As a landlord and letting agent it’s crucial to have processes in place to ensure you provide a consistently excellent service. I’ve just got back from my third move-in within a week, so I thought I’d give an overview of CRJ Lettings’ move-in process.
It’s actually a pretty mundane hour or so of
paperwork checking, contract signing and multiple page initialling! But, it’s
crucially important that all the i’s are dotted and the t’s are crossed to ensure
the tenancy gets off to the right start. Done properly, it will also mean a
tenant is fully-equipped to enjoy their new home, whilst keeping it in good
order for the landlord.
I go through a check-list to ensure nothing is
missed; starting with the paperwork. That means the tenants signing the tenancy
agreement and initialling each page (it would have been sent to them in advance
so they’ll have already had a chance to read it). Then it’s the same process
with the security deposit certificate and prescribed information forms.
I’ll then show the tenants where the water stop tap,
gas safety valve, fuse box and mains isolator switches are and what to do in
case of any emergencies. Showing them these could be crucial for the tenants’
safety as well as minimising any damage to the property (for instance in the
case of a water leak). We’ll also take meter readings together at this point,
as well as showing the tenants any communal areas of the property and how the
heating system and kitchen appliances work.
Just in case the tenants might forget any of this
important information, they’ll then be shown the house manual I prepare for all
my fully managed properties. This lists the location and operation of all the
above, as well as setting out other general tips about good home management,
along with all the contact details they’ll need throughout the tenancy. It will
also contain the property’s safety certificates and EPC, as well as the governments
‘How to Rent’ guide, as legally required.
The ‘move-in checklist’ can then be used as proof
that all the legal requirements have been completed (including showing the
tenants a working smoke alarm on each floor of the property and a carbon
monoxide alarm where required).
The last bit of paperwork to go through is the inventory.
This is a substantial (50 page+) document created by an independent company,
who go into very fine detail. The tenants should ensure they’re happy the
condition of the property is correctly noted, as it forms the basis of how it
should be returned at the end of their tenancy.
Finally the keys are distributed to the tenants and
any other questions can be answered. It’s also a good opportunity to explain
when I’ll next be in contact regards to the receipt of rent and future
inspections.
This thorough move-in process ensures the landlord
is legally compliant, the tenants are aware of everything they’ll need to know
and it creates a good start to our professional relationship. I think it beats
many letting agents’ approach; which is to simply hand over the keys and let
the tenants sort themselves out.
If you’d like a free copy of my ‘move-in checklist’
please contact me and I’ll be happy to send it to you.
____________________________
If you are looking for an agent that is well-established, professional and communicative in Chichester, then contact us to find out how we can get the best out of your investment property.
E-mail me on clive@crjlettings.co.uk or call 01243 624 599.
Don't forget to visit the links below to view my previous buy-to-let deals and Chichester Property News articles:
Follow The Buy-To-Let Property Investment Market in Chichester
Chichester Property Market LinkedIn Page for Clive Janes
CRJ Letting Agents Chichester Facebook Page
CRJ Letting Agents Chichester Twitter Page
Chichester Investment Property Management Specialist CRJ Letting Agents Website
Chichester Property Market LinkedIn Page for Clive Janes
CRJ Letting Agents Chichester Facebook Page
CRJ Letting Agents Chichester Twitter Page
Chichester Investment Property Management Specialist CRJ Letting Agents Website
c/o CRJ Lettings, 30B Southgate, Chichester, West Sussex, PO19 1DP
__________________________________
No comments:
Post a Comment