LANDLORDS!! Your Property Let within 2 weeks-No Let No Fee

01245 345 800 First Choice Lettings, 52 Railway Street, Chelmsford, Essex UK CM1 1QSLandlords
HOMEEverything you need to know about being a landlord
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VIEW PROPERTIES AVAILABLE Page 9 LANDLORDSAre you frustrated with your current agent?Or are you a new landlord looking to let out your property and need some free advice?Make first Choice your First Choice with over 20 years of experience in the letting industry we know what works. So sit back relax and know your propertys in safe hands! What can we do for you? First choice Lettings Promises to let your property within 2 weeks..We are so confident that we can That if we dont, your fee is reduced (please contact us to find out how huge your saving could be)
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First Choice Lettings Services

At First Choice, we fully understand that your property is one of your most prized assets, whether its your main resident that you are letting due to relocation or an investment property you have purchased to let out.So with over 20 years of local expertise and knowledge we strive to keep the whole process of renting your property stress free, and keep you fully updated with all affairs in regards to your property, so you can have peace mind to know your property is in good hands and achieving the maximum rent possible as well as maintaining a quality tenant.BRONZE SERVICE-Let Only service (for the more experience landlords)Where no management is to be undertaken by first choice lettings & management but the following services do apply:* Draw up property details and advertise on all major property portals that includes Rightmove, Zoopla, Primelocation, find a property, Evening standard etc..*Finding a suitable professional tenant to source from our database & fully referenced by obtaining the relevant references through an independent referencing company at no charge to the landlord, to make sure that the tenants have the right amount of earning and are suitable for the property.*Negotiating the term and conditions of the tenancy on your behalf as well as maximising your rental income.*The drawing up the tenancy agreement for the set period of time with all the relevant legal documentation in place. *A full comprehensive inventory on the property, detailing description of your property on commencement of the tenancy * Registration of the deposit with one of the government deposit Scheme.SILVER- (Let & Rent Collection service with a *Rent Protection insurance)All listed in the bronze service as well as:*Collection of monthly rent and paying it into your account on a monthly basis as well as any late payments*Crediting your account with the rent to a bank account of your choice *Rent protection insurance implemented subject to terms and conditions of the insurance policy.GOLD - (Let & Full Management Service) stress free for novice landlordsAll listed in the Bronze & Silver services as well as:*Organise any major repairs required essential to and in the interest of the property up to £100 before seeking the landlords approval.* Visit the property every 12 weeks to keep you up to date with the condition of the property.
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The Process

On receipt of an instruction with a signed Terms of Business we will commence circulation of the details to all suitable applicants. In addition we will advertise the property in our railway street office window display attracting professional commuters and via the local newspapers in the appropriate section.Your property will also be advertised on all the major property portals including Rightmove, Zoopla, Primelocation, find a property, Evening standard etc..Applicants will be required to provide references for the property including employer, character, previous landlord (where appropriate) and credit history. A guarantor may sometimes be required and should this be the case the Guarantor would be required to pass references and be a home owner. We draw up an Assured Shorthold Tenancy Agreement in accordance with the Housing Act 1988 (revised 1996) as well as a comprehensive inventory of the property. Tenants are required to pay a security deposit equivalent of a months rent (registered in a government deposit scheme) plus a months rent in advance.The tenant's rental payments are then made on a calendar monthly basis by standing order to First Choice and remitted to the landlord on a monthly basis. (Should you elect to manage the property yourself then payment of rental would be made direct to yourself) Under the provision of the Rent Act 1977, the landlord is responsible for all repairs on the property and the contents supplied with it, except for damages caused through neglect or misuse by the tenant or the tenants visitors. We understand that the organisation and supervision of repairs place a lot of demands on the landlord that can be time consuming and costly, therefore, as part of our management service we will arrange for minor repairs to be carried out up to a maximum of £100.00 at the discretion of First Choice. We will endeavour to liase with the landlord in the event of any necessary repairs unless we consider it a matter of urgency that requires immediate attention to protect the property from any major damage and/or the landlord's interests. The landlord is responsible for notifying the relevant utility services about his cessation of services and the tenants are responsible for acquiring the services in their names. First Choice will back this up with an advisory letter but in certain cases some utilities will not accept notification from third parties such as our selves.First Choice is unable to accept liability for the forwarding of any mail. Postal Redirection forms can be picked up from your local Post Office....
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Buy to Let

