Fulham has become one of South West London’s most popular areas for buyers and renters alike. With fantastic pubs, shopping and schools on offer, many young professionals and families are searching for properties for sale and rent in the area.

Looking for help managing your rental properties in the Fulham area? Our guide sets out some of the most trusted letting agents in Fulham and aims to help you find the services you’re looking for, right on your doorstep.

Whether you’re looking for property management support or help attracting the right tenants, the following London letting agents are on hand to help…

 

Winkworth Fulham & Parsons Green Estate Agents

Winkworth Fulham and Parsons Green estate agency has been active in Parsons green for 34 years and has seen first hand the rise in demand for property in the area. Their excellent knowledge of the local property market, combined with a strong team of property professionals makes them a highly recommended agency in the area.

Georgia Nicoll heads up the lettings team and is skilled at placing the best tenants in the right properties. The 4.7 Google rating attests to the excellent services they provide to customers.

Contact Information

40 New Kings Road, Fulham, Greater London, SW6 4ST
+44 (0) 20 7731 3388
[email protected]

 

John D Wood & Co Estate Agents Fulham Broadway

Located conveniently on the corner of Fulham road and North End Road, the Fulham office of John D Wood & Co offers sales and letting services to the surrounding area.

The lettings team provide tailored services to landlords and property professionals, aided by expert legal teams to help protect your investment. Satisfied clients attest to the teams’ efficiency, reliability and flexibility.

Contact Information

506 Fulham Rd, Fulham, London SW6 5NJ
020 3151 4134

 

Strutt & Parker Fulham

If you’re a London landlord or property professional looking for help with Fulham properties, Strutt & Parker are dedicated to helping match both corporate and private tenants with outstanding properties. Solid market knowledge, seamless property management services and flexible options make this letting agency a popular choice in the area.

Their impressive 4.9 star Google rating comes from the team’s professionalism and excellent communication skills.

Contact Information

701 Fulham Road, London, SW6 5UL
+44 20 7731 7100

 

KFH (Kinleigh Folkard & Hayward) Fulham

From the picturesque Eel Brook Common to the plentiful green spaces of Moore park and South Park, the team at KFH Fulham are very much clued up on Fulham’s offerings.

This estate and lettings agent offer everything from residential and commercial lettings, to portfolio management. Their dedication to clients is reflected in the 5 star Google review rating as customers describe their services as honest, helpful and attentive.

Contact Information

825-827 Fulham Road, Fulham, SW6 5HG
[email protected]
020 3993 4671

 

Chestertons Fulham Road

Chestertons Estate Agents have three offices in Fulham and their lettings team is run by Graham Jennings who has been working at the firm since 2009.

Reviews describe the team as having fantastic knowledge of the area and local property market.

Contact Information

654 Fulham Road, Fulham London SW6 5RU
[email protected]
+44 (0)20 7384 9899

 

 

Knight Frank Fulham Estate Agents

According to lettings manager Chiara Thomas, Knight Frank Fulham have seen a 72% increase in the number of tenancies starting via their corporate relocation service year on year.

From marketing, to finding reliable tenants and collecting rent, this agency is experienced at providing essential services for landlords in the area. With a wide network of partners and experts, Knight Frank are well placed to help landlords protect their investment.

Contact Information

203 New Kings Road, Fulham, SW6 4SR

 

 

Hamptons International Estate Agents Parsons Green and Fulham

Landlords and tenants alike praise Hamptons Parsons Green and Fulham for their attentive customer service and dedication to going above and beyond for their clients.

The Fulham office of Hamptons has been running successfully for 25 years, covering the postcodes SW6, W6 and W14. The international agency has wide exposure on property portals such as Zoopla and Rightmove and the team is confident they can get you the best rental price for your property.

Contact Information

193, New Kings Road, Fulham, London, SW6 4SS
020 3151 4176

 

Carter Jonas Parsons Green

Carter Jonas Parsons Green provides a wide array of services, including; property valuations, vacant property management and buy-to-let advice.

The team pride themselves on their transparency, customer satisfaction and 24/7 availability.

Contact Information

783 Fulham Rd, Fulham, London SW6 5HD
020 7751 8898

 

Douglas & Gordon Fulham

The Douglas and Gordon Fulham office is well known for it’s high quality services and customer service, with the team being described as ‘diligent’, ‘approachable’ and ‘refreshing’.

The team are experts in both long term and short term lets and offer a wide range of professional services for landlords.

Contact Information

656 Fulham Rd, Fulham, London SW6 5RX
020 3918 3699
[email protected]

 

Savills Fulham

Savills have been operating in the property industry for many years, and the Fulham branch has earned a reputation for seamless efficiency. The agency deals with some of the most prestigious properties for sale and let in the area and has a detailed understanding of renters’ needs.

The team ensures that their clients are at the heart of their services and are available at all times of day.

Contact Information

191 New King’s Rd, Fulham, London SW6 4SW
020 7731 9400

 

No Letting Go Fulham

Fulham is a hugely popular area of central London, thanks to its great transport links, quality schools and attractive properties, making it a great location for prospective landlords to invest. If you’re looking for property inventory services in London, we can help.

The No Letting Go Fulham branch is run by Yosha Hussain, an experienced inventory and property reporting specialist, with great local knowledge.

Available services include:

  • Detailed inventory reports
  • Digisign
  • Property visits
  • 360 virtual photography
  • Property appraisals
  • And much more….

Find our full list of property inventory services here to maximise returns and protect your investment.

This year marks the biggest ARLA conference to date, as the 25th event in the conference’s history is taking place in London on the 24th of March.

