Residential Lettings
Welcome to Fry & Kent‌ Fry & Kent are a highly successful Sales,
let quickly. Our fully relational database is constantly
Lettings and Property Management company
updated with information about properties, landlords,
with over 40 years experience in Portsmouth
tenants and prospective tenants. We have an active
and South East Hampshire.
book of pre-qualified tenants looking for property
Our prominently located offices in Southsea,
throughout these areas
Drayton and Old Portsmouth. Our intimate
If you are considering letting your property contact us
knowledge of the area and our expertise means
today and an experienced member of our team will visit
that we can help you maximise the return on
your property, meet with you and provide a complete
your investment.
market appraisal, FREE of charge.
We offer a first class service to all our clients and are members of several professional organisations.
Instruct us to let your property and will find that we really do manage to combine the best of the old - traditional values, sound advice and customer service with the
We match our service to individual needs and circumstances, from simply collecting rent to a complete guaranteed rent.
best of the new -- Electronic communication (where it is appropriate) Internet and social media marketing and advertising. Our experienced and friendly staff have in
High impact marketing and regular full colour advertising
depth local knowledge that is second to none. You can
in the local papers - as well as our own website and
rely on us for regular updates to ensure you are kept
several web portals ensures our clients properties are
informed every step of the way.
The Property Ombudsman
Marketing your property‌ Preparing your property to rent
Finding a suitable tenant quickly is the best way to
Increasing the desirability of your property by presenting
maximise rental income - here is how we do it‌
it in the best possible way will maximise your rental figure
Advertising and Promotion
by reducing marketing time and minimising void periods.
Despite the increasing use of the internet traditional
It is important that the property looks inviting to
media still serves as an important source of prospective
prospective tenants. We
tenants. We use traditional advertising in a range of
recommend proper cleaning
publications: Local Newspapers, Directories and
before marketing. It is a
Magazines - backed up with local networking and
condition of the tenancy that it
work in our local community. We have excellent
is left in the same state at the
relations with the editorial departments of the local
end of the tenancy as it was
press, often resulting in useful exposure within the
started - so this is a worthwhile
property supplements. Where agreed
investment. The rooms should
necessary national advertising can be
be free from clutter with only
arranged.
the fixtures and fittings that are
Prominent Office Locations
to be left for use by the incoming tenant on display. We recommend a choice of neutral colours for the decor. We have approved contractors for cleaning, decorating and general repair if required. The property can be let either furnished or unfurnished. In either case, it should have curtains and carpets where applicable. Where a property is to be let furnished, it should have the appropriate number of beds, wardrobes and chests of drawers. The kitchen must have white goods and the extent of these is a major factor in tenants paying the highest rental values. For example, many tenants look for dish washers and tumble dryers in addition to the standard equipment. Quality bathrooms with showers are also important.
Eye catching window displays and an inviting office for tenants to discuss their property needs creates a positive atmosphere. Our provide the perfect backdrop to promote your property. We are fortunate to be located on streets with good footfall alongside interesting shops.
Web footprint Internet exposure is a key element in a successful marketing programme and we continue to see growth with our internet initiatives. We have an ongoing webmail campaign which sees above market average readership and click through.
Experienced… Established agent, Fresh approach… Our website ensures that all properties are displayed the
Tenant Selection
same day as instructions are received. In addition to our
All viewing appointments are accompanied by an
own successful website, all our properties feature on
experienced member of the lettings team. At this point
the most popular property portals: ensuring continuous
we often get a good feel for the tenants and advise
marketing. We vary our web presence from month to
accordingly. Once a tenant agrees to rent a property, a
month to maximise its value to our clients.
holding deposit is taken together with referencing fees.
New Media and Texting
An independent, specialist company who report to us
Social networking provides a small but relevant marketing process for high tech purchasers.
Network referrals Our long standing relationship with major relocation agents provide us us with an opportunity to introduce additional top quality tenants registered exclusively on their books. We have built up good relations over many years with select lettings agents that border our immediate area on which we can call to further strengthen our market coverage.
on the suitability of the tenant seeks references. These findings are of course reported to you for your approval.