It is designed to stimulate the growth of the Private Rented Sector by encouraging private investors to take the opportunities given by low highly competitive interest rates and the reasonable certainty of sustained capital growth over the coming years. Historically buyers of property to let have been surcharged or forced to borrow at commercial rates and potential rental income has not been taken into account for servicing the borrowings. Now the panel of lenders supporting the Buy-To-Let scheme have brought their interest rates into line with the rates for owner occupation and taken rental income into account for servicing the loan. This policy switch has been encouraged by the knowledge that professional letting and property management agents will be involved in the selection of suitable properties for the rental market, in the selection of tenants and in the management of the properties. This enhances the creditworthiness of Buy-To-Let propositions. The DO's and DON'T's of Buying To Let DO think of buying to let as a medium to long term investmentDO seek advice on local market demands DO get your sums right. Will the rent cover borrowings and costs, after allowing for void periodsDO decorate, fit out and furnish the property to high quality standards, especially kitchens and bathrooms, to attract the best tenants and let quickly every time.DON'T Let personal taste cloud your judgement. Be sure the property you choose meets the market requirements.DON'T Purchase anything with potential maintenance problems like a lot of woodwork or large gardens. It will add nothing to the rental value and cost a lot to keep up.DON'T Think that the running of an investment property can be left to friends or relatives in your absence. Tenants require a full management service.Further information on the Buy-To-Let Scheme can be obtained from the First Choice office by emailing us on info_firstchoicelettings.co.uk or contact us on 01245-345800
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Tax

Income Tax is payable on UK lettings irrespective of where the landlord resides. However through careful planning and assistance you should be able to avoid paying some, or even all, of this tax. Non-declaration of letting income receives increasingly harsh treatment from the Inland Revenue. We therefore advise that you employ an accountant to minimise or eliminate your tax. Provision for setting expenses against your income include, but are not limited to, the following; • Mortgage / Loan for the purchase of the property• Ground rent on leasehold properties• Buildings Insurance • Contents Insurance• Repairs• Annual Safety Checks • Legal Costs• Accountancy Costs• Letting Agents Fees • Wear and Tear of contents NON-RESIDENT LANDLORDS Most property income of non-residents is subject to UK tax. The Finance Act 1995 allows overseas landlords to apply to self-assess and on approval First Choice are issued with an "exemption certificate" (NRL8) which authorises us to pay rent without the deduction of tax. However where no "exemption certificate" is available we have a statutory obligation to implement a tax deduction before remitting the rents. First Choice will supply the application form and provided the applicant's tax affairs are in order the Inland Revenue may issue a certificate. It is important that we are advised if your tax affairs, in respect of the letting of the property, are handled by you, your accountant or First Choice. Further Information is available from; Financial Intermediaries and Claims Office (Non residents), St. John's House, Merton Road, Bootle, Merseyside L69 9BB, England or by telephone on +44 (0)151 472 6208 / +44 (0)151 472 6209 or facsimile +44 (0)151 472 6067. MIRASContrary to popular belief it may be beneficial for you as a landlord to withdraw the let property from the MIRAS scheme. A taxpayer who withdraws from MIRAS usually continues to obtain tax relief, albeit not at source. Your accountant, should you instruct one, will be able to advise you whether withdrawal is advantageous to you. Please Note: The above information is written as a general outline and is subject to changes in legislation.If you would like any further information on this or anything else please contact us
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Safety Regulations

GAS SAFETY REGULATIONSIt is a legal requirement that all gas appliances and systems are inspected on an annual basis. A Gas Safety Certificate must be obtained to cover the safety of the pipework, the boiler, the cooker and any other gas appliances in the property. This certificate has to be issued by a CORGI registered gas fitter. Any repairs that are required on gas appliances, pipework or fittings in a property have to be repaired on a 'forthwith' basis. Therefore we would send a CORGI registered gas fitter whether or not the Landlord is contactable. We will arrange for a gas safety certificate to be issued on an annual basis and a competitive cost to yourself. Gas Safety (Installation & Use) Regulations 1994 and subsequent amendments.ELECTRIC SAFETY REGULATIONSIt is a legal requirement that all electrical appliances and systems are checked for the safety of your tenant. Any item left in the property, by the Landlord, that has a plug on it must be checked and repaired or replaced if found to be faulty. (Electrical Equipment Regulations 1989). Many Landlords may not be aware of the above regulations or may even choose to ignore them, First Choice provide a professional service which includes supplying landlords with accurate and up to date legislation. If you have any queries about the legal aspect of letting a property, you may ring or make an appointment with our property management department. Advise is also available from your Solicitor and the Citizen's Advice Bureaux. Chelmsford Council also offer limited assistance and information. SMOKE ALARMSThe Building Regulations 1991 requires that all properties built since June 1992 must be fitted with mains operated interlinked smoke detectors/alarms on each floor. Such regulations regarding older properties do not exist at the present time but we strongly recommend that smoke alarms are fitted in all let properties and are regularly checked to ensure they are in full working order. FURNITURE AND FURNISHINGS Any furniture in the property whilst let must be up to the required standards of the Furniture and Furnishings (Fire)(Safety) Regulations. This applies to beds, bedheads, children's furniture, mattresses, sofas, chairs, cushions, stretch or loose covers for furniture, pillows, garden furniture suitable for use in a dwelling and three pieces suites. All must bear a BS7177, 1989 certificate of fire safety. Any items that do not comply must be removed from the property. There are high fines for non-compliance. The regulations do not apply to curtains, carpets, bedclothes (including duvets) and mattress covers. This information is a summary of the implications of the Furniture & Furnishings (Fire)(Safety)(Amendment) Regulations 1993 and should be read in conjunction with the official guide from the Department of Trade & Industry (DTI) a copy of which is available for your perusal at our Chelmsford officeINVENTORYA detailed inventory of the contents of the property will be taken to protect your interests, even if the property is minimally furnished or unfurnished. This is completed by an independent inventory company called HomeCare Inventory Services.All personal items should be removed from the property prior to letting. This includes items of sentimental value such as ornaments and pictures. We recommend you also check your insurance cover too. First Choice are able to offer insurance especially tailored for leased properties. Please click on "Insurance" in the menu for further information. We must advise you that non-compliance with any of the above regulations is a criminal offence. We will not accept liability for any breach of the above regulations on a Landlord's part. If you would like any further information on this or anything else please contact us
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Questions and Answers

