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Home property Insurance for Wales
Articles
and information about Wales - Part Two Click
here for Part One
Listed
below are a selection of information about Wales
Fact
File - England & Wales
Part
"P" Building Regulations (Electrical Safety in Dwellings)
From
1 January 2005, people carrying out electrical work in homes
and gardens in England and Wales will have to follow the new
rules in the Building Regulations. These apply to all properties
either let as holiday rentals, long term lettings or owner occupied
(not let). The rules are set out in Part P Building Regulations
(Electrical Safety in Dwellings). Failure to comply with these
Regulations is a criminal offence, which could result in a maximum
fine of £5,000 and or imprisonment.
Why
has the Government introduced the new rules?
To reduce the number of deaths, injuries and fires caused by
faulty electrical installations and to make it harder for 'cowboy
builders' to leave electrical installations in an unsafe condition.
In very general terms these regulations require that works,
repairs, maintenance etc., on "electrical installations", in
certain areas of a property, are now known as "notifiable" works
and as such must only be carried out by a "competent person".
Who
is a "Competent Person"?
Someone who is currently registered with an approved self-certification
scheme, which monitors and regulates his or her activities,
competence etc.
The competent person can "self-certify" the relevant works and
he (or she) then has a responsibility to provide the customer
and the local authority building control department with a copy
Certificate relating to the notifiable works. If your property
is let out then you will need to maintain a copy of any such
certificate in their management files for possible future reference.
Someone who is not a "competent person" could still do the works
as long as they seek appropriate approval from their local authority
Building Control department, before and after the works are
carried out. In most cases an officer from the department will
wish to visit the property and inspect the works and may require
the applicant to submit suitable drawings or schematics.
What
does an "Electrical Installation" mean?
Fixed electrical cables or fixed electrical equipment located
on the consumer's side of the electricity supply meter in a
dwelling or in the common parts of a building serving one or
more dwellings; and that includes sheds, garages and greenhouses.
Non
notifiable works:
Although you should take guidance from the Building Control
department generally these would include repairs, replacements
and maintenance; and additions or alterations to existing circuits
outside kitchens and bathrooms: Replacing power sockets (white
laminate with chrome for example), replacing a damaged power
cable, replacing a light switch or ceiling rose, adding lighting
points, sockets and fused spurs to existing circuits as long
as they are not in a special location or special installation.
Special Locations / installations: Kitchen – bathroom/shower
room, garden lighting and swimming pools.
When
the Notifiable work is carried out Will I get a certificate
that the electrical work meets the requirements of the Building
Regulations?
Yes - a qualified installer should give you a signed BS 7671
electrical safety certificate for all types of electrical work.
If you use a registered installer for notifiable work, the operator
of the registration scheme will send you a Building Regulations
compliance certificate. If you use an unregistered installer
for notifiable work, the Building Control Service will inspect
the work to check that it complies with the Building Regulations
before issuing a completion certificate.
What
will happen if the owner does not follow the Building Regulations?
The electrical installation might not be safe. You will have
no record of the work done. You may have difficulty selling
your home if you do not have the right electrical safety certificates.
Your local authority's Building Control Department may insist
that you put right faulty work.
Where
can I get more information?
From your local authority's Building Control Department who
publish a free 'Explanatory Booklet on the Building Regulations'.
Or visit www.odpm.gov.uk/explanatory-booklet for a copy.
N.B. This information should not be relied on for accuracy and
is presented here without the responsibility of jml Property
Service and the website it is being displayed at. ©jml property
Services 04-05
________________________________________________________________
Invest
in a Holiday home property in Britain
There
are now more and more people choosing to holiday in the UK and
they don't want to stay in B&Bs, guesthouses or hotels. They
want to go self catering and because the weather can never be
relied on camping is out of the question. What is the answer?
- self catering holiday accommodation.
Self catering holiday homes in Britain have a lot to offer a
property investor compared to those abroad. Although in 2005
property value in the UK have not risen much and domestic rentals
are still not too buoyant, weekly rentals are generally very
good. You are not tied up with "tenants" all the time if you
don't want to be and the owner can stay there from time to time.
