General Information for Landlords

A. Mortgaged Property

If your property is subject to a mortgage you must ensure we have written permission from the mortgagee for the property to be let. Likewise if the property is leasehold the permission of the head lesser will be required.

It would be advisable when applying to the mortgagee for permission to rent the property, to tell then that you will be letting it through an Estate Agent with a specialist rental Department and who is a member of A.R.L.A. and the N.A.E.A.

B. Tenancy Agreement

Should Warmingham let the property to an individual an Assured Shorthold Tenancy Agreement would be used, giving you mandatory rights for possession. Should Warmingham let to a company then Non-housing Act Tenancy will be required.

The normal tenancy period is for a minimum of six months and maximum of 12 months, with a two month break clause by either party after the initial four months.

C. Insurance

As Landlord you are responsible under the terms of the Agreement to provide building and contents insurance; you will not be liable for the tenant's own possessions. It would be advisable to check your policy to ensure that by letting your property you do not invalidate your insurance. The tenant will also be responsible for insuring against accidental damage to Landlords contents. Warmingham recommend the HomeLet policy.

We also recommend that you remove any items of a monetary value or of a sentimental value.

D. Joint Owned Property

If your property is jointly owned you must ensure that any joint owners are either party to the Tenancy Agreement or give their consent in writing for the property to be let.

E. Utility Bills

The tenant will be responsible for the electricity, gas, oil, water rates, telephone, television licence and Council Tax. Where the property is managed by Warmingham, meter readings at the beginning and the end of each tenancy will be taken.

F. Council Tax

During periods of the property being without a tenant the Landlord is responsible for the Council Tax, but if the property is unfurnished there could be a "6 Month free period".

G. Inventory

The cost of the initial inventory preparation will be to the Landlord's account together with the inventory check-in at the beginning of each tenancy. The tenant will be responsible for the cost of the inventory check-out at the end of the tenancy.

H. Legal Costs

The legal costs and stamp duty are divided equally between the landlord and the tenant.

I. Condition of Property

Prospective tenants will pay a great deal of attention to the cleanliness of the property and the condition of the garden. Prior to occupation both the house and the gardens should be brought up to standard by outside professionals. We can then require the property to be returned by the tenants in a similar condition at the end of their tenancy.

J. Appliances

All appliances should be in good working order and serviced prior to letting. It would be advisable to have service contracts wherever applicable but in particular on the central heating system. Instruction manuals for each appliance are required.

K. Portable Appliance Test (PAT)

All potable electrical equipment must be tested and deemed safe by a qualified electrician (The Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 1994). A record of each appliance and date of test must be recorded. All electrical equipment brought after 1st January 1997 must have a "CE" mark and instruction booklet or written safety instructions provided.

L. Safety Certificates

Please note that as from the 1st March 1993, The Furniture and furnishings (Fire) (Safety) (Amendment) Regulations 1993 came into force. This means that when a house is let "Furnished" the furniture and fittings must meet the fire resistant requirements of the 1998 Regulation. In the most cases this may be ascertained by checking if the item has the appropriate "Fire Retardant" label attached to it.

It is also necessary to obtain a Safety Certificate for each gas appliance in the property annually from a registered Corgi Gas Installer to conform with Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1994. A copy of the inspection report must be provided to the tenant.

M. Keys

The tenant should be provided with two complete sets of keys including those for garaging and window locks. Warmingham should also hold a set in case of emergencies.

N. Overseas Landlords

Warminghams will be responsible for paying any Tax on the net rent to the Inland Revenue every quarter should you reside outside the UK. However you are able to apply for a non-resident Landlord scheme for an exemption number, allowing you to pay tax under the normal self-assessment scheme.