Property Management

The Property Sales Elite.

LETTING ONLY SERVICE FOR THE COST CONSCIOUS LANDLORD.

Whether you are a homeowner looking to rent out your property, a seller who can't sell and needs to move, a Buy to Let landlord with one or one hundred properties, Halsall Estates will ensure that you receive the lettings service you need.

We will ensure that we maximise the return on your investment by providing you with a rental income for the duration of your let and provide services to protect your property asset.

Our services include:-

Independent appraisals of quality properties
Open and transparent fees with no hidden charges
Expert and up to date lettings legal information
Market leading, cost effective insurance packages for Landlords and Tenants
Easy to read agreements for tenants and landlords

Fees

During your let there are no hidden extra costs. Our fees are simply the first calendar months rent + VAT which we use to fund:

Finding you a suitable tenant
Taking up references and credit checks
Drawing up a tenancy agreement
Obtaining guarantors
Taking a Statement of Condition (or inventory)
Making regular inspections of the property and advising you all is in order
Advising on any repairs that are necessary
Providing information and help on insurance and tax matters

Key Halsall Estates services & information:-

Rent Appraisal

Please contact Halsall Estates if you would like an independent appraisal of your property's potential rental income. Rents received are payable by the tenant direct to you.

Deposit

We collect a deposit from the tenant to safeguard against damage and will take on the responsibility of protecting the deposit via a government approved Tenancy Deposit Protection scheme (Deposit Protection Service). At the end of the tenancy we will inspect the property and the costs of any work attributed to the tenant will be deducted from the deposit. Any disputes will be referred to the dispute resolution service of the Tenancy Deposit Protection scheme used.

Tenant

We will find a suitable tenant for your property and take up essential references and credit checks.

Agreement

We will prepare an easy to read legal agreement which complies with current legislation. In general this will be for a period of not less than 6 months and then renewable on a month to month basis. This gives you, the landlord, the flexibility to re-occupy or re-let the house after giving the tenant two month`s notice to quit. Similarly the tenant may terminate after the initial period by giving at least one month`s notice.

Rates and Services

The payment of water rates, council tax, gas, electricity and telephone bills are generally the responsibility of the tenants.

Repairs

Although we can help you with repairs, it is your responsibility to ensure the property is in good condition, with the exception of window glass or other breakages caused by the tenants. Repairs can be carried out by contractors nominated by you, or our own contractors with their charges deducted from your account. We will always ask for instructions before commencing any large scale repairs.

Tax

From the total rent received in a tax year you can normally deduct, for tax purposes, the following:

Our fees
Fair wear and tear & repair costs
10% of rent for depreciation, if furnished or part furnished
Interest paid to the Building Society or Mortgage Company
Insurance premiums


FOR TENANTS

Halsall Estates understand that to deliver to our landlords, we need to take care of our tenants. To ensure we look after you:-

Have a range of properties for tenants to rent
Ensure the properties are let legally
Protect your deposit in a government approved Tenancy Deposit Scheme
Have easy to read agreements that comply with the latest legal regulations
Accompany you on all viewings
Can arrange viewings during the weekends and evenings when required

From 1st October 2008, all properties that are marketed for rent MUST have an Energy Performance Certificate available for you to see, which will help you to understand how much the utility bills are likely to be.

Viewing

Having identified prospective properties, Halsall Estates will arrange for you to view the properties. These will be arranged at a time to suit you, which could be in evenings or week-ends, subject of course to the Landlords permission. Viewing will always be accompanied by a Halsall Estates representative, who will be able to provide immediate advice and answer any questions you may have.

Offer/Application

Having selected a property, we need you to complete a written application and offer to rent. At this time any details or requirements can be agreed, including occupancy date, duration of the letting, etc.

On application, a "Reservation Fee" will be required. Assuming the rental proceeds, this will be deducted from the Fees due before occupation as outlined below. It will also be refunded if the landlord declines the tenancy. It will, however, not be refunded if you as the tenant decide not to proceed for any reason, or if the tenancy fails to proceed due to incomplete or inaccurate information provided in the tenancy application.

Administration/Legal Fees

Halsall Estates only charge a fee prior to the start of the tenancy to cover the tenant`s share of the Tenancy Agreement and legal notices, references and credits checks and check-in and check-out. Where an Independent Inventory Agent is used there may also be a fee from the Inventory Agent for the check-in.

For £70 (or £100 for a joint application) we will obtain and provide to a selected landlord any required reference and credit checks.
A further £95 administration set-up fee is required to finalise the Tenancy Agreement and legal notices.

References

Halsall Estates will take references on behalf of the landlord. Normally, this will include your employer, any former landlord and a character reference. In addition a credit check will be undertaken.

Where a tenant is unable to meet the required income or credit checks, the tenant can have a Guarantor agree to underwrite any rent liabilities.

Deposit

A deposit is required prior to occupation. This is normally equal to about 4-6 week`s rent, but may vary. This deposit will be protected in accordance with the Tenancy Deposit Protection legislation.

The deposit is held to cover any breakages, damage, or other tenant liabilities. At the end of the tenancy Halsall Estates, or an independent Inventory Agent, will check the property in the presence of the tenant and assess any damages and deductions due.

Rent

Rents are normally quoted on a calendar month basis. In addition, the tenant is normally responsible for Council Tax, Water Rates, Gas, Electricity and Telephone costs. Rents are payable direct to the Landlord (unless alternative arrangements are agreed in advance).