Letting Your Property

Lettings Packages

We understand that letting your property, especially for the first time, can be a worrying experience and with this in mind we aim to provide you with the best possible service and the right tenant for your property.

We always remember that your property is one the biggest and most important investments and we can assure you that by instructing us to act as your letting and management agent: your asset will be in professional and safe hands.

For every week your property remains vacant it can cost you dearly. We endeavour to let your property in the quickest time at the highest achievable rental value.

We have three Lettings Packages from which to choose from:

Bronze Package

Rental Valuation & Inspection

Our experienced staff will initially provide you with a free, no obligation rental valuation. We will be able to provide advice to landlords on decor, furnishings, health and safety issues, any maintenance recommendations and presentation of the property.

Tenant Introduction

We will immediately match your property with our large database of actively looking, vetted tenants. We will email and SMS potential tenants in addition to telephoning them enabling us to arrange viewings almost instantly. We will then accompany property viewings.

Advertising

Your property will be displayed in our vibrant window displays, situated in a prominent high street location. We will erect one of our highly visible lettings boards. We also advertise on all of the top property websites including Rightmove, Zoopla, Prime Location, Gumtree and davidconway.co.uk amongst others.

You will receive your very own log in on ‘mydavidconway’ where you are able to see viewings, feedback, offers and website ‘hits’ at any time, 24/7.

Comprehensive Referencing & Credit Checks -

Through Homelet, Rent4Sure or Van Mildert (independent outside referencing agencies), the prospective tenants go through an extensive referencing process which include:

  • Credit Checks
  • Tenancy application score
  • Bankruptcy & Individual Voluntary Arrangement Check
  • County Court Judgement and Court Decree check
  • Anti-fraud check with fraud score
  • Personal Identity Check
  • Report on detrimental credit history
  • Undisclosed address check as standard
  • Bank Validation check
  • Anti-terrorist check
  • Previous landlord or managing agent reference
  • Employers reference or accountants reference if self employed
  • Future employer’s reference (if appropriate)
  • If required we will obtain additional documentation such as bank statements or wage slips to support an application

Assured Shorthold Tenancy (AST)

We will provide you and the tenants with a legally binding Assured Shorthold Tenancy agreement. You and the tenant will have sight of this prior to signing, enabling you to add/amend clauses if you so wish.

TDS

It is a legal requirement that we or yourself retain the tenants' deposits in accordance with the Tenancy Deposit Scheme for Regulated Agents (TDSRA) and account for this at the end of the tenancy in accordance with the rules of the Deposit Scheme.

Standing Order

We will provide the tenant with your bank details to enable them to set up a standing order to pay their rent monthly directly into your account.

Transfer of Contact Details Between Tenant and Landlord

Fees

£360 including VAT set up fee. Sole agency fee of 8.5% plus VAT (10.2% inclusive of VAT) of the annual rent. Renewals charged at 5% plus VAT (6% inclusive of VAT) of the annual rent.

Everything shown in Bronze Package, plus:

Utilities

We will inform the utility companies of meter readings together with the details of the new tenants and pass your details over as landlords for any interim bills during unoccupied periods. Please note: landlords are not responsible for unpaid utility bills or Council Tax payments for any periods when the property is occupied by a tenant.

RENT COLLECTION

We will collect the rental payments from the tenant and forward to you via Bacs payment each month. This service suits landlords who do not wish to be concerned with pursuing tenant’s rental payments if for any reason they are late. Rather than the landlord, it is more likely that you will achieve a satisfactory outcome if the agent addresses your tenant on such matters.

Using your ‘mydavidconway’ log in, you will be able to view your accounts, statements, invoices, safety certificates and tenancy documents at any time 24/7.

6 Months Rent Protecion and Legal Expenses"

For extra peace of mind, we will provide you with 6 month’s rent protection and legal expenses cover (one month’s excess applies). The protection will be against your property rather than the tenants, which means your cover will continue for the six month duration even if you change tenants during that period: Applies to first year of tenancy only *Subject to terms and conditions.

Fees

£360 including VAT set up fee. 11.5% plus VAT (13.8% inclusive of VAT) per calendar month

Everything shown in Bronze and Silver Packages, plus:

12 MONTHS RENT PROTECTION & LEGAL EXPENSES WITH ZERO EXCESS*

For even greater peace of mind, we will provide you with 12 month’s rent protection and legal expenses cover (no excess). The protection will be against your property rather than the tenants, which means your cover will continue for the 12 month duration even if you change tenants during that period: Applies to first year of tenancy only.

*Subject to terms and conditions.

Full Management

  • Properties inspected prior to letting and advice given as to preparation works required at the property.
  • Providing a first point of contact for the tenant and liaising with the landlord.
  • Rent collected from tenant and accounted for direct to the landlord’s bank account via BACS once cleared. Statements produced monthly showing rent received, expenses and disbursements.
  • Property visits will be carried out every 6 months to ensure tenant compliance with the terms of the letting. Any additional checks and reports can be carried out at an additional charge.
  • You are able view you accounts, statements, invoices, safety certificates, tenancy documents and any maintenance issues using your ‘mydavidconway’ login at any time, 24/7.
  • Maintenance and repairs will be handled by our contractors and instructed within an agreed budget.
  • Tenants can report maintenance issues online or via our app and in the case of an emergency they would be provided with a 24 hour contact number.
  • Day to day management matters including arranging for minor repairs through our Property Management Department up to a maximum of £250 + VAT without the landlord consulting. For repairs over £250 + VAT we will contact the landlord for approval ex¬cept in an emergency if the landlord cannot be contacted immediately.

