John Sharples Lettings

SHARPLES

Landlord FAQs

Your Landlord Questions, Answered

The most frequently asked questions about Sharples' services for landlords

Maintenance & Repairs

Who Is Responsible for Property Repairs?

As the landlord, you are usually responsible for most repairs, including the property’s structure, heating, plumbing, and electrical wiring.

Learn about our Fully Managed Service

Do I Need to Check Appliances Regularly?

Yes, it’s your responsibility to ensure all appliances are safe and in working order. Regular checks help avoid breakdowns and ensure tenant safety. See how our Fully Managed Service can help

How Do I Handle Emergency Repairs?

For emergencies like gas leaks or electrical faults, provide tenants with contact details for urgent repairs and address these issues immediately. Call us to see how we can help you.

Should I Keep Repair Records?

Yes, always keep records of all repairs and maintenance work done on the property. This documentation can be useful for tax purposes and in case of disputes. Learn more about what we do.

Tenant Management

Can I Increase the Rent?

Yes, but you must follow legal guidelines, give the tenant proper notice, and ensure the increase is reasonable and in line with market rates. Book a valuation and we can advise you on a fair rental amount.

What If I Need to Access the Property?

You have the right to access for inspections and repairs, but you must give the tenant notice (usually 24 hours) and respect their privacy. Contact us to see how we can help.

What Happens If There's Damage to the Property?

If the damage is beyond normal wear and tear, you can use the security deposit to cover repair costs. Document all damages and repairs. Learn more about the damages we cover.

How Do You Handle Late Rent Payments?

We contact the tenant as soon as possible to understand the reason. If late payments are a recurring issue, we consider a payment plan or legal action if necessary. Find out more details about our Fully Managed Service.

Ending Tenancies & Evictions

How Do I End a Tenancy?

To end a tenancy, you must provide the correct notice period as per your tenancy agreement and follow legal procedures, depending on the tenancy type. Read about your responsibilities as a landlord.

When Can I End a Tenancy?

You can end a tenancy at the expiry of a fixed-term lease or during a periodic tenancy with proper notice, following the terms of your agreement and local laws. Call us to ask for more information.

Legal reasons for eviction include rent arrears, property damage, breach of tenancy agreement, and using the property for illegal activities. Give us a ring to see how things are handled.

How Do I Evict a Tenant?

To legally evict a tenant, you must follow a strict legal process, which includes serving a formal notice, obtaining a court order, and using bailiffs if necessary. Give us a ring to see how we can guide you.

Insurance

What Insurance Do I Need as a Landlord?

At the minimum, you need landlord insurance to cover property damage, liability in case of injuries on your property, and potential loss of rental income. Please contact Lake District Mortgages to handle your insurance needs.

Is Building Insurance Mandatory?

Yes, building insurance is typically required to protect the structure of your property against damage from disasters like fire or flooding. Please contact Lake District Mortgages to help with providing you the needed insurance.

Do I Need Contents Insurance?

If you’re renting out a furnished property, contents insurance can cover damage or loss of the furnishings and appliances you provide. Please get in touch with Lake District Mortgages to help finding you the right insurance.

Does Insurance Cover Unpaid Rent?

Some landlord insurance policies offer rent guarantee cover as an add-on to protect against loss of income if a tenant fails to pay rent. Reach out to Lake District Mortgages to help get the right insurance for you.

General

Are You A Member Of Any Trade Bodies?

Yes, we are members of the Deposit Protection Service (DPS) (ID: 1147184), a government-authorised tenancy deposit protection scheme. This ensures that your deposit is securely protected for the duration of your tenancy and returned to you in line with the scheme’s guidelines. The DPS also offers a free dispute resolution service to help resolve any disagreements over deposit deductions fairly and efficiently.

We are also proud members of the Property Redress Scheme (PRS) (PRS001684). This means that if you have a complaint about our services, you have access to an independent body that can provide a fair and impartial resolution. Our membership demonstrates our commitment to professionalism and transparency in everything we do.

What Fees Do You Charge Landlords?

Our fees range from 7% to 12%, depending on the level of service and the specific arrangement agreed upon. We offer flexible options tailored to your needs, whether you require a fully managed service or a let-only agreement. Please contact us to discuss your requirements, and we’ll provide a detailed breakdown of the costs.

Additional Fees and Services:

  • Re-let Fee: £35
  • Initial Letting Fee: £150
  • Energy Performance Certificate (EPC): £99.00
  • Gas Safety Certificate: £81.00
  • P.A.T. Testing: £75.00
  • Installation of Smoke Alarm & Carbon Monoxide Alarm: £50.00 per alarm + cost of alarm

Specific Setup Fees:

  • Tenant-Only Find and Set-Up Fee: First month’s rent
  • Fully Managed Setup Fee: £150.00

Withdrawal Fees:

  • Landlord Withdrawal Fee (within first 6 months): £650.00
  • Landlord Withdrawal Fee (rolling month-to-month): One full month’s rent

End of Tenancy:

  • End of Tenancy Checkout Fee: £75.00

Legal Notices:

  • Fee for Serving a Section 8 or Section 21 Notice: £75.00

If you have additional questions or specific requirements, feel free to get in touch, and we’ll be happy to assist!

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