It is advisable that a full inventory and schedule of condition is prepared prior to a letting; this enables the landlord to obtain recourse from deposit monies and avoids disputes with tenants. We will arrange for an independent inventory clerk to prepare an inventory, however, we recommend this service even where landlords opt to manage their own properties.
Included in the full management service, repairs and maintenance are arranged if necessary up to a pre-agreed budget with the Landlord, normally £150, without prior consultation. Any works exceeding the budget would be referred to the landlord with estimates for his/her authorisation. In the case of emergency such as burst pipes, electrical failure, in the event that the Landlord is not contactable, The Winchester Letting Company would have absolute discretion to instruct contractors. For Landlords who have opted to manage their own properties, an additional fee of 10% plus VAT would be charged over the contracted price.
We can give you information on insurances available for landlords' protection, property, contents, rent protection, and legal expenses cover. Please obtain details from our Lettings Manager.
We can prepare a specification and obtain estimates for decoration and refurbishment for the Landlords authorisation. The works would be supervised and checked at completion. A fee of 10% plus VAT over the contracted price would be charged to cover time and administration.
Where required we can obtain the services of a garden contractor to regularly ensure lawns and borders are maintained; their charges are deducted from rents collected.
We are able to offer a furnishing service to a pre-agreed budget. A fee of 10% plus VAT over the contracted price would be charged to cover time and administration. All furniture and soft furnishings must comply with the Fire and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) (Amendment) Regulations 1993.
To comply with the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998, annual testing and safety certification of gas meters and appliances is a legal requirement for any rented property. Electrical appliance testing is recommended, as Landlords are responsible for the supply of electricity, and electrical equipment within the property. Safety checks and certification can be arranged on an annual basis and the cost deducted from rents collected. This is automatically arranged on the Landlords behalf under our full management service. However, where Landlords have opted to manage their own property we can arrange this on their behalf, please discuss with one of our Lettings Managers.
