Landlords Guide

Landlords Guide

Since opening our doors, Cassini Properties have been recognised as a leading independent family-run estate and letting agent offering Sales, Lettings, Rentals and Property Management throughout Leeds, Harrogate and Huddersfield.

Our knowledgeable and experienced lettings team will provide a quality service, meeting your needs and exceeding your expectations. With expertise letting and managing properties throughout Leeds, Harrogate and Huddersfield we provide a complete service and have helped hundreds of landlords to maximise their opportunities.

We’ve put together this extensive guide to help you through the entire process. Plus, remember we’re always at the end of the line to help you with your needs.

Finding a suitable tenant

Finding a suitable tenant that is trustworthy, reliable, takes care of the property and pays on time is crucial to a successful let. We begin by talking to you to discover what sort of person you wish to find. We have an extensive database of vetted tenants looking for properties in the Leeds area and will match your needs and property with one of them.

With any potential tenants, we request suitable references, credit checks, and background checks. Once we are happy with the results, this person will be added to our system. We also encourage all tenants to create a standing order for rental payments.

Rental price

When we first view your property, one of our expert team will advise you as to how the property will be best marketed as well as the potential rental price.

The deposit

At Cassini Properties, all deposits are held in a government-backed scheme through the Deposit Protection Service. This helps to protect the property and safeguard against any unpaid rent. After the tenancy has ended, one of our property management team will inspect the property alongside yourself to ensure it’s been left in an acceptable condition. Once this has been confirmed, the deposit will be refunded.

If there are any disputes regarding the property condition, we’ll liaise with the tenant to see if they can solve the problem. If they refuse to do so, we can then make a claim against the deposit. Should the dispute continue, the DPS and the court will get involved to resolve any disagreements.

Starting the tenancy

The tenancy will begin on the date shown on the tenancy agreement. The tenant will collect the keys and we’ll also arrange an inventory and schedule of condition of the property. This legal document will list all furnishings as well as the condition.

Generally, all new tenancies are for six or twelve months. Once this initial term is coming to an end, we’ll get in touch with you to see if you want to continue the tenancy. If you don’t want to renew the contract, we’ll get in touch with the tenant to provide notice.

If both you and the tenant are happy to continue the contract, you can choose to renew for six or twelve months or opt for a rolling contract. Should you or the tenant wish to stop the contract at any point, one month’s notice is required.

Property visits

Throughout the tenancy, we carry out multiple property visits. These are not only beneficial for landlords but also tenants. We are able to see the condition of the property and the tenant can notify us of any problems. If anything needs attention, we will then inform you as soon as possible.

Maintenance and repairs

When letting a property, it’s completely normal for repairs and maintenance to be required. As soon as we are notified of an issue, we’ll get in touch with you. Remember, in many cases, problems are solved quickly. Landlords are required to make emergency repairs within a specified time frame and therefore, we occasionally need to make a quick decision. Landlords also have an obligation to ensure the property is well maintained. Repairs caught early can save money.

Legal requirements

As a landlord, there are a number of legal requirements that you need to be aware of. An Energy Performance Certificate indicates how efficient the property is and grades the efficiency from A to G, A being the most efficient.  In April 2018, UK law changed and now states that privately rented properties must have a minimum energy performance rating of E. Currently in force for new lets and tenancy renewals, as of April 2020 it will also apply to all existing tenancies.

It’s also a legal requirement that gas installations in residential tenanted properties are inspected annually and that properties are fitted with at least one smoke alarm per floor.

Furniture

It’s up to you whether to let your property with or without furnishings but be aware that any furniture left, should be well-maintained and safe. Soft furnishings must adhere to fire regulations and the original fire regulation labels should be attached.

Mortgage and insurance

If you have a mortgage on the property, you must inform your provider that you intend to or are letting the property. You’ll also need to ensure you have a landlord-specific insurance. As a landlord, you are still responsible for the building and buildings insurance.

Tax

Any income received from letting a property is subject to tax.

Property Management

At Cassini Properties, we provide a ‘Let only service’ and a ‘Fully managed service.’ From meter readings, property checks, reports, damages, contracts, and maintenance, the list of potential property management issues is endless– that’s why most of our landlords choose the fully managed service. However, not all landlord needs are the same, so we are happy to tailor a package that suits you.

Top Tips

• We advise landlords to provide 2-3 sets of keys

• If you’re looking for a new buy-to-let property, look for one that will appeal to the type of people who live in that area

• Remember that first impressions count – keep decorations neutral, update bathrooms and kitchens and maintain the property to be clean and tidy

• Using the services of a letting agent will ensure you comply with legal requirements, choose the right tenant and can offer a fully managed service

• Usual outgoings include mortgage, insurance, repairs, if leasehold- ground rent and service charges, letting agent fees and when the property is empty, utilities and services

Landlord checklist

• Check out our website for more information on the services we provide

• Make an appointment to see one of our lettings experts

• Get permission to let from your Mortgage Lender

• Review Buildings and Contents Insurance

• Ensure all appliances are working and provide appropriate instruction manuals

• Ensure Gas Safety certificates and EPC are available

• Ensure any furniture the property complies with the Furnishings regulations

• Provide us with multiple sets of keys

If you require any further information or wish to make an appointment, please do not hesitate to contact us.