We offer a free, no obligation valuation service, which will include information regarding:
• The property letting process and an explanation of our property rental services
• A realistic valuation
• An update on the current property rental market
• Advise on improvements to maximise your earnings as a London property landlord
• A guide to tax and insurance in the property rental market
If you would like to arrange for a free valuation, please fill in the form below:
We offer a three tier service system:
1) Let only
• Market your property
• Carry out accompanied viewings
• Update you with feedback from the viewings
• Reference and credit check prospective tenants
• Assist with pre tenancy agreement
• Draw up the tenancy agreement
• Collect deposit and first months rent in advance
2) Letting & Rent Collection
• As above PLUS
• Inventory check-in with tenants
• Transfer utility bills
• Collect rent on a monthly basis
• Oversee credit control and debt management
3) Full Management
• As above PLUS
• Oversee day to day management issues
• Arrange repairs
• Carry out regular management visits
• Maintain safety records
• Oversee tenant check-out
• Negotiate dilapidations and deposit return
• Ensure the property is presentable for the next tenancy
Letting Only:
• Fee collected in advance for the entire term
• Annual fee reduces by 50% each consecutive year of the tenancy
Letting & Rent Collection:
• Fee collected monthly as the rent is paid
• FREE Rent Guarantee and Legal Expense Insurance provided for the first year
Full Management:
• Fee collected monthly
• NO charge for management visits
• NO fee collected when the property is vacant
• FREE Rent Guarantee and Legal Expense Insurance provided for the first year you let through us
Protection from the unexpected - should your tenant be unable to pay the rent due to redundancy, accident or sickness…
This Rent Guarantee is provided free for the first year if using Sheraton Law's Letting and Rent Collection or Full Management services.
Ensuring the broadest coverage possible, eye-catching colour photographs of your property will accompany the internet advertising on the following websites;
Using the latest software available, our computerised database will automatically email and text applicants who match your property profile, generating immediate interest.
Due to the location of our offices we have a large volume of passing trade and we also advertise in local press and magazines such as Rise & Angel, London Lettings and Move To.
Viewings are carried out six days a week. You or your tenants will be forewarned of all viewings, all of which will be accompanied by one of our letting negotiators.
A thorough assessment will be carried out on each tenant including a landlord and employer reference and credit check. For your added peace of mind we will ask you to approve the final reference report before we take the property off the market.
We will help you with pre-tenancy arrangements such as:
• Gas and electrical checks
• Inventory
• Professional clean
• Purchase of new furniture or white goods
Both furnished and unfurnished properties are required.
- Furnished: white goods including washing machine, blinds/curtains, bed, wardrobe, chest of draws, sofa, coffee table, dining table & chairs if space, vacuum cleaner and lawn mower if applicable.
- Unfurnished: white goods including washing machine, blinds/curtains, vacuum cleaner and lawn mower if applicable
The presentation of your property is vital in achieving an optimum rent and a quick let and we will help you with tips such as how to maximise space, increase light and create storage.
We advise a thorough schedule of condition and contents to be carried out by an independent inventory clerk which we can arrange on your behalf.
What is an inventory?
An inventory is an essential document that provides a written record that details the fixtures and fittings of a property and their condition, as well as the condition of the property itself. The inventory should be amended and updated before the start of each new tenancy. Because an inventory is such a detailed document, they should be carried out by a specialist practitioner.
Why is an inventory so important?
Since the introduction of statutory tenancy deposit schemes after 5th April 2007 an up to date and accurate inventory has never been more important. When the time comes to agree the amount of deposit returnable to the tenant, a fully detailed inventory will support the evidence of both the landlord and the tenant should there be a dispute.
The independent adjudicator will examine all documentation as a basis for the decision and a good inventory is therefore essential.
You and your property will be ensured protection with the use of either an Assured Shorthold Tenancy Agreement or a General Agreement if your rent is in excess of £25k per annum.
We ensure that we receive the first months rent and six week deposit BEFORE the tenancy commences.
If you appoint us to collect rent on your behalf, a standing order will be set up to ensure the prompt receipt of each months rent.
Sheraton Law are members of the Tenancy Deposit Scheme so can therefore hold the tenant’s deposit throughout the duration of the tenancy.
We will thoroughly check through the inventory at the property with the tenants to ensure the accuracy of the report.
The gas and electric meter readings will be noted on the inventory and we will inform the utility providers of the change of occupants.
You will be assigned a property manager who will oversee day to day maintenance, arrange repairs, carry out quarterly management visits and renew annual safety certificates on your behalf.
We will project manage works which are above and beyond the role of day to day management, for which a fee of 10% will be charged for works over £750.
If you would like quotes for buildings and/or contents insurance, or your current providers will not insure for a rental property, we can recommend alternative providers.
It is a requirement in our Tenancy Agreement that the tenants take out Accidental Damage cover for your contents.
RESIDENT LANDLORDS - You will be charge tax on your earnings so are advised to inform an accountant as numerous costs can be offset against your earnings.
OVERSEAS LANDLORDS - If you will be living outside of the UK for periods of six months or more at one time you will be considered a Non-Resident Landlord which will have further tax implications.
We can recommend the tax and financial planning firm The Fry Group on 01903 231 545 but click on the link to their website to get more information about the services they offer to Landlords
You will have to seek authorisation from your mortgage lender in order to let out your property. This does not mean you have to make any changes to your mortgage arrangement.
What industry bodies are you affiliated to?
NAEA (National Association of Estate Agents)
NALS (National Approved Letting Scheme)
Ombudsman
OFT
Who pays the service charge at the property?
The landlord
Can I switch service once the tenancy has started?
Yes
What is your complaints procedure?
Please write details of your complaint to the Senior Office Manager - Janice Harris, Sheraton Law, 1-3 Old Town, London SW4 0JT / Janice@sheratonlaw.com
Are there any other costs I need to be aware of other than your fee?
There may be:
• If you have Gas in your property you will have to have a Gas Safety Certificate carried out
• If you opt for a professional clean
• Our tenant check-in service (optional unless opting for the Full Management service)
• The Tenancy Deposit Scheme (applicable for Assured Shorthold Tenancies only)
• A £300 management float will be retained if you opt for Full Management - this will be returned to you at the end of the tenancy
• Renewal tenancy agreements (the first agreement of every new tenancy is free)
From 1st October 2008 for every newly rented property a Landlord has to provide an EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) detailing how energy efficient the property is. Once carried out an EPC lasts for 10 years