If you’re thinking about letting, or changing your letting agent, this guide will introduce you to Gilli and answer many questions you may have about letting your property.

First steps

You will want to know the rental value of your property. We can give you an estimate over the phone and a more accurate valuation following a visit to your property. Another good indication of the rental value is by checking similar property to your own on the rental pages of our website.

These are some of the things you must do before letting your property:

1. If you have a mortgage, you’ll need to inform your lender and get their permission. If they don’t give this, you may need to change your lender. We can give you advice on this.
2. If you are planning to let a leasehold property, you may find that there are clauses in the lease relating to what you may do. Check your head lease, if it is unclear in any way, shows it to us and we can advise you.
3. Your buildings and contents insurance may be affected by a letting. You’ll need to inform your insurer to make sure that cover will continue if you are absent from the property, or find a new insurer. Again, we can advise.
4. There are safety regulations that have to be followed and maintained on property that is let. We will help you understand compliance with fire and furnishings regulations and we can arrange safety checks for gas and electrical appliances.

Wouldn’t it be cheaper to do this all myself?

There are many other things you’ll need to take care of if you do let privately. For example, you’ll need to advertise your property and find time to answer calls, be available for viewings, vet tenants, get references and draw up contracts.

A letting agent can take this weight off of your mind, manage the property on your behalf and give you advice. At Gilli we have access to credit referencing agencies that enable us to check the tenant can afford the rent and does not have a history of defaulting on payments. We can also offer an insurance policy to safeguard your rental income, check that rent is paid on time, and deal with maintenance and tenant enquiries.

So how much is this going to cost me?

Well it may cost you nothing at all. A letting agent will know the market well and may be able to achieve a higher rent than you could do yourself direct with a tenant.

At Gilli the initial rental valuation of your property is free. You only pay commission when we successfully let your property and you’ll always have access to a specialist team dedicated to letting.

Another agent may inflate the value of your property with a higher rental income. If you accept this, you could be out of pocket and lose weeks of rental income while your property remains un-let.

A full list of our fees is given on this website.

Furnished or unfurnished?

You may let your property furnished or unfurnished. Once we have seen your property we can advise you what would be best to do. The standard for furnished is:

White goods: cooker, microwave, fridge/freezer, washing machine/tumble dryer.

Bed(s), chairs and sofa that comply with safety regulations.

A kitchen or dining room table and chairs.

You could leave a TV and hi-fi equipment, but it will be your responsibility to repair and replace these in the event of breakdown.

Do not leave personal effects such as vases, ornaments and pictures that could get easily damaged.

Preparing your property for rental

Read the Lettings Tips & Advice page on this website. It’s packed with useful information that should help you in the preparation of your property prior to a renting.

Should you wish we can organise a professional spring-cleaning of your property, to include steam cleaning of carpets and redecorating if needed.

Conducting a property viewing

Make sure all keys are available to open windows, fire escapes or a garage if you have one.

If you wish to be present at the viewing, give time for the applicants to discuss the property alone before they leave. Resist the temptation to ask viewers if they like your property. They may spontaneously tell you. Either way, it makes negotiating easier if we handle feedback until matters progress to an offer.

How long does it take to find a suitable tenant?

According to market demand and the desirability of your property, anything from between a few hours to several weeks. At Gilli we are able to maximise the speed of letting due to our computerised systems that match properties to potential tenants and inform them by email and text/SMS.

We also undertake all the usual marketing in newspapers and on the web. Our property boards are further coded with a unique property reference that enable the property to be instantly located on our website.

How do I go about vetting a potential tenant?

Gilli will do this for you, by undertaking credit and fraud checks together with obtaining references from an employer or previous Landlord.

Obligations during the let

Any repairs needed during the tenancy must be carried out promptly. You must also ensure your property complies with safety regulations. With Gilli as your letting agent, you can be assured that we can take care of these on your behalf and because we deal with many properties, we get better terms from suppliers. This means that if for example a washing machine breaks down or a shower fails, we can arrange a quick repair or replacement on your behalf.

We also visit the property from time-to-time to keep an eye on its condition and send you an annual statement of account for your tax records.

What’s an Assured Shorthold Tenancy?

An Assured Shorthold Tenancy offers the landlord a guaranteed right to repossess his property at the end of the term. It also sets down rental payment details and who will pay for council tax, water, etc.

What happens if the tenant becomes a problem or doesn’t pay their rent on time?

Gilli minimise this risk by undertaking vetting procedures prior to letting. Additionally, we

• offer you rental and legal protection insurance
• hold a rent deposit on your behalf
• set up Standing Orders for rent payments
• chase late or unpaid rent

This Guide has been prepared by LGR.net Limited. All advice is offered in good faith, and readers who choose to act upon it do so at their own risk. LGR.net accept no responsibility for any action taken, or loss occurring as a result of any advice/information given here. For a full understanding of what we undertake please read our Terms and Conditions given on this website.