So as to assist prospective tenants and landlords we have included a list of questions we are frequently asked.

What is the difference between full management service and introductory only?

With our Full Management Service we undertake to deal with all matters during the course of the tenancy, the initial advertising, arranging viewings, vetting prospective tenants, preparing tenancy documents, preparation of inventories, the collection of monthly rentals and electronically crediting to a designated bank account. Inspection visits are carried out on a periodic basis and a final inspection is carried out on vacation of a property to determine the return of the holding deposit paid by the tenant at the beginning of a tenancy.

Our Introductory Service includes the initial services outlined above up until the signing of tenancy documents and collection of the deposit and the first months rent. All matters relating to a tenancy thereafter and the collection of monthly rents will be the responsibility of the landlord.

What is an assured Shorthold tenancy?

Created by the Housing Act 1988 and in operation since January 1989, latterly revised by the Housing Act 1996. All residential premises are let on Assured Shorthold Tenancies unless otherwise stated. An Assured Shorthold must be for a fixed term usually being a minimum of six months. At the end of a fixed term and unless a further period is agreed by both parties, an Assured Shorthold Tenancy automatically becomes a Statutory Periodic Tenancy still subject to the terms and conditions contained within the original lease.

In order to end a tenancy the landlord/agent must serve the tenant with a Notice of Repossession at least two months before it is to take effect. A tenant may give one months notice in writing. Notice would not be valid if the expiry date falls before the end of a fixed term.

Who is responsible for council tax, water rates and other utilities?

A tenant becomes liable for payment of council tax, water rates (unless otherwise stated) gas and electricity supplies. Upon signing a tenancy agreement we inform all the utility companies and provide meter readings.

What referencing and credit checking facilities are available?

We employ the services of a credit agency.

Who prepares the inventory and when?

An inventory is prepared by a member of our staff prior to a tenant taking occupation detailing the contents/decoration and condition.

What does the term furnished, part furnished & unfurnished mean?

a) Furnished generally means when the property offers the basic essential items to include soft furnishings and white goods to the kitchen. However, items such as crockery, cutlery, bed linen etc are not normally included.

b) Part furnished is as above (a) without soft furnishings to all rooms, one bed or chair/sofa would be considered as part furnished.. c) Unfurnished as (b) without any furnishings, white goods optional.


Am I liable to pay tax on my rental income received?

Rental income is subject to taxation. Whilst we are able to give an overview of any tax implications we do however recommend that you seek the advice of an accountant.

What is the legislation regarding furnishings?

It is an offence to supply soft furnishings which do not meet fire resistance standards and do not carry permanent labels to that effect. Soft furnishings includes mattresses, divan bases, upholstered sofas/chairs and cushions. Curtains and carpets are not included within the regulations. Furniture with upholstery manufactured prior to 1950 are exempt.

Who is responsible for maintaining the up keep of fixtures, fittings?

It is the landlord's responsibility to maintain/repair applicable contents, fixtures, fittings, appliances and the general structure/condition of the property itself.

What is the current legislation regarding gas and electrical appliances?

Current regulations state that it is a legal requirement that all gas appliances, pipe work and flues should be checked for safety at intervals of no more than twelve months. These checks must be carried out by a Corgi registered engineer and an appropriate Safety Certificate must be given to the tenant. It is also a legal requirement that the agent must hold for their records a copy of a valid certificate. Premier Lettings employ the services of several qualified contractors and can arrange safety checking on your behalf.

Electrical safety regulations state that it is an offence to supply electrical equipment that is not safe. Broadly speaking "safe" means that there is no risk of injury to people or domestic animals or damage to property. There are no specific requirements however, we recommended that all electrical appliances and household wiring be checked prior to a property being let for the first time and thereafter at intervals of no more than five years.

What is Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) and does it apply to my property?

Whilst electrical appliances are not currently specifically governed by statutory regulations, the Health & Safety Executive require all electrical appliances provided by Landlords (for the use of tenants) to be subjected to a Portable Appliance Test (PAT). In a similar way to Gas Safety certification, this is an annual test, which assesses the safety and electrical integrity of each appliance. We can provide this service by a registered PAT electrician for a discounted price. Please contact us for further information. We strongly recommend that you to obtain full information on all of the above from the Health & Safety Executive.

Do I need consent from my bank/building society to let my property?

Under the terms of your mortgage you maybe required to seek their consent prior to letting your property. Banks/building societies have different criteria and, therefore, it is advisable to check with them.

Insurance

We offer a range of insurance products tailormade for residential letting together with Rent Guarantee and Legal Expense Cover.