Community spirit

Thomas Morris have a genuine long-term commitment to our local communities and beyond. Over the years we have won numerous awards for our work in the community, supporting various local and regional organisations.

Providing support in a range of ways

Thomas Morris team members participate in appeals for food, clothing and much-needed funds as well as providing support in many other practical ways.

We believe that simply donating cash (though very important) is not the only way to support a good cause and build strong relationships within the community.

The support we give includes sponsored events held throughout the year, raising thousands of pounds for local, regional and international communities – as well as practical support with initiatives such as litter collection and donating food to local foodbanks.

Our community spirit involves each and every member of staff across all departments - real teamwork!

Delivering bags of winter clothing to a local charity shop

Donating Christmas stockings to those in need

Donating £1,500 to the 3 Pillars

Feeding The Homeless charity

Our staff (and family members!) help pick up litter!

Residential lettings

Whether you’re a professional landlord, have inherited a property, or moved in with a partner and decided to rent out your place - we can help you get the most from your investment. We do this by matching tenants, reducing void periods, ensuring the property is maintained and that it meets the myriad pieces of regulation and legislation involved in residential letting.

The right support to fit your needs

Our Property Management department manages hundreds of rented properties across three counties and has forged a reputation for exceptional service and customer care. You can choose from our fully managed or tenant find services so you get the right support to fit your property and needs.

Valuation & advice

One of our local lettings experts will visit your property and make a professional rental assessment free of charge. Location, size, condition and demand for your property type are all taken into consideration. We will discuss the amount of rent you hope to achieve, and any special conditions you wish to apply (such as whether you will allow smokers etc.) – and the length of time for which you wish to rent the property.

The property must be in good decorative order and we will advise you of any recommended cosmetic work to help achieve its full rental potential. Any works required prior to the letting should be completed before the property is shown to prospective tenants. A property in good condition will achieve a better rental figure, and in general, will be well maintained by the tenants.

We’ll advise what the best market rent is for your property and explain your responsibility as a landlord to third parties when your property is let. You must advise your mortgage lender, insurance company and (if the property is an apartment) the owner of the freehold.

Effective marketing

Your property will be promoted across the entire Thomas Morris network of offices, as well as online via our website and Rightmove.

We have an extensive database of pre-qualified tenants and using email and telephone, we will match your property to suitable applicants. Our team will then begin making arrangements for interested tenants to view your property.

Reference checks for tenants

The ideal tenant is someone who pays their rent on time and treats your property like it’s their own. To give you the best chance of finding the right sort of tenant, we carry out a thorough tenant reference checking process. This ensures that before you hand over the keys, you can be sure your tenant is who they say they are, can afford the rental payments and can be trusted to look after your property.

All prospective tenants have to provide us with photo ID, a suitable landlord reference, a utility bill (for proof of address), a reference from their employer indicating position and length of service.

Viewings

An experienced member of our team will accompany prospective tenants at viewings, which are arranged in advance at a convenient time. All feedback will be quickly conveyed back to you, as well as details of any applications we receive for the property.

Tenancy agreement

Our tenancy agreement has been drawn up to comply with all the necessary legal requirements in order to protect your rights and interests. Special conditions that may be pertinent to the property can also be included in the lease agreement as requested.

In general, tenants pay one month’s rent and five weeks’ security deposit on, or before, the signing of the lease. After the deduction of fees and outlays, we will send you a balancing statement.

Security deposit

If we manage your property, we will hold the security deposit until the end of the tenancy. Otherwise, it is the landlord’s responsibility to register the security deposit with an appropriate tenancy deposit protection scheme and return it to the tenants at the end of their agreement, or when they vacate the property.

Transfer of utilities

We will take meter readings for the gas and the electricity. Where the property uses heating oil, we will dip oil tanks to ensure the same amount of oil is present in the tank when your tenant vacates the property.

Inventory

An inventory is a document that describes the condition of a rental property before a new tenant moves in. We provide a full, detailed inventory for our landlords which is included in the lease agreement and signed by both parties.

Renewal of lease

Most of our clients take advantage of our lease renewal service (available at an additional charge) providing both themselves and their tenants with the peace of mind of that the tenancy is secure for an additional period of time.

At the same time as renewing the lease, we will also review market rents to ensure your property is priced correctly in line with the local marketplace.

Property management

Our dedicated Property Management and Administration Centre looks after all of our landlords’ managed rental properties.

Management service

Regular property visits allow us to assess how your property is being treated, look out for signs of wear and tear and anything that might cause issues in the future.

If any repairs are required, we have a list of reliable, accredited and reputable contractors, all referenced and vetted by us.

If you decide that our management service is for you, we’ll also look after the following on your behalf:

Financial matters

• Collect and forward the rent (less our fees) on a monthly basis to your nominated account.

• Issue monthly statements of account.

• Hold the security deposit, as the stakeholder for the landlord.

• Deduct withholding tax at the appropriate rate (non-resident landlords only).

• Chase late rent payments.

Property maintenance

• Provide an issue reporting and emergency call-out service.

• Visit the property at intervals during the tenancy to check that it is being kept in acceptable condition.

• Deal with any repairs and maintenance issues that arise during the tenancy.

Communication

• Handle and resolve all tenant queries and act as a conduit for contact between the landlord and the tenant.

• Be your representative on all matters relating to the tenancy.

• Hold a spare set of keys in case the tenants get locked out, or there is an emergency.

• Notify you in advance of the lease expiry date to enable renewal and rent review as required.

Optional add-on services

• Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)

• Painter decorators

• Cleaners (internal and external)

• Plumbers & Electricians

• Rubbish removal

• Gas Safety Certification

• Chimney sweep

• General maintenance & repairs

• Key cutting