Information for Landlords

Introduction

As a landlord, you'll want to know that your property will be well looked after, that you will receive an excellent service and expert advice from the letting agent you choose and, finally, that you will receive a constant stream of income. We at Forum Lettings always strive to ensure that we fulfill these key points. It is because of this, as well as the following reasons, that many landlords have already entrusted us to look after and market their properties:

• We get the rental price right. Using our knowledge of comparable rents in the area, we accurately assess the open market value of your property.
• We get results, as, on average, we let properties within two viewings. This minimises any void periods and also maximises your income.
• We send all property details to all appropriate tenants on our extensive database and also place them in all our advertisements; both on the web and in the highest profile local press.
• At Forum Lettings we take pride that our offices are partner run, which results in a smooth and efficient service, allowing you to know who you're dealing with each time you make contact.
• We always undertake references through a reliable and proven referencing agency, collect one calendar month's rent in advance and a deposit of at least one and a half months' rent on your behalf.
• We also create a legally sound Tenancy Agreement to safeguard your property.

We offer a full property management service for both UK based and 'non-resident' landlords. If you choose this option, then all your tenancies will run smoothly, cost effectively and within the law. This will amount to your peace of mind and help you avoid the dreaded void periods that are every landlord’s nightmare.

As part of our service we also forward rental payments to our landlords within ten working days, although usually much sooner, and carry out quarterly visual property inspections. So let Forum Lettings manage your property for you so that you can look forward to profitable and problem free tenancies.

Our services

We realise that some landlords wish to have more involvement than others with the letting and management of their properties. This is why we have a comprehensive range of services that can be adapted to suit the needs of any landlord.

Our three main services are as follows:

Full Management Service

This is a fully encompassing service where Forum Lettings deal with all aspects of managing the tenancy on the landlords' behalf. Not only will Forum Lettings find and fully reference each tenant, then collect the rent on behalf of the landlord, but we will also deal with any day-to-day problems incurred throughout the duration of the tenancy. This is ideal for landlords who wish to have little involvement with any potential problems that may arise.

Tenant Find Service

With this service, Forum Lettings advertise the property on behalf of the landlord in order to find a suitable tenant. We then arrange all the necessary legal documentation, including the referencing and Credit Check of each tenant. When both landlord and tenant have signed the Tenancy Agreement, the landlord then manages the tenancy themselves.

Rent Collection Service

This service is identical to the Tenant Find Service, with the only difference being that the tenant pays all monthly rental to Forum Lettings instead of the landlord. This money is then kept in our designated Clients Account, where we then deduct our agreed commission and pass the balance onto the landlord. Should the rent ever be overdue, we will chase the tenant on behalf of the landlord. Like the Tenant Find Service, the landlord still manages all other aspects of the tenancy.

Additional Services

Rent Guarantee and Legal Protection Insurance

All landlords should consider the possibility that things can, and do, sometimes go wrong.

Whilst we take every care to thoroughly vet all our potential tenants, we cannot foresee problems such as redundancy, illness or marital breakdowns, which can leave the tenant with financial problems, making it difficult or even impossible for them to meet their rental obligations.

Imagine what problems the loss of rental income could cause you. For example, would you be able to cover mortgage repayments without the rental income? We can therefore offer you, at a discounted rate, a specialist Rent Guarantee and Legal Protection policy. Should your tenant default on rental payments or otherwise breach the Tenancy Agreement, this will provide you with cover against incurring legal expenses, plus guarantee any rent still owing.

You can take advantage of all the benefits these policies provide from just £52.50.

Inventory and Schedule of Condition

We can compile a comprehensive Inventory and Schedule of Condition on your behalf. It is important for both landlords and tenants that such a document exists. This records the condition of the property and any contents prior to the commencement of a tenancy. This ensures that the property is returned to the landlord in the condition in which it was let.

Please feel free to contact us for more information regarding all our fees and services or to request a Landlords' Information Pack