Useful Information for Landlords:

At Harcourts we are a small office providing a personal service, tailored to your own particular requirements. Since 1981 we have been providing specialist advice on all aspects of property management including planning, projects and maintenance. We offer a full management package to encompass the new legislation and the regulations which are now becoming a major factor in lettings. We have a wealth of experience working with all landlords, from established investment landlords to those letting their own property for the very first time.

We can adapt our services to meet every individual need and cover all aspects of management from the initial sourcing and purchasing of an investment property through to advice on presenting properties for sale. We can also arrange improvement and more major repairs works as required.

Assured Shorthold Tenancies:
Initially all of our tenancies are for a fixed term period of six months, after which they are held over on the existing agreement for a further six months. Once this time has lapsed we can offer a new fixed term of twelve months.

Registered Tenancies:
Registered/Protected Tenancies are particularly well understood by our experienced staff. We organise rent increase applications to the Rent Officer every two years. We will meet Rent Officers, attend Rent Consultations if necessary and provide the required paperwork for all tenant or Housing Benefit needs. We are also fully aware of the repair requirements and other landlord obligations for this type of tenancy.

Tips for Maintaining your Property:
It may be daunting for a first time landlord and you will understandably want to achieve the best possible results from your investment, so below are some of our recommendations for preparing your property for a new tenant:

The property should be decorated in light neutral colours

Good quality carpets and vinyl/tiled flooring throughout should also be neutral to match the décor. We would recommend that the carpets be hard-wearing to aid longevity.

Neutral curtains, blinds and lampshades should be in good condition and again in keeping with the décor.

The kitchen should come complete with white goods - a washing machine or washer dryer, cooker and fridge freezer. All white goods should be clean and in good working order.

The property should be professionally cleaned throughout.

Any soft furnishings within the property must meet the official fire resistance standards by containing an attached label showing it is “fire resistant”.

The bathroom should be in good condition and ideally incorporate a shower.

The property should have suitable ventilation. If not then extractor fans could be considered in the kitchen and bathroom, and trickle vents in windows throughout to prevent mould.

A gas safety check and service will be required before a new tenancy begins. It is also useful to check that all electrics are in working order and meeting current regulations.

A television aerial and telephone line are needed in most properties.

Our Services:
We provide full management services comprising the following. This can be mixed and matched to suit each client’s personal requirements and can include tenant find only:

Rental collection.

Accounting to landlords on a quarterly basis.

Emergency or routine maintenance arranged up to an approved cost level (usually £250.00).

Energy Performance Certificates – required in every property let after October 2008.

Annual gas certification and servicing.

Deposit registration with the Tenancy Deposit Scheme.

All advertising and referencing.

All utility suppliers are notified at the beginning and end of each tenancy.

Regular inspections carried out at properties.

Inventories.

Check-in and check-out reports.

All you need to do… Contact our office and register your details and a member of staff will arrange a visit for a rental appraisal.