Guide to Rent Out Your Property in West Midlands and Warwickshire

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Let a property in Warwickshire and West Midlands with an award-winning Estate Agency – Allsopp & Allsopp.

We will offer you our 10-years’ worth of knowledge and expertise and be by your side throughout the entire Letting process.

We have created a simple step by step guide to Letting a property in Warwickshire and West Midlands for the first time to ease the process and put your mind at rest.

Step 1 - Accurate Valuation

Our aim is to let your property for the best possible price in the shortest possible time.

When deciding to let your property it is important to obtain an up to date accurate valuation, our expert valuers carry out an extensive number of valuations each month giving us an in depth and unparalleled knowledge of property values in your area.

Step 2 - Choosing a Letting Agent

When choosing your letting agent it is important to consider; the cmpany opening hours and availability to conduct viewings, high street presence, local reputation, success in letting property similar to yours, the experience and training of the team, the location and presentation of the local office, specialized or innovative marketing techniques, membership of regulatory bodies and any professional awards.

You should check with your estate agent that they would assist you obtaining a legally required Energy Performance Certificate (EPC), something, which must be in place before you market your property.

Step 3 - Presentation of Your Home

You can't make a first impression twice particularly when it comes to tenants viewing your property.

Make sure your property’s presentation is on point - it’s critical to a successful let. Consider addressing any DIY jobs you have been meaning to get done. Add a fresh coat of paint where necessary and try to declutter to make rooms appear larger. Our team has been trained in making a property look the very best to its potential. A picture says a thousand words.

Step 4 - Marketing Your Property

There are many methods that can be used to attract tenants. Before choosing a letting agent, find out how they market their properties. Visit their website and see how their properties are advertised online. Here are a few things that we do to ensure as many people get so see your property:

Window and wall display in branch
Telephoning tenants we think would be interested in your property
Brochures at viewings and via the post which will contain accurate floor plans, dimensions and professional photography
Internet promotion on the Allsopp & Allsopp website and portals such as Rightmove and Zoopla.
To Let signs. Never underestimate the power of traditional To Let signs as many homes Let because of a friend or neighbour spotting the board and spreading the word.

Put yourself in a tenants shoes, visit your lettings agent's branch and website and question whether the branch is a welcoming environment and is the website easy to navigate?

Step 5 - Viewings

Allsopp & Allsopp prefer to accompany tenants on viewings for you, and are flexible due to our opening hours.

Listening to feedback from viewings can be helpful to determine how to make your property more attractive to tenants. It is important to be prepared for potential tenants questions such as; are pets allowed? Is the property furnished or unfurnished? How long the property is available to let for?

Step 6 - Negotiation

As soon as we receive an offer we will notify you both verbally and in writing. Any special conditions of the offer will also be stated in writing and we will check the tenants ability to proceed before you decide whether to accept the offer.

As your letting agent we will handle any negotiations between you and the tenant. It is important that you consider how much you would be prepared to accept if a tenant offers a price different from the asking price. Consideration should be given to the position of the tenant and the initial contract length as this could impact your decision.

It is important to remember as your letting agent we act on your behalf, so we will work with you to get the best price. We will advise before you make a decision the response to marketing thus far, interest from other parties, and advise on comparable lets agreed ensuring you have peace of mind in making a decision.

Step 7 - Accepting an Offer

Once negotiations have reached a positive conclusion and you are happy to accept an offer, your letting agent will invoice the tenant for one weeks holding deposit at which point we will begin the tenant referencing process. Once referencing is complete these will be sent to you for your written acceptance.

Step 8 - Administration

Once we have your permission to proceed in writing, Allsopp & Allsopp will provide you with the Assured Shorthold Tenancy Agreement via echosign (electronic signature).

Once this is complete we will then invoice the tenant the remaining agreed rent and the agreed deposit. Depending on the Allsopp & Allsopp service you have opted for we will also arrange for the ingoing inventory to be completed and right to rent checks concluded – Contact your appointed agent for any further information.

Step 9 - Move In Day

Ensure the property is clean and ready for the tenant to ensure a smooth and stress-free tenancy transaction.

