Landlords - FAQs

A: Ensuring your property is well-presented, safe and compliant with legal requirements is crucial. This includes performing necessary repairs and obtaining all required safety certificates. A well-maintained property not only attracts quality tenants but also helps in securing a better rental value.

A: We employ a rigorous tenant selection process that includes a right to rent check, comprehensive credit checks, employment verification and previous landlord references to ensure reliability and suitability. Our goal is to find tenants who will respect your property and fulfil their lease obligations.

A: Our full suite of property management services includes, but is not limited to, rent collection, routine inspections, maintenance and repair coordination, and handling tenant communications. We strive to relieve landlords of the day-to-day burdens of property management while keeping them informed and involved in key decisions. You can find out more about our landlord services here.

A: Absolutely. An inventory is an essential document that provides a detailed record of the contents and condition of your property at the start of a tenancy. It serves as a crucial reference point for both landlords and tenants, helping to prevent disputes over deposits at the end of the tenancy. An inventory should be thorough and include photographic evidence to support descriptions of the property’s condition and any items included in the rental. At Belvoir Guildford, we strongly recommend conducting a professional inventory before any new tenancy begins. This not only protects your property but also ensures a clear understanding between landlord and tenant about the state of the property from the outset, making the whole rental process smoother and more transparent for all parties involved.

A: The responsibility for organising repairs and maintenance work typically falls to the landlord or their designated property manager. At Belvoir Guildford, we offer comprehensive property management services that include the coordination of all necessary repairs and routine maintenance to ensure your property remains in top condition. We liaise with trusted contractors to address issues promptly and efficiently, minimising inconvenience to tenants and preserving the value of your investment. By entrusting us with the management of your property, you can rest assured that all maintenance tasks will be handled professionally, adhering to the highest standards and legal requirements, thereby ensuring your property remains a desirable and safe home for tenants.

A: Landlords should account for several costs, including agency fees, safety certification expenses, maintenance costs and potential periods of vacancy. Our team at Belvoir Guildford offers transparent advice on expected costs to help you budget effectively for your rental investment. You can view all our fees here.

A: Keeping abreast of the ever-changing legal landscape is one of our top priorities. We advise and assist landlords in complying with all relevant laws, including those related to safety certificates, deposit protection schemes and energy performance certificates (EPCs), ensuring that your property meets all legal requirements.

A: An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is a mandatory document that provides details on the energy efficiency of a property, giving it a rating from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient). It also offers recommendations for improving energy efficiency. In the UK, landlords are required to have a valid EPC before they can rent out their property. The certificate must be available to potential and current tenants, and it must be obtained every ten years. An EPC not only helps tenants understand the potential energy costs associated with a property but also encourages landlords to make energy-saving improvements that can enhance the property’s appeal and reduce utility bills. At Belvoir Guildford, we can guide you through the process of obtaining an EPC and advise on measures to improve your property’s energy efficiency, thereby increasing its marketability and appeal to environmentally conscious tenants.

A: Maximising your investment involves a combination of strategic pricing, high-quality maintenance and effective tenant relations. We utilise our deep understanding of the Guildford market to set competitive rent prices, recommend value-adding improvements and foster positive landlord-tenant relationships to minimise turnover and vacancy rates.

A: In the event of rent arrears or property damage, we have robust procedures in place to address these issues promptly and efficiently. Our approach includes clear communication, negotiation and, if necessary, legal action to protect your interests and resolve the situation as swiftly as possible.

A: A House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) is a property rented out by at least three people who are not from one ‘household’ (e.g., a family) but share facilities like the bathroom and kitchen. It’s a common setup for student accommodation and professional sharers. HMOs are subject to additional regulatory standards and licensing requirements to ensure the property is safe, well-managed and of a good standard for the tenants. These regulations are in place to prevent overcrowding and ensure that fire safety and health and safety standards are met.

A: Yes, most HMOs require a license from the local council. The specific requirements can vary depending on the local authority, but in Guildford, a property is considered licensable if it is occupied by five or more people forming more than one household. The license will stipulate various conditions that you must comply with, ranging from safety checks to minimum room sizes. It’s crucial to apply for an HMO license before renting out your property to avoid substantial fines and ensure you’re operating within the law.

A: HMO landlords have additional responsibilities compared to those renting out standard residential properties. These include ensuring all fire safety measures are in place and maintained (e.g., smoke alarms, fire doors), providing adequate cooking and washing facilities, maintaining the property in a good state of repair and managing rubbish disposal and storage facilities. Regular property inspections are also necessary to comply with health and safety standards. At Belvoir Guildford, we can help manage these responsibilities, ensuring your HMO meets all legal requirements and provides a safe, comfortable environment for your tenants.

A: Investing in an HMO can offer higher rental yields compared to traditional single-tenancy properties, primarily due to the ability to rent to multiple tenants. Although the initial setup and ongoing management can be more complex and subject to stricter regulations, the financial rewards can be significant. With the right property and management approach, HMOs can be a lucrative investment opportunity, especially in areas with high demand for shared housing, such as university towns like Guildford, with a large population of young professionals.

At Belvoir Guildford, we have the expertise and experience to support HMO landlords through every step of the process, from obtaining the necessary licenses to managing the property efficiently. Our services are designed to maximise your investment while ensuring compliance with all legal requirements and providing a high standard of living for your tenants.