Fotolia_462235_XSInformation for Landlords

CXG Property Services have now been managing properties for over 5 years. We understand the business of property, and the need to minimise voids, to ensure the efficient collection of rent, and the prompt passing on to the property owner of rents collected on their behalf.

We have a detailed understanding of the letting market, and can provide comprehensive advice to landlords letting a property for the first time, as well as find solutions for landlords who have a portfolio of numerous properties. We offer very competitive fees, and can offer a sliding scale of management charges to suit the individual’s needs depending on the size of their portfolio.

There are a number of legal aspects to consider before you can let your property out, we are here to help and to advise on the legal aspects of letting. The main points to consider before letting a property are the following:

  • It is a legal requirement for an annual landlords gas safety check to be carried out.
  • It is a legal requirement before you can let your property that you need an Energy Performance Certificate. This lasts for 10 years from the date of issue.
  • It is a legal requirement when taking a deposit from a tenant that it is registered with a government approved Tenancy Deposit Scheme.
  • It is a legal requirement that at least one smoke alarm must be fitted on each level.
  • Although not a legal requirement, it is highly recommended that an Electrical Safety report is carried out every five years.

We are able to provide all of the above services for you either from one of our approved contractors or our in-house maintenance team.

Property Maintenance is the biggest problem of all for most landlords. We have an in-house maintenance team, including a gas safe registered plumber. For anything that we cannot do in-house, we have a team of approved contractors for all other areas, such as flooring, windows/doors and electricians. By keeping the majority of work in-house, it is much easier for us to arrange repairs to be carried out as soon as possible.

When a tenant reports an issue at the property, we would sent out one of our team to investigate the issue, then come back to you with a quote on how much it would cost to fix the problem. You can then decide whether you would like us to go ahead and complete the works, or whether you would like to arrange for it yourself – it is up to you. You must however appreciate that in some situations we will carry out any repairs if considered a hazard to the tenant, such as a water or gas leak.

In order to attract the best tenants possible, it is vitally important that the property is well presented. We can offer advice on how best to present your property as well as whether to offer it furnished or unfurnished.

We also offer a tenant referencing service where applicable. This is carried out by an external credit referencing agency, where they will obtain references from the applicant’s bank, employer(s), previous/current landlord and perform a credit search.

We currently offer three levels of service to our landlords; tenant finding only, tenant finding and rent collection or full management. Please see below what we include in each service level

Tenant Finding Only

  • Property inspection and rental value advice
  • Market the property in order to attract prospective tenants
  • Interview and asses suitability of prospective tenants
  • Recommend suitable tenants having obtained successful references and credit checks
  • Prepare tenancy agreement and any other necessary documentation and arrange signatures
  • Collect the first months rent and deposit

Tenant Find and Rent Collection

All of the above plus the following:

  • Accept and hold a tenants deposit against dilapidations (minimum of one months rent unless stated otherwise)
  • Prepare an inventory including full colour photos
  • Notify utilities of change of tenants, establish council tax in occupiers name
  • Collect rents, account to you on a monthly basis on the 15th of the following month direct to your bank/building society

Full Management

All of the above plus the following:

  • Receive reports from the tenants with regard to maintenance and repair issues, and instruct trades-man/yourself to carry out repairs.
  • Confirm the maintenance and repairs have been carried out are satisfactory, and payments will be made on your behalf from rental income received
  • Make quarterly inspections of the property
  • Check out the tenant at the end of the tenancy, and carry out a dilapidation assessment with the tenant in attendance and make such deductions as in our opinion necessary from the tenants de-posit in order to compensate you. Fair wear and tear disregarded.

If you are thinking of letting your property, then please call our Haverhill office on 01440 712216 for a confidential discussion on how we can help you in the letting of your property or to arrange a free, no obligation market appraisal. Alternatively, click here to contact us.