As one of the most important property events in the calendar of professionals working in the private rented sector, we’re excited to be there flying the flag for our network of property inventory experts.

Find out what the event has to offer…

 

What is the ARLA Propertymark Conference and Exhibition?

The ARLA Propertymark conference is an annual event dedicated to the private rental sector. In 2019, attendees reached the 1000 mark and this year is set to be even bigger.

This year’s keynote speakers include:

  • Mary Portas, High street retail expert
  • Dido Harding, Digital business leader
  • David Cox, ARLA Propertymark chief executive
  • Julian Worricker, Conference moderator and BBC broadcaster

In addition to insightful talks and presentations, there is a full agenda of debates, property industry roundups, exhibitions and the chance to network with fellow professionals.

 

When is the ARLA Propertymark Conference Taking Place?

The ARLA conference 2020 is taking place in London’s Excel on the 24th March.

 

Why attend ARLA Propertymark Conference?

If you’re an estate agent, letting agent or supplier wishing to network, this event provides an essential opportunity to network with the best in the business.

The conference is the place to catch up on the latest innovations in the sector, debate important industry issues and hear from some of the leading figures in lettings.

The event also provides the opportunity to explore new products and services that could help your business thrive.

 

No Letting Go at the ARLA Conference

As the exhibition celebrates 25 years, you’ll find us at stand D13 where we’ll be sharing our franchise offering and specialised services.

Find out about our:

  • Property inventory services to landlords, letting agents and property professionals
  • Property visits
  • Property conditions reports
  • Check in/check out services
  • Estate and block management audits
  • Our cutting-edge property technology and software
  • Becoming a franchisee
  • And lots more…

 

Other ARLA Events to Watch Out For

ARLA Propertymark put on several regional and national events throughout the UK, including:

  • Northern Ireland National Conference
  • Scottish National Conference
  • South Coast
  • South West
  • Welsh National Conference
  • East Anglia
  • South-East
  • North West
  • Midlands

Other annual events include the NAEA Propertymark National Conference which is dedicated to estate agents.

 

Tailored Property Inventory Services

Need some help streamlining your property business? We’re the UK’s largest provider of inventory management services with over 65 offices across the UK.

Spanning residential and commercial property, our extensive list of services are all designed with you, the client in mind.

Get in touch today or start browsing our full list of property inventory services.

There are plenty of women in property who are making a splash in the rental and property sectors.

Last year, to celebrate International Women’s Day, we turned a spotlight onto some of our most successful female franchise owners. This year, we’re showcasing the breadth of female talent we have across our network.

Let’s get to know some of our female franchise owners….

 

Virginia Chrapkowski, Edinburgh

“We visited the Aberdeen franchise show, did lots of investigative work and eventually decided on No Letting Go due to lower start-up costs and great support”

For Virginia Chrapkowski and her husband, becoming a No Letting Go franchisee provided an exciting opportunity to escape their busy and demanding jobs and allow them to work together.

Since becoming owners of No Letting Go Edinburgh, the business has been going from strength to strength. While learning to run a business first came as a big change, with our support, they were soon managing hundreds of properties.

 

Sam Botha, Crawley

Having worked in the entrepreneurial industry for 15 years, Sam and her husband decided to take on the No Letting Go Crawley branch in 2017.

Thanks to Sam’s auditing background, she had the skills needed to produce highly detailed inventory reports and takes pride in providing flexible customer service to clients in the local area.

 

Rachel Farr-Drejer & Sarah Goessens, Bristol North

 

The No Letting Go Bristol North branch is head up by Rachel Farr-Drejer and Sarah Goessens.

Rachel originally worked as an independent inventory clerk in Bath before coming across No Letting Go and made the switch in 2014 thanks to our user-friendly software. By 2016 she was running No Letting Go’s top performing office, delivering over 200 property reports every month. She even became a finalist in the Woman Franchisee EWIF Awards in 2017!

Rachel now co-runs the Bristol North branch with Sarah Goessens.

Rachel-Farr-Drejer-Sarah-Goessens-1024x769

Marcelle Ingrouille, Milton Keynes and Bedford

Marcelle Ingrouille is the owner of the No Letting Go Milton Keynes and Bedford. She combines an ‘old fashioned’ approach to customer service with the latest property technology to deliver robust and comprehensive reports.

Leading a team of highly trained inventory clerks, Marcelle is experienced at minimising tenancy disputes and ensuring the moving process goes smoothly.

 

Claire Parfitt, Portsmouth

Claire has been running No Letting Go Portsmouth with her husband since 2017.

After working as an inventory clerk for a large estate agent in London, Claire made the move to self-employment after moving to Hampshire with her family. With 13 years of experience in the industry, including working for local agents, Claire has made the Portsmouth branch a great success.

 

Samantha Wilkinson, Preston

Samantha has an impressive 14 years in the property industry and identified the need for a premium inventory service in Preston several years ago. She now runs No Letting Go Preston, providing quality services to landlords, letting agents and tenants in the area.

 

Alison Hardy, Swindon

Since Alison Hardy and her husband took over No Letting Go Swindon, the branch has one of the lowest percentages of national contract work and the team have won several marketing and customer service awards.

Alison attributes this success to “immense pride in the No Letting Go brand, a lot of flexibility, adaptability, resilience and hard work”.

For Alison, her favourite thing about her job is being responsible for generating her own workload, as well as having the opportunity to work with diverse properties on a daily basis.

