knights of Newport can arrange for service contracts on all gas appliances and central heating systems with our approved Corgi registered engineer.

A landlord is responsible for all repairs to a property even if the tenant is liable for the damage! Charges for repairs caused by tenants is deducted from the rent and later reimbursed after deduction from the bond. If you prefer to pay all invoices directly we can arrange for them to be sent to you.

Repairs will be carried out to a maximum value of £150. A higher sum must be agreed by the landlord in writing except in the event of an emergency.

For the above service we charge a fee of 3 weeks rent plus VAT. This is deducted from the first months rent.

Charges

For the above service we charge a fee of 2 weeks rent plus VAT and 10% of the monthly plus VAT rental thereafter.

Legal Requirements

Gas Safety Regulations, 1998 places a duty on the landlord to ensure that all gas appliances, flues and installation pipe work are maintained and in a safe condition. It is the landlords responsibility to have their gas equipment checked annually by a registered Corgi engineer and that accurate records of work carried out on all appliances, including dates must be available on request.

A current gas safety certificate must be available for the tenants prior to taking occupation of a property.

Failure to comply with these regulations may lead to prosecution.

Fire Safety Regulations, 1998 - unless your property is a HMO (house in multiple occupation) there are no specific fire regulations you need to comply with although it is advisable that the kitchen should be fitted with a Portable fire extinguisher and fire blanket, and the property is fitted with smoke detectors. All furniture supplied must conform with the Fire & Furnishings Regulations.

PAT (Portable Appliance Testing) impose an obligation on the landlord to ensure that electrical appliances supplied with the property are safe.

NICEIC (National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contracting) - landlords should ensure that all fixed electrical installations and alteration work has been carried out and certified by an electrician registered with a government approved body such as NICEIC.

Part P - Fixed electrical installations in dwellings shall be suitably designed, installed, inspected and tested so as to provide reasonable protection against their being a source of a fire or a cause of injury to persons.

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©Knights of Newport 2006-08. 1 Blewitt Street, Baneswell, Newport, Gwent, NP20 4DB T: 01633 776776 or email us. All rights reserved. E&OE.  Website polarisedirect