Landlords Information
With Warnfield Hewitt
Whether you're a new, or experienced landlord here are a few reminders when preparing your property to let.
The advice shown here is by no means comprehensive but it may help you to sort out a few priorities when preparing your property.
For in-depth advice and information call our knowledgeable staff. Warnfield Hewitt have years of experience in residential letting and can help you avoid potential legal and practical pitfalls. We can also advise you on how to present your property to give the best impression and therefore secure a quick tenancy at a good rate.
We offer property viewings upto 7pm of an evening and also offer a fully furnished package details of which can be obtained via the office to read more about our landlord services, please click here.
Notification & Consent
- Your insurance company - Make sure your insurance policy covers the property for letting purposes, including building and public liability insurance.
- Joint owner - If the property has been bought using a shared ownership scheme or is partly owned by a public or private organisation, ensure that their regulations allow for the property to be let.
- Bank, building society or mortgage lender - If you have a standard mortgage (not buy-to-let), notify your lender of your intention to let the property.
- Main landlord/owner - If the property is leasehold or you are sub-letting, make sure you obtain permission from the primary landlord
Utilities, Functionality & Access
- Utilities – Ensure that all gas, electricity and water connections are correctly
and safely installed. We will notify the utility companies of a change of
occupier. If you have service contracts for any utilities please forward the
details to us - Operation instructions – Please ensure all instructions and operation manuals
are left in the property. We will advise the tenant where to find the stopcock,
fusebox etc. - Keys – Warnfield Hewitt requests that two full sets of keys be provided.
One set will be issued to the tenants, and the other set will be retained by
Warnfield Hewitt - Alarms and security – If a burglar alarm is fitted, provide clear instructions for
setting and unsetting the alarm and make available any emergency contact
numbers. Provide instructions for the location and use of smoke alarms.
If the property has a shared entrance, ensure that the necessary keys or codes
are provided to us
Health & Safety
Before letting a property make sure you notify and obtain consent from all relevant parties:
- Fire safety – Make sure any fire ecsapes are free from obstruction.
Supply keys to window locks if fitted. If you supply fire extinguishers or fire
blankets make sure they are in good condition and working order. Ensure fire
doors are in good condition - Hazard avoidance – Make sure all carpets are held securely in place, particularly
on stairs. Ensure banisters and handrails are secure - Garden – If the garden contains plants that have poisonous or irritant effects,
remove them or make our agent aware of them - Bins – Ensure that the property has a general household waste bin with a secure
lid to deter cats or vermin - Smoking – Give clear instructions on smoking policy, particularly if the property
shares communal facilities - Lighting – Ensure adequate lighting is available in every room
- Loft access – If the property has loft access, ensure that a loft ladder is securely
fitted and that lighting is installed
Appliance & Furnishing Checklist
Here's an overview of essential and suggested provisions for your rental property:
Unfurnished
- Carpets or suitable floor covering
- Curtains or blinds
- Light fittings
- Fitted kitchen, with cooker and plumbing for dishwasher and/or washing machine
- Fitted bathroom
Furnished
- Carpets or suitable floor covering
- Curtains or blinds
- Light fittings
- Fitted kitchen, with cooker, dishwasher, washing machine, cupboards, fridge, freezer
- Fitted bathroom with toilet roll holder, towel rail, bath, shower or shower attachment, shower curtain, bathroom cabinet, mirror
- Dining room furniture
- Lounge furniture including sofas and chairs, coffee table or side tables, television aerial point
- Telephone point, vaccum cleaner, ironing board
- Bed, mattress, wardrobes, bedside tables, lamps, mirror, chest of drawers
- Lawnmower, garden furniture
If you'd like to let Warnfield Hewitt take the responsibility for managing the letting of your property get in touch with us by calling us on 01925 232000 or emailing contacts@warnfieldhewitt.com.