 

Ann Ennis, Walthamstow

With over 45 years’ experience in the property sector, property is a serious passion for Ann. She prides herself on her can-do attitude and professional conduct when representing clients in the marketplace.

Ann became the owner of No Letting Go Walthamstow in 2009, providing highly detailed reports to the local community of property professionals.

 

Chinthi Ranaweera, Leicester

Chinthi came to property after 20 successful years working in commercial and marketing roles. Ever since completing business school, it was her ambition to one day own her own company.

And as the joint owner of No Letting Go Leicester with Greg Mason, she has achieved her goal!

Chinthi brings her managerial experience to her role, providing professional property services to the surrounding area.

Chinthi No Letting Go Leicester

Female Franchisees at No Letting Go

The women mentioned above are just a small selection of the wider pool of female talent No Letting Go is proud to call franchise owners.

Here are the rest of our female owned franchises across the country:

 

  • Joanne Wilsdon, Cambridge
  • Debbie Penn, Chelmsford
  • Dominique Hall, Bradford
  • Gabriella Walters, Barnet
  • Margaret Rymill, Basingstoke
  • Yosha Hussain, Fulham
  • Wendy Yost, Gloucestershire
  • Shewana Zaffar, Greenwich
  • Moira Hendrickx, Hertford
  • Rizwana Rasab, Reading
  • Mundeep Grewal, Newham
  • Julie Skipp, Tees Valley
  • Tracey Hinds-Shelford, Watford and Harrow

 

Become a No Letting Go Franchisee

Interested in becoming a No Letting Go franchisee? Join the men and women across the country taking control of their career, and find out what our franchise programme could offer you:

  • Training and support
  • Flexibility
  • Cutting edge software
  • Backing from a well-established brand
  • UK wide support network

Take the first step towards career independence and become a No Letting Go franchise today.

Although we all do our best to avoid them, void periods are a fact of life and most landlords and letting agents will find themselves with a vacant rental property on their hands at one point or another.

If you find yourself with an empty property, it’s important to keep it safe and secure. We’ve got some advice on how to protect vacant property and keep it in good condition until your next tenant comes along.

From security solutions to regular inspections, keep your property safe with these tips.

 

How Long Can A Rental Property Be Vacant?

If your rental property is left vacant for an extended period of time, you will need to inform your insurer. How long this period is can vary from insurer to insurer, so make sure you read the small print in your contract.

Usually, when a rental property is left vacant the insurance will go up as it is considered to be more of a risk.

 

Vacant Rental Property: The Risks

With no one living in the property to take care of day-to-day maintenance and inform you if something goes wrong, vacant properties present more of a risk for landlords and letting agents.

Here are some of the potential issues you could come across;

  • Vandalism
  • Theft
  • Squatters
  • Leaks or water damage
  • Fires
  • Electrical faults
  • Structural damage
  • Mould
  • Pest infestations
  • Weather damage

 

Vacant Property Security: The Solutions

While these potential issues sound scary, there are several steps you can take to ensure your property remains safe and secure.

 

Secure Doors and Windows

It’s good practice to change the locks between tenancies to minimise the risk of unlawful occupation. Having secure doors and windows also helps to prevent theft or squatting.

The RLA recommends using five lever mortice locks for external timber doors or a multi-point locking system for PVC doors, as well as door chains.

 

Regular Property Maintenance

Regular property maintenance is vital throughout the year, whether your rental property is occupied or not. By keeping on top of maintenance tasks, when it comes to vacant buildings, there is a smaller chance of structural or internal damage.

The main tasks to address include;

  • Exterior maintenance e.g. replacing missing roof tiles or clearing guttering
  • Regular servicing of boilers, pipes
  • Interior maintenance

 

Manage Utilities

Depending on how long the property is left vacant, it may be wise to switch off certain utilities such as the electrics to minimise the risk of fire. However, if you’re dealing with an empty building over the winter period, scheduling the heating to come on periodically can prevent mould growth.

Perhaps the most important measure you can take is to ensure all smoke and CO checks are up to date.

 

Installing Security Systems

Installing an alarm system or extra site security can discourage theft or vandalism to your property. Security services can include;

  • 24 hour security cameras
  • Alarm system
  • Security lights
  • Property security services

 

Alert the Neighbours

Having a quick chat with the neighbours or sending round a letter is a cost-effective way of protecting your investment. Asking the neighbours to act as property guardians and alert you if they spot any suspicious activity or leaks before they create permanent damage can save you time and money in the long run.

 

Take Advantage of PropTech

PropTech innovation has come on leaps and bounds over the last couple of years and there are plenty of solutions out there to help landlords and letting agents protect their properties remotely. From leak detection to remote temperature control and live streaming- you’re sure to find an app to put your mind at ease.

 

Vacant Property Inspections

Vacant property inspections are vital for the protection and security of your property. Most insurance companies require vacant properties to be visited weekly or fortnightly to check for any security or management issues and ensure they are dealt with promptly.

 

Improve Your Marketing Materials

No landlord or letting agent wants a vacant rental property on their hands. To avoid this situation from occurring in the first place, it pays to invest in quality marketing materials.

We offer a 360 degree virtual property photography service to show off your property to a high standard, producing images for use in marketing and inventory reporting.

 

No Letting Go’s Vacant Property Protection Services

As experienced partners to landlords, letting agents and property professionals around the UK, we understand the importance of keeping your property safe and secure during void periods.

As part of our services, we offer essential vacant property inspections to check for any damage and arrange for swift repairs. Whether you are a landlord living overseas or a letting agency needing help with your portfolio, our dedicated clerks are on hand to help.

Discover the rest of our property inventory services here.

