Property Valuation

How can I arrange a valuation?

At Fit Property we are always looking to take on new professional properties. We would be happy to visit you at your property to give a full rental evaluation and discuss the services we offer. This can be arranged via our website or by calling the office on 0114 2725773.

What happens next?

After the valuation, providing you are happy with the services we offer, we will arrange to take marketing photos of your property. We will need to gather certain information about the property and present you with our terms of business.  

How do I know how much rent to charge?

We will assess the potential rental value in current market conditions and recommend the type of tenant that would be most suitable for the property. We will also agree with you the terms on which the property will be marketed, including any restrictions.

Marketing

How do I improve the chances of letting out my property?

Properties should be; clean, decorated before they look tired, preferably in light neutral tones. Decent floor coverings are a must. Vacant properties without curtains, light fittings, adequate power points and smoke alarms indicate an uncaring landlord, who will only attract uncaring tenants. Fit Property use our distinctive branding, combined with a variety of marketing tools to attract quality tenants to your property, fast.

How do I book a viewing?

Call the office on 0114 212 5773 or simply click ‘Arrange a Viewing’ on any of our properties. 

How will you market my property?

All our properties are marketed on our website. We also advertise our portfolio on Rightmove, Zoopla & Prime Location. For our student market we also advertise on Rightmove students, Student Pads, accommodation for students and easy roommate.

Pro Management

What services do you offer?

Fit Property offers two different services, Let Only and Full Management.

Let Only

If you simply want our help to find new tenants and deal with the front end paperwork, but are happy to take on the responsibility of being a full time landlord, then our Let Only service maybe for you.

Full Management

Our comprehensive property management service covers every aspect of property letting, including finding tenants, referencing, signing tenancy agreements, inventories, inspections, collecting rent and carrying out maintenance. Allowing you to do what you want, when you want, safe in the knowledge that your property is looked after and is achieving its maximum potential.

More

What is an inventory?

It is a list detailing every item contained within a rental property and the condition each listed item is in, usually checked by all parties on the day the tenant moves in and signed by all parties. Fit Property can provide a comprehensive inventory service for landlords.

The inventory is a vitally important document as without one it can be very difficult to win disputes with tenants should items be damaged over the course of a tenancy. If you cannot prove that an item has been damaged to the Deposit Protection Service by using a signed and dated inventory they will normally find in favor of the tenant and you will have to foot the bill to repair said items.

What do I do about a deposit?

We collect a security deposit from the tenant as cleared funds before the Tenancy Agreement is signed and register the deposit with an approved Tenancy Deposit Scheme if applicable (Tenancy Deposit Schemes do not currently operate in Scotland or northern Ireland).

Who is responsible for the TV licence, the tenant or the landlord?

It is both the landlord and tenant's responsibility to ensure that the address has a valid TV licence. However the responsibility on who has to pay for the licence is usually stated in the Tenancy Agreement. However if the landlord provides a television with the property then they would be expected to pay for the TV licence, particularly in any communal areas.

I want to let out my property; do I need to tell the mortgage lender?

Yes, you must obtain permission from your mortgage lender and inform us of any special conditions that they impose. 

We can discuss the details of this at a property valuation and offer frank advice on how best to proceed. 

Do I need an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)?

From 1st October 2008, all rental properties with a new tenancy in England and Wales are required to have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC).

If I let out a property do I have to provide the tenant with any furniture?

No, you can let out your property; fully furnished, partly furnished or unfurnished. However when deciding whether to provide furniture with a property or not consider the type of tenant you are targeting and what their needs are likely to be. It is also important to note the condition of the furniture provided in the inventory.

How do I know I am getting a good tenant?

We conduct identity and residency checks on all applicants. We also obtain a credit reference and take up employer and current landlord references. For applicants who have a clean credit history but who are financially weak for the rental commitment we either ask for a guarantor or obtain full settlement of rent in advance for the tenancy term.

What happens about insurance when I let out a property?

It is a good idea for the landlord to have insurance on the property and for any contents, such as furniture and white goods they have provided in the property. Tenants are responsible for insuring their own contents left in the property (however it is a good idea to state this in the tenancy agreement).

You should also have dedicated Landlords Buildings/Contents insurance in place as your standard home insurance policy may not cover you while you are renting the property out.

Does a landlord need to pay tax?

All Landlords could be liable to pay tax on their rental income whether UK based or overseas. Further information can be found on the Inland Revenue’s website www.hmrc.gov.uk/index.htm

Who has to pay the council tax on the property?

A tenant is responsible for the payment of council tax during the period of the tenancy (as long as this is stated in the Tenancy Agreement). However when the property is vacant the landlord or homeowner is responsible for paying the council tax. Please note if the property is tenanted by students,  the property will be exempt from council tax. 

Fees

How much do you charge in fees?

If you would like Fit Property to market your property you will be pleased to know that we do not charge a start up fee. We charge nothing at all until we find a tenant or group of tenants for you. For our fully managed service we charge 15% (12.5% + VAT) of the rents that we collect on your behalf. We will have found your tenants because we erect our eye catching "To Let" board at your property, advertise on Rightmove and Zoopla as well as advertising on our brand new website. No let, no fee. 

We also offer a "Let Only" service which would cover marketing your property, conducting viewings and successfully signing up new tenants. Our let only fee is 9% (7.5% + VAT) of the agreed rent.