Each tenant is assessed on the basis of… • Employment reference • Previous Landlord reference where applicable • Search of public records for evidence of previous address and credit score Once we have finalised all the details of the tenancy, we will arrange for all parties to sign the agreement and collect one months advance rent together with a security deposit, equivalent to six weeks rent prior to release of keys. This will be collected in advance of
Property Details
any occupation and returned, subject to any deductions,
High quality property details and professionally printed
after the tenancy has expired.
brochures are our opportunity to provide prospective tenants with the best possible insight into your property. Our new contemporary presentations include variously: colour images, location map, floor plan and useful information to assist with their decision making process.
Professional lettings Let Only Service
Let & Rent Collection
The Let Only service is designed to find a
Under this service, we offer all the features
Tenant for Landlords who have arranged
and benefits of the Let Only service as
their own management of the property, but
detailed above – inspection and appraisal of
require professional supervision whilst locating
your property, marketing and viewings etc.
Tenants and setting up the legal aspects of the
In addition to this, our Let & Rent Collection
Tenancy. Our Let Only service encompasses the
service benefits:
following : •
•
•
Collection of rent on a monthly basis and
Advice on the rent attainable for your property and
transferring net funds accordingly. This can be
how to maximise this income, including utilising our
achieved by means of a cheque direct to the
market knowledge on presentation, furnishing and
Landlord where requested, or more efficiently, by
potential areas requiring attention; enabling you to
using the latest automated banking systems we
achieve the highest possible returns.
can pay funds directly into your nominated Bank account.
All marketing and advertising tools to attract suitable Tenants including weekly advertising in
•
showing all income and any expenditure.
local property publications and property listings on websites such as findaproperty.com, primelocation.
Each month you will receive a full detailed statement
•
We will also arrange for the re-letting of the property
com and the nation’s favourite property website
to the same or new Tenants on the Landlord’s behalf
rightmove.co.uk. Also, in-house advertising to
at the end of the initial agreement period.
coincide with our own interactive website; including digital photographs, floor plans and interactive maps where available.
•
This level of tenancy management is enjoyed by many of our existing long-term Landlords, who perhaps have more than one buy-to-Let investment.
•
Accompanying all prospective Tenants on viewings.
There is no management service per se, however
•
Interviewing and thorough referencing of all Tenants.
Landlords enjoy the piece of mind achieved by
•
Collection of the first months rent payable in advance, along with the equivalent of one and a half months rent as security deposit.
•
Deposit registration within our approved and recognised Government backed schemes.
•
Arranging future rental payments direct to you via standing order mandate.
•
The preparation of an inventory of your property before Tenants occupy. Optional service -see the ‘inventories’ section for applicable charges.
having the rent collected.
Positive results… Full Management
Executive Homes Service
Our Full Management service is a complete
Our Executive Homes service is a Fully
management and administration service for
Managed and Fully Inclusive Service which is
Landlords who do not wish to deal directly
designed to let you relax while we take away all
with Tenants, or who may be unable to monitor
of the work and stress of renting your property.
a tenancy due to residing overseas or other
This has been created with the aim of serving
commitments. In addition to our Let Only
those Landlords who own a quality property
service and Let and Rent Collection service:
and require an agent who can provide both a
•
Assembling our own comprehensive management file on behalf of the Landlord, covering all aspects of
expectations. Some of the key benefits of this
the property administration including insurance, tax,
service are:
utilities, service charges, any other rates or taxes, Landlord’s tradesmen, and emergency contact details whether at home or abroad. •
Tenant and service levels that exceeds their
Undertake all day to day liaison with the Tenant and
•
Maximised rental return
•
Guaranteed no rent arrears - Ever!
•
Full compliance with all current legislation.
•
Professional cleaning of your property both before
Landlord to ensure smooth running of your property,
and after each tenancy at no cost to you.
including regular visits - usually every three months.
•
Quality fully vetted tenants
After each visit, we will submit a written report on
•
Fry & Kents own loss of Rent and Legal Expenses
our findings. As standard, when appointed in this capacity, the Landlord undertakes to allow Fry & Kent to carry out any repairs costing up to £100.00 + VAT. However, we will endeavour to agree non-emergency repairs with the Landlord before we allow a contractor to carry out any work required. Our Full Management service offers the Landlord complete peace of mind with minimum involvement throughout the letting period.
Warranty. •
Dedicated Landlord Centre
•
On-line property statements available 24/7
•
End of Tenancy deposit dispute handling
•
Fully inclusive monthly fee - no hidden or unexpected costs.
