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Lettings made simple
A landlord’s guide to our stress-free letting and property management services
Tailor made solutions
Getting started
The legal essentials
Moving your tenant in
Service levels to suit you
Peace of mind
Landlord checklist
S t r e s s- Fr e e L e t t i n g
© Trading Places
Tailor made solutions for every landlordTrading Places offer a comprehensive letting and property
management service to take the hassle out of letting your property.
S t r e s s- Fr e e L e t t i n g
© Trading Places
Professional recognition
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Expertise at your serviceAre you looking for help with finding and screening
suitable tenants? Perhaps you want the peace of mind and
convenience of a comprehensive round-the-clock letting
and property management service that takes care of
everything? Whatever level of support you need, we can
provide the service that is right for you.
We have been letting properties since the late 90’s and
our clients range from private landlords with a single rental
property to buy-to-let investment landlords with a property
portfolio.
As standard we have 5 different levels of service:
All our services can be tailored to suit your individual
needs and we will provide a written market appraisal with
absolutely no obligation.
We understand that becoming a Landlord can be a daunting
experience. Please take a look through this brochure aimed
at giving you a brief overview of what is involved when
letting a property. We have included information on a range
of legal obligations, some practical advice and a snap shot of
the services we offer.
Whether you are looking at letting your property for the
first time, seeking a new letting agent or would simply like
an informal chat without the pressure of a pushy salesman,
please get in touch.
1 Tenant Find Service
3 Letting & Rent Collection Service
2 Let Only Service
Letting and Property Management Service4
5 Letting and Property Management Plus Service
Why busy landlords choose Trading Places
Experienced, attentive and knowledgeable staff
Flexible service options, competitively priced
Open and transparent fees with no hidden charges
Up to date legal documentation and regulatory advice
Independent market appraisals and quantified rental valuations
Extensive internet advertising on the UK’s top property websites
A pre-qualified database of waiting tenants
Comprehensive tenant referencing service with credit checks
Professionally produced inventories
Client Money Protection & Professional Indemnity Insurance
Registered with the government backed Deposit Protection Service
Dedicated Property Manager (management services only)
Licenced agent & members of The Property Ombudsman Scheme
Tried & tested reliable tradesmen & specialist contractors
Run by local people who truly value their employees & clientele
S t r e s s- Fr e e L e t t i n g
© Trading Places
Market & Property AppraisalWe offer an independent assessment of your property
carried out in person by our experienced and qualified
Lettings Manager. This is free of charge and with absolutely
no obligation.
During our visit we will advise you of any work required to
meet regulatory requirements.
You will also receive advice on any other actions
necessary before you let the property including repairs or
refurbishment recommendations.
When setting the price it is important to properly assess
current market conditions taking into consideration similar
properties standing as direct competition to your own. We
will help you achieve the best possible price and will always
provide an achievable valuation and honest advice. Our
rental valuation will also take into account the location, size,
standard and condition of the property and whether it will be
let furnished, part furnished or unfurnished and of course the
timescale in which you require tenants to move in.
During the visit our Lettings Manager will be more than
happy to discuss the process with you in more detail and
answer all questions. If you are a first time landlord you will
have plenty of opportunity to find out more about what is
involved in letting a residential property.
Getting startedOur knowledge of the local rental market coupled with a tailored marketing strategy
will help set the correct marketing price and find you the right tenant.
We tailor our marketing
approach to the type of tenant you are
looking for to attract genuine
interest
We will need a different image as we do not have branded company cars – I like the board, perhaps a washed out image of our office can be used and another board saying Let agreed
(we should have some images on this from previous leaflet designs)
5© Trading Places
Effective marketingAt Trading Places we use the very latest technology and
proven marketing techniques to promote our rental
properties.
We advertise on all major property websites, including
Rightmove, Zoopla and Primelocation. Our own website
www.tradingplacesproperty.com is fully responsive
for compatibility with smartphones and tablets, with
properties also featuring on touchscreen window displays
at the Park Lane offices for the Guild of Professional
Estate Agents.
