FAQ for Landlords
How much will it cost me to let my property?
Answer: The costs involved in letting your property consist of:
Energy Performance Certificate
An EPC, which you will need to make available to prospective tenants at the earliest opportunity. Collins Lettings can arrange for an EPC to be prepared on your behalf.
Inventory and check-in report
An inventory and check-in report, which should be organised before a tenant moves in. We recommend a professional inventory company to protect landlord's interest. Costs vary depending on the size of the property and furnishing. Collins Lettings can arrange for these services to be prepared on your behalf.
Letting agent commission
Your letting agent's commission fee, which is usually payable when a tenant is introduced and enters into an agreement to let the property. This is usually charged as a percentage of the agreed rental price + VAT at the prevailing rate, however Collins Lettings charge a fixed fee to make things very simple for you. Please see our fee structure in our terms and conditions for the desired service.
What are my duties as a landlord in relation to gas safety?
Answer: You have duties under the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 to arrange maintenance by a Gas Safe Registered engineer [3] for all pipework, appliances and flues, which you own and have provided for your tenants use. You must also arrange for an annual gas safety check to be carried out every 12 months by a Gas Safe Registered engineer. You must keep a record of the safety check for 2 years and issue a copy to each existing tenant within 28 days of the check being completed and issue a copy to any new tenants before they move in.
What is an EPC and how long will it be valid?
Answer: An EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) measures the energy efficiency of a property using a scale of A-G and is valid for 10 years. It is a legal requirement for landlords to have a valid EPC before their property is let. Collins Lettings can arrange for an EPC to be prepared on your behalf.
Must we fit smoke detectors to rented property?
Answer: You may have read about some recently introduced regulations requiring smoke detectors to be fitted to residential property but these regulations only apply to new homes (under building regulations) and caravans. Certain categories of HMO (House in Multiple Occupations) are also required to have a smoke and fire detection system fitted. We as your agent would recommend as a precautionary measure to fit smoke detectors to your property. At present, there is no obligation for landlords to fit smoke detectors.
What does the new deposit scheme involve and how does it protect me?
Answer: All deposits being paid by a tenant for an Assured Shorthold Tenancy are registered with a recognised deposit protection scheme within 14 days guaranteeing that any deposit disputes will be dealt with efficiently.