Letting Your Property
Lodge Stone Estates has 20+ years of property management experience and we are now pleased to offer this knowhow to likeminded Landlords. We are currently a registered member of the National Landlord Association (NLA) and are accredited by Liverpool City Council's Class Accreditation. We are also in the process of gaining our membership from the Association of Residential Letting Agency (ARLA).
Not all properties or landlords are the same and because of this we offer different levels of services. Each service is tailored to meet a range of requirements, from advert only to Platinum level service.
Preparing your property to rent
We have found that a good relationship with tenants is the key to a smooth-running tenancy. As Property Managers this relationship is our job, however there are some liabilities that fall on the landlord.
Landlords Liability and Legal information
All electrical, gas plumbing, waster, heating and hot water systems must be kept safe and in good working order. Any repairs will be the landlord's expense unless misuse is found.
Your property can be let fully/partly furnished or unfurnished. Carpets, curtains, light fittings and a cooker are required as a minimum. Personal items should be removed; some items may be boxed and placed in storage at owner's risk.
Gardens should be left neat however tenants are required to maintain the gardens providing they are left the necessary tools.
At the commencement of the tenancy the property must be clean, at the end of the tenancy it is the tenant's responsibility to leave in a similar condition.
Keys are required for tenants and our office were we manage the properties. Any insurance on the property is the responsibility of the landlord.
Important Safety Requirements
The following requirements are the responsibility of the Landlord, Where you have signed our full management Agency agreement they are also our responsibility. Therefore it is important to show compliance.
Health and Safety - Gas:
Annual safety checks of all gas appliances, flues and associated pipe work are required under Gas safety regulations 1998. Records are needed of the inspections and or maintenance and kept for at least 2 years and copies of any certificated issued sent to the tenant before their tenancy commences.
Health and Safety - Electrical:
There are several regulations relating to electrical installations. They include the Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 1994, the Plugs and Sockets Regulations 1994, the 2005 Building Regulation - 'Part P, and British Standard BS1363 relating to plugs and sockets.
Consumer Protection - Fire:
The Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations 1988 (amended 1989 & 1993) provide that specified items supplied in the course of letting property must meet minimum fire resistance standards. Non-compliant items must be removed before a tenancy commences.
Smoke Alarms:
All properties built since June 1992 must have been fitted with mains powered smoke detector alarms from new. Although there is no legislation requiring smoke alarms Landlords and their agents can be held liable should a fire cause injury or damage. We therefore strongly recommend that the Landlord fit at least one alarm on each floor (in the hall and landing areas).
At Lodge Stone we strive to offer you the best possible solution for your property. Please feel free to see or call us for detailed information on the services we provide.
