Landlords | FAQ

A:

Yes of course: The deposit is held by the Landlord against 'Damage and Breach of the Tenancy Agreement'. Non payment of rent and/or utility bills constitutes a Breach of the Tenancy Agreement.

However, the Tenant can dispute ANY claim made by the Landlord against the Deposit via DPS' dispute resolution service and Zed Lettings will ensure that we forward the required evidence to substantiate these claims.

A: A: Zed Lettings offer a Property "Caretaker Service" - whereby we undertake regular checks on your property to ensure that everything is in order. You may need to heck your insurance policy criteria for vacant properties as most companies require regular checks. If required, we can commission a contractor to ensure that radiators are drained down, letterboxes are sealed etc. in accordance with your insurer's requirements to ensure that you do not negate your insurance!

We offer a full empty property inspection service, that ensures you remain covered. Contact us now for more information and a monthly cost.

A: It's useful to consider the following:

• With rents increasing and property prices low you will get a better return in the current market than in most other investments which return near 0% interest. There are many properties to be had a bargain prices which Zed Lettings can help you to refurbish and then subsequently let on a quick turnaround.
• Do your research thoroughly, there are various buy to let options.
• Consider the area you are buying in and what target market would be attracted to the area - we can help you to target your property search effectively and provide local knoweldge around areas which will rent quickly and those areas that you should avoid - we will advise you confidently and truthfully before you commit to buying.
• It may not be a viable option to release equity from other properties unless you have significant equity in one.
• It is best to plan for medium and long term strategies rather than short term and always have an exit strategy thought out.

A: A: Unfortunately NO - It is not a good idea to take the law into your own hands, however frustrated you may feel with your tenant's lack of co-operation. We have never had a tenant refuse access - which is why it is important to have a good relationship with your tenant. If the tenant consistently refuses access you may have to apply for a court injuction. Keep all evidence showing that you have acted in a fair and reasonable manner and that you have made regular/repeated attempts to gain access to your property for the purpose of carrying out essential repairs or to comply with mandatory legislation (gas certificates, etc).

Zed Lettings can manage all such problems as this for you with our full property management service - contact us now for an informal chat on how we can help.

A: A: Letting Zed Lettings manage your property will get rid of all potential headaches that could occur being a private landlord!

We thoroughly vet all tenants to ensure only problem-free tenants for your properties, but if the worst happens and a tenant does start to cause problems then we will deal with all this for you, advising on your rights as a landlord and ensuring all processes and procedures are carefully - and most importantly, legally - followed and documented to help resolve the situation as quickly as possible - minimising potential loss of rental.

A: A: Yes of course they are! To ensure that any repairs and damage can be claimed for out of the deposit (where required) Zed Lettings carries out a full 8+ page fully documented inventory prior to letting out your property at the commencement of the tenancy in order to avoid any disputes (this is fully signed and agreed by the tenant on letting your property). We also carry out regular inspections on your behalf to check that the tenant is maintaining the property as agreed.

A: A: This is entirely your choice. HOWEVER, for the most part we would advise landlords to rent unfurnished. If you leave any freestanding appliances in the property for example, then you are responsible for maintaining it and replacing it if it breaks down completely. We recommend that the property be nicely decorated in neutral colours and carpeted only. We would recommend installing curtain rails (to ensure tenants do not damage the walls installing these) but it is not necessary to provide curtains or blinds. However, it is good advice to take into account your target market and the type of property it is, prior to installing any "soft" furnishings such as these. It is usually expected that apartments have a fitted kitchen complete with white goods, whereas terraced, semi-detached and detached should be unfurnished (unless your target market is Company lets) but nicely maintained.

Bear in mind that should you choose to provide a property as "furnished" for example, and damage is incurred to a settee which exceeds the amount of bond you can legally take, then you would have to take your tenant to court for any damage/rent arrears above and beyond this deposit amount - damages to furnished property can quickly mount up!

A: If you have an outstanding mortgage then your mortgage lender should be informed, and likewise if your house is leasehold then you must also inform the leaseholder. Call into Zed Lettings for an informal chat and we can advise on your obligations on deciding to rent out your property

A: The 1988 Housing Act and the and the 1987 Landlord and Tenant Act covers rights for both tenants and landlords and specifies appropriate notice periods - if you have any worries about renting then why not let Zed Lettings manage your property for you, and we will ease any worries you may have about this and other issues. Contact us now for an informal chat.

A: A: An EPC must be undertaken and registered on the Government's EPC website within 7 days of marketing a property for rent. Failure to provide an EPC at the start of any tenancy (plus other required documentation) will prohibit you from serving a Section 21 should you need to. Currently a property MUST be classed as "E" or above in order to be legally rentable. contact us now for an informal chat and to ensure that you comply with ALL current property legislation. Please note, Zed Lettings require your property to have a current EPC Certificate within 7 days of starting to market your property as this must be displayed on all marketing media. We can arrange for an EPC Certificate to be completed for you - please ask us to organise this when instructing Zed Lettings to rent your property.