Calling all Landlords!

Meeten

when I rented a place out (through an agency) they did 1/2 yearly checks, and sent me a report back on the condition of the proerty. This way, I was ahead of the game when the tennants decided to move out. Not that there was anything damaged, but I was informed of the condition of my place, and that it was kept in a relatively good manner.

I think that anything more than a quarterly check is obtrusive, and as a tennat you have rights to the place. Further more, access by the landlord has to be give at least 48hrs (or poss 24hrs) in advance, else this is deemed trespass.

HTH

caleb2003

We've been renting more than one property and whilst one has rented out for years managed perfectly well by the estate agent @10% inc. The other one has been run down by the tenants and the agents quarterly check has told us the property was in good order, when this was a complete lie and now we're coming to sell we're looking at a load of hassle and expense to get it sorted.

Also we're trying to sell whilst the tenants are in which is a nightmare as they obviously won't present the house in the best light (infact they have no light coming through purposely!!).

Looks like we won't sell until tenants move out but obviously then we are losing money on mortgages for at least 2 months probably more.

In a nutshell renting out can be good investment wise but it will no be hassle free and when you need to sell, in my experiences this is a real headache.

lic

I have been renting properties out for approximately 7 years. initially I used a letting agent, paying them 12.5% + VAT for the privalage. They areonly interested in themselves, and did not check the property correctly.
I now do not use the services of an agent and draw up the rental agreement myself. I use a lawpack rental package (available at WH Smith approx £6.99).
This pack has all the documents you need.
Advertise the property in the local paper and show the premises yourself. That way you meet the tennats yourself and can check if they smoke, have pets etc.
Alway ask for a rent guarntor, and take a deposit of at least 1 months rent.
Get the tennant to pay the rent by Standing Order.
As for inspections as long as you give the tennant 48 hours notice you can enter and inspect at any reasonable time, this includes if you are selling the property.
the cheapest insurance I have found to date is through https://www.Ashburnham Insurance.co.uk
Hope the above helps and good luck!