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Let-Me Obligations as a Landlord

Tel: 020 8390 1159
Fax: 020 8390 9458
email: info@let-me.com

Listed below are some of the Frequently Asked Questions we find landlords normally look to ask.

Do I need permission before I rent out my home?
If the property is subject to a mortgage, consent is normally required from the lender. Also if you are not the freehold owner of the property, permission is usually required from the freeholder. You should deal with this before instructing Let-Me to let your property.

Do I need to pay income tax?
This will depend upon your circumstances but income from property in the UK must be declared to the Inland Revenue. If the landlord is resident overseas the agent may be taxed but we can advise on how you can receive rent without us having to pay tax on your behalf. Landlords can claim personal allowances against income from property and husbands and wives may decide to opt for separate taxation. Expenditure incurred in connection with letting can be offset against income and a wear and tear allowance may be granted in the case of furnished properties. It may be prudent to take independent financial advice in connection with your tax affairs.

How long should I let for?
There are various types of tenancy but most lettings are for a minimum of six months.

Do I need to furnish the property?
No, but you can possibly make the property more attractive to tenants by taking out, replacing or adding furniture. The more flexible you are the larger the audience you attract. Nevertheless you must ensure that any soft furnishings you supply comply with current fire safety regulations. The Furniture and Furnishings Fire Safety Regulations 1988 (as amended 1993) require that all furniture in rented properties must meet the standard. Of particular concern is foam filled or upholstered furniture manufactured between 1950 and 1988. Furniture manufactured before 1950 is exempt and may remain in the property but any other soft furnishings such as bedding for example left on the premises should be appropriately labelled.

Do I need to insure the building and contents?
Landlords are normally responsible for insuring the property and Let-Me recommend landlords also insure their contents. We can arrange a policy specifically designed for rented properties.

Who is responsible for repairs?
The Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 section 11 (as amended by section 116 of the Housing Act 1988) requires the landlord to keep in repair the structure and exterior of the property together with installations for supply of water, gas, electricity and sanitation, and to keep in proper working order installations for space and water heating. Our rapid maintenance response team are on hand 7 days a week 365 days a year and can be relied upon to provide timely and cost effective remedial works as required.

Are there any other safety issues?
Landlords have a duty to ensure that the premises, fixtures, fittings and appliances are safe. Let-Me recommend that appliances which burn fossil fuel such as gas, coal or oil should be serviced regularly.
The Gas Safety - Installation & Use Regulations 1994 (as amended) require landlords to ensure that all gas appliances or installation pipe work are maintained in safe condition and that they are inspected annually by an approved contractor. There are requirements for keeping records and issuing certificates to tenants. All tenants must receive the gas safety inspection certificate before the start of a tenancy. This is required in addition to any servicing arrangement which you may make.

Landlords have a duty to ensure that electrical equipment is safe. There are several pieces of legislation affecting the safety of electrical equipment, including the Low Voltage Electrical Equipment Regulations 1989, the Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 1994, the General Product Safety Regulations 1994 and the Plugs and Sockets (Safety Regulations) 1994. So far as Let-Me are aware landlords do not have to obtain an electrical safety certificate prior to letting but landlords must maintain electrical systems and electrical appliances under their control in safe condition. Let-Me recommends that an appropriately qualified electrician should inspect the property and electrical fittings at the start of the tenancy and regularly thereafter. The Furniture & Furnishings Fire Safety Regulations have been mentioned above. In addition we recommend the installation of smoke detectors and the provision of fire blankets etc.

For a full information pack and friendly advice please contact Let-Me directly.

 

 



FIND PROPERTIES
Investments/Property Sourcing

Let-Me have been extremely useful in aiding us in our development programme. We have set specific requirements which Let-Me have adhered and we are continuing to use their property sourcing services to find us our next project.

George Martyn Homes

May I thank you for helping me through a difficult period in my life. Having just gone through the pains of separation I commissioned Let-Me to set me up as a professional landlord as I was looking to change my career. With the equity released from our family home Let-Me helped in sourcing 4 buy-to-let properties in which they not only assisted in the renovation but also the finding of suitable tenants. I am very happy with the rental returns gained from the project and I am now on my way to increasing my property portfolio and enjoying the freedom and the benefits that my new lifestyle offers.

Mrs Jones

We have used your services of Let-Me Property Consultants to find for us our recent project. It is good to see the enthusiasm that you show for your role and we hope that the business continues to thrive and do well. We will be happy to use your services again as it does take a lot of legwork out of the initial process.

Ingaretti Developments

It is such a breath of fresh air to see somebody enjoying and showing such fervour for their job. We understand that it is a concept that you are trying to market to the rest of the industry and we wish you all the best and as we have said before if the numbers add up then we have no qualms in using your services as your fees are extremely competitive. Please keep us informed of any opportunities that arise.

Kode Consulting

Interesting concept. We wish you all the best in trying to formalise a process that already exists but is less visible and available to the public. We would be more than happy to supply any opportunities that come our way as it would make our job of selling these much easier. As you get paid by the investor you will not be affecting our business which as you know is always an added bonus.

Knightwood Estates

Lettings and Property Management

 

We want to thank you for the way you have professionally handled our property. You have proved to be the most proactive out of all the agents we have used. We were particularly impressed by the friendly and frank advice given by your staff.

Mr and Mrs Morgan

To Adeel

I would just like to mention that I have known Let me for a number of years and I can now see why you have grown to such a large organization. You have managed to re-let my 4 buy to let properties 3 times over due the build delays.

The units are now all let now at above standard market rates with excellent tenants. Thank you for all your help and I would be happy to recommend you to anyone who requires a flexible, competitive rental agent that has one of the most proactive agencies in town.

Regards

Ananda Paul / A P Homes

Thank you for letting and managing my property in my absence. It gives me peace of mind knowing for sure that my property is in your hands. Especially, as my tenants are happy with you as well.

Claire D

TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN

Adeel Bhatti

I have known Adeel Bhatti for some time. He has exclusively managed Chevron Properties LLC over the last five years. During that period he has demonstrated great effectiveness in finding tenants, problem solving, and financial matters. He is hard working, scrupulously honest and very reliable. Through these qualities we have also developed a great friendship which makes dealing with his business a pleasure.

I would recommend his firm to anyone contemplating employing a letting agent.

Chevron Properties

Just a quick note to say that the whole experience of letting my flat in Kingston has contradicted my previous impression of letting agents. Will be recommending you to my friends and family.

Mr Andersen