As people are taking more holidays in Britain, house price in
holiday areas have been doing well.The west country has the
highest property surge over the past ten years with Truro in
Cornwall coming top with a 272% rise.
Over the past five years other parts of Britain have seen a
rise as well, like Blackpool in the north west of England. If
prices don't rise (and remember your property is only actually
worth the amount stated when you physically sell it) then naturally
if you are buying, buy in an area that is popular with holidaymakers.
You need adequate living, sleepingand washing space for the
type of people you will want to rent out to. Kitchens need to
be well equipped always with a washing machine, fridge frezer
and if possible a dishwasher. Your renters are on holiday and
they won't want to spend a week or two washing up!
You should consider gardens as well, depending your market either
one just to sit in, have a few barbecues or a slightly larger
one if you are encouraging families. Don't forget, however they
have to be maintained and the visitors will not be doing this
for you!
If you are borrowing money for this business, remember that
you cannot expect a 100% occupancy. Allow for void periods -
heating in the winter when it is empty and ongoing maintenance
and cleaning before the new visitors arrive. We have prepared
some tips for Holiday home CLICK
HERE that should help. We also have another useful
page on our English Cottage Rental / jml Property Services
site on presenting a property CLICK
HERE - this covers holiday lets and longer term
rentals, but the basics still apply.
Finally you must market the property - There are many ways -
Local tourist office - advertising in local, daily and Sunday
newspaper, travel magazines, building your own website and you
will find the majority of these are expensive. One website that
is excellent value just £11.75 per year including VAT is our
associated self catering site. jmlvillas.com. For more information
click here
Good luck running your own self catering holiday home business
N.B.
This information should not be relied on for accuracy and is
presented here without the responsibility of jml Property Service
and the website it is being displayed at. ©jml property Services
08-05
Looking
for Holiday homes insurance in the UK Here CLICK
HERE
________________________________________________________________
Residential
Lettings - Inventories in the UK and the Tenancy Deposit Scheme
(TDS)
Although
it is most advisable to have a very comprehensive property inventorty
for each holiday let you offer - you should not need the procedure
detailed below. You can however base your inventory on the information
supplied in relation to detailed description etc.
The
following information is basically for the longer term lettings
market in the UK - Six months plus rental terms
An Inventory is essential for any letting these days be it furnished
or unfurnished. (If the property is unfurnished it still would
normally have carpet, windows, power points etc and all these
should be taken into account.) A few years ago it was not heard
of to use or even find a professional inventory clerk "north
of Watford", but times have changed.
WHAT
IS AN INVENTORY ?- An inventory is a binding legal document
that provides an accurate written record of the condition and
contents of a property at the beginning of a tenancy. It forms
part of the contract / Tenancy agreement between a Landlord
and Tenant. It is only effective if it is accurate so, all defects
and soiling must be noted. Some landlords do not realise that
although descriptions can appear uncomplimentary, it is those
descriptions that will allow them to prove whether a tenant
caused damage or is liable for cleaning costs.
Many individuals who let property think that a list of items
will suffice, however if you have a dispute with a Tenant and
have to go to court, this "shopping list" might be of little
use. If you are having a professional inventory prepared, then
normally the inventory clerk will supply three copies of the
document. These should go to the Tenant, owner and a managing
agent.
If you are preparing this yourself you should list the items
in room order and give every item an individual number. You
should include the following details with detailed comments
are shown beside each description: (If you are using a professional
inventory clerk they should automatically do this anyway).
Interior
condition and decorative order, plus the fixtures and fittings
including: doors, windows, drapes/blinds, ceilings, walls, carpets
etc
Furniture
and other contents, excluding items which the Inventory Clerk
considers as expendable, such as magazines, living plants etc.
Gardens
are described in layman's terms only. Garden statues, sheds,
outbuildings etc will be described as deemed appropriate.
Lofts,
cellars and similar areas are not normally covered.
