Be sure your rental property is in good hands

We know that you regard your rental property as a very important investment. That is why everything we do is geared to minimising your risks, minimising your costs and maximising your return.

Not all Letting Agents are the same!

It's true that all letting agents appear to offer a similar range of services from a tenant finder (let only) service to fully managed.

At Red-Lets, we know that the real value lies in the way these services are delivered. For us this means absolute attention to detail with regard to compliance to industry best practice, relevant legislation and risk management.

Red-Lets are proud to be members of The Association of Residential Letting Agents (ARLA) and the Ombudsman of Estate Agents (OEA). Learn more about the benefits of using an ARLA / OEA member

Questions every landlord should ask before appointing an Agent...............

Is my agent a member of a recognised governing body?

As regulation of letting and management agents is not yet compulsory in the UK, it is important that you select an agent who is governed by a recognised national organisation.

Red-Lets are members of ARLA and the OEA

When I sign up with an agent, what will I be tied into?

We have gone to every length to ensure our Terms of Business are as transparent as possible and free from any unfair tie-ins. For example, our Terms and Conditions include:

• A one-off fee for our Tenant Finder service - no ongoing monthly charges
• Free renewal of any tenancy agreement we draw up. No re-letting fee, no re-drafting fee
• When rent is collected by Red-Lets, rent (net of fees) is transferred to the landlord within five working days

Will property repairs be carried out promptly with the minimum of cost?

Because we take out the top level of British Gas Homecare cover on all our managed properties (at our own cost), you can be assured that for the vast majority of repairs to central heating, plumbing, drains and electrics:-

• Faults are dealt with rapidly through British Gas' genuine 24/7 helpline
• Repairs are carried out by well trained qualified engineers
• Repairs are carried out at NO COST to the landlord

Where faults are not covered by British Gas Homecare, we charge no mark up or commission on contractor fees.

Will my property be marketed as widely as possible?

Nearly 90% of all prospective tenants now go directly to the internet when searching for property. This is why we focus on getting the best internet exposure for our properties on the most popular property portals. We also keep excellent relationships with relocation agencies and local businesses. As at November 2008, our average time to let our properties has been less than three weeks, 60% within two weeks.

Will my agent do everything possible to ensure quality tenants?

At Red-Lets, we start to vet tenants from our very first contact with them. We continue to do this through the letting process, ultimately putting each applicant through a detailed credit and referencing process conducted by a specialist third party company. We guarantee that we will not progress any tenancy until the landlord has seen, and signed off the credit / reference report for the applicant. If required, we are happy to arrange a meeting between landlord and applicant before any tenancy agreement is entered into.

How seriously does my agent take my legal protection?

Most landlords are aware of their legal obligation to provide a gas safety certificate when letting a property. Many however, are completely unaware of a whole host of other safety guidelines covering electrical, fire and general safety. Whilst not compulsory in every instance like a gas safety certificate, non compliance can, and has resulted in prosecution.

At Red-Lets, we take our responsibility to protect our tenants and landlords very seriously. We endeavour to constantly keep abreast of best practice guidelines so that we can best advise our landlord clients on how to keep their rental properties compliant.

How do I know that any disputes over deposit repayment will be dealt with effectively?

As of April 2007, all new deposits under an Assured Shorthold Tenancy agreement must be protected under a government approved scheme. Red-Lets lodge all deposits with the custodial Deposit Protection Service. At the end of a tenancy, in the event of a dispute over the deposit, this scheme offers an impartial dispute resolution service at no cost to tenant or landlord.

At Red-Lets, we understand that more than ever it is vitally important for the landlord to be protected by an accurate and detailed inventory. After all, how can you prove to an independent third party what damage has been caused by a tenant if you do not have adequate proof of condition at the start of the tenancy? This is why all of our inventories are drawn up by qualified members of the Association of Independent Inventory Clerks (AIIC).

How will I know that my tenants are looking after my property?

Under our managed service, we carry out inspections after the first six weeks of every tenancy, and every three months thereafter. We compile a comprehensive 30 point checklist which is then sent with additional notes on condition, tidiness etc to the landlord.

As many of our clients are landlords letting their own homes, we understand that knowing that their house is being looked after is very important to them. As such, we are happy to tailor our inspections to the landlords needs to ensure absolute peace of mind.