Essential Guide

L E T T I N G S

Parsons Son & Basley have been providing professional property services since 1825, and is one of the most experienced independent

The Lettings Department takes great pride in our ability to maximise the return on our Client’s investments and provide up to date protection from legislation.

www.psandb.co.uk 01273 274000

We believe in good old fashioned service and providea personal level of Client care.’’‘‘

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Trust is key:

• egdelwonk lacol ,maet eht ni ecneirepxe dna htuoy fo dnelb taerg a evah eW and an average of 10 years in the industry per staff member.

• We ensure that all staff attend regular legal training courses and encourage

• Parsons Son & Basley choose to be a regulated agent.

See what our current Clients think of uson our Google reviews page

Why is Agent regulation good for me?

The Association of Residential Letting AgentsMembers agree to:

Comply with the professional standards outlined within the ARLA Byelaws and Code of Practice,

demonstrating their dedication and commitment to high standards in Letting Agency.

unlikely event of our negligence, bad advice or mishandling of data.

Join the Property Ombudsman Scheme & the Tenancy Deposit Scheme.

Property Ombudsman Scheme

Can award compensation of up to £25,000 and also ensures that you have a redress route in the

highly unlikely event of something going wrong.

The Tenancy Deposit Scheme

Of the three government backed deposit schemes the TDS is the only one which allows the agent

able to liaise between Landlord and Tenant to reach an agreeable outcome as opposed to the

scheme making the decision for you (DPS or MyDeposits).

Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors

Financial audits carried out annually ensures transparency with all fees and charges.

www.psandb.co.uk 01273 274000

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Which service suits you the best?As everyone has different needs Parsons Son &

Basley offer three types of Lettings services for you to

choose from.

We are happy to tailor them to suit if required.

Tenant Introduction Service:

We’ll set up your Tenancy for you

For clients who would like Parsons Son & Basley to

market and set up the Tenancy but are able to deal

with collecting the rent and manage any repairs or

maintenance to their property and renewing Tenancies.

We never guess:All properties are researched using historic comparables

on the Rightmove Members site to ensure the correct

valuation is given at the time of the FREE market appraisal.

Approximately 65-70% of applicants begin their

search online, it is essential to pitch at the correct rent

to ensure a good level of interest.

Obligations:We ensure you are aware of your property related

obligations to avoid any potential liability.

Maximum exposure:

property portals as well as our own website.

one of the best locations for footfall in the area.

PS&B ensure your property is presented to its utmost

potential both on and offl ine.

Our board man ensures your property is visible to

passers-by, where permitted.

15 questions asked during registration ensuring that your

property is only viewed by the Tenant you are looking for.

All viewings are accompanied by a member of PS&B.

How the market responds:You will receive an update on our progress once

a week, including online statistics and applicant

comments.

An offer for you:12 questions asked while taking the offer to ensure

your requirements are met and the Tenant(s) will pass

referencing.

Once we have an offer we will negotiate the best

terms for you.

We will always try and secure a 12 month Tenancy

useful when planning ahead.

Referencing:We put great importance on the quality of Tenant

provided by PS&B.

We outsource our referencing to a dedicated

and impartial agency who obtain proof & term of

employment, salary, current Landlord reference, Credit

Rating & County Court Judgments check.

It is important to us that you are happy with the Tenant

we have found and provide you with a copy of the

report before you sign the Tenancy Agreement.

We also carry out (anti) Money Laundering checks to

Tenancy agreement:Prepare the Tenancy Agreements and progress to the

commencement of your new Tenancy.

Deposit & initial rent:6 weeks rent is registered and protected with our

accredited scheme, the TDS.

One month’s rent taken in advance.

Inventory and check-in (optional):Due to legislation regarding deposits introduced in the

Housing Act 2004, effective on 6 April 2007, it is vital

that inventories are thoroughly prepared before the

start of the Tenancy.

Before the Tenancy is due to begin we will arrange

for a full inventory of the property to include colour

photographs & meter readings.

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To ensure there are no grey areas the Tenant is met at

the property on the commencement date and will sign

inventory.

