What a Property Manager Can Do for You

Investing in real estate has many benefits, but deciding to place a home for rent is a task that has many responsibilities attached to it. Becoming a landlord for your own lettings comes with a lot of hard work and, sad to say, headaches. From dealing with rude tenants to fixing minor household problems, these seemingly small tasks can pile up to become burdensome. In cases where you own more than one property, an estate agent can happily endorse you to an accredited property manager.

Hassle Free Lettings

Property professionals that have been accredited by the right organisations (SAFEAgent and ARLA) are dedicated to helping both landlords and tenants. These are some obligations property managers should uphold:

• Managing everything from the smallest repairs to full refurbishment.
• Help prepare properties for the rental market.
• Introduce you to the best contractors in the area.
• Arrange various safety certificates such as: gas and electrics.
• Manage the property throughout the tenancy.

A Property Manager’s Work is Never Done!

Entrusting your home to a property manager ensures that all your worries will be put to rest. These ARLA trained professionals will care for your property and give you updates during routine maintenance checks. A full inspection report that includes photos will be handed to you by the managers as soon as possible. The best thing about hiring an estate agent as a property manager is the lack of unnecessary downtime between lets. Don’t waste the opportunity to put your property on the market. It the hands of property managers, your investment will not go to waste.

Requirements Needed to Rent with Finlay Brewer

Most estate agents do their best to make the letting process go faster and less complicated for their future renters. In order to help the estate agent and yourself, there are a few documents and other requirements that you should prepare in advance. The more prepared you are, the sooner you will get to move into your new flat.

Money Matters

These are the following payments every tenant is expected to meet:

• 6 week deposit – this initial deposit will be held against any damage that occurs within the tenancy period. Any dilapidations and damages done will be deducted once the inventory check out report has been completed.
• 1 month rent advance – weekly rent is multiplied by 52 (weeks in a calendar year) and divided by 12. This plus the deposit must be paid using clear funds before the tenancy starts. Please be advised that personal or company cheques are not accepted. 
• Admin Fees – A £150.00 per person (occupier) will be charged, this fee includes an independent credit search on each applicant. 
• Holding deposit – to make sure that the property you are interested in does not appear back on the market a 1 week of the 6 week deposit is required.
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Official Documents

Have these following documents ready to avoid inconveniences and delays:

• Proof of Address – A utility bill or bank statement that is addressed to you from 3 – 6 months ago is required for the credit search. 
• Photo ID – For UK and EU nationals, a photo ID needs to be provided. 
• Passport – For foreign applicants, a passport showing UK right of residence is needed for proper identification. 

These are some basic requirements needed by the estate agent to duly process your application to let a property. Completing the documentation and payment process at a timely manner can help you in calling West London your new home.

Leasing Agreements 101: A Simple Guide for Tenants

A lease agreement is a formal document that contains all arrangements between the landlord and the tenant. Both the landlord and the tenant’s rights and responsibilities can be found on that agreement. Both parties should be knowledgeable about the lease as it makes the tenant legally responsible for all terms agreed upon.

Leasing Terms Included:

• Occupancy Limits - this term states how many individuals and children are allowed in each rental unit. There are some cases in which the tenant allows others to rent a bed space in the unit. This term gives the landlord the right to evict other people who moved in without permission.

• Security Deposits and Fees – The rent amount and the schedule of any advanced payments are all under the discretion of the landlord. Some prefer security deposits, while the others don’t. Before moving in, all details of the payments should be clear between the tenant and the landlord.

• Property Maintenance – Oftentimes, problems arise when the tenants neglect the integrity and the cleanliness of the unit. This portion of the agreement states the tenant’s responsibilities to keep the unit clean and sanitary. It also tells about the payments to the landlord should there be damages on the property.

Tenants are also covered under the Tenant Bill of Rights. Leasing Agreements and Tenant Rights allow both parties to be in a win-win situation. Finding a good landlord is tough when you planning to rent a house or a flat. Call Finlay Brewer’s estate agents for great deals on property lettings. A great landlord is truly a bonus.

