We provide a comprehensive and customer focused level of service, offering advice on the expected market rent, property presentation and Landlord’s obligations such as health & safety legislation and insurance. Priory offer a full range of property services, from simply finding you a suitable tenant through to a comprehensive management service, which means all you have to do is enjoy your monthly income. We offer 2 levels of service, whether you are a first time Landlord, larger investor or just wish to let your home for a short period of time we are able to offer advice tailored to individual client’s needs.
Introduction Only Service
- Provide a rental valuation
- Advise on Landlords obligations in respect of various safety regulations
- Advertise in local press our website & Zoopla
- Take internal photos (if appropriate) and order a to let board (if required)
- Take an initial holding deposit (application fee) from tenants – non refundable if tenant proves unsuitable or withdraws
- Carry out full reference and credit checks
- Preparation of Tenancy agreement and other statutory documentation
- Collection of 1st months & deposit
Full Management Service
This comprehensive service assists those looking for a stress free letting, in addition to the aforementioned letting features it also includes:
- Collection of monthly rents and payment to Landlords less any deductions
- Settlement of any utility accounts or other final accounts (if required)
- Preparation of regular statements detailing income
- Carrying out regular photographic inspections to ensure that your property remains in good condition
- Being 1st point of contact for the tenants
- Arranging for repairs (if required)
- Serving notices of possession
- Checking the property at the end of the tenancy to ensure that the property is left in good order
- Taking of meter readings at the end of the tenancy
Gas & Electrical Safety
This gas safety (installation and use) regulations 1994 states that all let and managed property must be annually tested for safety. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in a substantial fine or even, in the worst-case imprisonment. Priory Letting Services uses only fully qualified contractors to carry out both gas and electrical safety tests.
The electrical equipment (safety) regulations 1994 states that supplying unsafe electrical goods is an offence. When an unsafe appliance is found in rented accommodation, Trading Standards check that the landlord or agent has taken all reasonable precautions to avoid supplying an unsafe item. Duty of care demands that an electrical safety test is carried out on a regular basis, particularly at the point at which the property first becomes available to let.
Overseas Landlords Information
Overseas landlords who live abroad are regarded as non-UK residents and for tax purposes you need to apply to the Inland Revenue for non-resident landlord status.
A landlord that has already been approved to receive rents without deduction of tax from the Inland Revenue must contact the Inland Revenue and request that an NRL8 (approval notice) be issued to Priory Letting Services.
Priory Letting Services 61 High Street, Biddulph, Staffordshire, ST8 6AD
The non-resident landlords scheme requires UK letting agents to deduct basic rate tax from any rent they collect for non-resident landlords. Letting agents do not have to deduct tax if the Inland Revenue tells them not to. The Inland Revenue will tell an agent not to deduct tax if non-resident landlords have successfully applied for approval to receive rents with no tax deducted. Even though the rent may be paid with no tax deducted, it remains liable to UK tax therefore non resident landlords must include it in any tax return that Inland Revenue sends them.
Tenancy Deposit Scheme
This legislation came into effect on 6th April 2007. All deposits taken for assured shorthold tenancies will have to be covered by a tenancy deposit protection scheme.
Tenant Fees Click here to download our Tenant Fees
Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs)
Since 1st October 2008 any residential property offered to let must have an EPC. This is prepared by a qualified Domestic Energy Assessor who visits the property and prepares a detailed report which covers such elements as glazing, insulation and heating. The property is then given a rating similar in format to those seen on refrigerators and washing machines. The certificate is designed to give prospective tenants information on the energy efficiency and carbon emissions of the building so that they may compare it to others on the market. We can arrange the EPC and ensure your compliance.
Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Alarm (England) Regulations 2015
Landlords in England are required by law from 1st October 2015 to have:
- at least one smoke alarm installed on every floor of their rental property which is used as living accommodation, and
- a carbon monoxide alarm installed in any room used as living accommodation where solid fuel is used (such as coal, wood etc).
Once installed the Landlord/Management Agent must make sure the alarms are in working order at the start of each new tenancy.
The regulations do not stipulate the type of alarms (such as hard wired or battery powered) to be installed. Landlords should make an informed decision and choose the best alarms for their properties and tenants.