Our online marketing activity includes social media
coverage through Facebook and Twitter, which we
supplement with our fortnightly e-magazine, e-mail
campaigns plus the option to have a To Let board. The more
exposure your property receives the wider audience you
can expect to attract, giving greater choice of tenant.
Once instructed, our proactive team of letting professionals
will immediately contact our tenant database through
telephone, e-mail and SMS text alerts. We will tailor our
marketing approach to the type of tenant you are looking for
and best suited to your property.
High Quality photography and floor plans can help promote
your property in the best possible way; however a landlord
can play their part by ensuring the property is clutter free
and by attending to any minor repairs prior to viewings
taking place. If vacant the property should also be cleaned
and the garden cut back and cultivated.
Securing the most suitable tenantAs a landlord, you need peace of mind that the right tenants
will be living in your property. All potential tenants are
pre-qualified before we carry out viewings to ensure they
are suitable. We will then accompany all viewings and
provide prompt and honest feedback by telephone or
e-mail, whichever you prefer. We will keep you up-to-date
on progress and alert you the moment a party shows an
interest in applying to rent your property.
We take up tenant references and credit checks using a
specialist referencing company and as required ensure
compliance with the “Right to Rent” regulations.
We will need a different image as we do not have branded company cars – I like the board, perhaps a washed out image of our office can be used and another board saying Let agreed
(we should have some images on this from previous leaflet designs)
S t r e s s- Fr e e L e t t i n g
© Trading Places
Energy Performance CertificateAll properties for rent must have an Energy Performance
Certificate (EPC) and there are timescales in which these
must be made available to prospective tenants and then
issued to proposed tenants. An EPC rates energy efficiency
and its environmental impact. If you do not have an EPC
for your property, Trading Places can arrange for one to be
carried out by a Domestic Energy Assessor.
Safety1 Gas Safety
Under the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations
1998, landlords have a legal obligation to make sure all gas
pipework, appliances, fittings and flues are safe to use and
maintained in a safe condition. Every gas appliance and flue
must be tested for gas safety every 12 months. A Gas Safety
Record must be provided to existing tenants within 28 days
of the annual safety check, or to new tenants before they
move in, and you must keep copies yourself for two years. All
installation, maintenance and safety checks must be carried
out by a Gas Safe registered engineer. We can arrange this
for you.
2 Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) (Amendment) Regulations 2010Upholstered furniture and soft furnishings supplied in a
rented property must comply with current regulations.
This includes, but is not limited to, bed frames, mattresses,
headboards, sofabeds, pillows, cushions, seat pads and any
garden furniture that may be used indoors. Items which
comply will have a suitable permanent label attached. All
non-compliant items must be removed before a tenant
moves in. Bedding, carpets, curtains and any furniture
made before 1950 are exempt.
3 Electrical SafetyLandlords are required to ensure the electrical installations
in a rental property are safe when a tenant moves in and
maintained in a safe condition. It is strongly recommended
you employ a suitably qualified electrician to inspect
the installations (every 5 years, or sooner if their report
requires) and arrange for portable appliances to be checked
(annually). In some cases electrical checks will be a legal
requirement and/or a condition of a council licensing
scheme.
Preparing your property to let–the legal essentials Our experienced lettings team will provide the latest information and
guidance to ensure you are aware of your legal obligations as a landlord.
7
4 Smoke and carbon monoxide detectorsIn October 2015 new regulations came into force requiring
landlords to install smoke alarms on every floor of their rental
property and test them at the start of every tenancy, and to
install carbon monoxide alarms in high risk rooms, such as those
where a solid fuel appliance is situated. The government suggest
“responsible” landlords are expected to fit carbon monoxide
alarms even when not legally required to do so.
5 Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) If you own a property and rent it out, your local council may
decide to do an HHSRS inspection. Inspectors look at 29 health
and safety areas.
Consent to LetIf your property is mortgaged, you must obtain
written consent to let from your mortgage lender.
If it is leasehold, your lease may require written
consent from your landlord before you can sub-let.
Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO)If you let to a family, they are deemed to form one household.
When you let to a group of sharers, the number of households
within the property will change and with it some requirements.
When a property is deemed a House in Multiple Occupation
(HMO), a landlord can face extra legal obligations and in certain
instances require a HMO licence. We can advise you on this.
Buildings InsuranceLandlords should ensure they have adequate building and
contents insurance cover in place. Other considerations include
Public Liability Insurance and Rent and Legal Protection.
Council inspectors look
at 29 health and safety areas during an HHSRS
inspection!
© Trading Places
S t r e s s- Fr e e L e t t i n g
© Trading Places
Letting your property– moving your tenant inIt is important to ensure everything is in place for a smooth and
trouble-free start to renting out your property.
S t r e s s- Fr e e L e t t i n g
9© Trading Places
Tenancy agreementThis sets out the rights and obligations for both Landlord
and Tenant making clear their respective responsibilities.
Most residential property is let on an Assured Shorthold
Tenancy (AST) with an initial fixed term of 12 months
a popular choice. We ensure our tenancy agreements
remain up to date with regulation changes and are carefully
designed to protect the landlord’s rights to possession and
help control tenant activities.
Inventory / Schedule of Condition An inventory provides a crucial legal reference in case
of any discrepancy or claim against a tenant’s deposit at
the end of the tenancy. They should be comprehensive
and contain photographic evidence plus a full written
description of the property including its contents, fixtures,
fittings, walls and floor coverings. Most landlords are
surprised by the level of detail on our inventories and
soon appreciate the difference between a professionally
prepared document and a simple list of contents on
a handful of pages.
Utilities & Council TaxUsually, it is the tenant’s responsibility to pay utility bills
and Council Tax. We can organise all meter readings and
arrange the transfer of water rates, gas, electricity, and
Council Tax accounts to the tenant.
Deposit protectionA deposit is paid by the tenant at the start of the tenancy to
offer the Landlord a degree of security. Since April 2007,
all Assured Shorthold Tenancies must be registered with
a government-backed tenancy deposit scheme. This must
be done within a set timeframe from receipt of the deposit
with significant penalties for non-compliance. In order to
fully comply with the legislation, deposit rules also require
the landlord to provide the tenant with certain prescribed
information.
If opting for one of our Property Management Services
we can take care of this for you. We normally collect a
deposit to the value of one month’s rental plus £100 (e.g.
the deposit for a rental of £1600 will be £1700). When
registering and protecting the deposit on your behalf,
and whilst employed as your managing agent, we will also
handle any dispute which arises at the end of the tenancy.
This will include initial negotiations with the tenant, the
preparation of the evidence to support a claim and, if
necessary, the submitting of your case to the Alternative
Dispute Resolution Service (ADR), an independent and free
alternative to court action.
Beginning the TenancyWhen the day arrives, the formality of signing and executing
the tenancy will follow the issuing of all legally required
documentation and, provided all monies have been paid
in cleared funds, the keys can be issued to the tenant. You
should provide one set to each tenant and a further set if we
are appointed to manage your property.
Our inventory provides a crucial
legal reference in case of any discrepancy or claim against a
tenant’s deposit at the end of a tenancy
S t r e s s- Fr e e L e t t i n g
© Trading Places
Service levels to suit you Trading Places offer landlords a choice of 5 different levels of service. The
option you choose will depend on how hands on you want to be, the amount
of time and energy you have available to manage your property investment
and tenancy and of course what you are looking for from your agent.
Perfect for the seasoned landlord who manages
their own portfolio and simply requires an agent to
market their property, conduct viewings and take up
references and credit checks.
1 Tenant Find Service (TF)
Perfect for landlords who want to be hands on, are
happy to manage the tenancy without an agent’s
advice but don’t want to take on the hassle of rent
collection.
3 Letting & Rent Collection Service (LRC)
Our most popular service, offering landlords the full benefit of our LPM service with added extras
including: Rent and Legal Protection, health checks (reviewed on a regular basis), Landlord log in area
and access to Hometrack market and property reports helping you stay in touch with property values
(usual cost direct from Hometrack £19.95 per report).