Advantages of Renting

Just like owning a house, renting has its advantages, too. For example, if you buy your dream house by leasing, you get a roof over your head without the burden of a mortgage, maintenance and other home ownership responsibilities.

Through renting, you get the opportunity to check out the locality or the neighborhood before funding a large amount of money for a house. You also get enough time to decide whether the home, the neighborhood, and the place suit you or not. Would you move out of your house you bought just because of bad neighbors? That’s a tougher decision.

Leasing to own a house means less labor and low maintenance costs. From mowing the lawn, trimming the bushes to painting and roofing, they are duties of the homeowner, rather than yours. It’s good to know that after working all week, doing laundry, and running errands, you still have enough time to take a rest.

There is financial stability in leasing a house. The cost of it remains the same at the end of the rent period. This may give you the chance to budget and save money for future use. Career stability is also an advantage; it allows you to be responsive when job opportunities arise elsewhere.

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 Whether you’re renting or buying a house, make sure your living situation is favorable to the lifestyle you want. If you’re looking for good real estate agents that offer houses for lettings, Finlay Brewer has the best.

What’s a Good Tenant?

As tenants, valued customers, we always tend to defend our rights, but is it equally important that we also respect our landlords and our neighbors. It is also very important to form a good relationship with them. Being in good terms with your neighbors means lesser tension in common areas like the lift or the lobby while a good relationship with your landlord means having an upper hand in rental processes like renewing leases, renegotiating terms, and talking about repairs. These tips will help you get the perks from your landlords and neighbors.

 

Read and follow the Lease.

Understand your lease before you sign it. Know the rules that you have to follow. Ask your landlord if you have questions, and negotiate if there are things that you would like to be changed. Set things clear with your landlord and make sure everything is put into writing. Ask for a copy so that both parties are well-aware of the rules and the rights agreed upon. And of course, you have to make sure you don’t break the lease to avoid getting in trouble with your landlord. 

 

Treat your rental like your own

There are portions of the rental that are subject to wear and tear, but major damages will risk your deposit. Keep the property clean and in good condition to avoid frequent repairs. Maintaining the property well will make your landlord trust you more.

Are you ready to be a good tenant? If you still haven’t found the perfect place to rent, you can check lettings at Finlay Brewer’s website. There you will find great flats and houses up for lease. Renting a really nice place such as those handled by Finlay Brewer would make tenancy easy. After all, when you’re satisfied with the place where you live, taking care of it wouldn’t be such a chore.

Getting the Perfect Flat Mate

Independence gives you a chance to mature, and become responsible. Living alone lets you discover something new about yourself daily, which is truly exciting. Your time is not shared with anyone, which allows you to do anything you want. Such liberties include: leaving the TV on 24/7, walking around the flat naked, party all you want, and many more. Freedom!

Alone in the Universe

However, the downside is you are alone. And the burden of paying for the rent, council taxes, electric, water, gas, insurance, phone line, repairs, and food to name a few fall on you. These factors make independence a nightmare.

You probably already guess what you need. Yes! You need a flat-mate.

How to Get One?

Posting about a spare room you have on Finlaybrewer.co.uk guarantees instant inquiries from people seeking lettings. Easy! And if you want a more personal approach, narrow down your target area by posting a few flyers on notice boards in your neighborhood.

Attract the Right Mate

It’s a good thing to be prim and proper when you’re living with someone. Holding back on a few quirks ensures that your new flat-mate won’t get alienated.

 Then again it you’re flat, you want to be as comfy as possible. Getting a perfect flat-mate is a must! Quite a conundrum, but the solution is simple. Just be honest.

On your letting post, write down your likes, and dislikes. Describe yourself truthfully (surely you’re not a monster).

When entertaining prospects, tell them all financial obligations you expect from them. Ask about food allergies/preference, habits, profession, and groups their part of. Then make sure to return the favor by allowing them to ask questions about you/flat as well.

These suggestions might just help you to find a flat-mate you can live with now. And perhaps with ample time make a friendship that last a lifetime.