Looking for trusted Islington letting agents?

As a provider of landlord and letting agent services, we work with a wide range of companies within the property market and understand the importance of finding dedicated and reliable property agents to protect your investment.

A good letting agent has excellent local knowledge and understands the specific pain points of letting property in a particular area. While our previous blog looked at the best letting agents in London, we’re taking a closer look at specific localities to help you identify the best property management services in your local area.

First up, we list some of the best Islington letting agents providing professional, friendly services to landlords and businesses in the area.

 

Chestertons Islington

Excellent Google reviews are a testament to this agency’s responsive customer service and dedication to clients. Taking great pride in the local community, the Islington branch of Chestertons lettings and estate agency is partnered with William Tyndale School, London Calling coat collection and St Mungo’s.

Their lettings team is head up by David Manning, who has over 20 years’ experience in the industry.

Contact Information

David Manning
[email protected]
327-329 Upper Street, Islington London N1 2XQ

 

Daniel Rose Residential Ltd

Settling in Islington in 2004 after letting properties around North West London, this family run lettings agency take pride in the personal touch they provide as part of their property services, going above and beyond for their clients.

Daniel Rose Residential provides landlords with property valuation, marketing material and promotion on popular property portals such as Zoopla and Rightmove.

This agency is a member of Client Money Protect (CMP) and The Property Ombudsman.

Contact Information

[email protected]
Ground Floor Office, 99 White Lion Street, London, N1 9PF

 

Felicity J Lord Letting Agents Islington

Described as sincere, trustworthy and tech-savvy by clients, Felicity J Lord Letting Agents in Islington is part of a multi-award winning agency.

The Islington office of Felicity J Lord covers a wide area, including Highbury, Canonbury, Barnsbury, Hoxton, Kings Cross, Caledonian Road, Holloway, Arsenal, Finsbury Park and Stroud Green.

Contact Information

Anthony Szabo, Area Director (Lettings)
[email protected]

Islington Felicity J Lord, 313 Upper Street, Islington, London, N1 2XQ

 

Islington Properties

Islington Properties describes itself as a ‘boutique residential property services company’ and is renowned for offering unique insights into the local area. Their Sales & Lettings Manager has worked in Islington for the past ten years and the rest of the team are ARLA qualified.

The team also offers tailored property management services as well as property valuations with no obligation to commit.

Contact Information

[email protected]
111 Upper St, Islington, London, N1 1QN

 

Founders Of London

From Islington to Regents Park, Founders of London have a combined 20 years of experience managing properties in prime central London locations.

With a close attention to detail, the agency offers free market appraisal to landlords as well as expert advice on maximising returns. The professional website and marketing materials on offer help to attract quality tenants with a short turnaround.

Founders of London are members of The Property Redress Scheme (PRS) and Clients’ Money Protection Scheme (CMP).

Contact Information

47 Islington Park Street, London, N1 1QB, United Kingdom

 

Hemmingfords

Hemmingfords lettings agent started out as a husband and wife team with a mission to make lettings more transparent for both landlord and tenant.

Working with properties in Islington, Shoreditch, Clerkenwell, Hackney, Bethnal Green and the City, the couple live and work in the area and have extensive local knowledge. They also strive to be an eco-friendly option by minimising printing and using electric company cars.

Co-founder Rose has landlord experience herself and can offer guidance, care and value within all aspects of the rental process.

Contact Information

[email protected]
We Work, 41 Corsham St, Hoxton, London N1 6DR

 

Friar Lettings

This independent, family run lettings agent has been providing lettings and property management services since 1999. Described as helpful and professional without being ‘pushy, the small team at Friar Lettings are valued by clients for their down to earth nature and reliability.

Contact Information

[email protected]
Gainsborough Studios North, Unit A, 1 Poole Street, N1 5EB

 

Charles David James

Charles David James lettings in Islington provides professional services to a small number of clients to ensure each one feels taken care of and specialises in managing property for homeowners relocating overseas.

Charlie is described by clients as ‘approachable’, ‘honest’ and ‘helpful’ with a straightforward approach.

Contact Information

[email protected]
Unit 11 Canonbury Yard, 202-208 New North Road, London N1 7BJ

 

 

PG Estates Islington

Since taking the reins from his father in 2005, Ed Gormley has taken PG Estates lettings to new heights. Excellent customer service and forging long-standing relationships is at the heart of the company’s ethos.

Rave reviews from the landlords and tenants on their books are a testament to the care the team at Islington put into their dealings with customers. They offer bespoke marketing, property management and short lets as part of their services.

The lettings agent is a member of The Property Ombudsman and ARLA.

Contact Information

020 7226 4994
350 Upper Street, Islington, London, N1 0PD

 

 

Kinleigh Folkard & Hayward Islington Estate Agents

In operation since 1977, Kinleigh Folkard & Hayward can be found in 60 locations across London, making it one of the larger estate agents on our list. They have a wide network of specialists and experienced staff on hand. Their high Google review rating from Islington clients speaks volumes about their superb communication, professionalism and efficiency.

Contact Information

[email protected]
298 Upper Street, Islington, N1 2TU

 

No Letting Go Islington & Camden Property Inventory Services

No Letting Go’s Islington and Camden branch is led by Chris Ford. After 23 years of experience in the retail industry, Chris made the switch to property in 2017. Since then, property has become his passion and he always strives to go above and beyond for his clients of landlords and letting agents.