Power
points and telephone sockets etc
You
should also include the keys and description supplied.
To minimise costs, most inventory clerks include items which
are of little real value in general terms i.e. "a quantity of
.etc..". Examples of such items are books, tired bedding, used
kitchen utensils/tableware etc. You will find that if you are
using a professional inventory clerk, that naturally you will
pay more for the make if for example you have left your book
library in the letting, as every book would have to be listed.
Should a property contain anything considered an antique or
of great value the Inventory Clerk must be notified and if possible,
ideally, valuations should be provided
Pre
Inventory Cleaning: It is recommended that a property is
cleaned to a professional standard for the start of a tenancy
paying particular care to carpets, curtains, upholstery, kitchens
and bathrooms. If an item is soiled at the start of a tenancy
a tenant can not be charged for cleaning it at the end. Landlords
are also advised to retain all receipts.
CHECK
IN: At a Check in, an Inventory Clerk inspects the property
and compares it to the inventory. Any variations seen are noted
on the inventory. In many cases when an independent clerk is
used they will dictate the inventory and "make it" at the same
time as the check in. This is basically because in so man situations
there is not time to visit a property and "make" the inventory
and then have it typed up in time for the check in when a tenant
moves in. If you are making this yourself then you should have
time to prepare the inventory ready for the tenant checking
in.
If the property has been let before, then normally the same
inventory will be used, however if there have been significant
changes to the property since the inventory was last used it
is likely that a new inventory will be required or an up date.
The 'master inventory' (that agreed at the Check-in) should
be kept safe for use at the end of the tenancy or in the event
of a dispute. The tenant should be provided with a copy together
with a copy of their signature on the declaration page. One
copy of the inventory should be handed to the tenants at the
time of the check in. If the "make" is done at the time of the
check in, the Letting agent or owner should post the inventory
document to the Tenant asking them to acknowledge safe receipt
of it in writing and let them know in writing within so many
days if they do not agree with any of the comments.
It
is also advisable to write to the Tenant when they move in with
the following advice: "NOTES ON AVOIDING PROBLEMS DURING
AND AT THE END OF TENANCIES It is suggested that you familiarize
yourself with the obligations you are responsible for under
the Tenancy Agreement, particularly regarding Rental Payments,
Cleaning, Gardening, Noise and Pets. You must pay rental right
up until the end of tenancy, unless you have a break/release
clause in the agreement. Under the terms of your tenancy, the
deposit cannot be used to pay rent.
Please can you pay particular attention to the following:
Carpets,
Curtains You will be responsible for leaving the property
in a good and clean condition at the end of the tenancy. When
the inventory agent checks you out fair wear & tear is taken
into consideration. You should have the carpets and property
professionally cleaned and it is advisable to retain any receipts
for this work. Be very careful laundering curtains, because
if you accidentally shrink or damage them, you will be charged
for replacements. If in doubt seek professional advice before
cleaning them
General
Cleaning It is a good idea that your cleaners pay attention
to dust on skirting boards, condensation stains on windows,
frames, light fittings, and bathroom fittings, kitchen cupboards
etc. Windows must be cleaned regularly and unless you are in
a block of apartments the external glass as well. If you do
not want to do this, please employ a window cleaner. Ensure
that the tops of kitchen cupboards are cleaned. Cookers, grills,
oven are clean including under the hob rings. Remember that
fat can splash down the sides of cookers. Fridges and freezers
should be defrosted regularly throughout the tenancy. This ensures
they perform better and ice does not obstruct the opening &
closing of compartment doors. Beware of washing paintwork with
bleach and make sure that lime scale build up is regularly removed
from toilets.
Chimneys
Please make sure that these are swept annually, the best
time will be after the winter, but under the terms of the tenancy,
if there is a working fire at the property, You should retain
receipts from the chimney sweep.
