Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Property Letting

We have encountered many questions from both Landlords and Tenants and we have met the challenge of making the renting process simpler! Here are some of the most frequently asked questions. Naturally, if you have questions specific to your needs and circumstances, we would be pleased to assist.

How long does an assured shorthold tenancy have to last?
That is for you to agree with your tenant. You can agree that it should last for a set period (known as a "fixed term") or you can leave it open-ended, it most cases you will agree to a minimum 6 month term but must be aware that there are many matter to take into account which we are able to explain to you further if required.
 
How would I get my property back?
You can end the tenancy at any time after 6 months, provided any fixed term you agreed has ended. You need to provide your tenant with at least 2 months' written notice that you want your property back. You can end the tenancy at any time on certain "grounds" (reasons) for possession set out in legislation. These include rent arrears, anti-social behaviour, and damage by the tenant. You cannot evict a tenant without a court order.

What if the tenant won't leave?
Most tenants do. You cannot evict a tenant yourself but you can apply to the county court to get your property back. In certain cases you can use an accelerated possession procedure which can avoid the need for a court hearing.

Why not just leave my property empty?
You can lose over £5000 a year by keeping a home empty in rent loss, council tax, insurance, dilapidation and security measures. There is also the risk of vandalism, squatting and complaints from neighbours.

What is the difference between a Managed property and a Let Only?
Full Management: Belmonte Bowmanor will oversee the property throughout your tenancy. Tenants report all repairs or other problems in order for us to act on behalf of or liaise with the Landlord. The majority of our properties are fully managed.

Let Only:  Belmonte Bowmanor locates a tenant for the property. Prepares the agreements and arranges for signing with the tenant, then the Landlord takes over the management and the tenant contacts the Landlord direct. Fewer Landlords want this responsibility or involvement.

What can I expect in a fully furnished or an unfurnished property?
Properties do come with different levels of furnishings. As a guide, unfurnished means carpets, curtains and white goods only. Fully furnished includes sitting room furniture, dining table and chairs, beds, etc, and, in some cases will extend to crockery and cutlery and other household equipment.

Who is responsible for the television licence?
The tenant is liable for their own TV Licence. If you supply a TV for your tenants, you as landlord share responsibility with the tenant for ensuring that there is a TV licence. You could be landed with a hefty fine if your tenant fails to pay for the licence.

Who looks after the garden?
At most properties it is the tenant’s responsibility to maintain the garden. On larger properties or where a garden is high maintenance we feel it would be in the landlord’s interest to employ a gardener.

What are the tenant’s responsibilities?
The tenant has a right to live in the property so reasonable wear and tear must be taken into account.  However, the tenant is responsible for paying the rent, taking care of the property and keeping it clean and insuring their own possessions. In most cases, paying the council tax, water and sewerage charges as well gas, electricity and the telephone etc.

Who pays the insurance?       
The landlord is responsible for both building and personal contents insurance during the tenancy.  Please ask in the office for our special rates specifically for rented properties offering specialist cover.  The tenants are responsible for arranging insurance cover for their own personal contents taken into the property.

How will I receive my income?
Belmonte Bowmanor operates a fully computerised accounting system.  Net rental payments will be transferred directly to your bank or building society account with an itemised statement being sent.

Is your letting team trained?
Our team is trained by in house as well as professional trainers from dedicated property management training companies.

Can I protect my rent in case the Tenant doesn’t pay?
Yes ! With a rental guarantee scheme the rent and legal expenses can be covered subject to the tenant qualifying and the property being managed by Belmonte Bowmanor. See Rentsure Silver cover in insurance section.

What the deposit is being held against and what it may be allocated against after the end of the tenancy.
Any damage, or compensation for damage, to the premises its fixtures and fittings or for missing items for which the tenant may be liable, subject to an apportionment or allowance for reasonable fair wear and tear and for the age and condition of each and any such item at commencement of the tenancy.

The fair costs incurred in compensating the landlord for, or for rectifying or remedying any meaningful breach by the tenant of his obligations under this agreement, including those relating to the cleaning of the premises, its fixtures and fittings.

Any unpaid accounts for the utilities or water charges or environmental services or similar serves or Council tax incurred at the property for which the tenant is liable.

Any rent or other money lawfully due or payable by the tenant under this agreement of which the tenant has been made and which remains unpaid after the end of the tenancy.

PLEASE FEEL FREE TO ASK ANY QUESTIONS AND WE WILL ADD THEM TO OUR FAQ WEB PAGE.

Belmonte and associated branches offer their clients unique marketing through this fast and effective property search facility, ensuring tenants are advised of the latest properties moments after they have been placed on the market. Landlords can monitor demand for properties based on tenants requirements.