Chris-Ford-Islington-branch

The Islington & Camden team offer;

  • Highly detailed inventory reports
  • Inventory Management in Islington
  • Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Inspections
  • 360 Virtual Photography
  • Property Appraisals and Floorplans
  • Property Visit (Mid Term Inspection)
  • Legionella Risk Assessment and water testing

 

Contact Information

07415 087316
[email protected]
48 Weavers Way, London NW1 0XE, UK

Are you a letting agent operating in the Islington area that we’ve missed off our list? We’d love to hear from you! Get in touch to be added to the list or head to the website to discover our range of property inventory services.

As a landlord or letting agent, what do you do if your tenant disappears? Tenant abandonments can cause a lot of hassle and complications for those managing the property, so if it happens to you, it’s best to be prepared.

If a tenant is expected of abandoning, the landlord or letting agent will need to place a notice of abandonment at the rental property. We explain what this means, the responsibilities involved and how we can help with our abandonment notice service.

 

Tenant Abandonment: The Facts

Tenant abandonment is the term given for when a tenant leaves your property before the end of the tenancy agreement without notifying you (the landlord or letting agent).

In the case of abandonment, whoever is managing the property needs to ensure the tenant has permanently vacated the property before they can rent it out again.

Rent will still be owed until the end of the tenancy or until the property is let out again.

 

Issues for Landlords

If your tenant abandons the rental property, this can cause several problems;

  • Loss of rental income
  • Risk of vandalism and lack of security at the abandoned property
  • Squatters
  • Abandoned properties can result in higher insurance premiums
  • If tenants leave possessions behind, these become the responsibility of the landlord to safeguard

 

What is an Abandonment Notice?

If you believe your tenant has left the property before the end of the tenancy, you need to place an abandonment notice.

An abandonment notice is a written statement that must be displayed in a prominent, accessible position on the property informing the tenant that the locks have been changed and where to find a replacement key if they wish to return.

It should give the tenant a limited time to get in contact and request a new set of keys.

By completing an abandonment notice, you are protecting yourself from being accused of unlawfully evicting the tenant.

 

What is Considered Property Abandonment?

Tenants are obligated to inform their letting agent or landlord if they plan to leave their rented property for more than two weeks. The tenancy agreement should include this clause as a form of protection for residential landlords.

Landlords and property professionals need to act cautiously, as under the Protection from Eviction Act 1977, the tenant is entitled to return to the property within the tenancy period. If the tenant decides to return and the property has been let to someone else, this could constitute a criminal offence on the part of the landlord.

Without obtaining a lengthy and expensive court possession order, the tenant is still legally the occupant- even if they are in rent arrears.

This means you need to be certain that the tenant has permanently vacated and surrendered the property before re-letting or entering the property.

 

Landlord and Letting Agent Responsibilities

In order to ensure you are not making an unlawful eviction, if your tenant appears to abandon the property there are steps that must be taken;

Before letting the property to someone else or changing the locks you must first ensure the tenant has surrendered the property.

Firstly, try to contact the tenant to establish whether they are surrendering the tenancy. If you can get written confirmation from the tenant and they return the keys, you are safe to go ahead and re-let the property.

If you cannot get a hold of the tenant check if;

  • The tenant has stopped paying rent
  • The tenant has removed their belonging
  • The tenant has left the keys at the property
  • The neighbours have seen the tenant at the property

 

Housing and Planning Act 2016: Abandonment

If you can ensure that your property has been abandoned, and your tenant is in rent arrears you are now able to take back possession of your property under the Housing and planning Act 2016.

In this case, you can place a written warning at the property requesting rent repayments. If the first warning is ignored, a second warning notice is required. If the tenant still fails to respond, a third and final notice must be displayed. If this is also ignored, the landlord can take repossession of the property.

 

Can I Enter an Abandoned Property?

If you believe your tenant has abandoned, you can only enter the property if;

  • It is in a vulnerable state and you need to secure the property by changing the locks
  • There is any danger to neighbours (e.g. regarding the electric or gas supply)
    There is damage that needs urgent repair

That’s where we come in. Our clerks can act as independent witnesses and help with the abandonment notice process, informing the tenant the locks have been changed.

 

What Should an Abandonment Notice Include?

There are certain elements an abandonment notice should include;

  • Written notice that you believe the tenant has abandoned the property. Don’t forget to include important dates such as how long the property has been empty
  • The full name, address and contact details of both the landlord and tenant
  • A section asking anyone who knows the tenant’s current location to contact the landlord or property manager
  • An agreed date by which the tenancy will be assumed abandoned or surrendered by the tenant (if the tenant fails to make contact by this date)
  • A section recommending the tenant seeks legal advice
  • The name of the independent witness

 

No Letting Go’s Abandonment Notice Service

In the event that either a landlord or letting agent places an Abandonment Notice up at a property, it is vital that someone attends the property on a regular basis (ideally every 3-4 days) to ensure the notice is still in place. We offer an abandonment notice service whereby we will visit the property as instructed to ensure the notice has not been removed or displaced and to report on the security of the property.

No Letting Go are dedicated to providing professional and unbiased property inventory services from the start of tenancy to the end. From appraisals and right to rent checks, to property inspections and maintenance reports – we’re here to help you protect your investment.

Discover how we could help by browsing our full list of property inventory services.

What if you could eliminate the hassle of chasing tenants for signatures with an Automated Check-In Service For Property Management? Obtaining your tenant’s signature is a crucial part of the inventory process. By employing DigiSign’s automated process, you could not only save precious time but also reduce costs.

So, what exactly is DigiSign? And how does this leading automated check-in service offer benefits to landlords and property professionals?

We dive deeper into this service to provide you with a comprehensive overview.

