Whether you’re just looking for a flat to rent or you’re a landlord, we can make the letting process simple and straight-forward, lf you have a flat for rent or require property management please let us know how we can best service you. We offer different types of services to every landlords requirement and of course a ‘no let no fee’ basis - Let Only, Rent Management and residential Property Management.
We take a security deposit equivalent to six weeks’ rent to protect you against nonpayment of rent or damage caused by your tenant. 2 months if contracted under our zero deposit scheme. Under the provisions of the Housing Act 2004 it is illegal for you as landlord to hold a tenant’s deposit unless you have individual membership of an approved scheme. However, with The Space Station holding your tenant’s -deposit as stakeholder, you are fully compliant with this legislation as we are members of the Tenancy Deposit Scheme for regulated agents (TDS). Some corporate tenants may ask that you accept a letter of guarantee in lieu of a monetary deposit. We will advise you on a case-by-case basis if this should happen.
The most common form of tenancy agreement is the Assured Shorthold Tenancy (called Short Assured in Scotland) since this allows you to recover the property just by giving the tenant sufficient notice. All new Assured Shorthold Tenancies in England and Wales which started on or after 6th April 2007 and where a deposit was taken, must now have the deposit protected under a government approved Tenancy Deposit Scheme. Your letting agent should be able to arrange this as part of their service for all homes for rent.
Providing the flat is left in the same state at the end of the tenancy as it was at the start (fair wear and tear excepted) and there are no rent arrears, you will have to return the deposit within 10 days of the end of the tenancy on all properties for rent. If it isn’t, you will have to itemise and agree deductions with the tenant. For all the latest information on tenancy deposit schemes visit: http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/TenancyDeposit/DG_066385
Please Note: If the annual rental income exceeds £25,000, the tenant is a company or you live in the property, the Assured Shorthold Tenancy agreement is not valid.
Our innovative zero rent deposit scheme will work alongside and complement existing deposit protection schemes by offering landlords the same security and peace of mind as a cash deposit, whilst allowing tenants the flexibility of a “No Deposit” tenancy. We have developed a fast, efficient and secure online system that will save agents and landlord’s time and money. Taking practices used in Switzerland, France and Belgium and adapting them to suit the UK market, the product has been designed to improve the lettings experience for both landlords and tenants.
If you have a flat for rent its essential to ensure your agent arranges a comprehensive inventory as this independent record of the condition of your property for rent at the start and end of a tenancy. It forms the basis of any claim you may need to make on your tenant’s deposit – the absence of an appropriately produced inventory may prejudice your claim or result in it being rejected completely. Different arrangements are sometimes made where the tenant is a company rather than an individual – we will advise you accordingly at the time if this becomes relevant and if you request property management this will be organized automatically.
A straight forward letting service is also available and designed for the landlord preferring to manage his or her own property and take care of all day to day matters, such as collecting the rent, maintenance issues and Gas Safety inspections and Energy performance certificates checks. To secure a suitable tenant we will: Actively market your property via local press, our own website and various portals which include: Propetyfinder, Findaproperty, Homes & Property, Primelocation and Globrix. Of course where appropriate we will erect one of our eye-catching boards on all homes for rent. Meet all applicants in our offices prior to them viewing the properties for rent. Carry out stringent & impartial referencing checks on all applicants via an independent referencing agency.
Prepare the tenancy agreement and serve all relevant notices as well as notify the relevant authorities and utilities of the change of occupancy. Ensure all relevant certification is up to date and check the successful tenant into the property. Prepare a new tenancy agreement for further fixed terms as appropriate and prepare an inventory and schedule of condition on all properties for rent.
Visit the property and check tenant out at the end of the letting period.
Optional with our Letting only and Letting with Rent Collection services for the landlord who wishes to be involved with the running of his or her property for rent but not worry about collecting rent we offer a Letting with Rent Collection service. This offers all the features of the Letting Only service plus: The collection of rent due each month on your behalf preferably via standing order set up at the beginning of the tenancy. We will promptly forward all rent received less our fees via BACS and provide a monthly statement of account and annually review the rental value of your property.
Operate credit control should the tenant fall into arrears and serve the appropriate notices if required. Optional Rent Guarantee & Legal Expenses cover.
For the landlord not wishing, or unable, to have day to day involvement in the running of their property our full property management service offers a comprehensive level of service on all homes for rent, taking care of all aspects of the property’s management and maintenance; with all the features of the Letting with Rent Collection service plus: We will prepare an inventory and schedule of condition for your property, inspect at regular intervals to ensure the property is kept in good order and report to landlord and attend to any repair and maintenance issues utilising our experienced and qualified team of approved experienced contractors or those nominated by the landlord where possible on all houses for rent, flats for rent.
At the end of a tenancy we will check the vacating tenant out of the property and assess any dilapidations on all properties for rent. When calculating the cost of letting a property, remember to allow for the application fee, and the administration charge, a deposit and contents insurance, in addition to rent. Please enquire about our no rent deposit or zero deposit schemes. Normally the rent, deposit and any administration charge is payable on or before the agreed sign up date. Payments can be made by debit card, bank transfer or bankers draft, credit cards are subject to 2.5% service charge, but cash is not normally accepted. If you intend to pay by debit card/bank transfer, we would advise that you arrange this in advance of the sign up date and let organising branch know.
There is often a clearance time associated with paying by these methods and funds must be cleared by the signup. Payments by personal cheque are not normally acceptable due to the clearance times required, but special arrangements can be made, provided they allow for sufficient time in advance. Ongoing payments will be paid by monthly standing order, in line with the commencement of the tenancy.
From the start of the tenancy, you will normally be required to pay all household bills including council tax, gas, water, electricity and telephone on all properties for rent, houses for rent and flats for rent
