Getting Ready To Let

Where you have instructed Chilterns to manage your property and before the tenant has been found, we will inspect the property to make sure that it is "ready to let".If necessary we will highlight any outstanding matters that might need addressing.

We will also ensure that the property complies with current legislation and advise where further improvements or changes may need to be made. Should any further works be required, we can coordinate these for you when instructed. The standard of accommodation, presentation, cleanliness and quality of fixtures and fittings of your property remains a high priority.

By focusing on those standards before the tenancy commences coupled with our ongoing inspections and support throughout the tenancy, the on-going well-being of the property is rarely compromised thus improving the quality of the tenancy. By ensuring that essential maintenance and repairs are kept to a minimum the end of tenancy inspection is more likely to be without complication, making way for any new tenant to move in sooner and avoiding costly void periods.

Security

Security systems (locks on Windows and external doors, lights and even a full alarm system) often considered essential by prospective tenants and are taken into consideration by all leading insurance companies when calculating premiums.

Furnished or Unfurnished

By far the greatest level of demand from tenants is for properties that are available unfurnished. This traditionally includes just carpets, curtains and the cooker. This has the advantage, from the landlord’s perspective, of avoiding the need for additional maintenance/replacement and for annual testing of electrical appliances.

Gardening and Cleaning

Gardens should be left in good seasonal order so that the benchmark is set for the tenants. The property should be comprehensively cleaned throughout, both internally and externally.

Council Tax

We will notify the local council tax office of each change of occupier and of any void periods between tenancies.

Telephone

If a telephone line is installed at the property you should instruct the provider to put a temporary stop on the line when you vacate and send you a closing account.

Decorations And Carpets

We recommend these should be fresh and neutral in terms of colour and style. Higher quality properties will always attract better quality tenants and therefore it is vital that the property is well presented to meet the expectations of a potential tenant.

Domestic Appliances

These should also be of good quality and condition and subject to regular servicing. It is important that full instructions for use are left in the premises to avoid the need to call in an engineer to demonstrate. Gas and electrical appliances must meet legal safety requirements and oil appliances should be tested annually.

Gas, Electricity and Water

These services should be left connected and we will arrange for their transfer into the tenants name. Under the Housing, Health and Safety Rating System, tenants must be able to control and regulate heating systems.

Keys

Three complete sets of keys should be provided in all cases - two for the tenants and one to be retained at our office. We will be obliged to charge for key cutting if insufficient keys are supplied at the outset.

Empty Properties

Is important that you comply with any insurance requirements during vacant periods especially during the winter months. We would normally advise a full heating and domestic water drain down under those circumstances and can arrange this for you.