Accurate Market Appraisal

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At Sab Estate Agent, our experienced team offers in-depth knowledge of the local area. We base our rental valuation on factors such as local comparable properties, current market and economic conditions, and the property's proximity to local amenities like schools and public transport links. This ensures that your property is accurately valued for the market.

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Choosing The Right Agent

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As reflected in our Terms of Business, we pride ourselves on our friendly, professional, and clear communication. We provide weekly updates and advice and regularly review the marketing and progress of your rental. We aim to find the right tenant at the best rent and make the letting process as smooth and straightforward as possible.

 

Presenting Your Property

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To attract the best tenants, keep your property in top condition:

Walls: Paint them in light, neutral colors. A fresh coat can make the property look more inviting. Floors: Opt for neutral-colored carpets or high-quality laminate flooring.
Common Areas: Ensure these are clean and tidy and maintain a well-kept garden.
Lighting: Ensure all lights are working to brighten up the space.
Rooms: Declutter to make rooms appear more spacious. A fully made bed looks more appealing than a bare mattress.
 

Furniture and Fittings

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If you’re marketing the property as ‘fully furnished,’ include:

• Bedrooms: Beds, wardrobes, chests of drawers.

• Living/Dining Areas: Sofa, armchair, dining table, and chairs.

• Kitchen: White goods (e.g., fridge/freezer, washer with dryer), and a set of crockery and cutlery.

• Bathroom: An overhead shower, if possible.

• Additional Items: Vacuum cleaner, curtains, or blinds throughout.

For an ‘unfurnished’ property, you still need to provide white goods and curtains or blinds throughout.

 

Marketing Your Property

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Sab Estate Agents will prepare property particulars, arrange professional photos and floorplans, and, if needed, an EPC (Energy Performance Certificate). We will market your property across major online platforms such as Zoopla, Prime Location, and onthemarket.com, as well as on our website. Our marketing materials will feature large, clear photographs, detailed information about local amenities, and helpful links to street views.

Energy Performance Certificates

A valid Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is required for all rental properties before marketing begins. The EPC details the property's energy performance and is valid for 10 years. Sab Estate Agent can arrange for an EPC on your behalf.

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Viewings

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Sab Estate Agent will accompany all potential tenants to view your property if it is unoccupied, or we will arrange a convenient appointment for you or your current tenant to meet with them.

Receiving an Offer

We will forward all offers to you promptly and confirm them in writing. Accepted offers are subject to contract and satisfactory references, which require your approval.

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References

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We use an independent referencing company to check the financial standing, income, and employment status of prospective tenants. We will also contact previous landlords and verify their Right to Rent status. The results will be sent to you for approval before we proceed with the letting.

Proceeding with the Let

Before the tenancy begins, the following must be completed. Sab Estate Agent can provide quotes and arrange these on your behalf:

• Gas Safety Certificate

• Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR)

• Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) (if applicable)

• Inventory

• Professional Clean

• Tenancy Agreement: For rents below £100,000 p.a., Sab Estate Agent will draft a comprehensive Assured Shorthold Tenancy Agreement (AST) for £300.00 Including VAT. For Non-Housing Contracts, a draft from your solicitor is needed at least two weeks before the tenancy starts.

 

Keys

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Provide one set of keys for each tenant. If Sab Estate Agent is managing the property, we will also need a set.

 

 

Deposit

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Sab Estate agents will hold and secure the tenant’s deposit with the Deposit protection Scheme. Information about the deposit and a copy of the registration document will be provided. The deposit will be refunded to the tenant at the end of the tenancy, subject to any agreed deductions.

Furniture and Furnishings

All furniture provided in rental properties must meet the 1993 amendments to the Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations 1988. This includes beds, mattresses, and other furnishings. Non-compliant items should be removed before the tenancy begins.

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Gas

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It is a criminal offense to let a property with gas appliances, installations, and pipework that have not been checked by a Gas Safe Registered Engineer. A Gas Safety Certificate must be obtained before the tenancy starts.

Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms

By law, working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms must be installed in all rental properties.

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Electricity

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Ensure that all electrical items supplied with the property are safe and comply with the Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 1994. Regularly check equipment for safety and remove any unsafe items.

Client Money Protection

Under the Client Money Protection regulations, we are required to have our client money handling procedures on our website. As a Property Ombudsman-protected firm, our client's money-handling procedures are covered in the Conduct and Membership Rules.

Click Here to find a Copy of the Client's money Protection Certificate

 

Taxation

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Rental income is taxable, and you must inform HMRC. Keep receipts for repairs and expenses, and consult your accountant or HMRC for tax advice. Sab Estate is required to submit annual returns to HMRC for all landlords.

Taxation for Overseas Landlords

Overseas landlords must obtain a Certificate from HMRC to receive rent without tax deductions. If not provided, we must deduct tax from the rent and pay it to HMRC. For more information, visit HMRC's Non-Resident Landlords page.

Click on the link below for more information:

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What the Non-resident Landlords Scheme is - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

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Renewals

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Towards the end of the lease, Sab Estate agents will check if you want to renew the tenancy. We will review the rent and advise on any potential increases based on market conditions. You must confirm in writing whether you wish to renew or end the tenancy.

Money Laundering Regulations

Sab Estate Agent complies with Money Laundering, Terrorist Financing, and Transfer of Funds Regulations 2017 and be aware of the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002.  We must verify the identity of clients and any beneficial owners involved in high-value lettings.

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