Our Properties

Allsopp & Allsopp was formed in 2008 when brothers Lewis and Carl Allsopp identified an opportunity to bring a process driven traditional UK estate agency model to the UAE.

With over a decade of experience in UK and an extensive four branch network in Coventry, Nuneaton and Leamington Spa, Allsopp & Allsopp delivers a straight forward customer-focused property service.

Allsopp & Allsopp have stayed consistent, jumped at every opportunity to grow and have invested heavily in technology to keep up with the tech savvy world we live in today.

Properties for Sale Properties to Rent

I want to let my property. Do I need to tell my mortgage lender?

Yes. Your mortgage lender needs to give you permission before you can let your property, and they may impose special conditions. If you are buying a property with the intention of letting it out, you can obtain a buy to let mortgage.

How much will it cost me to let my property?

This really depends on how much support you need. At Allsopp & Allsopp we offer three main service levels: Blue, Silver and Black. Each involves a different degree of service from Allsopp & Allsopp and the fees we charge reflect this. Be sure you understand an agent’s fees and exactly what you receive for your money when you ask them to conduct a lettings valuation.

Why should I use a managing agent?

Choosing a fully managed service allows you to completely relax. You never have to worry about the let. It creates a professional distance between you and the tenancy and means you can avoid having to deal with all the bad bits like rent arrears and deposit disputes.

What can I do to attract the best tenants?

It’s not essential to redecorate your property before placing it on the market, however, if an area is in need of a lick of paint this will appeal to potential tenants. A good and clean property will always attract the good tenants!

Why should I have an inventory?

An inventory is a detailed list of the contents and condition of your property taken before the tenant moves in. It is important that if there is a dispute over damage at the end of the tenancy, you have proof of the original condition of the property and its contents.

What are my obligations surrounding gas?

A Gas Safety Record (GSR) is in place to ensure that all gas appliances, pipes and flues are in safe working order. It must be carried out by a qualified Gas Safe Register engineer. This needs to be checked every 12 months.

What if there are problems with my tenant’s reference?

Whilst Allsopp & Allsopp vets all tenants prior to arranging viewings, in some circumstances, a tenant may not be approved immediately via referencing. Obvious examples are students without a regular income, or someone leaving their family home for the first time with no renting history. There are still options for tenants in this position, they could pay the rent for the full term up front, or seek out a guarantor, with the landlord's consent.

Who will pay the council tax?

The tenant is responsible for the council tax (unless you decide to include this in the rent) but this needs to be clearly stated in the tenancy agreement. If the property is standing empty, it is the landlord’s responsibility to pay.

What is ARLA?

The Association of Residential Lettings Agents (ARLA) is the leading professional and regulatory body for letting agents in the UK. ARLA is dedicated to protecting consumers by improving standards and professionalism within the lettings industry. Allsopp & Allsopp choose to be members of a regulatory body.

Furthermore ARLA members have to adhere to the Client Money Protection Scheme and Professional Indemnity Insurance, therefore clients money will always be protected.

What is a periodic inspection?

If you instruct Allsopp & Allsopp to manage your property and tenants, regularly scheduled visits will take place at the property, and condition reports emailed to the landlord. This ensures that the property is being looked after and maintained in a good condition, and highlights any maintenance issues.

What if the tenant damages the property?

Either the tenant pays to fix the damage, or the cost for fixing the damage is proposed to be removed from the tenant’s security deposit at the end of the tenancy. However, fair wear and tear should be allowed for.

Tenant Info

Permitted Payments

Before the tenancy starts (payable to Allsopp & Allsopp ‘the Agent’) Holding Deposit: 1 week’s rent (annual rent/52)
Company Holding Deposit: £540 including VAT Deposit: 5 week’s rent (annual deposit/52 then multiplied by 5)
During the tenancy (payable to the Agent) For English properties
Payment of £50 including VAT if the tenant wants to change the tenancy agreement
Payment of interest for the late payment of rent at a rate of 3% + The Bank of England Base Rate
Payment of £180 including VAT for the reasonably incurred costs for the loss of keys/security devices
Payment of any unpaid rent or other reasonable costs associated with your early termination of the tenancy
Pets – If a landlord accepts pets, there will be an advertised price located in the description of the property.