Common questions about letting

Answers to some of the questions most commonly asked by landlords.

What can I do to maximise my rental income?
Following our free market appraisal we will offer advice to you in the form of a Marketing Recommendations report. This will detail changes that could be made to your property to make it more marketable, and to increase its rental value.

What references will be carried out on the tenants and by whom?

We obtain - landlord (if applicable), credit and financial references for all adult tenants, via a national reference provider.  These are discussed with you and an overall scoring result provided for signing off, as agreement to proceed to a tenancy.   

Butler Sherborn will also comply with the Immigration Act 2014, on your behalf, to the extent that we will not authorise an adult to occupy the property under a residential tenancy agreement if the adult is disqualified as a result of their immigration status, as required by section 22 Immigration Act 2014. 

Furthermore, if we are instructed on a full management basis, we will conduct any follow-up checks required under the act and report any non-compliance to the Home Office.  If we are instructed on a let only basis, you as landlord, are directly responsible for carrying out any further checks and for the compliance with the legislation following the start of the tenancy.

Where is the market – in furnished or unfurnished properties?

Historically, unfurnished properties are the most popular.

What fixtures and fittings should or can be included in an unfurnished letting?
These items will be discussed during our free market appraisal.

What do I have to be aware of in order to make ready for a tenancy?
We would advise that the property is let in a good condition. Further recommendations will be detailed in our Marketing Recommendations report, which will be sent to you after we visit the property.  

Will a Schedule of Condition and Inventory be taken at the beginning of a tenancy?
We recommend that before a tenancy commences an independent clerk be booked to prepare a Schedule of Condition and Inventory with photographs.  We have names of reputable clerks on file and can arrange for them to visit and carry out the reports.