1. Valuation
It’s never difficult to find an agent who’ll give you a flattering valuation. But expert knowledge, and up to date market information, are the keys to a successful let, and guarding against rogue agents. We offer a sensible, expert – and free valuation, with recommendations for pricing and timescale, based on years of local experience and evidence from similar recent lets.
2. Presentation, EPC Certificate, Deposits & Safety Regulations
The best products get the best prices. So make sure your property is always ready for visitors. Reduce clutter, decorate in neutral tones, and maximise light. And don’t forget the entrance hall – it's the first thing potential tenants see. If you’re able to decorate the outside of the building, then things like window boxes and a lick of fresh paint can also make a huge difference.
Landlords are legally obliged to make the EPC and recommendation report available, free of charge, to all prospective tenants within 7 days of marketing commencing.
This must be no later than when the potential tenant receives written details about the Property, in response to their request for information; or when there’s a viewing of the property; or before entering into a contract to rent the property.
Deposits are a very important aspect of any tenancy and there are strict legal requirements and procedures to be observed. A landlord under an Assured Shorthold Tenancy (AST) must protect a tenants deposit by using an authorised tenancy deposit scheme (DPS) operated by an approved scheme administrator. Pearce and Partners of Bristol are members of an approved scheme and can administer the correct holding and registration of a deposit to ensure the landlord meets the legal requirements required of them. Landlords can also become scheme members themselves and we are happy to explain the options available to fully comply with current tenancy deposit legislation.
There's a range of legal regulations that all landlords
have to comply with when letting residential properties. These
cover a range of issues, including the safety of gas appliances
and electrical equipment, as well as the furniture and
furnishings included in the tenancy. As professional letting
agents, we can advise you of your legal obligations, and what
happens if you don't comply. We can also help you make sure your
property meets all the legal requirements. Our landlord's pack
includes full details of all these regulations and more.
3. Marketing
Once we’ve had your signed Confirmation of Instruction Agreement, we start marketing your property. Our team will create a programme tailored specifically to your property, including a marketing campaign designed to ensure you get the best possible price, on a timescale that suits you. We’ll organise professional photographs, floor plans, create a property profile and put these on our website for our large database of prospective tenants. They’ll also feature on our mobile site and the property portals Zoopla, Primelocation, The Times, The Telegraph, MSN and mums net.
4. Viewings
We'll accompany all prospective tenants when they look around your property, and we’ll report their feedback and interest quickly and honestly. Once we start getting offers, we’ll discuss them with you and give you our honest, expert advice. We want the right deal for you with a high calibre tenant, not just a quick deal for us.
5.Offers
We’ll discuss the details of any offers with you, and give you our fair, balanced and honest advice. We’ll talk about the price offered, the timescale and likely duration, and the prospective tenant’s work or study situation, as well as any special requirements. You’ll have written confirmation of any offer, by letter or email. Offers are subject to references, and are not yet legally binding on either side.
6. Tenancy Agreement
Once you’ve accepted an offer, we’ll follow up the necessary references and get back to you with the results. Assuming all is well, we'll arrange for the Tenancy Agreement to be drawn up and signed. This legally binding contract sets out the agreed rent, the length of the tenancy, the rights and responsibilities of each party, and the scheme under which the damage deposit will be held. It’s very important to read and fully understand every part of the contract before you sign. Then, once we’ve collected all the necessary payments, including the agreed deposit and one month’s advance rent, we release the keys to the new tenant.
7. Inventory
We'll arrange for a comprehensive report of your property’s contents and condition for your records. Once the tenancy is over, this report can be used to check that the contents and condition have been properly maintained, taking into account the usual daily wear and tear.
Congratulations – you’ve let your property! Of course, our partnership needn’t end here. Our wealth of local knowledge and experience can be useful for anything from restaurant recommendations to finding a good local plumber.
Just ask: 0117 9085 498 or
info@pearcelettings.com