Landlord Checklist There are many details to attend to when preparing your property for letting. This checklist is designed to guide you through the essential items that need attention prior to a tenancy starting.
If your reply to any of the questions below is no or you are unsure one of our lettings experts will will be please to assist you.
Landlords Check List Have you obtained consent to let from your Mortgage Lender/FreeHolder/Insurance Company? Have you arranged for your mail to be forwarded? Have you employed the services of an Accountant? Have you applied to the Inland Revenue for exemption from tax deduction? Applicable to non resident landlords only Have you advised any neighbours of the let and provided details for emergencies? Have you arranged for safety checks to be carried out on Gas, Electrical supply and equipment? Have you removed or replaced all non compliant furniture or furnishings? Do you have smoke alarms fitted? Has the property, including windows been professionally cleaned? Have all personal items been removed to give tenants maximum storage? Have you arranged building and contents insurance for the property have have any items of personal/monetary value been separately insured? Have you provided sufficient sets of keys, including any entrance or parking swipe cards? His the garden in seasonal order with tools available, including a lawn mower for tenant’s use? Is there a working telephone line at the property? Have you left instruction booklets for all appliances in the property? Has a professional inventory of contents been made? Have the utility companies, service providers and council tax office been notified of a change of occupant?
Yes
No
Furnishings Checklist It is an offence to let out a property containing furniture and furnishings that do not comply with the Furniture and Furnishings Fire and Safety Regulations 1988. The regulations apply to all upholstered furniture manufactured after 1950, including all soft furnishings, foam filled items, loose and stretch covers. Including sofas, chairs, pillows, beds, mattresses, headboards, stools cushions, nursery furniture and garden furniture suitable for indoor use.
Any furniture left for the use of the tenant or any furniture and furnishings stored by the landlord in a garage or attics must comply. Compliant furniture will bear the appropriate labels. If the label has been removed, proof of purchase in the UK is required to prove compliance.
Please tick where appropriate
Room
Item Description
Label
Pre 1950 Receipt
Legal and Practical Issues‌ Lettings Agreements
Payment of Rent
We pride ourselves on having up to date agreements.
Rent is payable monthly in advance by the tenant, by
They are written in plain English and are consistent with
Standing Order where possible. Statements are sent
the Office of Fair Trading’s guidance in respect of Unfair
monthly
Terms of Contract. Our agreements have been pre-
Inspections
approved by most major high street lenders and all prior notice grounds of possession are included as required.
Our landlords have peace of mind knowing they have left their property in expert hands. Each property is regularly
Consents
visited to ensure it is being looked after and all day to day
If your property is mortgaged you will need to obtain
issues are taken care of by our professional team.
consent from your Bank or Building Society prior to
Service, Repairs and Maintenance
letting. We will be happy to liaise with your Bank or Building Society.
We have select subcontractors available to take care of any emergency repairs. We ask tenants to report any
Insurance
essential repairs or damages to us immediately. Where
You will need to advise your insurers that you are
possible we will contact you regarding any works,
letting the property and ensure that you comply with
however we reserve the right to act in your best interests
any conditions imposed. This applies to both buildings
to carry out emergency repairs deducting these costs
and contents insurance. Your tenant should also have
from rent due. We will arrange routine maintenance and
contents insurance in place - you are not responsible
repair work up to an agreed limit. We will refer larger
for their possessions. We have a range of excellent rent
expenditure to you for approval.
protection and household policies available for which we
Deposits and Final Inspection
will be pleased to quote.
A deposit against damage is held for each tenancy
Inventory
typically equivalent to six weeks rent. At the end of the
Within our fees* we will prepare an inventory to include
term we will inspect the property, collect keys, ensure it
a description of the general state of decoration and
is secure and return the deposit if everything is in order.
contents prior to the let together with signed acceptance by the tenant. Any repairs or replacements to be made to satisfy the inventory at the end of the tenancy can be paid from the deposit held.
All deposits are kept in a separate client account. We hold Professional Indemnity Insurance and Clients Money Protection Insurance in accordance with our Tenant Deposit Scheme membership.