Our management appointment is for the letting period and does not include security or supervision of the property when it is not let, other than where special arrangements are made.

Fees

£360 including VAT set up fee. 13.5% plus VAT (16.2% inclusive of VAT) per calendar month

Everything shown in the Bronze, Silver and Gold Packages, plus;

NO SET UP FEE TO PAY

Included in the Platinum Package, we do not charge the Set Up Fee (valued at £360) which covers the cost of:

  • Obtaining any required information for the Tenant to confirm identity, immigration and visa confirmation,
  • Professional Financial credit checks, obtaining further information with regard to affordability, processing reference forms, obtaining references from current or previous employer/accountant and obtaining references from previous/current Landlord,
  • Cost of Independent Check Out & Schedule of Condition report,
  • Contract negotiations,
  • Amending and agreeing terms,
  • Arranging the Tenancy Agreement..

NO INVENTORY/CHECK IN FEES TO PAY

We include the cost of a professional, independent Inventory and Check In report with photographs evidencing the condition of the property upon the Tenants move in (valued at £180).

NO TDS FEE TO PAY

Unlike the Bronze, Silver or Gold Packages, we will include the Tenancy Deposit Scheme registration cost (valued at £72)

UPGRADE TO GUARANTEED RENT COLLECTION SERVICE WITH RENT PROTECTION & LEGAL EXPENSES WITH ZERO EXCESS*

For even greater peace of mind, this unique policy not only covers the benefits of a normal rent guarantee policy, it also ensures that you receive your rent on time and in full, no matter what. Therefore, we can guarantee to pay your rent within 3 days of receiving it in full EVERY month, regardless of whether the Tenant pays or not.

  • Insurer will collect the rent from the Tenant by Direct Debit every month, and pay it to us, regardless of whether the Tenant pays the rent or not,
  • Should the Tenant fail to pay the rent, the insurer will take complete care of the eviction process should this be necessary, including all legal and financial aspect,
  • If the Tenant has damaged the Property, the insurer will also pay 50% of the rent for up to 3 months after eviction whilst the property is being refurbished (subject to terms),
  • If the Tenant has caused damage to the Property which costs over and above the value of the deposit to fix, then the insurer will also provide the legal expenses and service to pursue the Tenant in court for these additional costs.

*Subject to terms and conditions.

Fees

£360 including VAT set up fee. 16.5% plus VAT (19.8% inclusive of VAT) per calendar month


Additional Services / Extras

Tenancy Deposit Scheme

Tenancy Deposit Scheme

The Tenancy Deposit Scheme has been established under the Housing Act 2004. It requires landlords to register details of the start and end of all Assured Shorthold Tenancies. The Dispute Service (TDS) runs this scheme and is required to supply summarised details all of tenancies to [the Department of] Communities and Local Government (CLG).

Gas Safety Certificate

Landlord's Gas Safety Certificate

All Landlords have a legal requirement to have a Gas Safety Inspection carried out on any accommodation they are renting out. Landlord Gas Safety Inspections must be carried out every 12 months by a Gas Safe registered engineer. We are able to arrange this for your convenience (fee applies).

EPC

Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)

From the 1st October 2008, properties must not be placed on the market to let without an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). Once you have this done, it will last 10 years. We would be happy to arrange this on your behalf using a fully licensed and BRE qualified company to carry out this service (fee applies).

PAT Testing

P.A.T Testing

Portable Appliance Testing is recommended by insurance companies on all let properties. We include complementary plug changing with the P.A.T test if required.

Smoke alarm

Smoke and Carbon Monoxide (CO) Regulations 1st October 2015

Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (England) Regulations 2015 came into force from 1st October 2015. It is mandatory for all landlords to ensure all smoke and CO alarms are properly checked, and if not already installed within their properties, then must be done so.

A check must be carried out before each new tenancy and a smoke alarm is quite straightforward to ensure it is in 'good working order'. However, a CO alarm is not as easy because people may overlook some of the correct procedures.

Should you like us to provide a smoke and carbon monoxide alarm for you, we can do so (fee applies).

Legionnaires' Disease Risk Assessment

The Health and Safety Executive has issued new guidance for employers and those in charge of premises, e.g. landlords. Duties under the Health and Safety at Work, etc Act 1974 (HSWA) extend to risks from legionella bacteria, which may arise from work activities. The Management of Health and Safety at Work (MHSWR) provide a broad framework for controlling health and safety at work. More specifically, the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH) provide a framework of actions designed to assess, prevent or control the risk from bacteria like Legionella and take suitable precautions.

