Landlord's Guide - Lettings - Whites Estate Agents Salisbury, Wiltshire, UK | HW White

DID YOU KNOW WHITES NOW OFFER FLEXIBLE VALUATION OPTIONS TO SUIT YOUR NEEDS?

Simply CLICK HERE to get started.

Landlord Fees and Guide

At Whites Estate Agents, we want to provide a clear vision of our Landlord Services and Fees. To this end, we have provided the tables below, which outline fees. Please note our fees are inclusive of VAT (20%) and are in line with the Tenant Fee Act 2019, which occurred on the 1st of June 2019.

Following the table, you will find a list of Frequently Asked Questions. If you cannot find the answer you require here, please telephone 01722 336422/Option 2, and one of our team will be happy to answer any queries.



Landlords Service

Tenant Find

Fully Managed

Allocation of a specialist property manager

 

Valuation and advice on renting

Advertising & Marketing (this includes online via Property Portals and social media, plus offline through To Let boards and other media)

Property details and photos plus floor plans

Accompanied Viewings (Including out of hours)

Full Vetting and Referencing of Tenants

Issuing of legal compliance documents e.g. the How to Rent Guide

Preparing and executing the Tenancy Agreement

 

Collection of rent & deposit (Tenant Find first-month rent only)

Arrangement of standing order

Register deposit with TDS

Compliance Checks* (Gas, Electricity, EPC)

Change over utilities and council tax.

Monthly Statement of Account (Inc. Rental Income, Expenditure and Maintenance Invoices)

 

Full inventory with schedule and photos, plus pre-move-in risk assessment

If required

Testing of smoke and CO detectors (if accessible)

 

Arrange renewal of safety checks (eg gas safety certificate)

 

Routine Inspections 

 

Pay bills on behalf of Landlord (Inc. Payment of tax for Overseas Landlords)

 

Check out Tenant

 

* Costs charged by any external contractors are in addition to our Set Up, Inventory & Management Fees



Landlords Fees

Tenant Find 

(Inc. VAT)

Fully Managed 

(Inc. VAT)

Management Fee Per Property/Garage: Monthly management fee calculated on monthly rental income. 

n/a


15% (Maximum)

Setting up fees: To create a new tenancy to include a contribution toward advertising, legal documentation, cost of referencing, and change over of utilities. 

120% (Maximum) of one month's rent (Minimum £600) per property

£390 Per Property

Preparation and execution of Tenancy Agreement:

£90

£90

Collection & Registration of Tenancy Deposit with TDS: Fee for registering tenants' deposits with Tenancy Deposit Scheme and issuing the certificate

£50

£50

Inventory & Photographs: Inventory and schedule of condition and level of furnishing (to include coloured photographs of the interior). Taking final meter readings.

Cost to be quoted by an independent contractor

£90 + £18 per bedroom

Preparation of Section 21 Notice (in the event landlord requires back possession of their property)

£120

£90

Delivery of Section 21 Notice  (Hand-delivered to the rental property)

£60

£30

Conclusion of Management (This covers visiting the property after the last tenant has vacated and is doing a final inspection to ensure the property is clean and tidy, plus changing utilities and forwarding the final statement of accounts.)

n/a

£90

Renewal, variations, amendments, or additions to the tenancy agreement

£180

£90

Early Termination of the contract between Landlord and Whites where the former retracts instructions before a tenant has been installed and costs have been incurred 

£360 

£360 

Project Management (Supervision of major works, repairs and maintenance, and insurance claims) over the value of £5,000

n/a

12 % repair costs

Reviewing and implementing rent review by the rent officer service

n/a

£180

Tenant introduction by Whites leading to a sale

1.2% of Sale Price

1.2% of Sale Price

Sale of property by another agent whilst tenant in situ (to cover additional time and expenses incurred in liaising with other parties)

n/a

£180

EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) (This is mandatory and we will arrange for an external professional to perform this for you if required.)

£99

 £99

Tenancy Check-Out Fee (Comparing ongoing inventory with condition property at end of tenure. Includes negotiation of dilapidation if applicable. ) 

Cost to be quoted by an independent contractor

£90

Garage set up fee (Includes preparation and execution of a garage agreement)

£150

£150


 

Additional Fees

Details

Fees (inc VAT)

Hire of Oil Filled Radiator (Plus cost of delivery to be quoted by independent contractor)

 

£24 per week plus delivery

Hire of Dehumidifier (Plus cost of delivery to be quoted by independent contractor)

 

£36 per week plus delivery


* Costs charged by any external contractors are in addition to our Set Up, Inventory & Management Fees

LANDLORD GUIDE - FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

 

ON TENANTS

HOW QUICKLY CAN A TENANT BE FOUND?

