Whether you’re thinking of renting your property or are already doing so, it’s always important to know the answers to questions you need to ask at the outset or be updated with the latest information. Here is our list of FAQs and the answers that we hope you will find useful.
If you have questions about your property that you can’t find the answer to on this site, we would be delighted to help. To speak to a Lettings team member, please call: O20 8550 2221
Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)
Required for each individual property or for each self-contained flat, which must be made available prior to marketing. Costs can vary according to location of property but are generally between £60 and £120. A fixed penalty of £200 is incurred for failure to comply and £4,000 for not meeting the minimum ‘E’ rating. Gas
Certificate (CP12)
Under the Gas Safety (installation and use) Regulations 1988, all gas appliances – boilers, cookers, gas fires, pipework and flues – must be inspected by a Gas Safe registered engineer before a tenancy begins and then rechecked for safety at least every 12 months. Costs can vary, based upon remedial work required, number of appliances, or bulk (multi property) discount.
Inventory & Check In
Which should be organised immediately prior to occupancy and is essential to minimise the risk of any dispute over the deposit at the end of the tenancy. Costs may vary according to size of the property.
Estate Agent Commission Fee
Usually payable when a tenant is introduced and enters into an agreement to let the property. This is charged as a percentage reflecting both the terms and the rental amount plus VAT at the prevailing rate.
Introduction only – includes, property valuation, basic marketing (photography, presentation and viewings), and in-house tenant referencing via paralegal department.
Rent Collection – Full Lettings Service (as detailed above), plus Rent Collection – Full Lettings Service (as detailed above), plusFull Accounting Management, including collection , forwarding and reconciliation of rental accounts.- Rental Arrears Management.- Landlord Statements.- Property Certificate Management. Full
Management – Rent Collection (as detailed above), plus:
- Dedicated Property Manager – diagnosis and repair solutions.
- Detailed Inspections up until tenancy renewal.
- Inclusive Premium Warranty – in the event of rental arrears pus legal costs.
- Account Retention Management of float.
A Charlesons agent with a minimum of 5 – 10 years experience will accompany prospective tenants at the viewing. On some occasions, you may be requested to conduct the viewing yourself.
EPC stands for Energy Performance Certificate, which provides a SAP (Standard Assessment Procedure) rating for the energy efficiency of a property from A (very efficient) to G (very inefficient). Each certificate lasts for 10 years unless major renovation work is carried out on the property.
A management fee will be charged as a percentage of the rental amount plus VAT. This will be payable during a tenancy and is normally collected monthly.
Normally the deposit amount required to be collected is 4-6weeks. Under an Assured Shorthold Tenancy (AST), the deposit must be protected with an approved government deposit scheme within 30 days of receipt.
The price will depend on the size of your property. Where instructed, a Charlesons will carry out a comprehensive inventory on a Landlord’s behalf prior to the commencement of the tenancy and supply a copy to the Landlord.
You should receive the rental in your account within 3 – 5 working days from receipt.
Charlesons will advise you and can also provide dedicated legal instruction based upon up to date legislation on the correct type of agreement required for the proposed tenancy, under the Housing Act 1988 and Non Housing Act 1988.
Charlesons will arrange for our Association of Professional Property Providers (APIP) to carry out mid-term inspections, if included in the service, and assessed in house. The report will highlight any issues that need to be immediately addressed to prevent further problems. If issues arise at other times, we would expect to meet contractors and tenants, as and when necessary.
which ensures that your property is seen in the best possible light by as many of the right tenants as possible. Normally, properties are marketed online, via office window displays, Property To Let boards and brochures.
