A free valuation can be arranged whereby one of our staff will call to evaluate your property and provide a rental valuation based upon its location, condition, heating and current market demands.  We will be able to offer advice on current legislature and be able to answer any queries you may have with the rental procedure.

At this point, we can discuss potential tenants and whether you wish to accept pets, children, smokers, etc.

Recent experience has shown that our own website www.antonyrichards.co.uk is our main source of potential tenants.  It is not unusual to receive enquiries within an hour of properties being uploaded.  We also advertise on the national property website, www.rightmove.co.uk. We use minimal newspaper advertising and keep a selective list of suitable potential tenants.

We employ the services of an external referencing company who will obtain suitable references as well as undertaking credit checks.  Once approved, by the referencing company, rent protection insurance is available.

Once approved by the referencing company, rent protection insurance is available to be purchased by the landlord.  This allows the landlord to claim unpaid rent should the tenant become one month in arrears.  Additionally the landlords’ legal expenses will be covered if seeking possession of the property.  Currently, twelve months rent protection insurance is available at a cost of £119 with no excess.

Once a tenant has been selected, an appropriate tenancy agreement will be drawn up. This will incorporate any necessary legal documentation and we are able to personalise the contract to suit your property if you have specific clauses that you wish to be included. Our tenancy agreements are reviewed regularly and approved by the Office of Fair Trading.

Before your tenant moves in, we will prepare a record of condition and inventory of fixtures/fittings within your property. In addition a DVD recording of the property is undertaken. This record is vital to both you and your tenant, and is essential in settling any differences of opinion that may occur at the beginning, during or at the end of the tenancy.

We will take a monetary bond from the tenant (usually one and a half times the monthly rent).  This will be retained and used in case of arrears, non-payment of services and any losses or damage caused to the property by the tenant at the end of the tenancy.  The deposit belongs to the tenant.  The deposit has to be protected under a Government approved scheme. We are regulated by The Dispute Service and therefore allowed to hold deposits.  At the end of the tenancy, any deductions must be agreed with the tenant.  In the event that no agreement is reached, the matter is referred to an Independent Case Examiner (ICE) employed by The Dispute Service.

The ICE will not attend the property and so evidence and records are essential. Whilst yet to be tested, we believe our extensive record of condition and DVD will provide conclusive evidence.

Rent monies are monitored closely and a tenant will be contacted immediately if any arrears arise. Normally, a friendly telephone call or a more specific letter can easily rectify this.

During a tenancy, we will periodically inspect the property internally (aproximately every five to six months). Following these inspections, a written report will be forwarded to you. These can prove essential in monitoring the tenant and they can also prove to be an ideal opportunity for the tenant to bring any maintenance problems to our attention.

Note: Due to safety measures, we do not inspect attics or lofts.