Landlord Guide

Our clients include private landlords, investment companies and home owners who have relocated to another part of the country or who are living overseas. We have contacts with private and public limited companies, together with relocation agents, and have a large database of tenants actively seeking short and long term lets.

Where appropriate, we are able to provide high profile marketing opportunities to expose property to a specific target audience, and regularly advertise exclusive property within Country Life, The Telegraph, The Times etc., through our London office and worldwide on the internet. We carry full professional indemnity insurance together with client fund bonding, and our staff our fully trained and experienced to let your property, as quickly as possible, at the highest possible monthly rental.

THE ASSOCIATION OF RESIDENTIAL LETTING AGENTS

Chappell & Matthews are bonded members of the Association of Residential Letting Agents (ARLA) which is the principal professional and regulatory body solely concerned with the management and letting of residential properties. ARLA is recognised by government and local authorities, consumer interest groups and the media as the leading professional body in the private rented sector. Our accounts are audited by ARLA and The Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors.

RENTAL VALUATION

Our experienced staff will advise you on the rent that can be achieved under current market conditions. We will also advise you on safety regulations and on any repairs/improvements required to enhance the presentation, thereby maximising the rent and letting potential of your property.

TENANT FIND SERVICE

This service is suitable for landlords who wish to manage the property themselves, but require assistance in finding suitable tenants. The service includes advertising, accompanied viewings, interviewing and referencing tenants, arranging the Tenancy Agreement and collection of the first month 's rent and deposit.

RENT COLLECTION AND LETTING SERVICE

This service includes all the features outlined in our Tenant Find Service, but we will also collect the monthly rental in advance and pay this direct to your bank account, or issue you with a cheque. Rental statements showing the income and expenditure will be sent to you monthly.

FULL MANAGEMENT AND LETTING SERVICE

This service includes all the features outlined in our Rent Collection and Letting Service, but we will also deal with the day to day enquiries from tenants relating to the property, including arranging for repairs and maintenance of the property and its contents, as well as carrying our regular inspections.

REFERENCES

Chappell & Matthews use a professional referencing service and carry out a full credit check on all potential tenants, investigating their financial status and credit rating, as well as their employment and residential status.

MAINTENANCE AND REPAIRS

We will arrange with your preferred contractors for any repairs or maintenance to be carried out at the property or, if necessary, we will recommend and instruct contractors from our established team of tradesmen.

LEGAL MATTERS

Our Residential Lettings staff are fully informed of current and changing legislation governing the letting of residential accommodation and can give you professional advice on your duties and responsibilities relating, for example, the Fire and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations, and The Gas and Electrical Safety Regulations. We will also advise on Stamp Duty which may be payable in certain cases.

TAXATION

Rental income is treated as unearned income and subject to tax after allowances and expenses. All outgoings including our charges, apart from improvements, may be offset against tax. Overseas landlords may be able to claim exemption and Chappell & Matthews can help you with the required application form.

INSURANCE

Landlords are responsible for insuring the building and their own contents (including fitted carpets, curtains, etc.) and should advise their insurer accordingly. Tenants are responsible for insuring their own contents. Landlords will need the permission of the lender to let the property, if it is mortgaged.