The Renting Process

ARLA (Association of Residential Lettings Agents)

Sullivan Thomas is a member of this professional body which carefully monitors its members and provides a bonding service to protect both Landlords’ and Tenants’ monies.  Their website is worth visiting if you require any further information. 

Market Appraisal

To request a free valuation of your property you can either:

• Telephone
• Email
• Online market appraisal form
• Visit one of our offices

Instruction to market and let your property

When you instruct us to market your property, we will discuss and agree a marketing price and prepare details with professional photographs. These details will be displayed in our window and advertised on our Sullivan Thomas website and Primelocation website along with other specialist websites and various property publications including our own magazine.

Viewings

You decide whether you want us to show your property when you are there or give us keys to accompany prospective Tenants whilst you are out.

The Offer Process

As soon as we have received an offer from a prospective Tenant, we will put this forward to you and negotiate on your behalf.

Holding Deposit

Holding Deposits are required when a Tenant's offer is accepted on a property. If, for any reason, the Tenant decides not to go ahead, the holding deposit will be retained against administrative costs already incurred.  Otherwise it will be offset against the first rent and full deposit payments.  Paying a holding deposit does not legally oblige either party to enter into the Tenancy.

Tenancy Agreement

We will draw up the relevant paperwork, forming an agreement to be signed by both parties. There will be a charge to the Landlord for doing this.

Rent and Deposit

An advance rental payment is required prior to the commencement of the tenancy. A damage deposit is also required from the Tenant which will be reimbursed to the Tenant at the end of the Tenancy, subject to the details of the inventory report. 

Property Management

Our experienced team will ensure your property is regularly inspected and monitored and maintained.

• Payment of outgoings where demanded, subject to the availability of funds
• Arranging annual gas safety certificates
• Ensuring that our clients' properties comply with the latest safety regulations
• Inform utility companies when a change of Tenancy takes place
• Arranging routine repairs and maintenance with a selection of suitable contractors
• Supplying our clients with legislative information upon request
• Liaising with the Tenant and reporting to the Landlord with recommended course of action
• Liaising with surveyors and other professional advisors
• The reconciliation of deposit at the end of the Tenancy

Compliance with safety regulations

As a Landlord, you have an obligation to ensure that your property complies with all the necessary regulations covering the safety of gas appliances, electrical installations and any furnishings supplied for the tenancy. We can advise you on this further and arrange the necessary inspections.

Inventory

The inventory is a detailed schedule of condition and contents report carried out by an independent inventory clerk at the beginning and end of the tenancy.  The Landlord will be expected to pay for the check-in report and the Tenant for the check-out report.

Landlord's Insurance

As an additional service, Sullivan Thomas have selected PropertyRisks to offer specialist insurance facilities to our clients. These will protect and safeguard your needs as a landlord. PropertyRisks' scheme policies are underwritten by Brit Insurance and AXA Assistance. Additionally, individual policies can be arranged via a number of leading insurers where appropriate. Full details of PropertyRisks policy cover can be viewed online at www.propertyrisks.com or by contacting them directly on 0845 072 0292 stating you are a client of Sullivan Thomas.