Decoration
& wall surfaces If you need to touch up paint during the
tenancy or at the end make sure you are using the correct colour
and texture. It is no good touching up vinyl silk with vinyl
matt. You must obtain consent if you want to hang any pictures
etc. If walls are badly marked, you could be charged for redecorating
all the room. You must not carry out any redecoration (other
than that described above) with out the written consent of the
Landlord. Please take great care when moving furniture about,
or when your removal contractors are moving your belongings
about. We have found from experience that much of the damage
to decoration and doorframes is caused by boisterous children
or badly trained pets. Please also take great care with your
Landlord's furniture
Defects
of the property You must notify the Landlord or Managing
Agent about any defect at the property, or if equipment does
not work. You should not call out a contractor yourself to repair
an item, unless you broke it and would be responsible for payment.
Gardens
Unless there is not a garden or the Landlord is employing a
gardener, you are responsible for keeping the garden in good
condition. If the garden is not properly maintained a professional
gardener will be employed to put it right and you will be charged.
If you are unable to undertake the work, we advise you employ
a professional gardener.
Outbreak
of fleas, vermin or similar household pests etc If there
is an out break of household pests one month after the initial
tenancy, it will be your responsibility to have the problem
attended to.
Guttering,
drainage pipes and cold weather precautions Please remember
you are responsible for paying for the unblocking of waste pipes,
keeping guttering cleaned (unless in an apartment) and ensuring
the pipes do not freeze up in the winter months. Be very careful
not to put boiling fat down sink drains and to clean out gutterings
in the autumn. If you leave the property in the cold weather,
keep the heating running and if you are going to be away for
a few days have the entire system professionally drained down,
It is no good just turning off the cold water supply if there
is still water in tanks and radiators."
CHECK
OUT: - At the end of the tenancy a Check out inspection
is carried out. Notes are made on the 'master inventory' of
any variations since the Check in. An inventory clerk will then
list the significant differences on a Check out report.
Cleaning
is often a major area of dispute. Landlords and tenants are
advised to retain all receipts relating to cleaning and repairs
carried out before or during a tenancy. It should be noted that
an Inventory Clerk cannot comment usefully on any alterations
or additions made after the Check in unless he/she was instructed
to revisit the property in order to examine these changes at
the time they were made.
A useful aide memoir is send a tenant a letter a couple of weeks
before the moving out /check out date with the following information
in it "Professional cleaning The following is a description
of what professional cleaning entails which has been provided
by a professional cleaning company and may prove helpful prior
to your check out being carried out.
KITCHEN
Sink taps de-scaled and cleaned, sink cleaned. All wall
tiles cleaned and polished. All paintwork washed an all worktops
cleaned. All cupboards cleaned inside and out. Floor cleaned
COOKER
Degreased and cleaned including all shelves and dishes,
extractor fan degreased and cleaned.
FRIDGE
Cleaned inside and out and defrosted.
WASHING
MACHINE Cleaned inside and out, soap dispensers removed
if possible and cleaned
Any other appliances cleaned
BATHROOM
All taps de-scaled and cleaned, sink and bath cleaned. Toilet
de-scaled and cleaned. All wall tiles cleaned and polished.
Any other fittings cleaned. Floor Cleaned.
ADDITIONAL
ROOMS All other rooms paintwork washed. All carpets cleaned
and stains professionally removed if possible. All furniture
cleaned and polished. Upholstery cleaned upon request."
The Check-out report is the basis for most claims made by landlords.
A claim is most often viewed more favourably if compiled by
an independent and unbiased party such as an Independent Inventory
Clerk, particularly in a Court of Law.
Another area of major concern is "Fair Wear and Tear" - This
has been defined in part through the legal process. A tenant
cannot be held responsible at the end of a tenancy for changes
to a property's condition caused by what the House of Lords
has called "reasonable use of the premises by the tenant and
the ordinary operation of natural forces (i.e. the passage of
time)." A professional inventory clerk uses experience and common
sense to assess the many factors present before reaching a judgement
as to how much should be allowable for Fair Wear and Tear. Amongst
other things they will consider:-
The
quality of the supplied item (and that varies greatly)
The
condition at the start of the tenancy
The
condition at the end of the tenancy
Any
extenuating circumstances
It is important to realise that the Law does not allow for betterment.