 

What Is DigiSign Software?

Digisign automated check-in is a service that allows us to collect electronic signatures from your tenants. This web-based signing process makes inventory signing and management even easier for all parties, allowing for remote digital signage and automated reminders.

 

How Does DigiSign Work?

Our DigiSign process is simple. The software will send a reminder to your tenant via email or text message, notifying them that they are required to sign the inventory report. As the landlord or property manager, you will also receive a notification for each tenant reminder sent out.

Next, the tenant follows the online link to the electronic documents where they can add their digital signatures at the touch of a button. The tenant is also able to make their own comments and add pictures directly into the report at this stage. This collaborative process can help prevent any disputes over inventories when it comes to the end of the tenancy.

Any additions are verified by us before returning the report to you.

Using the DigiSign service, we can even send automated reminders to your tenant if they fail to sign first time. The method and frequency of these can be tailored specifically to your needs. This completely removes the frustrating and laborious task of chasing tenants for signatures.

If the tenant fails to respond to these reminders, there’s no need to worry. We will deem the report accepted and will notify the tenant.

 

The Benefits of Automated Check-In Systems

This automated inventory service comes with a range of advantages, benefiting both landlord and tenant;

  • Inventories are automatically sent out for signing according to your specific limit
  • You and the tenant can make amendments online
  • Queries can be managed online by us
  • Text or email reminders can be sent out to tenants to speed up replies
  • Tenants are able to sign the inventory remotely, using an online link
  • Increased visibility for landlords, property professionals and tenants throughout the process
  • This flexible system can be tailored to your needs
  • Automation saves time and effort
  • Reduces the chance of human error
  • You’ll never have to chase a tenant for their signature again!

These benefits help to free up your time for more important things, helping you to manage your portfolio with minimal hassle.

Tenant using Digisign automated check-in service outside

Streamlining the Property Inventory Process

Having a detailed, professional property inventory report in place at the start of a tenancy is vital when it comes to protecting your investment and recovering any necessary costs when the tenancy comes to an end.

By making these services as easy as possible through automation, we aim to increase efficiency in your business, helping you on the path to success.

To maximise the potential of property technology, why not take advantage of Kaptur Inventory Software – a program designed with busy property professionals in mind. Kaptur provides the most efficient way to collect, prepare, report on and manage information through its flexible system.

This includes easy user experience, 24/7 customer support and custom reports tailored to you and your business needs. For inventory reports, this means branded digital documentation, embedded photos and professional templates as a start.

 

Why Choose No Letting Go?

Helping landlords, letting agents and property professionals manage their workload and protect their investment is what we do every day.

We offer a range of services to make your life easier, including;

  • 360 virtual photography
  • Floor plans
  • Property appraisals
  • House viewings
  • Smoke and CO checks & reports
  • HHSRS
  • Legionella risk assessments
  • Right to rent checks
  • Mid-term reports
  • Check-out reports
  • Abandonment notices
  • Dilapidations

If you’d like to find out more about our property inventory services, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Is your tenant coming to the end of their tenancy agreement? If so, you might want to start thinking about providing them with some essential information regarding their check-out process.

Investing in professional pre-tenancy checks service can benefit both landlord and tenant. From ensuring smoother transitions, to minimising the amount of maintenance needed, we explain how opting for a pre-check out service can save property professionals time and money.

 

Pre-Tenancy Check Out Procedure for Rental Property

Before we look at the process in more detail, here’s a quick overview of standard check-out procedure for a private rental agreement;

  1. Notify tenants of their responsibilities at least 2 weeks prior to the end of the tenancy
  2. Provide pre-check out service
  3. Tenants return property to original condition
  4. Provide check-out visit on the last day of the tenancy
  5. Provide pre-tenancy checks report
  6. Tenant accepts/challenges report
  7. Deposit return is negotiated
  8. Deposit is released

Let’s take a closer look…

 

What is A Pre-Check Out Service?

The purpose of a pre-check out service is to ensure that your tenant is fully aware that the property must be returned to its original condition as it was found on move-in day.

This service consists of a visit, in which property clerks grade each room of the property and specific items within it with actions ranging from ‘No action required’ to ‘Replacement required’. The original inventory report provides evidence of the state of the property at check-in.

This service provides tenants with a realistic view of the tasks required in order to return the property to an acceptable state and have their deposit returned in full.

 

Benefits for Tenants

By having all the information and guidance they need at their fingertips, a pre-check out visit arms tenants with the tools to ensure their full deposit is returned.

Often, property professionals find that tenants are unaware of certain tasks that need completing before the end of the tenancy, for example, cutting the grass or maintaining any out buildings.

This information should be accessible in the official tenancy agreement document, however not all tenants remember to read it thoroughly at the end of a tenancy.

 

Tenant Check Out Responsibilities

Examples of the tasks and responsibilities that could be recommended at the pre-check out include;

  • Replace any furniture or furnishings that have been considerably damaged or stained beyond normal wear and tear
  • Cut the grass and trim back foliage in outdoor spaces
  • Thorough cleaning throughout
  • Defrost freezers
  • Replace old light bulbs
  • Remove all food and personal items from the property
  • Replace any items that were present at check-in
  • Ensure furniture is in the same position as at check-in

Once these tasks have been completed, tenants are much more likely to have their full deposit returned to them, minimising time-consuming disputes.

