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It’s up there with late rents, messy tenants and broken boilers on a landlord’s Headache-ometer.
What are we talking about?
Finding (and keeping) tradespeople you can trust to look after any property maintenance or issues landlords need to get sorted.
In this article, we share five tried, tested and trustworthy tips on how to find the very best and swerve the unreliable rest.
Tip #1: Know your needs
Understanding what you require is the first step. Is it a leaky tap or a major renovation? Assessing the job’s complexity will help you choose between a handyperson and a specialist.
Tip #2: Do your research – thoroughly
Don’t just rely on a quick Google search. Seek recommendations from friends, family and local letting agents. Check online reviews, professional accreditations and trade associations to gauge credibility. You can learn a lot about them from an initial telephone call. Were they polite? Did they sound organised and professional? If they promised to call you back, did they do so within an acceptable timeframe?
Tip #3: Remember the Three Quote Rule
If it’s a big job (over £150), get at least three quotes to compare prices, but don’t be swayed by the cheapest offer. Assess what’s included. Is what you’re going to be paying for clearly detailed? Does it include the quality of any materials required and the projected timeline? Cheap often doesn’t leave you cheerful – especially when employing skilled tradespeople.
Tip #4: Verify insurance and guarantees
Ensure any tradesperson you employ has the proper insurance and ask about guarantees. This shields you from potential liabilities and assures you of quality work. Guarantees and warranties can provide that extra peace of mind – ensure you have them in writing.
Tip #5: Consider a fully managed service
If you want to save time and eliminate stress, consider a fully managed service like ours. We have created a network of trusted tradespeople and vetted professionals we’ve worked with over the years. We can arrange everything for you, no problem.
And finally…
Finding the right tradespeople is no small task, but these five tips can guide you towards trustworthy professionals.
From understanding your needs to verifying credentials, each step ensures quality and reliability. Think of it as a checklist.
And remember, for hassle-free solutions, our fully managed service is here to help. It’s all about creating a win-win situation – well-kept properties, happy tenants and contented landlords.
To find out more about our services, contact us today.
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If you’re a landlord looking to attract long-term tenants, it’s worth thinking about ways to make your investment property as appealing as possible.
And one area you may have overlooked is the army of British pet owners who need a rental property, and want to make their furry friends as comfy as possible.
Unfortunately, over the years, many landlords have been known to refuse pet owners, perhaps due to worries about damage or general unsuitability for a property.
Many pet owners tend to stay put in a rental as it can be difficult to find somewhere suitable. This is a huge plus for busy landlords, reducing the workload of finding new tenants and starting all over again every 12 months.
And with rental reforms on the horizon, now is the time to consider opening your rental investment to responsible pet owners.
In this quick read, we look at ways to make your rental property pet-friendly and attract loyal, responsible pet lovers.
Worried about damage?
Most pet owners will go the extra mile to make sure their animal doesn’t cause damage, but if it’s something you’re really concerned about, you could add a pet clause into your tenancy agreement. This could state that any damage caused by the pet is the tenant’s responsibility and that the property must be thoroughly cleaned at the end of a tenancy period. Speak to your agent to discuss the details of your tenancy agreement.
Flooring
If you’re having an investment property redecorated or renovated, plan ahead and minimise the potential for damage. Instead of carpets, consider laminate, wood or tiled flooring. These options are easier to keep clean and won’t trap pet hairs or odours.
Furnishings
If you’re offering tenants a furnished property, avoid light-coloured sofas and chairs to reduce the chance of stains. Consider wipeable fabrics such as leather to make sure furnishings can be kept clean. The same applies to curtains or blinds, as muddy paws and light fabrics definitely don’t mix!
Secure the garden
If your property offers outside space, make this a pet haven by securing the fences and/or gate so they can’t get out. Also, remove any plants that could be hazardous to cats and dogs. For a full list of plants and flowers that could cause problems, click here.
Insurance
You can further pet-proof your rental property by taking out landlord insurance. Make sure you check if the policy includes accidental pet damage as not all do.
If you want to make your rental property pet-friendly, speak to the lettings team at Gibbins Richards Lettings and Management Ltd to find out what tenants are looking for.
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If you’re fortunate enough to be in a financial position where you can rent out your home instead of selling it, should you take the leap?
After all, if you don’t need to sell to fund your next move, renting your property is an option worth exploring.
Here, we explore the dilemma of renting out a property instead of selling.
Timing
As we all know, property sales can take time. There are lots of hoops to jump through and boxes to tick before you get that money into your bank account. If you’re moving away for work, abroad or have any other temporary relocation on the horizon, is it worth putting your house up for sale?
If you’re planning to move for a short or unknown period, you could earn an income from your property by renting it out. By holding onto it for longer, you may see an increase in value when you decide to sell (capital growth).
Although specific preparations need to be made when renting out a property, these can be done quickly, and in most cases, you could get tenants in faster than if you were to sell.
