Residential Letting & Property Management
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Can a letting agent charge a tenant a fee for renewing a tenancy?
Read more: Can a letting agent charge a tenant a fee for renewing a tenancy?The practice of charging a tenant a fee for renewing a tenancy is widespread and unless/until tenant fees are banned, the letting agent can charge a tenant a fee for renewing a tenancy. However, there are some pitfalls the letting agent needs to be aware of… Secret profit The landlord / letting agent relationship is governed by the law of agency. An agent (in this case a letting agent) has a fiduciary duty towards their principal (in this case a landlord). Therefore, the letting agent is only legally entitled to charge fees which are authorised by the agency/client agreement which…
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Do you have any advice on insurance approved locks?
Read more: Do you have any advice on insurance approved locks?No – sorry locks and security in general are not our area of expertise. For expert advice on locks we recommend you contact a locksmith and can recommend Wells Locks on 01749 677526 (Glastonbury office catchment area). The key standards to look for are: BS 3621: This is the most common standard for insurance-approved deadlocks. You will see a BSI Kitemark and “BS3621” engraved on the lock’s faceplate. These locks have a minimum of five levers and have been tested against drilling and picking. Multi-point locking systems: Often found on uPVC and composite doors, these systems lock at multiple points…
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Do I need landlords insurance?
Read more: Do I need landlords insurance?Yes – Landlords’ insurance is an insurance policy that covers a property owner from financial losses connected with rental properties. The term is commonly used to describe an insurance policy that covers the building, with the option of insuring any contents inside that belong to the landlord. Mortgage lenders insist on buildings insurance as a bare minimum to cover any costs involved in rebuilding your property if the worst happens. The sum insured should reflect the rebuild cost as set out in your buildings survey. Care should be taken not to undervalue your property as this will affect any claim you…
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How do I calculate the rebuild cost of my property?
Read more: How do I calculate the rebuild cost of my property?You have two choices: Use a surveyor Use the ABI / BCIS residential rebuilding cost calculator found here: https://abi.bcis.co.uk/ Further Reading Confused – How to calculate the rebuild cost of your home Still not answered your question? We love questions so fire it at us using the contact details here Please rate this article so we know how well it answered your question…
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What options does the landlord have at the end of the initial period?
Read more: What options does the landlord have at the end of the initial period?Beyond the Initial Period of the Tenancy the landlord has 3 choices: 1. Allow tenancy to continue 2. Grant a new tenancy 3. Terminate tenancy Each of these options is explained below. 1. Allow Tenancy to Continue If the landlord wishes to allow the tenancy to continue beyond the initial period on the same terms, there is no need to take any further action. By taking no action, the tenancy will continue after the end of the initial period. As the rent is due monthly (the ‘period’), the tenancy will run month to month. The terms and conditions imposed on…
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Can a tenant decorate the property?
Read more: Can a tenant decorate the property?The tenant agrees not to alter the appearance or decoration or structure of the property or its fixture or fittings or contents (if any) either internally or externally without first obtaining the prior written consent of the landlord or his agent. Such consent will not be unreasonably withheld. For Full Management properties a tenant can request consent to decorate online using the Consent to Decorate Request form. Any consent given would be subject to the tenant agreeing to the following conditions: • all surfaces to be decorated will be properly prepared and suitable materials will be used to protect the…
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How do I reclaim a deposit through the DPS?
Read more: How do I reclaim a deposit through the DPS?The procedure rules are defined in the Deposit Protection Service – Custodial Terms and Conditions and both landlords and tenants should in the first instance familiarise themselves with the terms therein. For Full Management properties, Jungle Property will process the Tenancy Deposit on behalf of the landlord. For Let Only clients Jungle Property will release the Tenancy Deposit on behalf of the landlord free of charge for undisputed claims only. Disputed claims are handled at our prevailing hourly rate. Further Reading How to reclaim a deposit {DPS Guide} Where can I find information on the dispute resolution service? Still not answered…
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Can you change my contact details for the return of the deposit?
Read more: Can you change my contact details for the return of the deposit?No – sorry we cannot change any details held by the Deposit Protection Service (DPS). To change any of the contact details held by the DPS please contact the DPS on 0330 303 0030. Still not answered your question? We love questions so fire it at us using the contact details here Please rate this article so we know how well it answered your question…
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What happens at the end of the tenancy, how do I get my deposit back?
Read more: What happens at the end of the tenancy, how do I get my deposit back?1. A detailed Check-Out Report is compiled by an independent inventory clerk highlighting any missing items, damage or cleaning issues. 2. Under our guidance, the landlord will decide if they wish to claim any compensation and if so how much. 3. With the express instruction of the landlord we will initiate the release of your Tenancy Deposit from the custody of the Deposit Protection Service (DPS) or mydeposits – depending on which deposit scheme your deposit is held in. This may include a proposal for compensation. Please note that we will not initiate the release of the Tenancy Deposit without…
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Do I need to use the burglar alarm installed in my property?
Read more: Do I need to use the burglar alarm installed in my property?We expect tenants to take adequate precautions to keep the property, including its external doors and windows, locked and secured, and any burglar alarm set, when the property is empty. Any installed burglar alarm is primarily for the benefit of the occupiers – reducing the risk of the occupiers contents being stolen or damaged and reducing the risk of damage to the property caused by someone entering the property. If the property is damaged by someone entering – the tenant could be liable for the cost of the damage. Still not answered your question? We love questions so fire it at…