Step by Step Guide To Letting Your Property

Why Choosing the Right Letting Agent Matters
Selecting the right letting agent is key to maximizing your property's rental value, finding reliable tenants, and ensuring smooth, ongoing management. When making your choice, consider factors such as their approach to marketing, how they handle property viewings, their local presence, and their ability to attract a pool of quality tenants.

At Davis & Co Property Letting, we emphasize not only exceptional service but also full compliance with industry standards. This means you can trust us to safeguard your property, your finances, and your peace of mind.

Choose the Service Level That Works for You
Selecting the right service level depends on how much time and responsibility you’re ready to commit as a landlord. At Davis & Co Property Letting, we offer a range of flexible letting service options designed to suit every type of landlord.

Tenant Find
We’ll handle the search for your next quality tenant, ensuring a smooth start to your tenancy.

Rent Collection / Part Managed
We take care of finding reliable tenants and collecting rent on your behalf each month, while you remain responsible for liaising with tenants and managing property maintenance.

Fully Managed
Our fully managed service allows you to step back while we take care of everything—from tenant check-in to managing maintenance and handling tenancy check-outs.

Our skilled negotiators carry out dozens of rental valuations each month. With their in-depth local knowledge and real-time insights into market trends, they are perfectly positioned to help you secure the best possible rental value for your property.

We assess your property’s rental value using a combination of factors, including its location, size, condition, and unique features, as well as current demand and market trends. By leveraging our extensive database of comparable properties, we ensure our valuations are accurate and competitive.

Simply complete our 'contact us' form to book in your valuation.

Making the Right Impression
When it comes to letting your property successfully, first impressions matter. Attracting quality tenants who will care for your property starts with presenting it in a clean, tidy, and well-maintained state. 

A few simple, low-cost improvements can go a long way.

Consider tackling any unfinished DIY tasks and decluttering spaces to create a fresh, inviting atmosphere. Even a quick coat of paint can breathe new life into your property.

At Davis & Co Property Letting, we provide expert advice on showcasing your property to its fullest potential. With high-level photography and thoughtfully crafted property details, we ensure your property stands out to prospective tenants.

Ensuring Compliance and Peace of Mind
Letting out a property comes with important legal responsibilities. Landlords must obtain various certificates, such as an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC), a Gas Safety Certificate (GSC), and PAT tests, among others. 

At Davis & Co Property Letting, we’re here to guide you through the legal requirements to ensure your property is fully compliant.

A comprehensive, professional inventory is also essential. This detailed record of your property’s condition and contents is invaluable for ongoing inspections and the check-out process. 

Depending on the service level you choose, we can help arrange this for you, giving you peace of mind that everything is documented accurately.

Maximizing Exposure to Find the Best Tenants
To secure the ideal tenant for your property, it’s essential to reach the widest audience of quality renters.

At Davis & Co Property Letting, we offer comprehensive marketing solutions designed to give your property the exposure it deserves. By choosing us, you’ll benefit from:

• Listings on major property websites.
• A dedicated listing on our own website.
• Eye-catching displays in local groups.
• Accompanied viewings to showcase your property to prospective tenants.
• Email alerts sent directly to tenants matching the right criteria.

Our approach ensures your property gets the attention it needs to attract reliable tenants quickly and efficiently.

Securing the Tenancy with Confidence
Once the rental has been agreed upon, it’s crucial to thoroughly vet prospective tenants. This includes referencing, credit checks, and confirming their right to rent in the UK.

At Davis & Co Property Letting, we go beyond the standard checks. While many agents only review a tenant’s history over the last three months, we dig deeper—examining up to 24 months of history to give you greater confidence in your tenant's reliability and suitability.

Next, a tenancy agreement is prepared. This agreement must comply with all current regulations, tailored to the specific location of the property. At this stage, the deposit and the first month’s rent are collected.

It’s a legal requirement to register the deposit with a Government-approved deposit protection scheme once the tenant has moved in. At Davis & Co Property Letting, we ensure this process is handled efficiently and in full compliance with the law. Our Landlord’s Guide to Tenancy Deposit Protection provides clear, straightforward information to help you understand your responsibilities.

Ensuring a Smooth Move-In Process
Before handing over the keys and checking the tenant into the property, it's essential to ensure that all necessary paperwork is completed.

Providing a tenant handbook with important information—such as rubbish and recycling days, the locations of meters and stopcocks, appliance manuals, and more—can help prevent numerous questions and misunderstandings down the line.

Additionally, the inventory must be signed by the tenant to confirm the condition of the property. It’s also crucial to notify the relevant utility suppliers (council, water, gas, and electricity) that the tenant has moved in, ensuring everything is set up for a smooth transition.

At Davis & Co Property Letting, we guide you through every step of the move-in process to ensure compliance and to provide your tenants with the information they need for a hassle-free experience.

Understanding Your Responsibilities as a Landlord and Tenant

Both you and your tenant have key responsibilities that must be upheld throughout the tenancy.

Your Tenant's Responsibilities
Your tenant is required to:

• Pay the agreed rent on time each month.
• Pay the council tax.
• Cover utility bills and the TV licence unless otherwise agreed.
• Use the property solely as a home, not for commercial purposes.
• Take good care of the property and its fixtures and fittings.
• Handle basic maintenance tasks.
• Keep the property secure at all times.
• Notify you or your letting agent promptly if any repairs are needed.
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Your Responsibilities as a Landlord
Your obligations will depend on the service level you’ve chosen. At a basic level, your tenant can expect you or your letting agent to:

• Allow the tenant to live in the property undisturbed. If access is required, 24 hours' notice must be given.
• Maintain the property in good repair.
• Ensure that all gas, electricity, and water supplies are properly installed and functional.
• Provide operating instructions for appliances and equipment.
• Insure the property, along with your contents, fixtures, and fittings.
• Charge a fair market rent.

Routine inspections are an excellent way to ensure that both the property and the tenancy are in good order. Depending on your chosen service level, Davis & Co Property Letting can arrange inspections on your behalf, giving you peace of mind that everything is running smoothly.

Ending the Tenancy: Step-by-Step 

At the end of a tenancy, it’s essential for the landlord or letting agent to formally take possession of the property. Key steps include:

1. Final Inspection: Visit the property to ensure it is in an acceptable condition. Verify that the rent is fully paid, all keys have been returned, and the property is clean and well-maintained.
2. Paperwork Completion: Complete any remaining paperwork, obtain a forwarding address from the tenant, and notify the utility providers of the tenant's departure.
3. Assessing Property Condition: Conduct a thorough assessment of the property and its contents, referencing the inventory. Consider Fair Wear and Tear when evaluating any damage or issues.
4. Returning the Deposit: If the property is in good condition and all obligations have been met, the tenant's deposit should be returned in line with legal requirements.

At Davis & Co Property Letting, we’re here to support you through every step of the tenancy process, ensuring all requirements are met and transitions are handled smoothly.