This means that a landlord can not expect to have old replaced
with new at a tenant's expense. A Fair Wear and Tear allowance
must be considered. A tenant has a duty of care to return the
property at the end of a tenancy in the same condition, Fair
Wear and Tear excepted, as that recorded on the Inventory at
the start of their tenancy.
Decorations have an accepted life expectancy. However, there
may be circumstances where excessive wear and tear require a
tenant to pay compensation or charges to make good, e.g. numerous
nail or picture pin holes, torn wallpaper, gouges in walls/woodwork
etc. Charges for cleaning, making good etc are often apportioned
to account for Fair Wear and Tear.
Example:
A tenant renting a property and the inventory from the Check
in inspection notes that the carpet in the living room had not
been freshly cleaned and had a few spot marks. At the end of
the tenancy, the Check out report notes the carpet as soiled.
In this scenario the landlord should not be entitled to full
compensation for the carpet cleaning costs. A fair solution
would be for the tenant to pay a percentage of the cleaning
costs which would be calculated by a professional Inventory
Clerk
Remember, without an inventory report it may prove difficult
for a landlord to make a successful claim against a tenant for
damage repair or cleaning costs. Tenants should also be aware
that if an inventory does not include sufficient notes on the
condition of items at the start of the tenancy, they may be
charged for damage or cleaning that is not their liability.
To ensure that end of tenancy negotiations can be dealt with
quickly and easily it is best to make sure that:
A
full inventory is prepared before a tenancy starts
The
inventory is checked very carefully during the Check-in inspection
and agreed by both parties
The
Check-out inspection is thorough and any items that may lead
to claims are witnessed.
If
you use a Professional Inventory Clerks, they are carrying this
out as their business and spend all day every day
inspecting
properties to make sure that there is sufficient written evidence
to protect landlords and tenants.
Residential
Lettings - Tenancy Deposit Scheme(TDS) - UK
In
the private sector many tenants have been giving their landlord
a deposit against possible non-payment of rent or damage to
property. When a tenancy comes to an end, if there is a disagreement
about the return of the deposit, much hardship and inconvenience
is suffered by both the landlord and tenant.
The Tenancy Deposit Scheme (TDS) means that as from April
2007 deposits will have to be placed in the authorised Tenant
Deposit Scheme. These will either be in "custodial" or "insurance"
schemes which will be run by independent third providers. These
schemes will be able to help resolve disputes. Landlords who
take deposits will have to join a scheme. If they don't they
risk having to pay a penalty of three times the deposit to the
tenant.
SEE
The Tenancy Deposit scheme
In the Custodial scheme landlords will pay deposits into an
account where it will stay until the tenancy ends, when either
party can apply to have it returned. Once the landlord and tenant
agree on how it should be split the scheme adminitrator pays
out.
The insurance scheme is more complex in that the deposit will
be kept by the landlord on the basis that when the tenancy ends,
the amount agreed between landlord and tenant will be paid out
to the tenant.
The
insurance only comes into effect if at the end the tenancy the
landlord doesn't pay back part or all of the deposit. If this
happens, the tenant can ask the administrator to step in and
the landlord will have to pay the amount in dispute into an
account until the dispute is settled. The insurance will pay
out if the landlord fails to pay the deposit into the account.
N.B. This information should not be relied on for accuracy and
is presented here without the responsibility of jml Property
Service and the website it is being displayed at. ©jml property
Services 11-05

________________________________________________________________
Buy
to let – UK- Water Meters and Housing Act 2004
The
Buy to Let market has been growing considerably in the UK
since the mid 1990’s.
If you are considering purchasing a second or third property
to let out, consider the following:
It
should be a medium to long term investment – it is no good
purchasing a property on a rising market and selling it a couple
of years later. You might have made good money on it, but where
are you going to get your income from 10-15 years later on?
Decide
upon the area – Will it be where you live or in a town 200
miles from your home? Contact an experienced letting agent –
They know the market – even in the area you live in. The agent
should be a member of one of the professional associations in
the UK – ARLA – NALS- NAEA – RICS etc.