 

Benefits for Landlords, Letting Agents & Property Professionals

Some of the benefits of providing your tenants with a pre-check out service include;

  • It makes the transition between tenants quicker and smoother
  • It minimises the amount of property maintenance needed between tenancies
  • It helps maintain a positive relationship between letting agent/landlord and tenant
  • It saves time and money

To sum up, pre-check outs can be very valuable for time poor landlords and property professionals seeking a quick turnaround and minimal maintenance work.

 

When Is the Best Time to Provide A Pre-Check Out?

We usually recommend supplying your tenant with a pre-check out visit at least two weeks before the official end of the tenancy. This gives them some time to make necessary repairs or replacements before they move out.

 

Inventory Check Out: Who Pays?

Since the Tenant Fees Act came into play on the 1st June 2019, landlords and letting agents are no longer permitted to charge tenants fees for inventory services.

However, don’t let this change put you off investing in professional inventory and pre-check out services as they could save you a significant amount of time and money in the long run!

 

Next Steps…Check Out Inventory Report

Once check-out day arrives, either the landlord or the letting agent managing the property will visit the rental in order to complete the check-out process. Everything in the property will be cross-referenced with the original check-in inventory to create the report.

Here at No Letting Go, we use Kaptur property software to record any changes from the start to the end of the tenancy. Covering everything from cleanliness and damage to missing items and fair wear and tear advice- our detailed reports help property professionals stay on top of any maintenance needed.

 

Do I Need an Inventory Report?

Yes! All successful end of tenancies start with a detailed inventory report. Our property clerks use the original inventory report made at the start of the tenancy to grade the property and advise on what tasks need completing.

A thorough inventory report includes detailed images of each area of the property to ensure everything is returned as it was found. The inventory report also provides valuable evidence if you need to recover costs at the end of the tenancy. For example, if your tenant leaves the property in a damaged state beyond the level of fair wear and tear, the inventory report can help to demonstrate the changes from the start to the end of the term.

Looking for help managing your property portfolio? Our property inventory services provide a clear, unbiased picture, helping you to recover costs and protect your investment.

We also offer;

  • Check-in services
  • DigiSign automated check-in
  • Health & safety checks
  • Property inspections
  • Check out reports
  • Maintenance reports

Discover our full range of property inventory services for landlords and property businesses.

Thinking of investing in Build to Rent but not sure how to go about it or if it’s right for you? Our guide on why to invest in Build to Rent explores the risks and rewards of getting involved in the sector.

Build to Rent developments are growing across the UK thanks to higher demand for quality, purpose-built rental accommodation among young professionals and the over 50s. This burgeoning sector has great potential for property investors and commercial landlords, as long as you do it right.

 

What is Build to Rent?

Build to Rent, or (BTR) describes the process by which residential properties are purpose built for the private rental sector. In most cases, this is done by large property development companies, investors and commercial landlords.

Build to Rent developments commonly contain 50 homes or more, all managed by one landlord. They often feature desirable perks such as in-house gyms, entertainment facilities and sophisticated security systems.

 

The Build to Rent Trend

The Build to Rent sector in the UK is on the rise. According to property experts, Knight Frank, £50 billion will be invested into the sector by 2020 to accommodate for the growing demand in the private rented sector.

We’re now well aware that the rental sector is growing. Rising house prices and new working trends have resulted in a wider pool of tenants looking for suitable, long-term rental properties.

The demise of home ownership has resulted in a slightly older, professional tenant group looking for quality rented accommodation, complete with all of the modern conveniences.

 

How Does Build to Rent Work?

Typically, a Build to Rent development is owned by a large institution, such as a bank or pensions company and managed by a lettings agency.

Funding comes from investors keen to take advantage of reliable rental returns and long term growth. Some Build to Rent Schemes are also being supported by the Government to help with the building process and supporting infrastructure.

The main players in the Build to Rent process are;

  • Build to Rent investors
  • Build to Rent developers
  • Build to Rent letting agents
  • Commercial landlords

To invest in Build to Rent property, there are a few routes to go down, one of the easiest being through one of the large private rental developers.

 

The Benefits of Build to Rent Properties

According to Savills, Build to Rent investment came to £2.6 billion in 2018, suggesting that it can be a lucrative option for commercial landlords. There are many exciting opportunities for landlords investing in Build to Rent. Here are some of the benefits;

  • Longer tenancies are common (3 years +)
  • High tenant demand
  • Higher rent rates (around 11% higher than standard rental accommodation)
  • Reliable rental income and likely growth
  • Landlords retain control over their investment
  • Long term investment rewards

There are also many benefits for tenants which will make advertising and filling vacant rental properties much easier;

  • Greater choice of housing
  • Quality, purpose-built buildings with special amenities such as gyms and entertainment facilities
  • Access to convenient services such as security, laundry and concierge
  • Modern, sustainable buildings
  • Bills usually included
  • Furnished
  • On-site management
  • Encourages regeneration in surrounding areas

 

The Risks of Build to Rent

With all investment comes potential risk. Before going ahead, it’s important to understand what these risks are and how to manage them.

 

Construction Risks

Construction is a risky business, and all sorts can go wrong or take longer than planned, leading to greater financial costs.

 

Planning Permission Issues

As a relatively new phenomenon, planning permission for Build to Rent can take longer, resulting in growing costs and a reduction of rental income.

 

Void Periods

As the landlord, you may experience delays in receiving the full rental income as the development fills up. To avoid long void periods, you could implement a tenant sign-up scheme while the building is still in progress. Alternatively, you could plan the development in stages to ensure some rental income is coming in throughout the process.

 

Drawbacks for Tenants

It’s also important to consider the disadvantages for tenants when it comes to Build to Rent, as this will help you determine your target tenant and mitigate any risks.

