Contact us (in person, by telephone or email) and we will visit to carry out a market appraisal. We will discuss all aspects of being a landlord, the rights and the obligations.

We can act either in a 'letting only' capacity or as full management agents depending on individual requirements.

As 'letting only' agents, we draw up and complete the tenancy, accounting to the landlord who then becomes responsible for the property, rent collection and compliance with all legal responsibilities.

On a 'full management' instruction we handle the day to day running, as set out in 8. Property management.

Upon instruction we will prepare a brochure and commence marketing in the local press and on our website. We will also erect a 'to let' board if appropriate.

Landlord's can conduct viewings themselves so that they have the opportunity to meet prospective tenants. If the property is empty we can retain a set of keys and we will accompany.

We will contact the landlord when an application has been received and will then submit all references for the landlord's approval. If the landlord would like to meet the prospective tenants in advance we can also make arrangements.

We prepare this and will sign the contract on the landlord's behalf as their agent.

Rent is payable monthly in advance (unless agreed otherwise). If we are retained as full managing agents we collect rent and account to the landlord on a monthly basis paying the net rent into the nominated account and sending a commission invoice and statement.

If we are 'letting only' the tenant is required to pay the rent directly into the landlord's bank account.

A deposit equivalent to one or two months rent is secured at the outset. An additional premium is paid by tenants with pets.

The deposit is held as security until the end of the tenancy against any repairs that may be required as a result of the tenants occupation.

As part of our 'full management' package we will:

• take opening meter readings and transfer utility accounts to the name of the tenant
• collect rent
• provide inspection reports to landlord
• evaluate compliance and legal safety checks
• arrange routine repairs
• handle all day to day enquiries
• serve/receive notice for possession/vacation
• undertake periodic interim inspections
• undertake the final inspection and return of deposit

Landlords have an obligation to ensure that their property complies with all the necessary regulations covering the safety of gas appliances, electrical installations and any furnishings supplied for the tenancy.

We can advise prospective landlords on this further and arrange the necessary inspections.

We prepare a detailed record of the condition and contents of the property with additional photographs.

This records the conditions of the property at initial handover and it is used when returning the deposit to the tenants after their vacation.