If required PS&B can arrange for either or both to be

carried out.

Utilities:With the Tenant(s) permission PS&B set up all utilities

(including Council Tax) before the commencement of

the Tenancy to avoid any red letters.

Insurance:Red wine spilt on your white carpet? Our Tenancy

Agreement includes a clause requiring Tenants to set up

an accidental damage insurance policy for the duration

of the Tenancy.

Despite thorough referencing it is not possible to

foresee problems such as redundancy, relationship

breakdown or illnesses which may result in the Tenant

being unable to pay the rent, PS&B can offer Rent

Guarantee and Legal Expenses packages which offer

peace of mind should the Tenant default on rent.

We will provide an annual update on the market and

any changes in Legislation.

Part-Managed Service:We’ll set up your tenancy for you and collect the rent

For Clients who are able to manage any repairs or

maintenance to their property but do not want to deal

with collecting the rent or renewing Tenancies.

Essentially it is the Tenant Introduction Service, PLUS:

Rent:Will be collected in line with the Tenancy Agreement and

forwarded by BACS transfer. In the unlikely event of an

arrears we will chase by letter, phone, email and text and

update you on our progress.

Monthly statement of account provided.

Renewal service:3 months prior to the end of your Tenancy we will

contact to advise on market conditions & level of rent.

If the Tenants are looking to renew we will negotiate the

best terms for you.

Fully Managed Service:We’ll set up your Tenancy for you, Collect the Rent

and oversee any repairs or maintenance to your

property.

For Clients who want us to look after everything, this is

the option for you.

Essentially it is the Tenant Introduction Service, Part-

Managed Service PLUS:

Maintenance:Dedicated Property Manager as point of contact.

Manage Tenant queries or problems 24 hours a day, 7

days a week.

Manage day to day maintenance or repairs, big or small.

Hold fl oat for deductions.

Advise on any insurance claims.

Use only professional and trusted local contractors with

liability insurance.

Ensure Clients get best price available for quality workmanship.

Routine visits:We will carry out regular property visits followed by a full

report.

End of tenancy:Issue relevant termination notices on Tenants where required.

Arrange an inventory ‘check-out’ on your property to

ascertain damages or dilapidations (if any).

Following government guidelines advise on deductions

(if any) upon receipt of the check-out report.

Oversee the return of the deposit.

Arrange any cleaning or maintenance between Tenancies.

Utilities:With the Tenants permission close all utilities (including

Council Tax) and supply forwarding addresses.

please see overleaf for easy to useservice comparison table

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www.psandb.co.uk 01273 274000

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Free Market Appraisal with comparables guide

Advertise on Rightmove, Primelocation & Zoopla

Advertise in Queens Road window & PS&B website

Qualify Applicants

Accompany viewings with Applicants

Provide weekly feedback

Negotiate the best terms at the offer stage

Full Tenant reference and credit check report provided

Prepare Tenancy Agreements

Prepare Inventory and Schedule of Condition

Set up utilities with Tenant’s permission

Accompany Tenants on move-in day

Register Tenant’s deposits

24/7 emergency call out for Tenants

Arrange for any maintenance or repairs required

Advise on any insurance claims that may arise

Carry out regular Routine Visits

Collect and forward rent by transfer

Monthly statements

Renewal service

Serve rent review notices

Serve termination notices

Carry out end-of-Tenancy check-out

Close down utilities with Tenant’s permission

Carry out deposit release service

Update you on the market and changes in legislation

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OPT OPT ✓

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OPT OPT ✓

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OPT OPT ✓

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OPT ✓ ✓

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OPT OPT ✓

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OPT OPT ✓

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Service comparison table

www.psandb.co.uk 01273 274000

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Your obligations and responsibilities as a landlordGeneral rule of thumb:

The Landlord is responsible for the structure, exterior

and interior maintenance to include drains and

gutters, (supply of) water, gas and electricity, central

and water heating, buildings and contents insurance

(barring Tenant’s possessions).

The Tenant is responsible for insuring their own

possessions, the Council Tax, Gas, Water, Electric and

telephone accounts.

