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Landlord Guide

Whether you’re new to property investing or growing your buy-to-let portfolio, it’s always good to remind yourself of the property letting process before deciding to rent out a property and running a successful let. Here’s our quick-reference guide

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Request a rental property valuation


Knowing how much your property can achieve in monthly rent will influence the rest of your investment journey. Our lettings team will draw on its industry knowledge and combined experience to appraise the property you wish to rent out. We will combine our on-site valuation with local factors - such as current tenant demand, seasonal trends and stock, historical data and future area prospects - to agree an attractive rental value. To book a property valuation, contact us today.

Getting ready for marketing


You should pay attention to how your property is presented. We recommend professional photographs and floor plans for rental particulars, online listings and any advertising. The property should be neat and tidy before any photographs or viewings - potential tenants will be impressed with a bright, well-maintained property. Make sure a professional clean has taken place and, if necessary, apply a fresh coat of paint. For additional tips for letting property, call us.

Reaching potential tenants


We have a strategic in-house approach that will ensure your property is initially seen by a qualified existing database of hundreds of potential tenants. We will then generate interest through a mixture of mainstream channels, including website portals Rightmove, PrimeLocation and Zoopla, krispyhouse.com, via the erection of a ”TO LET” board outside your property and from local and regional press coverage. Huddletons will ensure your property is visible on the internet on the same day as the instruction.

Viewings


A member of our team will show applicants around on your behalf and will be on hand to answer any questions they may have. We make it our priority to follow up all viewings and pass on feedback to landlords within 48 hours. Not surprisingly we find tenants quickly for lettings in North West London.

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Agreeing an offer


Once an applicant has shown a vested interest in your property and is ready to commit after an offer has been agreed by all parties, we begin by taking a fee of intent and issue a tenant’s acceptance letter which outlines the parameters of the offer. The fee of intent is equivalent to one weeks rent and allows our negotiators to discuss the terms of the offer with you openly. Our team will ensure we secure the optimum rent, tenancy length, requirements and move in date to get you the best possible offer.

Checking references


On paper, many tenants sound like a dream but we believe in diligently following up all references and checking each tenant’s employment, rental and credit history for utmost peace of mind. We use a professional, independent company to complete our referencing so every report is impartial and accurate. In fact, we consider this the most important part of the property letting process as the security of our clients is key for us.

Making sure your let is legal


If you’re letting property in London, be aware that there are a number of legal requirements which should be met before a tenancy commences. These currently include the provision of an energy performance certificate (EPC), a gas safety certificate provided by a registered engineer and details of the deposit holding company (if we are managing the let) and an Electrical safety certificate (EICR). We will also check that each tenant has the right to rent. Once a tenant and your property have passed all our checks, we will draw up a tenancy agreement to be signed by both the tenant and the landlord.

Moving the tenants in


The moving in day has arrived and all that is left to do now is hand over a set of keys to the tenant(s). You will already have approved the references, all monies will have been paid by the incoming tenant(s) and the tenancy agreement signed by all parties. We will also have set up a standing order for the monthly rent so the amount is automatically collected from the tenant’s account. We strongly recommend that you commission an inventory.

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Files and documentation


Our attention to detail means there’s no delay in obtaining paperwork pertaining to your property letting. We will promptly send you a copy of the fully signed tenancy agreement, a statement of account and any other associated documents, such as an inventory. We will also hold copies on file.

Property management


Whether it’s to promote lettings in Camden and other North West London areas, sharing fabulous finds in NW London, pointing you in the direction of property advice or re-posting local news, we love social media. 

Online appeal


We know that almost every property search starts online and that’s why we’ve invested in our own website. It’s refreshingly different - edgy enough to reflect the areas we cover, yet functional to provide visitors with easy navigation and a fast search facility.

Property Management - The Ultimate Aftercare


Your property investment is just that - an asset that should grow and provide you with a return. Our full property management service will ensure your let is protected at all times, by making certain your tenant pays the rent and is respectful of the condition of the property. We do this through a frank, pre-let conversation with the tenant, regular inspections, an open and trustful dialogue with everyone during the let, as well as a reporting system that swiftly addresses emergencies and planned maintenance. Ask us about our property management service today.

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Landlord Fees and Tenant Costs


We strive to be transparent and upfront about any possible fees that may be payable, helping you to make informed decisions with no surprises. 

Tenant Costs


Standard Costs 

  • Deposit for a long term tenancy: 
  • Equivalent to 5 weeks’ rent where the annual rent is below £50,000 
  • Equivalent to 6 weeks’ rent where the annual rent is above £50,000

Other Costs

  • Change of occupancy within an existing tenancy: £50, or reasonable costs incurred if higher.
  • Letter sent by Huddletons regarding late or non-payment of rent: £50 for each letter sent
  • Tenant reference request in writing: £50

Landlord Fees


Standard Fees

Letting Fee: 12 % (10% + VAT) 

  • Renewals on first two years following initial fixed term: 9.6% (8% + VAT)
  • Continuation period after renewals: 7.2% (6% + VAT)
  • Letting & Property Management: 16.8% (14% + VAT)
  • Renewal on 1st 2 years: 16.8% (14% + VAT)
  • Continuation period after renewals: 16.8% (14% + VAT)
  • Short Lets: 24% (20% + VAT)
  • Administration fees for long lets: £200 + VAT
  • Administration fees for short lets: £100 + VAT

Other Fees

  • Inventory check-in: £165 + VAT
  • Gas Safety Certificate: £120 + VAT 
  • Electrical Safety Certificate: £150 + VAT 
  • EPC Certificate: £100 + VAT 
  • Property inspections beyond the first (first included within lettings fee): £120 + VAT 
  • Section 21: £85 + VAT 
  • HMRC Return for Non-resident Landlords: £145 + VAT 
  • Income & Expenditure Report: £120 + VAT 
  • Court appearance: £420 + VAT 
  • Works over £700 admin fee: 12% + VAT 
  • Your vetted contractor may pay a referral fee to Huddletons. The fee paid will be included within the contractor’s invoice and could be up to 15% + VAT of the total invoice amount depending on the service provided, the details of which are available on request. This does not affect the final amount you pay. 

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