5 Letting and Property Management Plus Service (LPMP)
Perfect for landlords who want to manage the
tenancy themselves but, require the agent to take
them through to the tenancy start date, preparing the
tenancy agreement, collecting the first month’s rent,
executing the tenancy agreement and issuing the keys.
2 Let Only Service (LO)
Perfect for landlords who have limited time, or are
travelling/living overseas and want to employ an
agent to interact with the tenant, covering the day to
day management of the property without the worry
of regulation changes, property visits and managing
repairs.
4 Letting and Property Management Service (LPM)
Any level of service can be tailor-made to suit your needs; simply contact us
to discuss your requirements
11© Trading Places
Using a licensed agent with Client Money Protection ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ Independent redress via The Property Ombudsman ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓Market appraisal & rental valuation ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓Pre-letting advice & marketing programme ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓2D, 3D & Interactive floorplan options ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓Pre-qualify tenants, accompany viewings ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓Take up references and credit checks ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓Inventory service available ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓Draw up the tenancy agreement & collect first rental ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓“Right to Rent” & “How to Rent” compliance advice ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓Rent collection, payments & statement to landlord ✓ ✓ ✓Collect, register & protect deposit with DPS ✓ ✓Council Tax and utility account transfers ✓ ✓Conduct property visits & issue written reports ✓ ✓Arrange routine servicing & maintenance ✓ ✓Arrange emergency repairs & safety checks ✓ ✓Assist with insurance claims ✓ ✓Provide licensing advice ✓ ✓Key holding service ✓ ✓Pay service charges from rent account ✓ ✓Tenancy renewal & rent review negotiations ✓ ✓Tax assistance including Non Resident Landlords ✓ ✓24 hour rent transfers ✓ ✓End of tenancy check outs & deposit handling ✓ ✓Out of hours tenant assistance ✓ ✓Preparation & serving of notices to end the tenancy ✓ ✓Initial Property Health Checks with regular reviews ✓Rent & Legal Protection ✓Landlord’s log in area ✓Hometrack market & property reports ✓
1 2 3 4 5
S t r e s s- Fr e e L e t t i n g
© Trading Places
Once your property is let the work doesn’t stop
there. Today’s tenants can be quite demanding,
expecting maximum value for their rental. Whether
it is fridge failure or a leaking shower, you can be
sure any tenant will want a swift repair, however
inconvenient the timing may be for you.
This is why our clients value our management services
where we look after any repairs and tenancy issues for
you. For your peace of mind, we also visit the property
regularly and organise any maintenance and safety
compliance checks, assuring you that your property
remains in sound condition and your legal obligations
are fulfilled.
Personal serviceYou will have your own Property Manager who will look
after every aspect of the tenancy from start to finish.
Our landlords tell us they appreciate the continuity and
accountability of a single point of contact.
Don’t forget, our Lettings Manager is on hand to answer
any questions you may have, and furthermore our entire
team are at your service to collectively deliver a range of
stress-free Letting and Property Management services.
By choosing our Letting and Property Management Plus Service you can sit back
and relax. Your dedicated Property Manager will look after everything
and keep you fully informed.
Peace of mind for busy landlords
S t r e s s- Fr e e L e t t i n g
© Trading Places 13
Landlord checklist When preparing to let your property you don’t want to overlook
something important. If you choose us to let and manage your
property we will alert you to what we need and when we need it by.
If you feel comfortable organising and managing your own tenancy,
why not use our checklist to help you. Whilst this is by no means
comprehensive it makes for a good starting point.
