Knowlton Cottages, South Road South Ockendon

M&P Estates Ltd trading for 23 years and are an independent Letting Agency covering the South Ockendon, Aveley and Purfleet areas.

Much of our business is through word of mouth, recommendations and repeat business. We pride ourselves on our honesty, transparency and professionalism We have formed close relationships with local solicitors, surveyors and other property-related businesses, which can also help you in your move. We are proud to say that for many years we have involved ourselves in supporting local schools and the community through raising money We are real people offering real solutions service.

Over recent years, changes in both the housing market and social patterns have resulted in an unprecedented and inexorable rise in demand for property within the private rental sector. Investing in buy-to-let property is proving to be a prudent decision for many people looking for an alternative to stock markets or savings accounts. Key to a successful investment are factors such as location and the type of property, but it is also important to consider achievable rent levels

tenant demand and expectations, maintenance and potential capital growth. With so much to consider. M&P Estates Ltd will take the time to assist you from the start, by providing honest and reliable advice on potential investment opportunities. We recognise that this is likely to be your second biggest investment, after buying your own home, and whether you are a first-time landlord or an experienced investor, you can trust our guidance

Yours sincerely

Sarah Tobias-Gibbins

Lettings Director

Mortgages

Where the property to be let is subject to a mortgage, permission must be granted from the mortgagee in writing It is sometimes appropriate to remortgage with a buy-to-let specialist and our mortgage advisors, who can offer an across-the-market perspective, will be happy to provide completely impartial advice in this regard.

Insurance

It is essential that the property and your contents are adequately insured, both while the property

is empty and while it is let. Your insurers must be told that the property is to be let since failure to do so may well invalidate cover. We can provide details of competitive insurance specifically for rented property if required.

Security

Security systems (locks on windows and external doors, lights, and even full alarm systems) are often considered essential by prospective tenants and are taken into consideration by all the leading insurance companies when calculating premiums.

Decorations and Carpets

We recommend these should be fresh and neutral in terms of colour and style Higher quality properties will always attract better quality tenants and therefore it is vital that a property is well presented to meet the expectations of a potential tenant Furnished or Unfurnished? By far the greatest level of demand from tenants is for properties that are available unfurnished. This traditionally includes just carpets, curtains and a cooker. This has the advantage, from the landlord's perspective, of avoiding the need for additional maintenance/ replacement and for annual testing of electrical appliances.

Domestic Appliances

These should also be of good quality and condition and subject to regular servicing. It is important that full instructions for use are left on the premises to avoid the need to call in an engineer to demonstrate. Gas and electrical appliances must. meet legal safety requirements and oil appliances should be tested annually

Cleaning

It is essential that the property is handed over in clean condition. We very strongly recommend

that the property be professionally cleaned throughout, including all carpets. This creates a benchmark that will be recorded in the Inventory and Schedule of Condition, and will allow us to maintain a high standard through subsequent tenancies. We can provide the names of reputable and economical cleaning contractors.

Gardens

Gardens should be left in good seasonal order so that the benchmark is set for the tenants, whose responsibility it will be to maintain the same standard. We recommend that relevant tools are provided by the landlord. If the garden is particularly large, or complicated to maintain, it may be appropriate for the landlord to retain responsibility for maintenance, in which event this will be reflected in the rent We will be happy to help find suitable gardeners, be it for a full maintenance programme, hedge/lawn cutting, pruning or an occasional tidy

Gas, Electricity and Water

These services should be left connected and we will arrange for their transfer into the tenant's name. Under the Housing Health and Safety Rating System, tenants must be able to control and regulate heating systems.

Council Tax

We will notify the local council tax office of each change of occupier and of any void period between tenancies

Keys

Three complete sets of keys should be provided in all cases - two for the tenants and one to be retained at our office. We will be obliged to charge for key cutting if insufficient keys are supplied at the outset

Telephone

If a telephone line is installed at the property you should instruct the provider to put a temporary stop on the line, when you vacate, and send you a closing account

Empty Properties

It is important that you comply with any insurance requirements during vacant periods, especially during the winter months.