TEN IMPORTANT REASONS FOR CHOOSING ELLIOTT PROPERTIES TO LET YOUR PROPERTY AND SOME FAQs

1. WHAT HAPPENS AT A MARKET APPRAISAL?

A realistic market appraisal is carried out at no charge - at this first meeting, an ARLA qualified member of staff will visit you at the property to assess its current rental value, give advice on any improvements or repairs that are necessary and guide you through all the steps to successfully letting your property. A comprehensive brochure with details of our Terms and Conditions will be given to you at the initial meeting so that you have time to consider all that we have to offer.

2. WHAT KIND OF ADVERTISING DO YOU DO?

Once you have instructed us to let your property, we will advertise the property with colour photographs on our own dedicated website as well as via other property portals, it will be featured in our prominent High Street window and advertised regularly in the local press.

3. WHO WILL VIEW AND SHOW MY PROPERTY?

We will contact applicants and encourage them to view the property and we will monitor their reaction and give you the feedback. All our viewings are accompanied by a member of the Elliott Properties team if you so wish but if you prefer to do your own viewings then, of course, this will be respected.

4. WHAT KIND OF REFERENCES DO YOU TAKE?

Successful applicants are referenced as soon as a tenancy is, in principle, agreed. An independent, off-site professional referencing Agency is used and the references required include a financial and credit search, the current employer's reference, the previous Landlords' reference (if applicable) and a personal reference. Once these are all satisfied, if you agree the tenancy can proceed.

5. CAN YOU DRAW UP THE APPROPRIATE TENANCY AGREEMENT?

After discussion and if you wish, we can draw up the Tenancy Agreement to suit both you and the Tenant. Each Agreement is tailor-made to suit your requirements and those of the property.

6. WHAT ABOUT THE INVENTORY AND STATEMENT OF CONDITION?

We recommend that an independent Inventory Clerk draws up the Inventory so that there is no bias and we arrange this for you. The document is comprehensive and detailed and shows photographs where appropriate. Again, if you wish to discuss your requirements we can ask the Inventory Clerk to discuss these direct with you.

7. WHAT KIND OF SAFETY REGULATIONS ARE REQUIRED?

There are two main safety regulations that must, by law, be satisfied. These are:

1. 1 The Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations 1988 - this requires that all soft furnishings (mattresses, padded headboards, bed bases, sofas, armchairs, chairs, cushions, duvets and pillows) left in the property comply with the regulations. Failure to meet the regulations can result in a fine or imprisonment.
2. 2 The Gas Safety (Installation & Use) Regulations 1988 - this requires that any let property with gas appliances (boiler, gas fire, gas hob, gas oven) is maintained and checked annually by an approved CORGI registered contractor who can issue a CORGI Gas Safety Certificate. Failure to do so can result in a fine or imprisonment.
3. 3 Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 1994 - this requires that any electrical equipment in a let property is safe, will not cause danger and meets the required regulations. Currently, there is no mandatory requirement to have the electrical equipment checked but it is advisable to do so, especially if this is the first time you have let the property.
4. 4 Smoke Detectors - we recommend your property has smoke detectors by the kitchen, in stairwells and near bedrooms to avoid any danger.

8. WHAT ARE THE TAX IMPLICATIONS?

You will need to pay tax on the profit you receive from your rent. If you are a UK resident, you will need to declare this on your annual tax return. If you are a non UK resident, there are special issues for tax purposes and you will need to apply for an exemption certificate so that we do not need to deduct tax at source. Please discuss this at the Market Appraisal so that we can supply you with the relevant form but you may prefer to discuss the subject with your Accountant.

9. WHAT DOES BEING A MEMBER OF ARLA MEAN?

As with all regulated professional bodies, there is a strict Code of Conduct imposed on us as members of ARLA. This means that the letting of your property is handled professionally and personally so you can be sure that you and your property are in safe hands.

10. HOW DO WE CONTACT YOU TO DISCUSS THINGS FURTHER?

You can choose from telephone and speak to any member of staff for a more in-depth discussion.