FAQs
What services does your property management company offer?
We offer a comprehensive range of services, including tenant sourcing and screening, rent collection, property maintenance and repairs, regular property inspections, legal compliance (e.g., gas safety certificates, EPCs), and handling tenant communication. We tailor our services to meet the specific needs of each landlord and property.
Are you accredited or regulated?
Yes, we are members of regulatory bodies such as: The Property Ombudsman (TPO)/ The Property Redress Scheme (PRS)This ensures we adhere to a strict code of conduct and provides landlords and tenants with recourse to an independent complaints process if needed. We are also compliant with all relevant legislation, including GDPR and client money protection (CMP) schemes.
What areas do you cover?
We cover all of Newcastle Upon Tyne, North Tyneside, South Tyneside and Northumberland. If your property is outside of this area, please contact us to discuss your needs.
How do you screen potential tenants?
Our tenant screening process includes comprehensive checks such as credit checks, referencing previous landlords, employment verification, and right-to-rent checks (to comply with UK immigration law). We aim to find reliable and responsible tenants for your property.
How do you handle property maintenance and repairs?
We have a network of trusted and qualified contractors who can handle all types of property maintenance and repairs. We obtain quotes for repairs and will always seek your approval before undertaking any major work, unless it's an emergency. We also offer a 24/7 emergency repair service for tenants.
How often will you inspect my property?
We typically conduct routine property inspections every \[Number] months. We provide you with a detailed report after each inspection, including photos, highlighting any maintenance issues or potential problems.
How do you handle my rental income?
We collect rent from tenants and deposit it into a designated client account. After deducting our fees and any expenses, we transfer the remaining balance to your account on a regular basis (typically monthly). We provide you with a detailed statement of income and expenses.
Do you provide financial reports?
Yes, we provide regular financial reports, including income and expense statements, rent arrears reports, and maintenance summaries. These reports are available online through our landlord portal.
How do you handle rent collection?
We use a secure online system for rent collection. Rent is typically due on 1st of the month and is transferred to your account promptly after it clears. We also have robust procedures for chasing late rent payments.
What happens if a tenant doesn't pay rent?
We have a strict rent arrears procedure. We will contact the tenant immediately to understand the reason for the delay. If necessary, we will serve the appropriate notices (e.g., Section 8 notice) and, if required, pursue legal action to recover the rent and/or evict the tenant.
How do you handle tenant deposits?
We protect all tenant deposits in a government-approved deposit protection scheme (DPS), as required by law. This ensures the deposit is held securely and fairly, and any disputes at the end of the tenancy are resolved impartially.
What happens if a tenant damages my property?
We will assess the damage and arrange for repairs. The cost of the repairs will be deducted from the tenant's deposit, subject to fair wear and tear. If the damage exceeds the deposit amount, we will pursue the tenant for the outstanding balance.
How do you handle tenant complaints?
We act as the first point of contact for all tenant complaints. We will investigate the complaint and take appropriate action to resolve it quickly and efficiently, keeping you informed throughout the process.
Can I choose my own contractors for repairs?
In most cases, yes, you can. However, we need to ensure that your chosen contractors are qualified, insured, and provide competitive quotes. We reserve the right to use our own contractors if necessary, particularly in emergency situations.
How much notice do I need to give to end your property management services?
The notice period is specified in our management agreement, typically 3 months.
Are you up-to-date with the latest property legislation?
Yes, we are committed to staying informed about all changes to property legislation and regulations, including (but not limited to) the Housing Act, Landlord and Tenant Act, and gas safety regulations. We ensure that our services are fully compliant with the law, protecting both landlords and tenants.
What are my responsibilities as a landlord?
As a landlord, you have several legal responsibilities, including ensuring the property is safe and habitable, protecting the tenant's deposit, providing an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC), and complying with gas safety regulations. We can advise you on your responsibilities and ensure you meet all legal requirements.
What is an EPC, and do I need one?
An EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) assesses the energy efficiency of a property. It is a legal requirement for all rental properties in the UK. We can arrange for an EPC to be carried out on your property if you don't already have one.
What is a Gas Safety Certificate, and how often do I need one?
A Gas Safety Certificate is required annually for all rental properties with gas appliances. It ensures that the appliances are safe and working correctly. We can arrange for a Gas Safety Certificate to be carried out by a qualified Gas Safe registered engineer.
What are Right to Rent checks?
Right to Rent checks are a legal requirement to ensure that tenants have the right to live in the UK. We conduct these checks as part of our tenant screening process.
What is GDPR, and how do you comply with it?
GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) is a law that protects personal data. We comply with GDPR by ensuring that all personal data is collected and processed fairly and transparently, and that it is stored securely. We have a comprehensive privacy policy that explains how we handle personal data.
What is a client money protection (CMP) scheme?
Client Money Protection (CMP) scheme protects landlords' and tenants' money held by property management companies. It ensures that your money is safe if the company goes out of business or misuses funds. We are members of a CMP scheme, providing you with peace of mind.
What happens in an emergency situation (e.g., burst pipe, fire)?
We have a 24/7 emergency contact number for tenants to report urgent issues. We will assess the situation and take immediate action to mitigate the damage and ensure the safety of the tenants and the property. We will also keep you informed of the situation and any actions taken.