As a person in control of the premises, you are responsible for health and safety and need to take the right precautions to reduce the risks of exposure to Legionella. You must understand how to:

- Identify and assess sources of risk, manage any risks, prevent or control any risks, keep and maintain the correct records, carry out any other duties you may have.

Legionellosis is the collective name given to pneumonia-like illness caused by legionella bacteria. This includes the most serious Legionnaires’ disease, as well as the similar but less conditions of Pontiac fever and Lochgoilhead fever.

Inventory & Schedule of Condition Report

We highly recommend an independent inventory. It is used to check the tenant into the property when they arrive (schedule of condition - in) and should be used as a checklist to ensure the standard of the property is maintained at the time of the tenant’s departure (schedule of condition - out).

The inventory lists the property room by room and will include decorative condition, electrics, fixtures and fittings, furniture and storage (where applicable). The inventory will also mention the condition of each item and all equipment with further description (where appropriate), keys at the property and meter readings where possible.

A photographic CD will also be provided for Landlord/Tenant at the beginning of the tenancy.

When agreed and signed by the tenant and the landlord or their representatives, the inventory becomes a legal document.

At the time that the tenant moves in ('checks - in') we will go through the inventory report with them, noting and revising any discrepancies in either content or condition of the items listed. We take meter readings and ensure that the Check-in Report is agreed and signed by the tenant or their representative. If, as a result of the check-in, the inventory needs to be amended, we will issue an updated copy of the inventory.

When the tenancy agreement expires and tenants are not renewing, we will organise for an independent inventory clerk to carry out a schedule of condition report/check out providing an initial inventory was produced upon the tenants moving in. You will need to be aware that fair wear and tear of the property is not the responsibility of the tenant.

We will inform the tenant that there will be a check out at the property and that if the property is not left clean and tidy, there may be charges deducted from their deposit for the cleaning or to pay for any damage. The clerk will check the original inventory, along with the photographic CD.

The deposit will only be returned to the tenant once you have given your consent for us to do so, following inspection of the property based on the evidence shown in the schedule of condition report.

Why Choose David Conway & Co?

We are the longest established Estate Agent in South Harrow (Est. 1992) and we believe we are the busiest and most successful. We have recently re-branded, investing heavily in a new fresh look with a bright vibrant colour change whilst retaining part of the old logo recognised by so many. We have a completely refurbished office from front to back, a new shop front sits under a striking facia depicting the new logo, the very latest in property particular displays show our properties in the very best light complimented by a 32 inch screen meaning every one of our available properties gets as much exposure as possible. Bright new office furniture not only creates a pleasant and welcoming environment for our visiting customers, but has also given our staff an extra boost; if they are happy and feel good about their working environment, that can only be good for our clients and customers alike.

Our exciting new, up to the minute website is not only highly informative but also user friendly. We have tried to provide our customers with all the information that they may require whether selling, purchasing, letting out or are a tenant looking to rent. We have endeavoured to make the experience of those using it a pleasant one.

Whilst we have been trading since 1992, David Conway himself has been selling letting property locally since 1976. As we are a family run business we will try harder to achieve the best results as our very livelihood depends on our success. We are committed to finding you the very best tenants and therefore use outside specialised referencing agencies with the ability to carry out even more checks than an estate agent can.

Our offices are located in the heart of the South Harrow’s popular shopping centre. It is highly manned enabling us to provide the right level of service required to our clients and customers alike. Our eye catching ‘To Let’ boards are sure to attract more interest in your property.

We are of course accountable; David Conway is professionally qualified (FRICS) valuer & surveyor, the highest professional recognition achievable in the industry. As with sales we are members of the Property Ombudsman for lettings. All agents displaying The Property Ombudsman logo will be following a comprehensive set of standards laid down in the TPO Code of Practice.

All Client Money held by David Conway & Co Ltd/David Conway Son Ltd is held in accordance with the guidance by RICS Professional Statement on Client Money.

Innovations

Innovations

We have our own website www.davidconway.co.uk as well as a TV website www.davidconway.tv which exclusively offers Virtual Tours of all our properties where you can even set up your own website which you can share amongst the social media platforms. We are represented on other top property websites including: rightmove.co.uk, zoopla.co.uk, primelocation.com and more!

You will be given your very own log in to ‘mydavidconway’ which enables you view the number of ‘hits’ your property has received online, how many viewings have been booked, feedback from the viewers and the status of all offers you have received. This gives you full transparency and you are able to check this data at any time, 24/7.

Our online TV channel is proven to generate 30% more enquiries and it is 48% more effective than traditional methods of advertising. This innovative product additionally demonstrates our commitment to providing our clients with market leading services, while also representing a significant step forward in the way the company’s teams present properties. The online TV channel helps the renting of homes by attracting more tenants, whilst going above and beyond what competitors offer. Our online video tours are extremely popular and provide our landlords an effective way to showcase their property with all its best features.

In our most recent survey 99% of our customers would recommend us to others of which 100% were either satisfied or very satisfied with our service.

More properties exchanged and let in the last 12 months than any other local agent

More new sales and lettings instructions in the last 12 months than any other local agent

In the last 12 months, we have completed the most sales and lets in the area, over 10% more sales and over 3 x the amount of lets of our closest competitor.

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