Landlord Frequently Asked Questions

The team at Sherlock Homes provides this service to all Landlords who employ our full Management scheme;

 

Q: I am considering renting out my property – where do I start?

A: Call to arrange a convenient time for us to visit you. We will then be able to offer you useful advice on everything from how to get your property ready for the market, optimising viewings, how much you can expect to charge each month, the current state of the market, to our professional in house maintenance team including CORGI registered gas engineer, plumber and joiner, as well as an introduction to all of our other marketing services, and be ready to answer any questions you may have - for property peace of mind.

 

Q: What Area’s do you cover?

A: Currently we operate and are highly visible in postcode areas M21 (Chorlton Green area), M20, M16, M1, M32, M15, M28, M45 and WA1. Whilst we are recognisable in these areas we continue to invest and market in new locations.

 

Q: How will you market my property?

A: At Sherlock homes we use a mix of marketing tools to deliver success in marketing your property effectively and efficiently. The mix includes;

• Branding via our strong and recognisable corporate brand.
• Marketing materials, including board, weekly newspapers advertising reaching thousands of potential customers, Direct mail and shop front, which is updated and refreshed daily.
• Mailing and Matching, via our sophisticated electronic database full of possible tenants with exceptionally high reference requirements looking for a property just like yours.
• Online consolidator sites, including www.rightmove.co.uk, www.findaproperty.com, www.Vebra.com to name but a few, which together with our own web site ensure that we are getting the most possible relevant coverage for you.

 

Q: What fees do I have to pay?

A:  We are pleased to be able to offer two strands to our lettings service;

• Full Management service; 10% + VAT of the Monthly rental income plus £250 + VAT as a letting charge.
• Let only service; a fee of £400 + VAT offered on a case by case basis.
  There is no charge until your property is let.  You will only pay for results.

 

Q: Will you check tenants’ references?

A:  To ensure we let your property to good quality tenants we invest time in gathering extensive references, including full credit checks, before accepting an application, including a continuing guarantee. Time invested at this stage prevents troublesome and time-consuming tenancies which would have been better off avoided.

 

Q: How long will the tenancy be?

A: We usually rent properties with a minimum contract time of six months.  However, if you have any other requirements please contact our lettings team.

 

Q: Do you meet the Tenancy deposit scheme regulation acts under the housing act 2004?

A:  Yes. Sherlock homes is a member of The Dispute Service which ensures all of our deposits are held correctly, legally and dealt with in the approved manner. The Housing Act 2004 imposes strict regulations on landlords regarding the holding of tenancy deposits. Our full management service takes the hassle of having to correctly hold the deposit away from you.
Alternatively, should you choose to take the ‘Let only’ route and make arrangements for holding the deposit, we are very willing to provide support and advice you may need.

 

Q: If there is an emergency at my property, what will happen?

A: Your tenants will have a 24 hour emergency maintenance call out number to reach our in-house property management team.

 

Q: How will I receive my rental income?

A: We want to make your life as easy as possible – we pay your income directly into your bank account by bank transfer. We also provide you by post or email a detailed Monthly statement giving you a full and comprehensive breakdown of income and expenditure.

 

Q: What happens if the boiler breaks, sink leaks or fridge stops working?

A: We have our own in-house maintenance team which includes a CORGI registered Gas engineer, plumber and joiner. Sherlock Homes also has a list of trustworthy local, proven companies with whom we have worked with for many years. This has proved an invaluable service, as the maintenance team can deal with any problems arising during a tenancy, with any upkeep and improvements needed which you may require to your property, all with speed and professionalism.

 

Q: What if my tenant stops paying rent?

A: We have a fully computerized rental control system which alerts us if there are any problems with your rent.