3. How do you select Tenants?
This is probably one of the most important factors in letting a property and we can assure you that all reasonable steps are taken to research the prospective tenants' background to include instructing an independent credit reference company to make searches from bank, employers and previous landlords.
4. Do you allow pets?
If you decide that pets will be allowed, we require an additional £250 per deposit from the tenant and at the end of the tenancy, your tenant is asked to have the carpets professionally cleaned with pet neutralising and flea treatment products.
5. Do Tenants have to pay a deposit?
Yes. All Tenants have to pay a deposit equivalent to one and a half calendar month's rent. For Managed Properties, we will register the deposit with The Dispute Service (TDS). The deposit will be returned to the Tenant(s) when they terminate the tenancy providing all the terms and conditions of the tenancy agreement have been met. Should there be any contravention of the Tenancy Agreement, the costs incurred are deducted from the deposit and only the balance is refunded to the Tenant(s).
For Tenant Find only properties, it is the Landlord's responsibility to either hold the deposit in a ring-fenced account or to register the deposit with one of the appropriate schemes. We are happy to advise you on this or register the deposit ourselves, however an additional annual administration fee will apply.
6. What sort of Tenancy Agreement do you use?
At Marchand Petit, we use Assured Shorthold Tenancy Agreements, individually drawn up to suit your needs and requirements. These are for a minimum fixed period of six months and are accepted in the courts of law and by all major building societies.
DURING THE TENANCY
7. When do the tenants pay their rent and when do we receive our cheque?
All rents are due monthly in advance and rent received by us will be transferred into your account, or one nominated by you, within 10 working days of receipt of cleared funds. We will send you a 'statement of account' at the time detailing the rents collected and expenditure incurred by us while acting on your behalf as your managing agent.
8. How do we know whether our property is being looked after properly?
For our Managed Properties, we make regular visits to all the properties on our register and you will be advised of any problems that are found during these visits. We also visit the property for other reasons such as late or non-payment of rent, following up problems as reported by the Tenant(s) or if we believe the Tenancy Agreement may have been breached.
9. Who is responsible for repairs and general maintenance?
Generally, you are responsible for all costs incurred for repairs and general maintenance. We have a comprehensive list of accredited contractors we use or, alternatively, we will be pleased to follow your instructions and use your nominated contractors should you wish.
10. Who is responsible for garden maintenance?
Under the terms of the Tenancy Agreement, your Tenant(s) are responsible for your garden and its maintenance and it is, therefore essential that sufficient tools in good working order are included in the inventory for this to be carried out. If your Tenant(s) fail to carry out garden maintenance, we will arrange for the service of a professional gardener and charge the tenant accordingly.
N.B. It is unlikely that your Tenant(s) will do more than keep the grass cut and borders weeded. If you wish to maintain your garden to a higher standard, please feel free to discuss this with us.
11. Can we visit our property during the period of tenancy?
Yes. However, prior arrangements must be made through our office in sufficient time for us to advise your Tenant(s).
