Landlord Process


1Accurate valuation

You should feel confident in your agent, beware of agents who play the old trick of giving you an inflated and unrealistic valuation to raise your hopes in order to win your instruction to take on your property. Obtaining an accurate appraisal is key to a quick and successful let. We provide you with a fair valuation which would reflect the current market value based on the value of similar properties on the market in the same building, street or area. Our Directors have an extensive knowledge and conduct market appraisals on daily basis. Our approach is friendly, personable and we are accessible at all time by phones and/or e-mails, to discuss any queries or requests you might have.

2Selecting an estate agent

Letting your property can be a complex process, honest and trustworthy agent makes the experience a whole lot smoother and more enjoyable. We walk the extra mile to please our Landlords, we are available seven days a week to show your properties as and when requested, including Sundays, provided the property is vacant to avoid disturbing Tenants on weekends, and provided keys are available to secure access. We believe each missing viewing is a missing opportunity for our Landlord to rent their properties.

3Considering a short let?

In recent years there has been a huge increase in demand for short term accommodation from Corporate clients, event clients, overseas private individuals on medical treatment, movie production companies, or families on holiday. Landlords offering their properties for short-term rentals benefit from a higher rental return for the duration of the tenancy. Subject to your property size and location, we will advise you if your property is more suitable for long or short term rental or, like in most cases, we do both by filling in some short let in vacant gaps between long tenancies to guarantee, as much as practical, 360 days a year occupancy, hence maximising your yearly rental returns in a seamless manner. We will manage of course tenancy agreements, undertake inventories and professional cleaning, secure deposits, attend check-ins and organise rental payments on your behalf.

4Benefits of Corporate Services

Limetrees International benefits from a wealth of sources of Corporate Tenants, we deal with various corporate and relocation Agents, Diplomats and Embassies including all their various Departments: Diplomatic, military attache, educational section, health department ..etc) , who are looking to rent in Central London for the duration of their assignments or projects. Corporate Tenants are Landlords dream, they are responsible and highly reliable with rent payments and tend to renew their lease for many years, in most cases until they relocate somewhere else. We have been dealing with corporate relocation for many years. Corporate and Relocation Services enables us to cost effectively out source this specialist work on a tenancy by-tenancy basis. We know and understand the requirements and concerns faced by corporate clients and their employees.

5Consider Property Management

Property management can be time consuming whether you have just the one, or a portfolio of properties. We take the time and pleasure in providing a full management service to our landlords, as this ensures the smooth running and proven longevity of the tenancies, providing that all important peace of mind to both the landlords and tenants. Our management service offers the ease of mind that your property is well taken care of by your trusted agent. We deal with the most minor repair to a full scale refurbishment, from a dripping tap or a water leak that makes a property uninhabitable. We constantly update you with problems happening in the flat and provide you with different quotes from reliable and insured contractors who are qualified to carry out the job, no matter how menial or large. We have a team of builders, plumbers, electricians, locksmiths, painters/decorators, gardeners, gas engineers, carpenters etc, who are on call 24/7 for any problem in your property. We will oversee and ensure that the work is completed promptly and professionally. Our appointed management individual will visit your property at least three times a year, unless requested otherwise by you, to ensure all is well and functioning in your property. We genuinely care about our work and this shows in the exemplary service we provide to our clients.

6Presenting your tenancy

There are certain regulation and requirements a property has to comply with before the commencement of the tenancy. We can provide quotes and organise on the landlord’s behalf the following: Gas Safety Certificate Inventory Professional clean Pat test EICR Electric report together with an electric certificate We will also go through the checklist to make sure all appliances are in working order and the space is ready for the new tenants.

7Marketing your property

Your property will appear in both online and offline marketing. We will arrange for professional photographs and a floor plan to be taken and start working on a brochure to highlight the best aspects of your property. Our new website appears on Zoopla, Primelocation, Rightmove, property magazines and Lonres together with private advertising, making sure to achieve maximal exposure.

8Receiving an offer

We advise you on all offers received via telephone and a formal offer email and guide you through any decision making that may be necessary. After negotiating the rental terms agreeable by both parties, we prepare all the relevant paper work subject to contract and satisfactory references all of which will pend your approval.

9Offer agreed

Once contracts are signed, executed and funds clear in the designated bank account, we organise for the pre-check-in professional cleaning and inventory and welcome the Tenant in his new home.

Fees

Refundable Holding deposit - Capped at 1 weeks rent

Security Deposit - Capped at 5 weeks rent for annual rental under £50,000, or 6 weeks rent for annual rental over £50,000

Rent - The agreed monthly rent

Changes to tenancy - Capped at £50 inc VAT

Early termination charge - Not exceeding the landlord’s financial losses

Late payment of rent - Interest of 3% above BoE base rate for each day the rent is late, once it is 14 days overdue

Replacement keys - Reasonable costs or give the tenant the option to purchase themselves

Utilities, council tax, communication services, TV Licence etc - Tenants own responsibility unless otherwise stated in contract

Client Money Protection Scheme Membership details - Client Money Protection Provided by CMP, Membership No: CMP002304

Property Redress Scheme Membership details - The law requires your membership details