
10 steps to letting
Letting your property successfully in Scotland
Getting your property ready for rental or having an empty property can be stressful. Maximise the return on your investment by acting fast in finding a reliable tenant who will pay the best price.
Step 1 – Harvey Lets Landlords get their property ready for renting
We are here to help you get your property ready for rental. It can be daunting keeping up with regulations but we are here to help you every step of the way. Before you let your property you must make sure, by law, that it and its contents comply with various safety and other wider Government regulations relating to residential property rental, including:
- Landlord registration
- Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations 1988, as amended 1993
- Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998
- Smoke Detectors Act 1991
- Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 1994
- Houses in Multiple Occupation (H.M.O)
You will also need to make sure you have:
- An inventory and schedule of condition
- Carried out a Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) for all electrical appliances.
- Got permission from your mortgage lender if you have a mortgage on your property
- Told your insurers.
Step 2 – Harvey Lets Landlords get an accurate valuation
Your aim should be to let your property at the best possible price in the shortest possible time. Our expert valuers carry hundreds of valuations every year giving us intimate and unparalleled knowledge of property rental values in your area.
Step 3 – Harvey Lets Landlords choose a property management service to suit their needs
Property Management can be the key to reaping maximum rental returns on your property. Many tenants insist on renting managed properties and are often prepared to pay a premium for this peace of mind. Harvey Lets Full Property Management service gives you peace of mind that both your property and tenant will be cared for 24/7. We will look after the general day-to-day management and more complex issues such as emergency repairs, collection of rent, transfer of utilities and much more.
Only you know how much time you can spare to deal with your tenant’s telephone calls and the resulting work of managing a property on a daily basis. If this option suits you more, Harvey Lets can find you a high quality tenant quickly with our flexible Let Only service.
Step 4 – Harvey Lets Landlords present their property in the best possible way
First impressions count, making the presentation of your property critical to a successful let. Consider addressing any DIY jobs you have been meaning to get done, add a fresh coat of paint where necessary and try to de-clutter to make rooms appear larger. When the property is ready Harvey Lets will then take photographs and write comprehensive property descriptions, all in just one visit.
Step 5 – Harvey Lets Landlords get their property ready for tenancy
Before you let your property for the first time you should obtain a professional and comprehensive inventory. This will set out the condition and contents of the property. Harvey Lets will carry out a professional inventory on your behalf. With the Harvey Lets Full Property Management service we will transfer accounts with utility companies and council tax.
Step 6 – Harvey Lets Landlords market their property easily
To find your perfect tenant you need to give your property maximum exposure across a wide range of media. When you instruct Harvey Lets to rent your property you will automatically benefit from our unrivalled, comprehensive marketing package, including: exposure on Rightmove, CityLets, S1 Homes, HarveyLets.com, full colour property details, inclusion in our monthly PR and social networks.
Step 7 – Harvey Lets Landlords know how the accompanied viewings went
Our longer opening hours are essential to maximise viewing opportunities for your property. Accompanied viewings mean we can use our expertise to help let your property.
Step 8 – Harvey Lets Landlords receive the best offers
As soon as an offer is received we will contact you to communicate full details of the rental offer.
Step 9 – Harvey Lets Landlords know when we have taken care of the tenancy agreement
Once you accept an offer we will do the following:
- Collect references from the tenants
- Arrange signing of Tenancy Agreement
- Collect moving-in payment (rent + deposit)
We will transfer the deposit to the deposit protection scheme which is essential under current legislation, we also activate the deposit release process at the end of the tenancy.
Step 10 – Harvey Lets Landlords get on with their lives
Upon completion, keys will be released the tenant on moving-in day.
For fully managed properties, we will provide the tenant with Harvey Lets contact details for any day to day issues that might arise.