If you’re thinking about letting, or perhaps changing your letting agent, this guide will introduce you to the services that Justin Kinsella & Associates provide and will answer many questions you may have about letting your property.

First steps

Firstly, you will want to know the potential rental value of your property. We can offer you an initial estimate over the phone and a more accurate valuation following a visit to your property. A good indication of the rental value is by checking similar properties to your own on the rental pages of our website.

There are some things you are required to do before letting your property:

1. If you have a mortgage on the property, you’ll need to inform your lender and get their permission. If this is not forthcoming, you may need to change your lender. We can advise you on this if it is necessary.
2. If your property is leasehold, you may find that there are clauses in the lease relating to lettings. Check your head lease, if it is unclear in any way, shows it to us and we can advise you.
3. Letting may impact the building and contents insurance. You’ll need to inform your insurer to make sure that cover will continue while you are absent from the property. If it does not, you may need to find a new insurer. Again, we can advise.
4. There are safety regulations that have to be followed and maintained on property that is let. We will help you understand compliance with fire and furnishings regulations and we can arrange safety checks for gas and electrical appliances.

Wouldn’t it be cheaper to do this all myself?

There are many things to be taken care of when letting privately. You’ll need to advertise the property and answer telephone enquiries, be available for viewings, vet tenants, get references, draw up contracts and take care of a dozen other time consuming details. A professional letting agent can handle all these things for you. We also have access to credit referencing agencies – a vital tool when checking tenant’s histories. We can also offer an insurance policy to safeguard your rental income, check that rent is paid on time and deal with maintenance enquiries.

How much is this going to cost me?

Potentially the process will cost you nothing at all. You only pay commission when we successfully let your property and we believe that through our experience and knowledge of advertising and marketing properties, our letting agents will be able to achieve a higher asking price than you could yourself by dealing directly with a tenant.

While another agent may suggest an inflated rental value of your property, accepting this could see your property remain un-let for many months.

Furnished or unfurnished?

You may choose to let your property either furnished or unfurnished. Having seen your property, we will be able to advise you what the best course of action would be. The standard for furnished accommodation is:

White goods: fridge/freezer, microwave, cooker, washing machine/tumble dryer.

Bed(s), chairs and a sofa that comply with safety regulations in addition to a kitchen or dining room table with chairs.

If you choose to leave a TV and hi-fi, it will be your responsibility to repair and replace these in the event of breakdown.

Do not leave personal effects such as pictures and ornaments that could get easily damaged.

Preparing your property for rental

The Lettings Tips & Advice page is full of useful information that will help you in the preparation of your property prior to a renting.

If you wish, we can organise a professional cleaning of your property, to include steam cleaning of carpets and redecorating.

Conducting a property viewing

Please ensure that all keys are available to open windows, fire escapes and, if applicable, the garage.

You can be present at the viewing if you wish but please give time for the applicants to discuss the property alone before they leave. Viewers will usually tell you if they like your property so please resist the temptation to ask them. It makes negotiating easier if we handle feedback until matters progress to an offer.

How long does it take to find a suitable tenant?

This can vary according to the time of year, market demand and the desirability of your property. At Justin Kinsella & Associates, we speed up the letting process by using online systems that match available properties to potential tenants and then inform them by email. We also undertake the usual marketing in the media and online.

How do I go about vetting a potential tenant?

Justin Kinsella & Associates will do this for you. We undertaking credit and fraud checks and insist on obtaining references from an employer or previous landlord.

Obligations during the let

Understandably, while people are living in the premises, any repairs will need to be carried out promptly. It is also vital to ensure that your property complies with safety regulations. Justin Kinsella & Associates will take care of these issues on your behalf. Because we deal with many properties, we get more favorable terms from suppliers. This means that if for example a washing machine breaks down or a shower fails, we can arrange a quicker and cheaper repair or replacement. We will also visit the property from time-to-time to keep an eye on its condition and send you an annual statement of account for your tax records.