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Six reasons landlords need to use a letting agent in Plymouth

landlords

Rising demand for quality rental properties means now is a great time to become a landlord in Plymouth.

Letting agents in Plymouth are reporting homes are being snapped up by tenants faster than ever before.

And according to the latest figures from Zoopla, average UK rents are now £969 per month.

In Plymouth that figure – which includes London – is slightly lower. But we’re still seeing “significant rent rises” which is positive news for investment landlords.

As the city’s leading letting agent, Lang Town & Country has noticed an increase in the number of first-time landlords looking for at least one property.

Richard Rabin, Lang Town & Country Director, says: “We’re seeing a very high standard of property coming to the rental market in Plymouth.

“The lack of supply means that tenants are snapping these homes up extremely quickly – some on the first day they come to the market.

“This has resulted in rents going up across the board in Plymouth and the surrounding areas.”

The rental market shows no signs of slowing down in Plymouth so if you’re thinking about becoming a landlord, now is the time. But how do you get started?

There is a lot to consider when renting out a property, from complex new legislation, to property maintenance and tenancy issues.

We can help you cut out that unnecessary stress and leave you to focus on what really matters – money in your bank.

Whether you’re just starting out as a landlord, or you’re looking to add to your portfolio, here’s why you should consider using a letting agent to manage your rental property.

landlords

1. You’ll have complete peace of mind

Lang Town & Country has three locations across Plymouth. Our lettings operation is run mainly from our head office on Mutley Plain, and we also have lettings resources in our Plymstock and Waterside branches.

Together, our dedicated and personalised team helps landlords and tenants alike on a daily basis by offering four different management services: Tenant Find, Rent Collection, Managed, and Managed +.

Each category carries a different fee structure and each requires varying levels of involvement from you as the landlord. Look below to see which one is right for you.

Tenant Find

  • Consultation service
  • Property marketing plan
  • Photos, video tour and floor plan
  • Internet property advertising including dedicated YouTube channel and sign board
  • Client/property matching software
  • Accompanied viewings
  • Tenant interviewing and selection
  • Comprehensive tenant referencing service and right to rent check
  • Arrange compliance certificates required
  • Signing of tenancy agreement

Rent Collection

All services from Tenant Find, plus:

  • Rent collection
  • Monthly statement of account
  • Tenant check-in with smoke alarm and carbon monoxide testing

Managed

All services from Rent Collection, plus:

  • Registration of the deposit
  • Liaising with other organisations (e.g. Block Management Company)
  • Routine inspections with report issued to landlord
  • Administration of property maintenance
  • Tenant check-out and meter readings
  • Negotiating return of deposit and handling deductions with TDS
  • Comprehensive inventory & schedule of condition

Managed +

All services from Managed, plus:

  • Comprehensive full colour inventory & schedule of condition
  • Rent review and issuing a Section 13 notice
  • Issuing a Section 21 notice
  • End of tax year statement (on request)
  • Rent guarantee and legal expenses policy

Please do get in touch with our team if you have any questions about any of our services.

landlords

2. We’ll make sure you always receive your rent

The main thing – and concern – when becoming a landlord is the rent.

If your tenant does not pay their rent or bills on time, it could interrupt your cash flow and have a subsequent knock-on effect in other aspects of your life.

We will make sure you have everything confirmed in the tenancy agreement and will collect your deposit and first month’s rent.

Rents are usually calculated excluding bills, ground rents and service charges.

3. We’ll handle all your legal requirements

As a landlord, it’s crucial that you ensure the safety of your tenants and their guests.

Some requirements are mandatory, such as the Landlords Gas Safety and Electrical Safety Certificates. Both of these need to be conducted by a Gas Safe-registered contractor and a qualified electrician respectively.

Smoke detectors are now mandatory on every floor in rental properties. CO2 detectors are currently only required where there is a solid fuel burner. However, it is advisable that these are installed as per the manufacturer’s instructions in any room where there is a gas appliance.

All smoke detectors and CO detectors must be tested and in working order upon the commencement of any tenancy and throughout.

We also offer advice on the Government’s guidance to Legionella testing.

landlords

4. We’ll find the most suitable tenants for you

Lang Town & Country can reach potential tenants right across the world on your behalf.

We use quality images to market your property physically and online, and will work with you to make sure you’re happy.

We’ll list your property on the major portals like YouTube, Rightmove, Zoopla. We also utilise Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and TikTok to put your property in front of thousands of potential tenants.

We also film video tours of each property which we upload to our ever-growing YouTube channel for potential tenants to watch.

Using social media in this way allows us to showcase it to a larger audience and gain maximum exposure, giving you the best chance of a quick rental.

While your property is on the market, our dedicated team will also keep you informed of interest shown, viewings booked and feedback from potential clients.

This includes meeting and selecting future tenants, preparing the property for move-in, regular routine inspections, and maintenance and repairs, through to move-out inspections and deposit returns.

Our team will also offer advice on whether any action is required as a result of viewing feedback received, as well as keeping you informed of any changes in the market and other available comparable properties.

landlords

5. We’ll carry out a proper inventory

One of the aspects of our Managed and Managed + service is that we offer a comprehensive inventory and schedule of condition.

This means an in-depth report on your rental property and its contents, whether furnished or unfurnished.

Your inventory will include any furniture, fixtures and fittings in each room, together with a description of their condition.

This will help to avoid any problems further down the line if and when your tenant moves out.

landlords

6. We’ll conduct and action regular property checks

Through more than 20 years’ experience, we have built a proud and growing reputation for our bespoke service client care.

Our team will carry out regular checks on your property to ensure it is being well maintained and looked after.

And you’ll never need to worry about calling a handyman as we’ll deal directly with your tenants should any problems arise.

That means no phone calls in the middle of the night about leaky taps or malfunctioning appliances!

Get in touch with Lang Town & Country Lettings on 01752 201010 or via email at enquiries@langtownandcountry.com to find out how we can help you.

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Visit our modern new office to find out more

For help with the topics discussed in this article speak to our friendly team based at our modern new office at 6 Mannamead Road.

Our Sales, Lettings, Waterside and Land & New Homes teams are based in our bespoke building ready to help you. For enquiries in Plymstock, you can visit our dedicated branch on The Broadway – details on our contact page.

Mon – Fri: 9am – 5.30pm | Sat: 9am – 4pm

6 Mannamead Road
Plymouth
Devon
PL4 7AA

Sales: 01752 256000
Sales progression: 01752 279866
Lettings: 01752 201010
Land & New Homes: 01752 278499
Waterside: 01752 200909