Landlords Information

The Process, Step 1- Market Appraisal

We will organise to view your property and will discuss the rental value using comparable evidence of properties that have recently rented, market conditions, a marketing strategy, landlord protection products and landlord obligations. As an expert letting agent and property management agent in the Hastings, Bexhill and surrounding areas we have in-depth knowledge of the local market so will advise you of any changed you may need to make to your property to achieve the best price and to attract the best tenant.

Step 2- Service Levels

There are three levels of service available, full management, rent collection and tenant find. Which service you chose depends on your experience as a landlord and how much involvement you want to have in the day-to-day management.

Step 3- Marketing

As soon as we receive your instructions we will prepare marketing particulars. These will include professional style photography, floor plans and in depth information regarding the property and location. These details will then be uploaded to our website along with Rightmove. Our fully qualified and trained staff will then contact by phone, email and text message suitable applicants that are registered with us looking for rented accommodation. Your property will also be displayed in our easily accessible office window.

Step 4- Viewings

All of our viewings are accompanied by a trained member of staff who will have extensive knowledge of the local area being able to provide information on local employment and schools etc. We will arrive for a viewing 10 minutes early to prepare by opening curtains or windows if required and be fully equipped with the property particulars and at all times conduction ourselves in a professional manor and looking out for buying signals.

Step 5- Negotiations

It is our job to get you the best price from the best tenant therefore we will negotiate on your behalf to achieve this. We will negotiate the monthly rent, the term of the tenancy, deposit amount, any break clauses or special conditions and prepare a comprehensive Assured Shorthold Tenancy Agreement. All offers will be confirmed to both parties in writing as soon as possible after the offer has been made.

Step 6- Preparing your property to let

As a landlord you have a responsibility to provide good quality and safe accommodation for your tenants. Here at Meridian Property we will assist you with these and help you along the way. Please see Safety Regulations.

General Condition and Cleaning

We recommend that the property is cleaned and in good decorative order prior to each new tenancy granted on the property. This will help achieve the best price from the most appropriate tenant. We can assist in obtaining quotes for such works and instructing these.

Step 7- Referencing Your Tenant

Upon your acceptance of an offer and subject to contract we will employ an independent referencing company to take up references. These include:

  • Full credit check- to make sure there is not a history of bad credit
  • Employment reference- to check the breakdown of income and verify affordability
  • Existing landlord reference- to make sure the tenant has not been in rent arrears and has looked after their existing property.

Our strict referencing procedure helps us find the most appropriate tenant for our landlords and help minimise the risk of rent arrears and damages.

Step 8- Tenancy Agreement and Inventory

We will prepare the tenancy agreement for signing by both parties and take care of inventory arrangements by instructing a professional clerk. An inventory is important as it provided evidence of the condition of the property prior to the tenant inhabiting. It is difficult to claim money from a tenants deposit without an inventory.

Step 9- Deposit and First Months’ Rent

We will collect the first months’ rent and pay this to your nominated account and a deposit which will be protected using the Deposit Protection Service (DPS). It is a legal requirement for tenant’s deposits to be protected under an approved government scheme. If you fail to do this it can be difficult to evict a tenant and will invalidate an eviction notice. We take care of this requirement.

Step 10- Move in

On move day we will check your tenants into their new home, this will include the following:

  • Signing the inventory and check in report
  • Giving the tenants vital information i.e. location of stopcock, meters and bin arrangements.
  • Provide the tenants with a copy of the gas safety certificate, EPC and other safety certificates.
  • Tenants Welcome Pack- We will provide your tenants with a welcome pack advising them the procedure regarding maintenance and emergencies along with information on how to help reduce the risk of condensation and other helpful information.

Please click for our Complaints Handling Procedure

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