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Letting in Cheltenham

Guide to Letting in Cheltenham

Here is our guide to the practical aspects of letting your Cheltenham property. If you would like any further advice please contact us.

Rental valuation and advice

A professionally qualified member of our staff will visit your property and provide a rental assessment, taking into account location, size, condition, and the demand for that type of home. We will discuss your requirements, including the rent that you have in mind, and whether you will allow children, pets, smokers etc. We will always try to obtain the best market rent for your property.

Legal responsibilities

We will explain the legal background to letting your Cheltenham property and advise on who you need to speak to. You may need to contact your mortgage lender, freeholder (if you are a leaseholder), insurance companies, and utility companies.

Property condition

isherwoods will only let quality properties which have been well-maintained, and are in good decorative order. We will advise on any works which we consider necessary in order to market the property. These works should be completed, either by the landlord or ourselves, prior to arranging viewings for potential tenants.

Refurbishment work can pay for itself by maximising rental returns. Experience has demonstrated that a property in good condition can be let quickly, will achieve maximum rental return, and will often be better looked after by tenants.

Safety

Landlords have legal duties relating to the safety of their properties. We can advise you on how to meet the requirements.

Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)

This must have been completed prior to a property being marketed – we will explain the implications and can arrange this for you if required.

Furnished or unfurnished?

isherwoods handles both furnished and unfurnished properties and your legal position as landlord is the same whichever option you choose. We will advise you on the implications of regulations requiring furnishings to meet fire safety standards.

An unfurnished property should have carpets, curtains or blinds, light fittings and/or lampshades, fitted kitchen (including cooker and fridge), and fitted bathroom(s).

Furnished properties can be either fully furnished (for professionals who are working locally and arrive in town with just a suitcase), or more simply furnished with just the major items of furniture. We will advise on the best option for your property.

Garden

You should leave appropriate garden equipment and tools. Although it is the tenant’s responsibility to keep the garden tidy, it may be worth considering employing a gardener if the garden is large or important to you.

Electricity and gas

isherwoods will arrange for meters to be read, accounts transferred into the tenants’ names (where possible), and final accounts sent to the appropriate forwarding address. Services should not be disconnected as having to re-connect can cause delays.

Water

All water charges are the responsibility of the tenant whether metered or not. We will arrange for meters to be read (where possible and necessary), accounts transferred into the tenants’ names, and final accounts sent to the appropriate forwarding address.

Telephones

If you have been living in the property, you should request that your account be closed when vacating (but without having the line disconnected). Tenants must make their own application for a new account.

Leasehold property

The freeholder or their managing agent should be notified of your intention to let. Arrangements should be made for the payment of ground rent and service charge.

Keys

You should supply 4 sets of access door keys (additional sets in the case of some groups of sharers) and include car park 'zappers'. Any spare keys should be clearly labelled and left in the kitchen.

Burglar alarms

It is important that clear instructions are left where burglar alarms are installed. A 24 hour service contract for the system is essential. All those with keys for the property, and the local police, should be advised of arrangements.

Property maintenance

It is vital that you give us full details of any maintenance work which is still under guarantee. Use our property brief form to tell us all that we need to know about your property.

Cleaning

You must have the property thoroughly cleaned (including carpets) prior to the commencement of the tenancy. We recommend the use of a professional cleaning company. isherwoods will check on cleanliness before completing the tenancy.

Boundaries

Problems with boundary walls, trees, and parking arrangements can cause problems. If you anticipate any problems, a sketch map should be supplied showing the boundaries for which you are responsible and showing your garage and/or allocated parking space.

Personal arrangements

If you have been living in the property, arrange to have your mail re-directed, and tell as many people as possible of your new address. Don’t forget to sort out subscriptions and deliveries.
If you are to be resident abroad, it helps if we have a uk representative e.g. relative, solicitor or accountant.

Buildings and contents insurance

isherwoods can advise on special insurance policies for rented properties. These policies protect you against loss during tenancies, and during any vacant periods.

Legal protection insurance

We strongly recommend that all landlords should invest in legal protection insurance to cover legal costs in possession proceedings (worst case scenario!).