MaintenanceAvoid purchasing a property that is likely to
cost a lot on maintenance. Has it got flat roofs for example?
FinanceYou should calculate rental and mortgage payments.
Take into consideration that there can be rental void periods
during the year, rents can go down and mortgage rates increase.
DetailThe
property should be well equipped – kitchens – bathrooms to high
specification – tenants have plenty of choice generally in the
UK and if your property is not up to standard they won’t rent
it. If you are furnishing the property don’t consider second
hand furniture. The decoration should be light and neutral colours
are best.
GardensTenants
generally do not like gardening. Think very carefully if you
are going to buy a property with a very long back garden. Who
will maintain it? A gardening service can be expensive, but
you should be able to offset the costs off your tax bill. Consider
making the garden easy to maintain – gravel on the flower borders,
good size patios for barbecues in the summer and if you still
have a lawn remember to leave equipment to maintain it with.
General
Information & Points to note before letting your property: Buy
to let –Investment and Returning owner occupiers
This information is given for general guidance only and should
therefore not be relied on. It has been prepared by an experienced
letting agent operating in the UK market.
It is essential that your property be presented well for letting.
It should be well decorated, clean and tidy to attract a tenant
who will pay a good rental.
Under the 1985 Landlord and Tenant Act, Landlords have a legal
responsibility to ensure that Tenants are “safe from harm”.
This means ensuring that Landlords provide housing that is fit
for habitation.
A property available for rent, must be supplied and maintained
to a good standard. Landlords must ensure the structure, hot
water and water supply, lighting heating and ventilation is
maintained throughout the tenancy.
HOW
DO I LET MY PROPERTY ?
There are several ways to let a property:
Advertise it yourself in the local paper
Advertise on the Internet
Advertise in local shops
Instruct a professional Letting Agent
If you are instructing an agent consider using one that is a
member of one of the following professional organisations:
ARLA
(Association of Residential Letting Agents)
NALS
(National Approved Letting scheme)
NAEA
(National Association of Estate Agents)
RICS
(Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors)
If the letting goes wrong or there are problems receiving your
rent, in many cases if you use an agent that belongs to one
of these organisations you can take the issue up with the relevant
governing body. Tenants often feel more confident renting a
property through an agent that belongs to a professional association.
PRESENTING
THE PROPERTY – decoration , furnishing, equipment to leave
DECORATION
- The quality of the interior decoration may substantially
affect the level of rental achieved. Although it is not possible
to redecorate your own personal home prior to letting it if
you are leaving for work overseas for example, it is essential
that you follow these guidelines if you are planning on letting
an investment property. It is advisable to follow them as far
as possible if you are a returning owner occupier.
Carpets and walls should be neutral. Whites, creams and light
pastel shades and these make a cleaner, fresher impression.
Paint finishes are much easier to maintain than wallpaper. Good
quality curtains and carpets should be provided as they will
have much longer life normally which is most important if you
are planning on letting for several years. Magnolia has now
become very dated and should be avoided if possible.
Kitchens should be well equipped (see follow on section WHAT
TO LEAVE) and bathrooms should have high quality modern
fittings, including a power shower whenever possible (overseas
visitors will usually expect one), good lighting and tiled flooring.
If you are refitting your bathrooms, white fittings never really
go out of date.
Wood flooring is now very popular and gives the illusion of
more space. Kitchens should be tiled or have vinyl covering
and not carpets unless they form part of a kitchen /diner and
the carpet is then suitable for the dining area. If you are
installing wood flooring in an apartment, please check with
the freeholder if it is a new development, as they are not permitted
in some developments because of the noise factor.
Lighting is very important for any let. Downlight spotlights
in Kitchens, bathrooms and other areas help. In furnished properties,
consider providing some table lamps. Don’t forget adequate lighting
outdoors (often with the use of sensors) to have as a safety
feature for the property.
If you have bought a property to let, make sure there are toilet
roll holders, towel rails, mirror, bathroom cabinets or shelves
in the bathroom.
