YOUhome, Bournemouth - Lettings

If you are a first time landlord, portfolio investor or have developments to let, you'll understand what's important to you and your investment. It stands to reason that you want support from a like minded company.

We are completely transparent about our business, the way we work and what we charge you. Our fees are extremely competitive, what you see is what you get. YOUhome lettings division is based on THREE fundamental principles:

1. Quick tenant find - ultimately, you want your properties to let fast - after all, time is money. We can market your property within hours of instruction and reference tenants within 48 hours.

2. Exemplary customer service - you want a knowledgeable agent who thinks for you and is always acting on your behalf. We understand every aspect of the market place and can offer and service that reflects this

3. Highly efficient administration - You want every aspect of your relationship with your agent to be professional and efficient - time spent chasing your agent is time and money wasted.

As a landlord you will understand the importance of minimising the periods your property is empty. Everyday is a cost to you, which is why we've created a letting and management service geared entirely around maximising your revenue.

Eg. For a property listed at £850 per month, you would lose £395 every 2 weeks it remains unlet. It is therefore vital not only to bring your property to the market quickly but, even more so, to assess its rental value realistically from the outset. £815 per month today is the same as £850 in two weeks time.

· We will visit your property at time and date convenient to you or your current tenant and provide you with an up-to date current market valuation. We will be able to provide you with hard copies of all our documents and contracts for you to consider before you decide which agent to use. All of our terms and conditions will be stated, we are completely transparent and our agents are more than happy to assist any enquiries.

· We will take high quality photos of the property with our wide angel lens cameras to ensure all potential tenants browsing the details will be able to see the property in its best light. Property portals online benefit from having 6-8 photos of each property. We do not want to overload the details with photos, we want to encourage applicants to come and view the property.

· The details of your property will be posted to all the major property portals, such as www.rightmove.co.uk, www.zoopla.co.uk as well as to our website.

· The teams here also keep track their waiting applicants closely to ensure that they are contacted within 24 hours of instruction and that they get to see it as soon as possible.

· If possible, and with your agreement we will erect a distinctive 'to let' board at your property.

· Our agents will escort all viewings to the property to ensure all applicants are fully informed about the property, the terms and conditions of the let and the potential move in time frames.

Once a let has been negotiated and agreed between landlord and tenant:

· The tenant will need to undergo a stringent tenant referencing procedure, satisfy a credit check, provide details of their employment and a previous landlord reference if they have one.

· Should your tenant fail to meet the income requirements to satisfy the reference they may be able to provide a guarantor. They will also be subject to the same referencing procedure.

· Both Landlord and tenant will be provided with a copy of the tenancy agreement for approval. You will be able to make reasonable requests for certain special clauses to be added to the agreement, which will be subject to tenant approval. As a standard term we request that all tenants do not smoke in the property or have pets.

· On commencement of the tenancy all tenants will be issued with a section 21 notice to ensure that the landlord will be able to regain pocession of the property after the initial term, should they wish to do so. Any further relevant legal notices, dependant on the conditions of the let, will also be issued.

· All tenants will be asked to set up a standing order payment for monthly rental periods. When a tenant pays a term in advance they may prefer to make this payment in one lump sum at a time, bank details for payment will be provided to them.

· On or before the day of move in the tenant will be invited to the office to sign all the relevant documents. The keys will only be released to a tenant on the day of move in, once cleared funds have been received and the tenancy agreement is signed.

· If you wish for us to do so, we will protect the deposit amount on your behalf. The first months rent will be paid to you within 7 days of receipt.

· We recommend that all landlords have a professional inventory conducted at the property by a third party independent company. This will be imperative should you wish to make any deposit deductions at the end of the tenancy.

Without proof of the condition of the property at the start of the tenancy it is likely your claim will be unsuccessful.

· A statement will be sent to you once payment has been made, carefully detailing any deductions made.

Should you decide to manage the property yourself; the tenant will be provided with the landlords details. The general maintenance of the property and collection of rent will be the landlord's responsibility from this point forward.

Should you feel that you do not want your property managed but do want an agent to collect the rent on your behalf, our rent collection service is available. In addition to the above tenant find service:

We will implement our efficient office systems to ensure prompt payment of rent, chasing of unpaid rent and fast transfer to you. The service includes -

· Prompt rent collection

· Prompt chasing of unpaid rent

· Transfer of rent directly to your bank account

· A monthly statement

· Legal / eviction notices served should they be required

· Reporting to you at all key stages

In addition to everything in our tenant find service, the following is included -

· Regular inspection visits to your property at least every 3 months

· Organisation and management of all maintenance / repair issues

· Settling of tradesmen's accounts on your behalf

· Tenant deposit bond held by us, under a deposit protection scheme

· Transfer of occupancy details to all utility companies

· Deduction of non-resident landlord tax if required

· Mail forwarding

Our team is available to talk through your options and provide an upto date market valuation. Whether you cant sell, are buying your first investment or are a portfolio landlord we are more than happy to help.