Before a property can be let, there are several matters which the Landlord will need to deal with to ensure that the tenancy runs smoothly, and also that he/she complies with Legal requirements.
Mortgage
If your property is mortgaged, you should obtain your mortgagee's written consent to letting. They may require additional clauses to be added to the tenancy agreement, and this permission, along with any requested clauses, needs to be given to Professional Propertay.
Insurance
You will need to ensure you are suitably covered for letting for both your buildings and contents insurance. Failure to inform your insurers may invalidate your insurance policies. We would take pleasure in providing you with information on specialised Landlord's Buildings and Contents insurance if required. Please ask for more information.
Income Tax
When the landlord is resident in the UK, it is entirely his responsibility to inform HM Revenue and Customs of rental income received and to pay any tax due. However, where the landlord is resident outside the UK during a tenancy, under rules effective from 6 April 1996, unless an exemption certificate is held, we as landlord's agents are obliged to retain and forward to the Inland Revenue on a quarterly basis an amount equal to 20% of the basic rate of income tax from rental received. An application form for exemption from such deductions is available from HM Revenue and Customs
Landlord Registration
All landlords, by law, must be registered as a landlord with their Local Authority. Please click on link below to access the Landlord Registration website.
www.landlordregistrationscotland.gov.uk
Property condition
- Interior decorations should be in good condition, and preferably plain, light and neutral.
- At the commencement of a tenancy the property must be in a thoroughly clean condition (hotel clean), and at the end of each tenancy it is the tenant’s responsibility to leave the property in similar condition. Where they fail to do so, cleaning should be arranged at their expense.
- You should provide one set of keys for each tenant. Where we are Managing we will arrange to have duplicates cut as required for emergency purposes.
Inventory
It is most important that an inventory of contents and schedule of condition be prepared as this avoids misunderstandings or disputes at the end of a tenancy. Without such safeguards, it will be impossible for you, the landlord, to prove any loss, damage, or significant deterioration of the property or contents. In order to provide a complete service to the landlord, if requested, we will arrange preparation of a detailed inventory and schedule of condition, with photographs.
Tenant Relationship
We have found from experience that a good relationship with tenants is the key to a smooth-running tenancy. As your agent, the relationship part is our job, but it is important that your tenant feels comfortable in their home. Our policy of offering a service of quality and care therefore extends to prospective tenants too, and we are pleased to recommend properties to rent which conform to certain minimum standards. Quality properties attract quality tenants.
Please contact us to arrange your free property inspection and appraisal during which we will discuss all aspects of property letting, including decoration, appliances, furnished/unfurnished etc.