We achieve a 2-3 week lead time for finding the appropriate tenant for you. (Assuming that the property is in good order and offered at realistic market rent).

HOW MUCH WILL IT COST TO FIND A TENANT?

We offer a Fully Managed Service or a Tenant Only Find Service. We offer competitive market rates combined with a professional approach to all aspects of our customer care. One of our team would be happy to discuss your requirements.

HOW DO YOU CHECK THE SUITABILITY OF PROSPECTIVE TENANTS?

All our Property Managers are experienced at interviewing prospective tenants to ascertain their suitability; tenants are also thoroughly vetted through our referencing process. A prospective tenant is asked to provide financial, employer, and landlord references and we also carry out further credit reference checks when required.

DOES MY TENANT NEED A GUARANTOR?

In some cases, our Property Manager will advise that you need a guarantor; we would then arrange for the guarantor to sign the relevant documents. e.g. a first-time tenant.

CAN I STIPULATE - NO PETS, NO CHILDREN, NON-SMOKER?

Yes, but this may restrict the market and affect rental lead times. However, we strongly advise you to adopt a non-smoker policy in rental properties due to the adverse effect on decoration and potential fire risk.

DO YOU TAKE A DEPOSIT FROM THE TENANT?

Yes, always. Whites request 5 or 6 weeks' rent if the annual rent is over £50,000 from Tenants as a deposit. The deposit is held by us as stakeholders and registered with the Tenancy Deposit Scheme.

WHAT IS TENANCY DEPOSIT PROTECTION?

Tenancy Deposit Protection was introduced in April 2007 and applies to all Assured Shorthold Tenancies where a deposit is taken. In summary:

• Landlords will be required to join a statutory tenancy deposit scheme. (TDS)

• Tenants will get all or part of their deposit back if they have kept the property in good condition and are entitled to return their deposit.

• The scheme offers alternative ways of resolving disputes which aim to be faster and cheaper than taking court action.

• For more information, Deposit Protection Scheme

HOW AND WHEN DO I RECEIVE RENT?

We will arrange for Tenants to pay a month’s rent in advance at the start of the tenancy and thereafter rent on the 1st of each month. For our fully managed clients, our dedicated Accounts Manager will arrange for monies to be sent out by BACS to your nominated Bank or Building Society account on or around the 15th of each month. This service includes a full statement, emailed to you every month, detailing any deductions (e.g., contractors’ invoices, gas safety checks) from rent received with a copy of all invoices attached.

WHAT HAPPENS IF MY TENANT DOESN’T PAY?

In the unlikely event that your tenant doesn’t pay if you have our Fully Managed Service, we will do everything to chase up payment and ascertain why the default has occurred. We will update you immediately on the situation and keep you informed. As a let-only Landlord, you will need to contact your tenant directly. If you require any advice on building insurance, including loss of rent, we have leaflets from Homelet and Rent4Sure in the office.

WHAT IS AN ASSURED SHORTHOLD TENANCY AGREEMENT?

An assured shorthold tenancy agreement is the most common form of legal agreement for arranging a tenancy. Under this agreement, the landlord is guaranteed the right to repossess his property at the end of the term. Assured Shorthold Tenancies are usually for a fixed 6-month period (term) but can be arranged for any time over 3 months.

ON THE PROPERTY

SHOULD THE PROPERTY BE FURNISHED OR UNFURNISHED?

In general, tenants prefer an unfurnished property. The minimum requirement is carpets, curtains, and a cooker. Other white goods are an extra maintenance liability for you and make a negligible difference to the rental of your property.

IF THE HOUSE IS EMPTY, WHY DO I NEED AN INVENTORY?

The inventory is an essential document it should provide a written and photographic benchmark at the start of each tenancy and should be amended and updated before the beginning of each new tenancy. The inventory provides vital evidence in assisting with deposit disputes. (TDS Protection Legislation April 2007).

I HAVE A SIZABLE GARDEN; SHOULD I EMPLOY A GARDENER?

Under the terms of the Whites tenancy agreement, the Tenant is liable for keeping the garden neat and free from weeds. If the garden is large or requires careful pruning, we recommend that gardening help is provided regularly. If you are Fully Managed, we would discuss this with you in advance to confirm ongoing arrangements.

