The Letting Process
Market Appraisal
We will visit your property to advise you on the current market value and to fully explain the letting process.
Energy Performance Certificate
All rental properties with a new tenancy require an EPC. The energy efficiency and environmental impact of your property will be rated on a scale from A-G (A being the most efficient and G the least efficient). The EPC should be available for prospective tenants to inspect when looking at the property details, therefore this inspection will need to take place before the property goes on to the market.
Marketing
With the majority of property searches now beginning online we recognise the importance of high profile internet coverage. Our own website is clear and concise with quick, easy property searches and is ranked number one by Google when searching for estate agents in our areas. Properties are also displayed on every major relevant property portal as well as being promoted as the ‘Feature Property’ on Primelocation and Findaproperty. We also advertise our properties in local lifestyle magazines SW, SW6 and London Magazine.
Viewings
We prefer to accompany all viewings however you decide whether you want us to show your property only when you are there or whether you would prefer to give us keys to accompany prospective tenants while you are out.
Finding The Right Tenant
We are committed to finding the right tenant for your property and use the most stringent referencing procedure carried out by an independent agency. Once you have accepted an offer our referencing agency will run a full credit check as well as approach current and previous employers and landlords.
Safety Regulations
The law states that as a landlord you must make certain checks before the property is let.
Gas Safety Regulations - It is the duty of the landlord of any property to be rented to have all gas appliances and their associated pipe work tested on an annual basis before occupation by tenants. A copy of the Gas Safety Inspection certificate must be on file before the tenants move in.
Electrical Regulations - Landlords must ensure that all electrical equipment, appliances and electrical supply are safe. Electrical items must be examined by a qualified electrician prior to the tenants taking occupation.
Furniture and Furnishings Regulations - It is a landlord's duty to ensure all upholstered furniture complies with these regulations.
Consent to let and Insurance
If you have a mortgage on the property you will need to obtain your lender's consent to let it. You may also need to obtain consent from a superior landlord if you have one. Your insurance company will also need to be made aware that the property is let.
Tenancy Agreement
We will draw up the Tenancy Agreement to include any special conditions you may have.
Deposit
The tenant will be asked to pay a security deposit (usually six weeks rent) at the start of the tenancy. We are legally required to register the deposit in a Government backed scheme where their deposit will be protected. Sullivan Thomas is a member of the Tenancy Deposit Scheme.
Inventory
The inventory is a detailed schedule of condition and contents report. Each tenancy has an inventory check in and check out which is carried out by an independent inventory clerk at the beginning and end of the tenancy.
ARLA (Association of Residential Letting 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.
