Lettings & Property Management
Tenant Procedures
At BP Connections our energies are focused 3 fold:
- Finding an ideal tenant (with excellent references and a fixed income etc).
- Achieving the agreed monthly rental.
- Completing steps 1 & 2 as quickly as possible (an empty property makes no rental profit).
At BP Connections we are highly skilled at marketing your property at the appropriate demographic. Not only do we advertise but we are in constant communication with various 'Blue Chip' companies, corporate relocation teams and various organisations in similar sectors.
A Question of Referencing
Referencing is a very important aspect of the rental process and one we take very seriously. As part of our duties to our landlord clients we obtain references for all tenants (usually over 18) to be named in the Tenancy Agreement. We utilise the skills of an independent professional referencing company (all fees paid by the tenants) to ensure a thorough check:
- Credit Referencing - (satisfies underwriters for legal/rent protection policies)
- Financial Referencing - (means to pay rent including current employment/previous employment checks and current lender + Bankers reference)
- Landlord References -(previous track record with former landlords is always beneficial)
It is not uncommon for us to request a tenant provide proof of a viable Guarantor as an extra precautionary measure.
Property Protection
Apart from the thorough referencing process, upon your request we can conduct property inspections and present our findings in the form of a written report. This is not infringing on the tenants rights (stated in the tenancy agreement) as long as prior notice has been given and a mutually convenient time can be arranged. If you wish to inspect the property for yourself we can arrange this but the same requirements apply.
Did You Know?
Quarterly inspections are the most effective because tenants are motivated to keep the property well maintained before every new viewing.
In Case of Damage
The prospect of property damage is dealt with in a special 'deposit' called a dilapidation bond (equates to between four and six weeks of rent). At the commencement of the occupancy the tenant is required to present the dilapidation bond to the landlord's agent (BP Connections). The bond is held in a separate clients account. When the tenant moves out another inspection is made and the results are carefully compared with previous reports. Any damage which can not be construed as 'expected wear and tear' will be siphoned off from the dilapidation bond after contractor's estimates are approved and tenants have agreed with our assessment.
All work will be complete before the arrival of the new tenant.
Property Maintenance and Repairs
Repairs must be expected. There are so many variables within a property that any number of things could and usually do go wrong including the repair and eventual replacement of major appliances e.g. fridge/freezer, washing machines/dryers, boilers and cookers. Do not be put off by this prospect! If appliances were made to last repairmen would go out of business.
BP Connections can be as pro-active in this area as you wish. We can organise work to be carried out with a local contractor or if you prefer a contractor of your choice. The degree of responsibility is entirely down to you.
Before any work is carried out the landlord is always informed unless an emergency requires emergency attention. In these circumstances a contractor may be green-lit immediately in order to prevent further damage to the property or to protect the health and safety of the tenant(s). BP Connections will then report directly to you on essential work carried out. Tenants are not encouraged to procure a contractor without prior authorisation from agent or landlord. If this occurs tenants are advised they may be liable for all costs.
BP Connections will take care of all maintenance and repair work in conjunction with the landlord and tenant, including submitting estimates for your approval and organising work schedules.
Garden Upkeep
Not only does an unkempt garden not look nice but it attracts urban pests and could prevent you from achieving full rental potential. BP Connections have excellent working relationships with local gardening contractors and we will be happy to arrange a 'cleanup' service. This should be done prior to the tenant moving in. You may wish to continue using garden contractors during the tenant's occupancy but this should be reflected in the rental fee.
In most cases the upkeep of the garden is the tenant's responsibility which is why basic gardening implements should be supplied as well as a lawnmower, all of which must be inventory listed.
Tenant Renewal
Towards the end of the tenancy you will need to decide whether to renew the current tenant's agreement or remarket for a new occupant. As your agent BP Connections will be happy to implement either option.