HomeLet Landlord’s Insurance
Important Information
We are a Homlet premier partner and can offer a wide
Energy Performance Certificate - Required as of the 1st
range of cost effective insurance products; building,
October 2008 for all rental properties and lasts for ten
contents, emergency assistance and rent guarantee.
years as long as no alterations are made to alter the
HomeLet has been one of the UK’s leading providers of tenant references and insurance solutions to the lettings
energy efficiency of the property. We can arrange this for you. It must be available prior to marketing a property.
industry for almost two decades, which means they
Gas Safety
understand the risks you face as a landlord. HomeLet
It is a Statutory Requirement that all properties that have
currently protect over £1.1 billion
any gas appliances are tested
of landlord’s buildings and £102
annually and a ‘Landlords
million of landlord’s contents, and
Certificate’ issued. The tests
last year alone HomeLet paid out
cover general operation
more then £2.5 million in Rent
and safety, inspection of
Guarantee claims.
combustion, pressure test, vent check and flue check. All
HomeLet have designed a
checks must be undertaken by
range of landlord’s insurance
Gas Safe registered engineers.
policies that protect you from
A written record must be kept
the perils you could face as a landlord. Their Landlords Insurance+ Buildings or Full Contents policies include free Emergency Assistance, cover for loss of rent, new for old replacement on contents, rebuilding the property
and made available for inspection by any tenant. These inspection records must be kept for a period of not less than two years.
from events like fire and flood and £5m Property Owner’s
Furniture and Furnishings
Liability cover.
Anything in the property which is upholstered or has a
HomeLet provide specialist landlord’s insurance for
filling material must comply with Fire Safety Regulations
landlords with just one property, as well as Portfolio
with the exception of antique furniture. All furniture
Insurance for landlords with more then one rental
manufactured after 1st March 1989 is required to comply
property. So, whether you’ve got one or 30 let
with this legislation and will be labelled accordingly. If
properties, you can get a quote today.
items are not labelled, they do not comply and may not be left in the property.
Legal and Practical Issues cont… Smoke Alarms
Such items Include…
Building regulations require that all properties built after
•
Agent Fees
•
Insurance premiums
•
Service charges and ground rent
June 1992 must have a mains operated inter-connected smoke alarms fitted on every level. Older properties do
•
Service or maintenance contract
not have to comply but landlords are well advised to
•
Repairs and necessary maintenance works
provide at least battery operated smoke alarms.
•
Legal and accounting fees
•
VAT on all applicable charges
Electrical safety The law requires that all equipment supplied is safe. In
Non-resident landlords
practice, the only effective way to ensure compliance and
Income tax is payable on all rental income arising from
tenants safety is by employing a competent person to
property in the UK regardless of the residential status
test the equipment before the property is let. Instruction
of the landlord. If you are currently overseas or intend
booklets for the operation of electrical equipment should
moving abroad then further rules apply and you will still
be supplied.
normally be required to pay the lower rate of income tax
Carbon Monoxide Landlords should consider installing a carbon-monoxide alarm.
Other safety regulations Generally, any products supplied with the property must
on the net income earned on any let property. There are some additional obligations on our part, where we are required to withhold a proportion of rental income equivalent to the basic rate of tax and pay this directly to the Inland Revenue unless we receive a written exemption.
be in good working order. For example, lawnmowers should connect through RCD protected plugs, any glass up to a height of 1,500mm in doors and 800mm in glass panels from floor level must be 6mm toughened safety glass. Additionally, a landlord should provide the tenant with relevant operational information for any product which may have any risk associated with its use.
Taxation The rental income you receive is viewed as ‘unearned’ income and subject to UK tax, whether you are a resident in the UK or abroad and must be declared on your Self-Assessment return. Certain items may be offset against the rental income so you should keep copies of your monthly statements and invoices.
We strongly advise any landlord to appoint an accountant to deal with their tax affairs as many of the costs incurred in renting can be offset against the income. We are able to advise you on the necessary forms that need to be completed in order to request this exemption, allowing us to pay your rent without any tax deduction.
www.fryandkent.com SALES AND LETTINGS 139 Havant Road Drayton, Hants P06 2AA T: 023 9221 0101 `The Seagull` 13 Broad Street Old Portsmouth PO1 2JE T: 023 9235 5366 7/9 Stanley Street Southsea, Hants PO5 2DSE T: 023 9281 5221 E: sales@fryandkent.com lettings@fryandkent.com PROPERTY MANAGEMENT 12 Marmion Road Southsea PO5 2BAT T: 023 9282 2300 E: propertymanagement@fryandkent.com