Of course, selling your property would save you the hassle of managing the rental property, but you could always pay your agent to do this instead.
What to check
Is there demand for rentals in your area? The best way to find out is to speak to a local agent – they’ll know what tenants are looking for and can advise about getting your property ready to rent.
If you do consider renting out your home, check with your mortgage company first. Many lenders will let you do this for a set period without changing your mortgage, but if it becomes a long-term change, you will probably need to switch to a buy-to-let mortgage.
It could also be worth speaking to an accountant or financial adviser, as renting a property will have tax implications, and you’ll need to understand these before making a decision.
Our team at Gibbins Richards Lettings and Management Ltd are always happy to discuss your property dilemmas. So, if you’re thinking about renting, get in touch with us today.
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If you’re a first-time landlord about to rent out a property, or an established landlord looking to purchase a new investment, one of the main questions you’ll have is how much rent you can charge per month.
Of course, you can (and should) take the advice of your agent, but it’s also worth understanding exactly what factors impact the amount of rent you can sensibly charge.
In this quick read, we explore the factors you need to consider before pricing your rental property.
Compare
The first thing to look for is properties that are similar to yours. What rents are they achieving? It’s important to look at the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, accessibility and outside space to make a proper comparison. Once you’ve got a basic idea, you can think about why you might be able to charge more (or less).
What’s your USP?
Think about what makes your property different. Is there a driveway or gated parking? How big is the garden? Is it newly renovated? Do you have a functional space such as a home office or gym area? If it’s a flat, is there a lift or balcony? Picking out the features that add value to a property will often reflect the amount of rent you can charge.
Surrounding area
An important factor for most tenants is how close a property is to amenities such as shops, supermarkets, transport connections and schools. You may be able to charge a higher monthly rent if a property is well-connected and close to places people may need daily.
Monthly costs
Keep your costs in mind. How much are your monthly expenses? There’s your mortgage, service charge and/or ground rent (for flats), insurance and potential maintenance costs to consider.
Most landlords take a long-term approach to investing. If your rent covers your costs and you still make a small profit, then you’ve got yourself a good investment.
Don’t get greedy – charging over and above the average local rental prices won’t get you very far, and you may be stuck with a vacant property.
Agents’ expertise
It’s always a good idea to take the advice of your letting agent. Not only do they know the area, but they know what tenants want, expect and – more importantly – what they’d be willing to pay for a property like yours.
There are multiple factors that impact the amount of rent you can charge. Speak to our team at Gibbins Richards Lettings and Management Ltd if you’ve got a rental property and need new tenants.
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As a landlord, you’ve probably experienced that feeling of dread when your tenant’s name flashes up on your phone, reporting a problem.
Or how about the horror of receiving the news that you’re going to have to pay for urgent (and expensive) repairs?
If either of these situations sound familiar, it could mean you’re not inspecting your rentals enough.
Being a landlord isn’t just about buying a property and raking in the rent. It’s a difficult job that requires attention to detail, making sure you’re meeting legal obligations, and ensuring your tenants are enjoying a safe living environment. Regular inspections make all of that possible.
In this quick read, we look at why property inspections could save you money and time in the long run.
What’s the point of an inspection?
An inspection gives you the chance to ensure a property is being adequately looked after, that everything works as it should and that it’s clean.
While inspections might sometimes feel like a bit of a chore, they benefit landlords and tenants and help to ensure both parties are upholding their obligations.
Are check-in and check-out inspections enough?
The short answer is no – they are the bare minimum. Failing to inspect your property for the duration of a tenancy could mean that a small issue becomes much more serious (and costly to fix) because it has been ignored for so long.
With newer tenancies, it’s important to set a precedent so tenants know that you care about the property and expect them to look after it. If a tenant has been in a property for a while, you might not need to inspect as often, but not doing them at all could leave you at risk of unhappy tenants or a damaged property.
How often should you inspect a rental?
There are no hard and fast rules about how regularly you should inspect, although once every four to six months is a realistic timeframe. (You don’t want to go round too often as this could alienate the tenant.)
If you have landlord insurance, your policy may stipulate how often a property should be inspected, and not doing so could invalidate it.
Be respectful
When it comes to arranging an inspection, it’s best if both parties work together to find a time that is suitable.
By law, a landlord must give at least 24 hours’ notice, but as the tenant may want to be present, it’s good to give more warning than this.
Inspections might feel awkward or uncomfortable, but they can save a lot of money and hassle, and help foster trust between a landlord and tenant, so it’s important not to avoid doing them.
If you’re a landlord and struggle to fit inspections into your busy schedule, consider getting a letting agent to manage the property. They’ll carry out inspections as part of their property management service and have systems in place to ensure all the relevant safety checks are conducted.
If you’re a landlord and need a new agent, our team at Gibbins Richards Lettings and Management Ltd are experienced and ready to help. Contact us today.