Every landlord wants to know that both their property and money are in safe hands. With over 20 years’ experience and over 150 landlords nationwide with a single property or large property portfolios, we are an established and well-respected company in the world of lettings.
We understand that every landlord is different, so we aim to be as flexible as possible by offering a range of letting options:
Our expert negotiators complete hundreds of rentals around Oxford. Combined with their local expertise and up to the minute knowledge of the market conditions; they’re in the perfect position to help you achieve the best possible rental value for your property.
Our free property valuations take into account local features that will appeal to potential tenants such as local parks, schools, shopping facilities etc. We do not simply give you a high valuation to acquire your business but promise to provide realistic rental figures, based on true market conditions.
To find the best tenants for your property, you want the widest possible exposure to the best quality tenants.
By using Oxford Lettings & Estates, you gain access to thousands of potential tenants as well as comprehensive marketing packages including listing on the major property websites such as Zoopla, OnTheMarket, Boomin, Gumtree, our own website, displayed in our prominent office, accompanied viewings and email alerts out to previous applicants that fit the search criteria.
Once the final rental price has been agreed tenants are thoroughly referenced, credit checked and confirmed that they have the right to rent in the UK.
A tenancy agreement is then drawn up – the agreement itself needs to be fully compliant with all current regulations. It is at this stage that the security deposit and the first rental payment is taken.
It is a legal requirement that the deposit is registered with one of the Government approved deposit schemes once the tenant has moved in.
It is important to ensure that all paperwork is completed before checking the tenant into the property and handing over the keys. The tenants are made aware of day to day tasks such as bin collection days, location of meters, how to use appliances etc. The inventory that has already been prepared needs to be signed by the tenant and the council, water, gas, and electricity suppliers must all be informed that the tenant has moved in.
Both you and your tenant have responsibilities that you must adhere throughout the duration of the tenancy:
Your responsibilities will vary depending on the letting service option that you choose. At a basic level the tenant can expect you or your letting agent to:
Routine inspections are a great way of ensuring that all is well with both the property and the tenancy. Oxford Lettings & Estates can arrange to have inspections carried out on your behalf depending on the level of service you have with us.
Using a letting agent means that as a landlord you don’t need to sacrifice your personal time and take on the associated responsibility for letting out and managing the property. When looking for an agent consider factors such as how they will market the property, how they will conduct viewings, their high street presence and their available pool of quality tenants.
We offer three other lettings service options to our landlords. No matter how much or little involvement a landlord may want in managing or letting out their property, we have the right level of support available.
We will complete a full and free evaluation of your property, taking into account how it compares to other properties in the surrounding area as well as considering local rental market conditions. We can then give you an estimate of its monthly rental value. It is important to remember that if a property’s rental value is over-estimated it may result in an extended empty period (void). Get in touch to get a free rental valuation for your property.
There is no need for you to be present at viewings as long as you have already given us a set of keys beforehand. One of our lettings team will show prospective tenants through the property and will be on hand to answer any questions. We will then provide you with feedback afterwards.
Finding a quality tenant is vital. At Oxford Lettings & Estates as part of the tenant application process we:
In many instances standard home insurance cover will not for a range of scenarios that can arise when letting out a property. It is therefore a good idea to have specialised landlord insurance to cover your property. You will need to insure the property itself and any contents, such as furniture and appliances that you provide. Tenants are responsible for insuring their own contents left in the property.
Yes. You will need to obtain permission from your mortgage lender to let out your property. If they impose any special conditions you will need to let us know. If the property has a buy-to-let mortgage then permission has already been granted.
It is a legal requirement for all rental properties in the UK to have an EPC. It measures the energy efficiency of a property using a scale of A-G. The certificate itself is valid for 10 years and can be used for multiple tenancies within that time. Your local office can advise on how to obtain the certificate through a qualified Domestic Energy Assessor.
It is a legal requirement that the deposit is registered with one of the three Government approved deposit schemes when the tenant moves in, except for company lets.
An inventory is a record of the condition of the property and its contents. Some inventories are supported with photos and / or video inventories. Once it is completed it needs to be checked and signed by all parties when the tenant moves in.
The cost of an inventory will often vary depending on the size of your property and your local Northwood office can help to arrange having an inventory completed. We complete the inventory as part of our service when charging the setup fee.
At the end of the tenancy when considering any potential deductions from the tenant’s deposit caused by damage, the principle of fair wear and tear is used.
No, it is your choice whether to let out your property unfurnished, part furnished or fully furnished. Any electrical appliances left should be PAT tested and any soft furnishings left must comply with furniture and fire regulations.
A tenant is normally responsible for paying the council tax during the tenancy (as long as this is stated in the Tenancy Agreement). However, when the property is vacant the responsibility falls back on the landlord or homeowner.
If the landlord provides a television, then they are expected to pay for the TV licence. The responsibility on who has to pay for the licence is usually stated in the Tenancy Agreement.
If you are on our fully managed or guaranteed rent service, we take full responsibility liaising with the tenant and coordinating any necessary works approved by the landlord. We have an extensive network of trusted local tradesmen and contractors who are regularly used to complete repairs or vital maintenance work when needed.
We will chase all late and unpaid rent if your property is either on the rent collection or fully managed service. We can advise landlords with the appropriate course of action should the tenant not clear the debt or if they fail to vacate the premises.
