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Attention Landlords!
Ignorance of the Law can seriously damage your wealth!
Are you aware that since April 2007 on any new or renewed Assured Shorthold tenancy you must by Law take specific steps to protect the tenant's deposit and be able to prove you have done so?
Do not let your own or your existing agent's ignorance of this crucial legal obligation cost you the fine that goes with it.
To ensure you are complying contact Castle Estates for a free copy of our Landlord factsheet on this critical subject.
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Further Information
Castle Estates
(South London)
Residential Letting Agents & Property Managers
212 St Ann's Hill, London, SW18 2RU
Tel: 0208 870 9534
Fax: 0845 121 0024
Calling from abroad +44 208 870 9534
Preparing for Letting
Assessment of the Property
Various factors need to be taken into account when advising a Landlord on how they should best proceed with their letting.
The location, condition and size of the property, standard of contents and fittings provided and prevailing market forces are all factors which must be considered. A comprehensive assessment of your property will be undertaken by an experienced Castle Estates representative visiting the property to carry out an initial inspection, following which all relevant issues will be discussed in greater detail with you. This enables you to ask any questions that you may have and discuss any particular concerns. This service is provided free and with no obligation.
Should I Let Furnished or Unfurnished?
The market is generally evenly divided between demand for furnished and unfurnished properties, though most lettings to a Company as tenant will usually be on a furnished basis. If furnished then of course the better the standard and presentation of furnishings the greater the opportunity for maximising the rent achievable and letting the property quickly.
All properties should usually include carpets and curtains. Furnished properties will also include the furniture found in most homes - beds, tables, chairs, suite, cooker and fridge, kitchen crockery, cooking utensils and cutlery.
Tips on Presentation
- Neutral decor works best
- Painted surfaces are easier to maintain than wallpaper
- Remove all "clutter"
- Gardens should be neat and tidy
- Professional cleaning is recommended
- If furnishing choose modern contemporary styles
- Ensure all maintenance items have been attended to
Better presentation and quality of the property and furnishings will be reflected in the monthly rental achievable. Linen and towels are not normally included even in a fully furnished property, and we would strongly advise against leaving a television, video or hi-fi equipment etc., other than in executive lets.
We have a schedule giving a suggested inventory, and you may find it useful to refer to this if you are intending to let on a fully furnished basis.
A major consideration for Landlords who have a choice whether to let a property furnished or unfurnished is that there are Regulations which must be adhered to specifically on furnished properties. This is discussed further under "Soft Furnishings - Fire Regulations"
The Inventory
As part of our comprehensive service to Landlords, we arrange an Inventory and Schedule of Condition - as even if the property is unfurnished there must be a Schedule of Condition for the property itself.
Carpets and curtains can be very expensive to replace and unless the condition of these soft furnishings and interior decor is properly documented, you will be unable to claim recompense for any damage at the end of the Tenancy.
