Why Let through Seekers ?
1000`s of Landlords can't be wrong! Seekers are the ideal partner in letting your property. From marketing your property to finding reliable tenants , we take care of it on your behalf.
You`ll find us dedicated to making letting easier for you with friendly, knowledgable staff backed up by all the advantages you would expect of a specialist lettings company.
Once we receive your letting instruction your property will be added to our database . It is instantly loaded on to all the property property portals we support, including 'Rightmove', 'FindaProperty', 'Fish4homes', Letting Search', 'Propertyfinder' and 'Thinkproperty'.
Our website is linked to 'yell.com' and we promote our interactive website on 'Google' with pay per clicks.
Staff are easily our main asset and are all fully trained having attended the industry's best training courses.
A significant investment in IT means that we can both text and email your property details to prospective tenants.
We also promote your home the traditional way with newspaper advertisements.
To underline our commitment to you, our client, we provide a service agreement which states in clear terms how we will take care of your property, what our charges are and further what your obligations as Landlord are.
As Landlord your main concern is that your rent is paid promptly and in full. We aim to pay rents within seven working days of receipt and you receive a detailed statement.
Seekers have built up a good reputation in this area. Many companies recommend us to their staff. Equally importantly much of our business comes from direct landlord recommendation.
What Seekers offers you
Terms and Conditions for Letting & Management of Residential property
We offer the following services:
|
BRONZE SERVICE |
|
|
Includes
* Visit the property, take details of accommodation and give advice on achievable rents.
* Prepare property detail sheets for circulation to potential tenants.
* Advertise in the local press.
* List your property on several websites including www.rightmove.co.uk and www.findaproperty.com
* Provide advice on all aspects of letting.
* Arrange viewings for prospective tenants
* Obtain comprehensive references
* Preparation of the Tenancy Agreement
* Collect deposit and first months rent
* Take meter readings and advise utilities
* Prepare Inventory
* Deal with Tenancy Renewals
* Serve necessary legal notices
* Undertake the closing inspection.
Under this service the Landlord is responsible for all dealings with the tenant including maintenance and rent collection.
This service is primarily aimed at local landlords happy to have regular contact with tenants.
|
|
SILVER SERVICE |
|
|
All Items listed in the Bronze service and including
* Collection of monthly rent and payment to the landlord.
* Computerised landlord accounts.
Under this service the landlord is responsible for maintenance issues and arrangement of any works required. The landlord will undertake any property visits.
|
|
GOLD SERVICE |
|
|
All items listed in the Silver service and including
* Regular property visits
* Dealing with maintenance issues and arranging any works required.
This is a comprehensive service which removes all contact with the tenants.
|
|
PLATINUM SERVICE |
|
|
All items listed in the Gold service and including Rent Warranty and Legal Expenses Insurance
This is the most comprehensive service which removes all worries from letting and involves absolutely no contact with the tenants.
|
· Obtaining a Tenant
All tenants complete a comprehensive application form. We ensure a full credit reference, employer's reference, personal reference and past landlord's reference (if relevant).
Unlike our competitors we will send you a copy of the references received (if requested)
· The Lease
Our lease is exhaustive and clear in the demands it makes of the tenants to care for your property. A copy is available on request.
· The Inventory
A full inventory clearly stating the condition of the property is completed prior to the tenants moving in. Subject to fair wear and tear this is the condition the property must be returned to us when tenants vacate.
· The Deposit
A substantial deposit is collected and registered with the tenancy deposit scheme. We retain this money throughout the tenancy and it is only returned to the tenant following a satisfactory closing inspection. We will arrange contractors to repair any dilapidation in excess of fair wear and tear.
· Landlord Accounts
Rents are received monthly and rent is transferred to your account via the BACS system. Rent is in your account within seven working days of receipt of the rent from the tenant (allowing for weekends, public holidays etc)
· Income Tax - UK Residents
UK residents will need to declare profits from rental income. We suggest you retain all monthly statements in order to complete your self-assessment tax forms.
We can supply you with extra copies for a nominal fee. You can opt to receive an annual statement showing total figures for the whole tax year, for which there is a small charge of £30.00.
· Income Tax - Non UK Residents
Where landlords are based overseas we are obliged to collect tax and pay it to the Inland Revenue. However you can apply for an exemption certificate and settle your tax obligations yourself. We can supply you with the form NRLI for this purpose. Further information is available on request.
· Property Visits
Where we are managing your property a regular visit is made to ensure your tenant is correctly looking after your property. A report of this visit will be sent to you. If requested we can e-mail colour photos of the inspection. We will discuss any repairs or maintenance considered necessary and obtain relevant estimates.
· Statutory Regulations
In particular your soft furnishings need to comply with the latest fire regulations and your gas appliances must be covered by a current Landlord's Gas Safety Certificate. There is also an obligation to ensure all electrical appliances are safe.
There is further information on this included in our brochure. We can arrange contractors to ensure your property complies.
From October 2008 landlords are legally required to have an Energy Performance Certificate issued for their properties.
· Insurance
Even if your property is unfurnished you should insure your carpets and curtains. Clearly you need to retain buildings insurance.
We are able to provide excellent specific landlord policies to cover both buildings and contents.
· Other Services Provided
Professional cleaning between tenancies
Gardening
Arranging and overseeing refurbishments
Annual tax statements
Photographic inventory
Each of these services are subject to individual quotations
This brochure will have answered many of your questions but some may remain. Please feel free to telephone, fax or e-mail us or indeed call into our office to discuss any matter.
We think you will enjoy dealing with us.
Steps To A Successful Let
The primary reason you are considering Seekers to take care of your property is to avoid any of the problems with letting you occasionally read about in the press.
Letting is what we do, maximizing revenue from your investment is our job. Frankly, our aim is to achieve a pleasant working relationship between all parties.
To achieve this we employ trained staff, invest in the latest technology and operate from a smart office where you, our clients, are always welcome.
When we visit your property we will take photographs to include in our details of available property and we will place the pictures on our websites.
We are the most professional letting agent in your area.
Should you require advice on purchasing a property to rent out, a senior member of staff will happily discuss the quality of the property, likely rental income and if finance is required introduce you to buy to let mortgage specialist.
If you already own a property a member of staff will visit it and provide advice on any improvements to ensure an early let. At this stage we will advise you on the expected rent achievable.
You may be considering to let it unfurnished or furnished. In each individual case we will advise you on what should be included. We will also advise on legal matters such as The Gas Safety Check, Electrical Checks and Furniture Fire Regulations
Whilst as landlord you have certain responsibilities it is not one sided. Your tenants have many obligations, which you can see listed in a specimen lease available on request. This ensures that your tenant takes care of your property. We also have a contract with you which sets out the high quality of service you can expect to receive regardless of the service you choose.
Prior to a tenancy commencing there are various items to consider. You may have a mortgage, which is not a buy to let. In this case you need to advise your mortgage company, both building and contents. If your insurers are unable to insure you do not worry as we can arrange specific landlord policies.