Landlord Information Pack

ADVICE ON ‘BEST PRACTICE’ IN PROPERTY RENTAL

If your property is mortgaged it is your responsibility to ensure you have obtained permission to proceed with the letting from your mortgage lender. Please note each lender has their own policy on this matter and most will make a charge for the time involved in dealing with the administration.

In cases where the property is jointly owned, all parties must formally agree to the letting of the property.

If you own a property as a Leaseholder, you must ensure the terms of the Head Lease allow the property to be let. The Landlord should continue to pay ground rent and communal fees/service charges throughout the tenancy. It will be necessary to inform your insurers you are letting the property. You must ensure you have accidental damage cover for all tenancies. It is important to make it clear to insurers that there may be periods during which the property will be unoccupied. Please ensure you fully understand the insurers terms and conditions with regard to winter heating and frost protection and be sure to advise us of any such relevant information. Insurance policies for Landlords Buildings and Contents Insurance are available through us – please ask for details. The property should be presented for rental in the best possible condition to include a professional clean and the garden (if relevant) should be presented in a neat and tidy seasonal condition. In respect of managed properties it is the policy of Hartswood that all inventory compilations and checks are carried out by a professional independent Inventory Clerk. We strongly advise that Landlords using our Letting Only Service also employ the services of an Inventory Clerk. At the end of the tenancy this will greatly assist all parties in avoiding disputes relating to the condition of the property and the fixtures and fittings therein. Each tenancy is subject to satisfactory references being received. We can also offer a range of insurance policies tailor made for Landlords which include Rent Guarantee and Legal Expenses, Contents and Buildings insurance policies.