Some drawbacks for tenants include;

  • Many Build to Rent developments target elderly tenants or young professionals and may not appeal to families or lower income renters
  • This type of accommodation can be more expensive for tenants

 

Homes UK Event

From incorporating affordable housing into your Build to Rent project, to attracting institutional investment, Homes UK: The Future of Living will be answering the pressing questions in the sector today.

Taking place at Excel in London 27-28 November 2019, the event is a great place to meet important players in the industry.

 

Protect Your Investment

Keen to take advantage of this fast growing sector? Here at No Letting Go, we supply a specially designed range of Build to Rent services to ensure compliant reporting, no matter the size of the development.

We offer;

  • Inventory management
  • Property visits
  • 360 virtual property photography for use in marketing, reporting and Build to Rent projects
  • Check in and right to rent
  • Legionella risk assessment and water testing
  • Central account management for national, corporate or large regional clients
  • Fully insured, qualified and professional clerks, surveyors and inspectors
  • 24 hour turnaround for reports

With our national and local services you get consistency, accuracy and efficiency delivered by our 65 offices across the UK.

Find our full list of Build to Rent services here.

Finding a reliable removal company can be a challenge, and tenants often turn to their landlord or letting agent for advice at the end of a tenancy.

Providing quality recommendations for trusted tradespeople and services builds trust with tenants and means they’re more likely to pass on your details to friends and family.

In order to provide your tenants with reputable removals services, we explore what to look for when searching for a removal company and the benefits of using this service.

 

Do I Need a Removals Company?

If your tenant asks this question at the end of a tenancy, the answer is usually yes. Most people gather lots of belongings, even over the space of a year. When packing and transporting expensive items of furniture and fragile items, it can pay to leave it to the professionals.

Unless the property is very small, they are renting one room or rent a fully furnished property, it’s likely a professional removal service will be beneficial.

A professional removal service offers tenants;

  • Time saving
  • Safer packing and transportation of fragile items
  • More van space

A professional removal service is even more important for families with lots of belongings and older tenants who may struggle to pack up their home.

 

How Do I Choose a Removal Company?

We’ve broken down finding the right removal company into a few simple steps;

 

Location

The first consideration is location. Removal companies based locally to your rental properties are likely to be cheaper than those that have further to travel.

These companies could become part of a portfolio of recommended tradespeople and services you can offer to your tenants.

 

Comparison Sites

One of the first places to go for local removal companies is a comparison site. Here, you will find a list of trusted traders and you will be able to filter your search results to find relevant companies more quickly.

Searching by price point, location and reviews can help narrow down your search.

 

Removal Quotes

The next step once you have found a few possible candidates is to check removal quotes. Most tenants will be searching for the most affordable option, so if you can recommend a reasonable company they should be happy customers.

Try to get at least three different quotes for the same move, with each cost broken down into insurance, packing, hourly rate, mileage and storage.

 

Customer Reviews

We’ve all heard disaster stories of rogue movers damaging expensive furniture or losing sentimental items, and tenants won’t be happy if your recommendation goes wrong.

Once you have narrowed down the search further, it’s time to check the customer reviews. Sometimes, companies are cheap for a reason, and you should be able to weed out any unreliable movers from the reviews online.

 

How do I Find a Reputable Moving Company?

We’ve got some top tips on how to spot a quality removal company you can rely on;

 

Ask for Recommendations

Word of mouth can be a powerful tool for finding reliable tradespeople and services.

Have any of your friends or family moved home recently? They may have their own recommendations to offer. It’s also worth checking which removal companies local letting agents recommend.

 

Have They Been Regulated?

An easy way to determine whether a removal firm is trustworthy, is to check whether they are a member of any regulatory boards or associations.

Check if the company is a member of The British Association of Removers (BAR), a regulatory body which ensures professional excellence. With lists of residential and commercial movers, all companies listed have been tested to industry standards.

 

Questions to Ask the Movers

Before you recommend a removal company to your tenant, ask these questions first;

  • How long has the company been operating?
  • Do you offer pre move surveys?
  • Do you offer storage facilities?
  • Do your quotes include insurance?
  • Is a packing service included?
  • Is parking on moving day included?
  • What is your delay policy?
  • Do you ask for any additional removal costs?

Having all the important information to hand is of great use for busy tenants and will make a great impression long term.

 

How Much Notice Do Removal Companies Need?

The process of getting an initial quote for moving house, the subsequent survey, finding an available date and getting all of the documents in order can take several weeks. It’s a good idea to remind tenants of this as it comes nearer to the end of their tenancy so they can be fully prepared on moving day.

 

What is the Average Cost of Removals?

The cost of using a professional removals company is dependent on several factors;

  • The number and size of the items being transported
  • The distance between properties
  • Size of the removals team on the day
  • Whether it includes packing and packing materials

 

The Movers and Storers Show

Another way to find reputable moving companies is to attend an industry event such as the Movers and Storers Show.

This year, the show is taking place in Coventry, 19th-20th November and is a convenient place to find trusted partners.

 

The Importance of Trusted Property Partners

Reputation is important in the lettings industry. If a tenant has a positive moving experience thanks to your recommendation, they are more likely to consider your services in the future and give positive recommendations to friends and family.

That goes for all services you use to manage the rental properties in your portfolio.

Here at No Letting Go, we offer a range of professional services to help landlords and letting agents manage their portfolios and stay on top of their responsibilities.

From property inventory to property visits, our services are designed to protect your investment for the long term.

Browse our full list of property inventory services here to find out how we can help.