WHAT HAPPENS IF A REPAIR TO A PROPERTY IS REQUIRED DURING THE TENANCY?

Our Fully Managed Service provides you with this expertise. The tenant would report the problem to us we contact the appropriate contractor and arrange for the work to be carried out at a mutually convenient time for all parties. We will keep you informed of any work to be carried out. If the cost is high we will contact you for authorisation. If you are managing your own property, we advise leaving clear contact details with your tenants for any emergencies 24/7 e.g. leaking pipes.

HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU VISIT THE PROPERTY?

As part of our fully managed service, a Property Manager will visit your property during the first month of your Tenant moving into the property and thereafter every 6 months. If there are any problems, or we suspect that a Tenant is not looking after the property, then we would visit the property on a frequent basis to monitor the situation and take any appropriate action with your agreement. If you manage your own property, we advise you to make regular visits to ensure your property is maintained to an appropriate standard.

WHO CHECKS THE HOUSE AT THE END OF THE TENANCY?

As part of our Fully Managed Service, a detailed inspection, including photographs, is carried out by our dedicated Professional Inventory Manager at the end of the Tenancy. We will manage any disputes that arise as a result of unreasonable property damage due to the tenant. If you are managing your property, we would strongly advise using an independent inventory professional.

ON LEGAL REQUIREMENTS

DO I NEED TO HAVE A SAFETY CERTIFICATE FOR MY GAS BOILER?

Yes, a landlord's Gas Safety Certificate is legally required for all gas on your annual safety check.

DO I NEED ANY CERTIFICATES FOR MY ELECTRICS?

Since the Consumer Protection Act of 1987, landlords are responsible for ensuring that their property is let in a ‘safe condition’. We strongly recommend that an electrical safety inspection is carried out at the beginning of the first tenancy.

DO WE NEED TO FIT SMOKE DETECTORS AND CO-DETECTORS IN THE PROPERTY?

Yes, this is a legal requirement. You must provide smoke alarms on every floor and a CO detector alarm with a solid fuel source in every room. Our Fully Managed Service provides you with ongoing monitoring of these devices. 

DO WE NEED AN ENERGY PERFORMANCE CERTIFICATE (EPCs)?

Yes, before a tenant moves in there must be an energy performance certificate for most property types. A copy must be given to your tenant before they move into the property.

DO WE NEED AN LEGIONELLA ASSESSMENT?

Landlords are required to perform a risk assessment for Legionnaire’s Disease. HSE emphasizes that testing/sampling is generally not required in domestic hot water systems and only in exceptional circumstances. If you are part of our Fully Managed Service, we will assess your property during our inventory process and advise you if your property needs a full sample test. For more information, please click here.

DO I NEED TO GIVE YOU ANY IDENTIFICATION?

We require identification to comply with Money Laundering Regulations, usually a passport/driving license and a current utility bill. These are kept on file with your signed Agency Agreement and Landlord Information Sheet.

WHAT IS MY LEGAL OBLIGATION TO WHITES?

We will draw up and ask you to sign a management agreement with us, with mutually agreed terms and conditions.

SHOULD I ADVISE MY INSURANCE COMPANY?

Yes, you must ensure your property and advise your insurance company that you intend to let the property, as this affects your type of insurance. If you have instructed us to Manage your property Fully, you should also tell them that Whites are your Managing Agents and inform us of any specific conditions imposed by your insurer. The Tenant is responsible for insuring his belongings.

I AM GOING ABROAD AND WILL BE A NON-RESIDENT FOR TAX PURPOSES. CAN YOU ADVISE ME?

Yes, we can provide a leaflet explaining what you should do. You will need to complete the Inland Revenue NRL1 Form online. Each party must be registered if the property is jointly owned or if any monies are paid into a joint account. Click here for the link.

DO YOU HAVE EXPERIENCE WITH THE LEGAL SIDE?

We are experienced in legal matters relating to lettings and subscribe to regular updates for all legal documents. We can advise on current legislation, draw up the tenancy agreement and issue the appropriate notice as and when required.

SHOULD I INFORM MY BANK/BUILDING SOCIETY OF MY INTENTION TO LET?

Yes, if your property is subject to a mortgage, you must advise the lender of your intention to let it, as it will change the terms of your mortgage to a ‘Buy to Let Mortgage’. It is important to put this mortgage in place before letting your property, as obtaining this permission from your mortgage company can take several weeks. It is also necessary for flat owners to check their lease on whether they are allowed to let the flat.

enquiry form