Gas safety regulations:

The Gas Safety (installation and use) Regulations

1994, 1996 and 1998 state all gas appliances within

a property require an annual service and safety check

by a Gas Safe registered engineer.

Electrical safety regulations

There is no statutory obligation for Landlords or

Agents to have professional checks carried out on the

electrical system or appliances.

However, under Common Law and various statutory

regulations (The Landlord and Tenant Act 1985, The

Housing Act 2004, The Electrical Equipment (Safety)

Regulations 1994 and The Plugs and Sockets etc.

(Safety) Regulations 1994 - both of which come

under the Consumer Protection Act 1987) there is an

obligation to ensure that all electrical equipment is safe.

Fire regulations for furnished properties

The Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety)

Regulations 1988, amended 1993, require any

furnished property must comply with BSI standards

(unless pre 1950’s furniture).

Either the label or receipt for any item of soft

furnishings supplied will be required.

Smoke detectors

operated smoke detectors on each fl oor of the building.

There are no statutory regulations relating to the

provision of smoke detectors in older buildings.

We strongly recommend a BS standard battery

each fl oor as best practice.

The Tenants are responsible for maintenance of

battery operated devices.

Mortgages:

Your property must be on a ‘Buy to Let’ mortgage,

failure to do so could invalidate your Tenancy.

If you do not have a Buy to Let mortgage the below

may apply:

.degrahc eb yam etar tseretni rehgih a sesac emos nI .1

na yvel lliw ynapmoc egagtrom ruoy sesac emos nI .2

administration charge.

eb yam stnemeergA ycnaneT dna secnerefeR .3

requested by your mortgage company before

permission is granted.

documentation to ensure re-possession is possible.

gnieb tnega gniganam eht no tsisni yam yehT

a member of a regulatory body such as ARLA

(Association of Residential Letting Agents).

netfo si rof tel eb yam ytreporp eht emit fo htgnel A .5

set by the mortgagor.

eht fi detnarg eb ylno netfo lliw noissimreP .6

mortgage account has been managed to the

lenders satisfaction.

Insurance:

We strongly recommend you advise all relevant parties of

your intention to let your property in order to comply with

the terms and conditions of your agreement(s).

While buildings insurance is mandatory we strongly

suggest contents insurance is also taken in order for

possible damage by Tenants is covered. PS&B will not be

however we are able to help if a policy is required.

Tax (guidance only):

If you live outside the UK, we are required to deduct

and account for tax to HM Revenue and Customs

(HMRC) under its Non-Resident Landlord Scheme.

Alternatively you can apply to the HMRC at

www.hmrc.gov.uk for approval to receive your rental

income without tax deducted in which case any tax

due will be calculated and paid when you submit

your annual tax return. Please note that in the case

of joint Landlords each Landlord will require their

own individual approval number to avoid tax being

deducted from the rental income. If we are not

collecting rent for more than three months the liability

to deduct any tax will fall on the Tenant(s).

PS&B always recommend you seek professional

advice in matters such as this.

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www.psandb.co.uk 01273 274000

Residential and Commercial Lettings

Residential and Commercial Sales

Residential and Commercial Auctions

Residential and Commercial Property & Block Management

Building surveys and Schedules of Dilapidations

How else can we help you?RICS Homebuyer Reports and Condition Report

Rating and Compensation

Rental and Capital Valuations

Freehold and Leasehold Acquisitions

Expert Witness Reports

Residential Rent Registrations

Insurance Services

HastingsBrighton

Chichester

Bognor

www.psandb.co.uk

Brighton32 Queens Road, Brighton East Sussex. BN1 3YE01273 326171property@psandb.co.uk

Hastings72 1⁄2 High Street, Hastings East Sussex. TN34 3EL01424 722711hastings@psandb.co.uk

Bognor Regis

Alma Place, 11 Lennox StreetBognor Regis, West Sussex. PO21 1LZ01243 868600bognor@psandb.co.uk

ChichesterMetro Hours, Northgate, Chichester West Sussex. PO19 1BE01243 816604chichester@psandb.co.uk