In addition, to ensure that we can provide you with the highest expected level of service, we will provide the following:

Landlords seeking an agent, are looking for someone to take responsibility for looking after their asset and here at Bowyer Estates we do just that. All potential tenants are thoroughly checked and all our premium managed Landlords are provided with rent and legal protection included in their package, this means you can rest assured that your tenant has met strict criteria and should anything happen you do not have to worry about finding money for eviction processes and court funds for loss of rent. In addition, regular inspections are conducted and a deposit taken which is equivalent to five weeks rent and registered with the DPS (Deposit Protection Service).

Rent and Legal Protection Terms and conditions:

Subject to satisfactory referencing via our online referencing firm (applicant and guarantor if applicable) and collection of a deposit equivalent to five weeks rent and one month’s rent minimum, prior to letting. The insured must comply with all conditions of any mortgage on the property and all condition of the tenancy agreement and report within 30 days after the missed due date if a claim is to be made.

(please note this is only available to fully managed clients)

Landlord Responsibilities

As a Landlord you also have a duty of care, in order to ensure the safety of your tenant. There are a selection of legal obligations which you must adhere to and these are noted below;

Gas and Electrical Safety

The law requires that all appliances are safe and strongly recommends that everything should be independently tested.

Duty of Care demands that all electrical appliances are tested on a regular basis, particularly at the point at which the property becomes available to let.

The Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 1994 and The Plugs and Sockets etc. (Safety) Regulations 1994 state that supplying unsafe appliances is an offence. In the event of an accident involving electricity, the landlord must be able to demonstrate that the supply and appliances are safe. This can only be done if they have been independently tested.

The Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 state that all let and managed properties must be tested annually for safety. Only Gas Safe registered businesses with Approved Code of Practice (ACOP) qualified engineers are authorised to carry out work on gas appliances and piping.

We recommend only fully qualified contractors to carry out electrical and gas safety checks. We are happy to handle this on your behalf.

Smoke alarms are to be installed on all floors of a property & Carbon Monoxide detectors fitted where there is solid fuel. (Once installed, responsibility for replacing the battery passes to the tenant.)

Failure to comply with regulations can result in hefty fines and in some extreme cases, imprisonment.

Smoke Detectors

All new homes built after June 1992 must be fitted with mains operated smoke detectors. However, under the Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Alarm Regulations of 2015, all floors of private rented property must have a smoke alarm fitted and that they are regularly checked especially battery-operated devices. In addition, Carbon Monoxide detectors must be fitted where solid fuel is being burnt. (enforceable from 1st October 2015)

We do strongly recommend that carbon monoxide detectors are installed regardless of all properties and as already stated above, insist this if we are to manage the property.

Fire and Furnishings Regulations

Since 1st January 1997, all furniture provided in furnished rented accommodation – houses, flats, bedsits – must meet the fire resistance requirements of the Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations 1998.

The regulations apply to any of the following upholstered items

The regulations do not apply to:

Legionella Risk Assessment

Legionella is a potentially fatal illness like pneumonia which can be caught by inhaling bacteria generated by hot and cold water heating systems including storage tanks which are not functioning properly or have been stagnant for some time. The Health & Safety at Work Act 1974 and the control of Substances Hazardous to Health 1999 have recently changed and the Control of Legionella bacteria in Water Systems Approved Code of Practice (“ACOP L8”), now applies to domestic living. It is recommended that all landlords of residential rental properties have a Legionella Risk Assessment completed every two years to comply with the law.

Tenants over the age of 45, smokers or heavy drinkers, or those suffering from respiratory or kidney disease or immune system problems, might be considered particularly vulnerable.

We can introduce you to an expert who can assess your property for Legionella and provide you with a report.

Mandatory HMO Licences

If you own a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO)– a rented property with shared facilities, you may need a licence to let. A licence is required if the HMO has:

We can offer advice on this or have a look at these useful websites:

www.gov.uk/private-renting/houses-in-multiple-occupation

www.gov.uk/house-in-multiple-occupation-licence

Carpets and curtains

We cannot let any property containing non-compliant furniture. All items must carry a permanent label as proof that items are compliant with the regulations. If you need help, just ask and we will be able to advise you.

Section 11 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985

This act imposes important obligations upon Landlords. In particular, the Landlord must keep in good repair the structure and exterior of the property including drains, gutters and external pipes:

The Landlord is obliged to keep in good repair and proper working order the installation in the Property for the supply of water, gas and electricity for sanitation. This includes basin, sinks, baths and lavatories but does not include fixtures and fittings and appliances for making use of the supply of water, gas or electricity services.

The Landlord is required to keep installations in the Property for Space heating and heating water in repair and proper working order.

Exclusions

It is agreed that Bowyer Estates Limited will not be liable for;

General Provisions

Bowyer Estates Limited accepts no responsibility for repair or maintenance to any property that is left vacant during the Agency period. The repair and maintenance of such property will remain the Landlord’s responsibility.