If you have decided to instruct Belvoir Sleaford as your letting agent (either Fully Managed or Let only) here is a brief summary of what happens next;
What Happens Next?
Arrange a Free Market Appraisal
Paperwork
You will receive 2 pieces of paperwork to fill out (Terms of Business & Property Owners Form). It is vital that you provide us with as much detail as you can in the property owners form so that we have correct records.
We will also require the following; Gas Safety Certificate, Electrical Safety Record, Legionnaires Check & an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) – we will need the EPC before we can advertise the property. We can arrange for these to be done on your behalf with one of our trusted contactors (costs apply). We will also need a “Permission to Let” from your mortgage lender (if applicable). Once we have received the EPC, Property Owners Forms & Terms of business & a set of keys we will then be able to advertise your property (we will require the other paperwork & further sets of keys before the tenant moves in – see property preparation checklist).
Insurance – Belvoir have negotiated specific Rent Guarantee and Buildings & Contents policies with Let Alliance (a specialist insurance provider) to offer our landlords comprehensive cover to protect their property investments. Please let us know if you would like us to provide you with a quote or more information on these policies.
Marketing & Viewings
Your property will be marketed on 2 portals – Rightmove & Belvoir websites as well as in our shop window and property lists (available from our office), a “To Let” board will also be erected. At Belvoir we always carry out accompanied viewings at your property. This is mainly for security but it also allows us to answer any questions the viewer may have at that time. At the end of each week our property negotiator will contact you (telephone/email) to provide you with feedback on the viewings that have gone ahead.
Tenancy Applications/Referencing
Once a prospective tenant has viewed a property and wishes to apply we take an application fee from them (see application fees page). This is mainly for referencing costs but it also acts as their general commitment to wanting the property.
We carry out several references to ensure their affordability for the property. These are; credit check, employers reference (to prove tenant earns at least 2 and half times the annual rent and that there are no impending changes to employment) and we will also do a landlord reference (if they are currently in rented accommodation). In some cases tenants may need a guarantor (this is one of our requirements if a tenant is in receipt of benefit top-ups).
Inventory/Move In
If you have chosen our Fully Managed service we will prepare an Inventory/Statement of Condition at the property before the tenant moves in. This will detail the entire property and will be in the form of a DVD video where we film every inch with narration of the entire property, i.e. inside the oven and every cupboard, the garden etc showing clearly the current excellent condition of your property. This is the most important piece of evidence you’ll ever need in ensuring the property is returned to the current standard at the end of tenancy baring fair wear and tear.
As tenants are entitled to free adjudication through the Deposit Schemes, if they have a dispute, they do not hesitate to use this free service, so our evidence is absolutely critical and distinguishes us against other agents who use written inventories which are open to interpretation.in most cases.
We will also take the meter readings and once the tenants have moved in we will inform the utility companies and council tax.so the tenants can be registered, final bills will be then sent to you for settlement for any interim standing charges and void period usage. Council through NKDC has a 2 month exception period so usually no council is payable by you unless empty for longer than 2 months.
If you have chosen the Tenant Find service, we can prepare an Inventory for you at a small cost. Once the tenant has passed satisfactory references you will be sent confirmation letters and a Tenancy Acceptance Form. A move in date will then be arranged and the tenant will come to the office to sign all the relevant paperwork pay their first month’s rent and deposit and finally collect the keys!
(If you have chosen the Tenant Find service you will be sent the paperwork through the post once it has been processed in the account department, this usually takes no longer than 7 days).
