What do you need to know when letting your property?

Find out right here.

What fees can I expect when it comes to letting my property?

In the UK, lettings fees are a crucial factor when it comes to the landlord choosing an estate agent to manage the rental process. These fees are typically broken down into different categories:

There are tenant finding or introduction fees, which cover the costs incurred by the letting agent for marketing the property, conducting viewings, and selecting suitable tenants. These fees are generally charged as a percentage of the rental income or as a fixed amount.

Then there may be administrative fees, which encompass the costs associated with preparing the tenancy agreement, conducting reference checks, and arranging necessary documentation.

Additionally, landlords may be responsible for inventory fees, which involve the cost of inventory reports detailing the condition of the property and its contents before and after a tenancy.

It’s important to note that as of 2019, tenant fees in the UK have been significantly restricted by the Tenant Fees Act, which prohibits certain charges and sets a cap on others, aiming to ensure fair treatment of tenants.

View our latest fees and the services we provide here.

What do I need to think about when choosing an estate agent?

When you’re looking for an estate agent, you most certainly want to choose someone who:

can see the potential your property has, just like you can
has plenty of experience when it comes to marketing and letting properties like yours
knows your area inside out, and can highlight all the best things about living there to potential tenants.

We have a strong local presence at Kearns Residential, with branches conveniently located in the Hillingdon Borough. Why not browse our portal listings or look at our reviews on Google to see what landlords are saying about our services?

Will you value my rental property for free?

Kearns Residential offer a free valuation of your rental property. There’s no obligation to rent out your home with us afterwards.

Setting a rental value for your home is where the expertise of our agents comes into play.

Our experienced agents with over 80 years of combined experience will consider the location and characteristics of your home as well as market conditions and recent lettings data.

All agents have slightly different opinions when it comes to rental figures. Kearns Residential strives to help you land the most accurate and up-to-date figures.

Please contact one of our agents to book your valuation.

How will you achieve the best rental rates for my property?

Understandably, as a landlord, you want someone to go above and beyond.

Here at Kearns Residential our agents will work with you to create an effective letting strategy tailored to your needs and preferences.

Current market conditions will also be taken into account.

Does your fee cover photography, floor plans and a written description?

Photography, floor plans and even video tours can make all the difference in attracting buyers.

This is why we believe that such things should always be included in our fees.

As a landlord, you’ll want an accurate and enticing description of your property. We take care to emphasise the attractive features of your property to prospective tenants.

What online property marketing is included in your fee?

To get the best possible exposure, Kearns Residential will feature your property on our website, as well as on all major property portals, such as Rightmove, Zoopla, OnTheMarket+

Additionally, included within our fee is the service of connecting you with suitable tenants from our extensive database and showcasing your property on our diverse range of social media platforms, namely Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

Does your fee include offline property marketing?

Due to the housing shortage in Hillingdon, rental properties tend to be occupied very quickly.

Things like a ‘To Let’ sign outside your property, a property brochure and multiple window card displays are great ways to get more interest from local renters and helps your property get maximum exposure.

What are my responsibilities regarding gas and electrical safety?

Landlords in the UK are legally required to ensure that gas appliances and installations in their properties are safe and annually inspected by a Gas Safe registered engineer. Electrical installations and appliances should also be regularly checked for safety by a qualified professional.

Kearns Residential can help to arrange these services for you.

What are the rules regarding tenancy deposits?

In the UK, landlords are responsible for protecting their tenants’ deposits by placing them in a government-approved tenancy deposit protection scheme within 30 days of receiving the funds. At the end of the tenancy, the deposit should be returned promptly, minus any deductions for damages or unpaid rent.

Kearns Residential is able to help arrange the protection of this deposit.

How will you make letting out my property smooth and stress-free?

At Kearns Residential, we have a dedicated team of professionals who specialise in the lettings process and are committed to providing excellent service. Here’s how we ensure a seamless experience:

Extensive Market Knowledge: We have a deep understanding of the Hillingdon rental market and can help you determine the optimal rental price for your property. Our expertise allows us to attract quality tenants quickly.
Effective Marketing: We employ a comprehensive marketing strategy to maximize exposure for your property. We utilise various channels, including online platforms, social media, and our network of contacts, to reach a wide audience of potential tenants.
Tenant Screening: We conduct thorough tenant screenings, including credit checks, employment verification, and reference checks. This helps us identify reliable and responsible tenants who are likely to take good care of your property.
Streamlined Process: Our agency handles all the administrative tasks associated with the lettings process, such as drafting tenancy agreements, collecting deposits, and ensuring compliance with relevant regulations. We aim to minimise your involvement and handle the paperwork efficiently.
Property Maintenance: We understand the importance of maintaining your property in good condition. We can assist in arranging repairs and maintenance, coordinating with reliable contractors to ensure prompt and efficient service.
Regular Communication: We believe in transparent and open communication with both landlords and tenants. We keep you updated throughout the lettings process, promptly addressing any concerns or queries you may have.
Ongoing Support: Our commitment doesn’t end once the property is let. We provide ongoing support and advice, assisting with tenancy renewals, rent reviews, and addressing any issues that may arise during the tenancy.
Professional Network: We have established connections with trusted professionals in related fields such as legal services, insurance, and property management. If you require any additional services, we can provide recommendations to streamline the process further.