Renting FAQ's
Who pays the Council Tax?Whilst the property is let the Tenant will be responsible. When the property is vacant the Landlord will be responsible for a proportion of the Council Tax depending on the local authority.
Who pays the gas, electricity, water and telephone bills?
Landlords must notify the utility providers to arrange a closing account before vacating the property. You must provide us with details of your utility providers and we will advise them of the tenants.
Who pays the insurance?
The Landlord is responsible for paying the buildings insurance and for the Landlords contents. Also Landlords are responsible for paying the ground rent and block maintenance charges. The tenants are responsible for arranging their own contents insurance.
Will you inspect my property?
Yes. We aim to inspect fully managed properties every 3 months without charge.
Will I-Agent collect a deposit?
Yes. A deposit is collected from the Tenant before the Tenancy commences and will be held throughout the Tenancy for Managed Lets. The Landlord or Landlord’s Representative holds the deposit for Unmanaged Lets (See FEES section of Information for Landlords for unmanaged letting rates) an inventory check will be carried out when the Tenant vacates the property. Once the Landlord has agreed with the inventory and there are no dilapidations, the deposit will be returned to the Tenant on the Landlord’s authority.
Do I need consent to let?
When a property is subject to a mortgage you will need to gain consent from your mortgage lender prior to letting the property out.
Where you own a property on a leasehold basis you will need to check the terms of your lease as you may require your Landlord’s consent.
Will I need to pay tax on the rent collected?
UK Landlords are responsible for their own tax affairs. For Overseas Landlords, I-Agents Estate Agents are legally obliged to make an annual letting return to the Inland Revenue and to deduct tax unless we have received a Gross Payment Certificate. Landlords should obtain this certificate before leaving the UK.
Who’s responsible for the repairs?
Anything left in the property by the Landlord in need of repair will be at the Landlord’s expense.
If any item breaks down through no fault of the Tenant and where we are collecting the rent we will arrange for the repair and advise provided the anticipated cost is unlikely to exceed one third of a months rent. Where the cost is likely to exceed this we would advise the Landlord and await instructions.
If any equipment in the property is covered by a service contract or guarantee you must provide us with these details.
What should I leave for an unfurnished letting?
Leave carpets, curtains, light fittings, a cooker and plumbing for a washing machine.
What should I leave for furnished?
The items listed below are for a rough guide: -
- Matching set of crockery and cutlery
- Set of glasses
- General kitchen equipment and cooking utensils
- Bowls, saucepans, knifes, chopping board
- Kettle
- Flip top waste bin
- Iron and ironing board
- Vacuum cleaner
- Other normal household cleaning equipment
APPLIANCES
All appliances should be in good working order, serviced and clean, with full manufacturers operating manuals provided. If the property is vacant the fridge/freezer should be defrosted.
CENTRAL HEATING
The system should be in good working order with operating instructions and service contract provided.
GARDEN
The garden should be left in a neat and tidy condition. Landlords should leave a lawnmower and tools. Tenants are responsible for keeping the garden tidy.
BURGLAR ALARM
If a burglar alarm is installed at your property you will need to leave full operating instructions along with information on the service contract.
BOUNDARIES
A map should be provided showing in red the boundaries for which you are responsible.
PROPERTY KEYS
We require two complete sets for the Tenant and one for ourselves, including keys to the garage, window locks etc.
PERSONAL ARRANGEMENTS
Arrangements should be arranged with the Post Office to re-direct your mail. Banks should be advised, subscriptions and deliveries re-arranged or cancelled. If a Landlord is resident abroad it is helpful to have a UK representative.