Frequently Asked Questions from Landlords
Frequently Asked Questions by tenants…
- How much will it cost me to let my property?
- Are there any additional marketing costs?
- Who will conduct viewings on my property and when will they occur?
- Do I need to be present for viewings?/a>
- What is an EPC and how long will it be valid?
- How much will it cost to have my property managed?
- How much is the tenant's deposit and what happens to it?
- What does the new deposit scheme involve and how does it protect me?
- How much does an inventory cost and who is responsible for organising this?
- How long does it take to receive my rent once paid by the tenant?
1. How much will it cost me to let my property?
Our costs are extremely competitive and more often than not negotiable depending on circumstances. Call us and discuss what you need and how we can help whilst keeping your costs as low as possible.
An Energy Performance Certificate, will be needed and made available to prospective tenants at the earliest opportunity. Essex Property Centre can arrange for an EPC to be carried out on your behalf. (£70.00 + vat)
An inventory and check-in report, which should be organised before a tenant moves in. Essex Property Centre can arrange this on your behalf or provide an estimate. Costs can vary depending on the size of the property.
Essex Property Centre’s fee, is payable when a tenant is introduced and enters into an agreement to let the property.
2. Are there any additional marketing costs?
Essex Property Centre include all marketing expenses within our commission fee.
3. Who will conduct viewings on my property and when will they occur?
Essex Property Centre will accompany all viewings. However, in some circumstances we may ask you to conduct the occasional viewing.
4. Do I need to be present for viewings?
Essex Property Centre will accompany all viewings and if we have the access codes and keys for your property then your presence is not required.
It is worth noting that tenants often feel more relaxed when the owner is not present.
5. What is an EPC and how long will it be valid?
An EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) measures the energy efficiency of a property using a scale of A-G and is valid for 10 years.
It is a legal requirement for landlords to have a valid EPC before their property is let. Essex Property Centre can arrange an EPC for you.
6. How much will it cost to have my property managed?
Essex Property Centre Management fee will be charged as a percentage of the rental price + VAT and is payable upon the tenant signing the Tenancy Agreement. For further information and to discuss any fees please contact us.
7. How much is the tenant's deposit and what happens to it?
Typically this is four to six weeks' rent and is payable upon the signing of the Tenancy Agreement. The deposit should then be registered with a tenancy deposit protection scheme within 14 days. This is a legal requirement. Failure to comply can result in the tenant claiming up to three times the original deposit amount.
Essex Property Centre hold the deposit as a stakeholder and register this with a deposit protection scheme, resulting in a faster and more efficient deposit release process at the end of the tenancy.
8. What does the new deposit scheme involve and how does it protect me?
All deposits being paid by a tenant for an Assured Shorthold Tenancy are registered with a recognised deposit protection scheme within 14 days guaranteeing that any deposit disputes will be dealt with efficiently.
9. How much does an inventory cost and who is responsible for organising this?
Prices vary depending on the size of your property, however, Essex Property Centre will be able to organise an inventory on your behalf.
10. How long does it take to receive my rent once paid by the tenant?
For a long let you should receive your rent by standing order on the rental due date each month. The due date is typically, although not always, the date on which the tenant moved in.
As soon as the rental figure is received, it will be transferred to your account within 24 hours (Please note at weekends the funds will not be sent to your account until the Monday morning.
