Landlord Services
Homesmart are specialists at property management services in West Yorkshire, with more than 165 properties currently in our care owned by more than 140 landlords. Our lengthy experience and knowledge of property management in the Spenborough area gives our clients confidence and peace of mind. Here are the services we undertake for each of our landlords who choose our full property management service.
Property Assessment
From the outset we advise you on getting your property ready to put on the market to let. Our assessment includes advice on health and safety issues, legislation you need to be aware of, plus other tips to place your property in the best condition for renting. Advertising at the right market rent is crucial and achieving the highest market rent bearing in mind current demand which is where our advice is invaluable. Fresh paint, clean carpets, working light bulbs, spotless fixtures and fittings, and tidy gardens all help to attract good tenants. An ill maintained property shows an uncaring landlord and will only attract a poor tenant.Advertising and Marketing
As soon as your property is ready to market, we check our contact database and inform prospective tenants who have registered with us that there is a property matching their requirements. We will create a great description and take photographs to produce a brochure.
Your property will be advertised on all of the top ranking websites to reach the widest audience possible. 90% of our letting enquiries are received via the internet. However, we will also get a great response from branded To Let boards with clear contact details.
Accompanied Viewings
We carry out viewings six days per week including daytime and early evening to suit the viewer.
Tenant Referencing
We vet tenants thoroughly, requesting sight of their original identification, wage slips, proof of address and UK visa documents (if applicable). No fees are required upfront but we can take a holding fee of one week's rent.
Bond
We obtain a holding deposit whilst we are waiting for the tenant to move in. This means that should they later withdraw, you are not left out of pocket. The first month's rent and bond is paid in advance with the bond paid to an approved government run scheme until the end of the tenancy. This way, both the tenant and landlord can be sure the bond is fully protected.
Inventory and Tenancy Agreements
Once the applicant has passed, we prepare the paperwork including an Assured Shorthold Tenancy Agreement and an inventory/schedule of condition report. The inventory will list a wall to wall description of every room internally and externally. The purpose of this inventory allows us to monitor the condition of your property and belongings on an ongoing basis. It also enables us to carry out the checkout as a tenant leaves.
Should any dispute arise, it provides documentation for the bond dispute service. If in the event that the tenant has not looked after any of your belongings/property then the inventory will assist us in whether any of the bond should be retained to repair/replace if required. We will deal with deposit disputes on your behalf no matter how lengthy the process at no extra cost.
Buildings/Contents and Rent Guarantee Insurance
We can arrange buildings insurance for you and if you want the added knowledge that your rent is protected we can arrange rent guarantee insurance as well.
Ongoing Inspections
We carry out inspections on your property initially after three months and then six-monthly throughout the tenancy and inform you of the condition on an ongoing basis.
Renewals
On your behalf we also negotiate tenancy renewals at no extra cost and will advise on rent increases where we think it possible.
Rent Collection
On a monthly basis we will collect the rent from your tenant and pay directly into your account, less our commission. This process is done within one working day of receipt. We only take commission if there is a rent credit so if the tenant does not pay rent we are not paid. It is therefore in our best interest to find the right tenant from the start. A comprehensive statement will be produced either by email or post which can then be given directly to your accountant if you have one.
Repairs and Maintenance
We are available 24/7 for emergency calls from the tenant. We can arrange for repairs and maintenance to be carried out. Our team of local tradesmen have worked with us for many years. They provide a top class, cost effective service at a pre-arranged trade cost. If you wish to carry out your own repairs and maintenance or have people that you want to use that is absolutely fine. The service we offer isn't compulsory.
Fees
We require no money up front and we work with you on a no let no fee basis. Typically the cost for management is £100.00 taken from the first month's rent and then 10% of the collected rent. VAT is payable at the prevailing rate. Landlords with more than one property will be given a discount depending on the number of properties in the portfolio.