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 NOTTINGHAM        a PRIVATE LETTING AGENT for your TENANCY & PROPERTY MANAGEMENT IN NOTTINGHAM

 LANDLORDS CHECKLIST

Our DIY Check List for Buy To Let Landlords

• Advise mortgage provider of change of use to Buy To Let

• Take out Buy To let House Insurance - we recommend Rentguard

• Arrange gas certificate - a legal requirement

• Seriously consider an electric certificate - not a legal requirement - but minimises being sued for lack of reasonable care

• Carry out a fire risk assessment and keep notes

• Carry out a hazard assessment and keep notes

• Label all water isolator valves, remote electic switches, tv and telephone sockets - draw arrows on nearby surfaces to clearly identify which way is to turn off.

• Arrange EPC energy survey (£200 fine if house let without one after October 2008)

• Take credit ref checks at least on all prospective tenants - better to take out full tenant referencing

• Consider rent guarantee insurance

• Use a reliable well proven tenancy agreement format

• Check ID's of tenants prior to signing agreement

• Ask for some proof that housing benefit is applicable or currently being used with existing rent

• Do not sign agreement prior to receiving deposit (cash or in your bank) - or check that housing aid have approved a bond.

• Place deposit into a government deposit scheme - and advise tenants of which scheme and ref. no. asap.

• Do not hand over keys before receiving 1st months rent (cash or in bank) - or check that housing benefit is applicable or currently being used with existing rent.

• Do a thorough inventory listing and descriptions with photos and even videos - this is EXTREMELY IMPORTANT - 2 copies of each and signed by tenant and landlord (with a 10 day approval period)

• Make sure smoke alarms are installed (1 up & 1 downstairs at least) and replace batteries in smoke alarms between tenancies

• Carry out a visual and polarity check on all electrical sockets between tenancies.

• Physically show new tenants where water, gas and electricity stop valves / switches are - and to sign a document to say that they have been shown.

• Tell the new tenants where there deposit will be held confirm in writing or that they sign a document to say that they have been told.

• Make sure you get the deposit in a government approved scheme within 14 days.

• Provide a manual of how everything works, contact numbers etc. Clearly spell out your position regarding smoking, pets, decorating, lodgers, required notice to leave etc.

• Supply a lawn mower and hedge clippers so there is no excuse to do the minimum garden maintenance.

• Promptly follow up on late rent payments.

• Carry out periodic house inspections every 2 - 3 months - and feed back any problems in writing.

• Promptly carry out repairs

• Ensure tenant knows that you must have at least 1 months notice of intent to quit in writing.

• Confirm finish date in writing and that costs will be incurred to clean and clear rubbish with examples of such possible costs.

• Start re-advertising as soon as possible for new tenants

• Take forwarding address of leaving tenants.

• Advise promptly of any damage other than wear and tear and agree value of damage or repair work and release agreed deposit from any tenancy deposit scheme.

 

DISCLAIMER:- The information on this website is purely based our experience so we cannot accept any responsibility for any damage, costs or losses in anyone following and implementing this information in any form.

 

For more information about the houses we have to rent and to arrange a viewing contact:- 

Steve on 07765 810111 (anytime between 8.30am to 10.30pm) or

email info@Lets2Let.co.uk