Frequently Asked Questions

Having your property managed means that you can maintain a professional distance between yourself and your tenants. Our fantastic property management team headed by Rachel Walkling will liaise directly with your tenants regarding any maintenance issues along with arranging periodic property inspections. The management service also includes the rent collection service, whereby tenants pay rent direct to us and our accounts manager, Rachel Burrows will forward it to you, the Landlord, usually within 24 hours of receipt.

• We are backed by Propertymark Client Money Protection Scheme
• We are required to belong to an Independent redress scheme who rules on complaints.
• Client money is held in a separate client money account with accounts independently inspected annually.
• We are experienced professionals who are required to undertake regular training.
• We are up to date with all the legislative and safety changes and best practice guidance.
• We are required to adhere to the Letting Agents Code of Practice.
• We hold Professional Indemnity insurance

We promote all of our properties on Rightmove and Zoopla alongside our Website. We also send them out to our database of active applicants. Our commercial properties are generally listed on Zoopla but this listing may be subject to an additional charge (additional listing charge applies to commercial properties only).

The short answer is no. Our team of experienced lettings negotiators will arrange and attend viewings and liaise with your current tenants for access. Applicants will often feel more comfortable when the owner is not present so that they can ask any questions they may have. 

Inventories are an extensive report detailing the condition of a property prior to a tenancy starting. These can be used to conduct a check out report when the tenant moves out, and compare the condition of the property post tenancy. Without an inventory, you cannot conduct a check out, and therefore cannot prove any damage or removal of property. 

We recommend that an inventory and check out report are conducted as a minimum. The comparison of these two reports would then be able to provide supporting evidence for managing the end of tenancy and deposit process. 

The tenant will be fully responsible for any bills incurred during the tenancy, and they should liaise directly with their chosen utility companies to clear any outstanding bills at the end of tenancy. 

Landlords must ensure their properties meet all regulatory legislation, including providing the relevant safety certificates and smoke alarms. More details on legal responsibilities as a Landlord can be found here. 

Although it is not a legal requirement in England, it is best practice to have all portable appliances included in the let PAT tested. 

If your property is a new build, or has been completely rewired in the last 5 years, an EIC (Electrical Installation Certificate) will suffice. An EIC can also be used alongside an unsatisfactory EICR whereby any suggested remedial works noted on the EICR have been rectified in the EIC. In all other circumstances, an EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report) must be provided. These are valid for 5 years and must be shared with tenants. 

The Renters' Reform Bill is a part of the government’s commitment to improving the private rented sector in England.

1. End of Section 21 (“No Fault”) Evictions – Encouraging Stability

• What’s Changing: Section 21 evictions will be abolished.
• You Can Still Regain Possession: Strengthened Section 8 grounds ensure landlords can recover properties for legitimate reasons (e.g., selling the property, repeated rent arrears, occupation by family or antisocial behaviour).

2. Rent Increases – Transparency for All

• What’s Changing: Rent increases will be limited to once per year with two months’ notice and tenants can challenge increases via the First-tier Tribunal.
• Landlord Benefit: Helps build trust and predictability in your relationship with tenants. Clear notice periods aid in planning rental income.

3. Simplified Tenancy System – One Single ‘Periodic Tenancy’

• What’s Changing: Assured Shorthold Tenancies (ASTs) and fixed-term tenancies will be replaced by periodic tenancies.

4. Clear Grounds for Possession

• What’s Changing: The grounds for eviction under Section 8 are being revised and made more robust.
• Landlord Benefit: New, clearer grounds (such as repeated arrears or intent to sell) provide confidence and clarity, reducing legal ambiguity.  A tenant has to be in arrears for 3 months before notice can be served.  However a Rent Guarantee policy is available at 3% of the rent which also includes legal cover.  Do ask us for full details.

5. Property Portal – Professionalism Made Easy

• What’s Changing: A new digital property portal will be introduced for landlords to register and manage compliance.
• Landlord Benefit: Streamlines legal responsibilities, helps demonstrate compliance and professionalism—especially helpful when engaging new tenants or responding to complaints.

 6. Privately Rented Ombudsman – Independent Dispute Resolution

• What’s Changing: A single ombudsman service will be made available to all landlords.
• Landlord Benefit: Provides a free, impartial way to resolve disputes—potentially avoiding costly legal battles or tribunals.

7. Pets in Rental Properties – A Fair Framework

• What’s Changing: Tenants can request to keep pets, and landlords cannot unreasonably refuse.
• Landlord Benefit: You can require pet insurance or request conditions to protect your property—providing peace of mind while expanding your potential tenant base.

The Bottom Line for Landlords

The Renters’ Reform Bill is not about disadvantaging landlords—it’s about raising standards and building trust across the sector. For proactive and responsible landlords, this bill:

• Reduces risk through clear rules and dispute resolution options
• Supports long-term tenancies and stable income

Want to Prepare?

Here’s what you can do now:

• Start reviewing your tenancy agreements
• Familiarize yourself with the Section 8 grounds
• Keep records up to date for the new property portal