SEE
ALSO HOW
TO PRESENT YOUR HOME
PRESENTATION
TO A TENANT
If
you are showing a prospective Tenant around, the following guidelines
should be noted: The property is clean, there are no dirty washing
up items about and if there are any unpleasant odours, open
some windows and let some fresh air circulate.
Bathroom
areas should be clean and leave the toilet seat down. Beds should
be covered.· Although you might be concerned about people walking
on your carpet, some tenants are not too happy about being asked
to take off their shoes.
Lighting
– even in summer we can have some very dull days, so turn the
lights on first. Lights make a property welcoming. If the viewing
takes place after dark, make sure your front door outside light
is switched on.
Curtains
– If the curtains are pulled over during the day, pull them
back. Just like ensuring sufficient artificial lighting, natural
lighting is equally as important and can give the impression
of more space particularly in smaller properties and rooms.
Garden
areas - Make sure the garden is tidy and inviting
DEFINITIONS
of “FURNISHED, PART FURNISHED or UNFURNISHED LETS”
UNFURNISHED
Let with curtains, carpets and kitchen equipment – Electrical
goods. (N.B. some electrical goods e.g. washing machines can
be rented)
PART
FURNISHED Let with the above plus occasional furniture –
some beds, settee or dining table and chairs etc.
FULLY
FURNISHED Let with the above, but including all furniture,
china, crockery. & Cutlery etc. Do not leave the property with
too much furniture as the appearance could be cluttered and
rooms appear smaller than they are.
WHAT
TO LEAVE – Basic Requirements for a Furnished Letting
Unless
a let is in central London, Bedding, towels, TV’s, Videos are
not included. However, you might be requested to allow the tenant
to erect a satellite dish.
It
is recommended that all items of sentimental or real value be
removed as even the most careful of tenants have accidents.
If you are a returning owner occupier It is important if personal
possessions are stored in a secure area or with friends or family.
If you are storing the items at the property, the storage area
should be secured and keys left at the managing agents offices
or with a relative or friend who can be easily contacted.
Emergency
access should not be denied to a tenant in respect of gas/electricity/water
mains and storage cisterns. N.B. be careful how you store your
belongings. Attic areas can become very hot in the summer and
garages can become very damp in the winter.
Furnishings
–Each room must have adequate furniture for the Tenants’
need and we list below the minimum for an average 4 bedroom
property. Some wall pictures can be included.
Lounge
– Three piece suite, or two sofas, or four lounge chairs, coffee
table. Occasional light
Dining
Room – Dining table, chairs sideboard/dresser/storage.
Kitchen
–
Modern cooker, fridge/freezer or separate units, washing machine,
tumble dryer, (in an apartment consider a washer/dryer) Microwave
– not essential, but becoming more popular.
Kitchen
equipment – Crockery, cutlery, glasses, cooking knives,
chopping board, saucepans, frying pan, wok, electric kettle,
toaster, coffee/tea mugs/cups/saucers, colander, baking tins,
bottle and can opener etc.
Bedrooms
– Beds (complying to Fire and Furnishing regulations), with
mattress protectors, wardrobe, bedside table, bedside lights,
chair, chest of drawers/dressing table, adequate storage for
the number of occupants.
Bathroom/shower
room – shaver point, wall cabinet, toilet roll holder and
towel rail.
General
Household equipment-Vacuum cleaner and tools, brushes, dustpan,
ironing board & iron.
Garden
equipment- Unless you are providing a gardening service,
you should supply a lawn mower (that is capable of cutting long
grass if the tenant misses some cuts), spade, fork, rake, shear,
hoe, wheelbarrow, ladder etc. You might also like to consider
supplying garden furniture.
General:
Make sure there are sufficient TV& telephone sockets around
the property Most tenants usually have a computer these days
and require Internet access.
N.B.
This information should not be relied on for accuracy and is
presented here without the responsibility of jml Property Service
and the website it is being displayed at. ©jml property Services
11-06
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