Ensure you have a valid energy performance certificate before any viewings
take place
Obtain consent to let from your mortgage lender and freeholder, apply for a
license if applicable and arrange suitable insurances
Check that your Gas Safety Record is up to date and provide a copy to your
new tenant before they move in
Ensure the electrical installations and portable appliances are fit for purpose
and provide copies of any certification to your tenant
Check with the local authority to see if your type of property, and the
proposed type of tenant requires a HMO licence
Ensure the tenancy agreement is current, covers all required terms &
obligations, is legally binding and signed by all parties
Prepare a comprehensive inventory and schedule of condition, with
photographic evidence
Ensure the property has adequate smoke alarms and carbon monoxide
detectors, tested and in working order
Register and protect the tenant’s deposit within the required timescale and
ensure the prescribed information is issued in full
Notify your local authority of the new tenant details for council tax
Arrange for all meter readings to be taken and the transferring of utility
accounts to the tenant
Provide each tenant with a set of keys (check newly cut keys) and keep your own
set to carry out periodic property visits
Contact HMRC with questions about self assessment, or details about their
NRL scheme if you are an overseas landlord
Agree a programme to cover health checks and reviews such as fire safety,
legionella and HHSRS
Ensure you are compliant with any current requirements under the “How to
Rent” booklet and “Right to Rent” checks
S t r e s s- Fr e e L e t t i n g
Our clientsand what they have to say about our servicePutting customers first is what we do best – but don’t take our word for it,
read what our customers say.
All our staff undergo professional training and we regularly reward evidence of
‘excellent’ customer service.
Special mention to Kevin,
our household manager, who
managed, on a Saturday,
to get the quickest fix for a
boiler ever. We phoned him
around 11AM, as our boiler
had stopped working. By 4PM
the handyman had come and
fixed everything. I am very pleased with
the service I received, and
which I am continuing to
receive, from Jamie Gordon.
Very professional and
knowledgeable. Furthermore,
when I bought the property
6 years ago, it was through
Trading Places and the service
was again excellent. That was
the reason I went with Trading
Places for letting my property
We contacted Trading Places
in order to find a new tenant,
having seen the good reviews
on the Which Local Guide.
From the start of our experience
with Trading Places, Jamie
has been of enormous help.
He has assisted us and kept
us informed every step of the
way, as well as providing us
with useful advice. We are very
grateful for this and pleased we
chose Trading Places
view more customer reviews on the agent tracker website
www.agent-tracker.co.uk/tradingplacesgbltd-london-e111he
Very pleased with Trading places, I found them very professional and knowledgeable, Jamie got back to me very quickly regarding any questions, and even replied to me while he was on holiday K Langan, landlord
A Garcia, tenant
P Linwood, landlordM Chan, landlord
© Trading Places
15© Trading Places
Jamie and Rosie at
Trading Places provide an
outstanding service. I've
lived and rented in London
for nearly 10 years and in
that time I've had mixed
experiences with letting
agents and private landlords,
but these guys really stand
out from the rest for me
Trading Places have provided
a professional and efficient
service, patiently answering
the many questions I had as
a first-time landlord. They
have been friendly and reliable
and I would recommend their
services to others
Trading Places and Jamie
Gordon dealt with us very
professionally and helped us
throughout the whole process.
Jamie was on hand to explain
any concerns we had. I would
recommend Trading Places to
other landlords
Jamie and Kevin were
helpful, polite, patient and
knew what they were doing.
We feel that we have had a
good start with this agency
Prompt, friendly and
efficient. Advice prior to
lettings was helpful and we
were delighted to have let the
property within a week
J Fisher, landlord
Peter, landlord
I've recently rented a flat
through Trading Places and
they gave an excellent, friendly
service. Charges were very
reasonable and our agent
Jamie did a really good job of
taking us through the whole
process. I would definitely use
them againSam, tenant
Trading Places have always
provided an excellent
professional service, often
going above and beyond
expectations. I would
recommend them to anyone
J Hamilton, landlord
N Morris, tenant
S & V Jones, landlord
Recommended by a friend
who used Trading Places as
a tenant, excellent service all
round and pleased with the
tenants that have rented the
property.
S Owen, landlord
AS, landlord
Trading Places Estate and Letting Agents
46 Church Lane, Leytonstone, London E11 1HE
T 020 8558 1147 F 020 8556 6665
www.tradingplacesproperty.com
facebook.com/TradingPlacesUK
twitter.com/tradingplacesgb