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS:Q. Is letting safe? Can I get my property back?A. Yes. Its safe provided the tenancy agreements are professionally and properly drawn up with the correct notices served. Then, in rare cases where legal action is needed for repossession, the court should make an order in the landlords favour. New Accelerated Court procedures speed up the process, without the necessity for a court hearing and take the hassle out of the very occasional problem. Q. What is my property worth?A. This depends on various economic factors at the time of letting out your property, plus all other factors, such as location, amenities and of course the condition of the property. This is where our experienced and knowledgeable team can come to visit and offer a free market appraisal and without obligation.Q. What type of tenants do I get?A. All our prospective tenants are fully vetted and credit checked to ensure they have the financial ability to meet their monthly rental commitments.Q. What kind of tenancy agreement do you use?A. We use the tenancy agreement that complies with the Housing Act 1988, or under contract law for bona fide companies and or rental over £100,000 a year.Solicitors, incorporating clauses covering potential problem areas experienced have carefully drafted our tenancy agreement. These agreements are far more comprehensive than the standard printed agreements bought for self-completion and are regularly up-dated to take account of changes in legislation.Q. What is an inventory and do I need one?A. These are essential and it is recommended that an inventory be made by a professional to avoid omission or errors. Therefore, we ensure that this is done at the beginning of the tenancy and at the end of the tenancy to identify missing items, breakages and damage liable to be covered out of the tenants deposit.Q. What happens to the deposit taken?A. This is registered in one of the governments deposit scheme. In addition to the deposit the first months rent is also paid in advance. Q. What are your fees?A. Obviously fees vary depending on what service is required such as you might require our tenants finder only service (BRONZE SERVICE), tenant finder and rent collection service (SILVER SERVICE) or the letting and full management service(GOLD service). Again whichever option you might be interest in we are more than happy to discuss it with you in more depth by contacting us direct on 01245-345800 or e-mail us at info_firstchoicelets.co.ukQ. What insurance covers can protect a landlord?A. There are two types of cover for use when letting out property: Legal expenses cover available to most landlords and a rent guarantee insurance.(contact us for more information)OTHER REGULATIONS Q. Do I have to provide furniture and furnishings? A. No. Interestingly enough, in most cases we have found that there is very little difference in rental values between furnished and unfurnished lettings.If you specifically want to let furnished, you have to bear in mind whether your furniture complies with the Furniture and Furnishings (Fire Safety) Regulation. Again our friendly team will be happy to advise you on this point. QWhat is a Landlord's Gas Safety Record?A. It is a legal requirement under the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1994 (as ammended) to have the gas supply and all gas appliances (whether portable or fixed) checked by a CORGI registered operative to ensure their safety. This must be done at your expense prior to letting a property for the first time and thereafter on an annual basis with a copy of the inspection record given to the tenantWe can arrange for these checks to be carried out and a Gas Safety Record obtained prior to letting a property. Our Full Management service includes arranging for a record to be obtained each year. In all other circumstances, the responsibility will fall to you.Failure to have the safety checks carried out and any relevant works done could result in criminal prosecution.Q. Does the same apply to electricity?A. Not to the same degree yet. However, there is currently a requirement under the Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regtulations 1994 to ensure that all appliances supplied are 'safe'. We would recommend that all appliances are checked by a qualified electricianQ. Are smoke alarms required?A. Smoke alarms have to be installed in any new building or conversion. We would strongly recommend that you install at least one alarm per floor of your property.Q. What am I responsible for repairing?A. As a Landlord you have a legal obligation under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 to maintain the structure of the building, the sanitation and the supply of services. In addition, should an item in the property require replacing or repairing through fair wear and tear then you would be expected within the terms of the Tenancy Agreement to deal with this.For any further questions please feel free to contact our team on CONTACT 01245-345800

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01245 345800First Choice Lettings, 52 Railway Street, Chelmsford, Essex. CM1 1QS. Tel 01245 345800 / Fax 01245 347800 / www.firstchoicelettings.co.uk / leeglenister_firstchoicelets.co.uk / janwashbrook_firstchoicelets.co.uk HOMEABOUTPROPERTIESPROPERTIES-copy1TENANTSCONTACT3005005007007009009001100110020002000