Letting FAQ
At Alan Francis, our extensive knowledge spans 80 years combined experience, giving us unrivalled local knowledge to answer all your questions. Our mature minded friendly, professional Lettings Consultants are here to help you.
Q. Why should I let my property?
A.There are normally three reasons why you would rent a property out.
- To give a monthly income;
- To help cover costs while you wait for equity to grow in the property;
- Because you temporarily have to leave but intend to return.
For whichever reason we are committed to ensure it is stress free.
Q. Furnished or Unfurnished
A. This is probably the question most asked and quite frankly it doesn't matter. There is strong market demand for both. Some landlords wish to aim their property at the corporate market where the furnishings are expected to be of the highest quality. However if you have to furnish a property from scratch the extra rent that might be achieved will take a long time to repay the epxenditure. Our consultants will be happy to advise you on how to maximise your income.
Q. What else should I consider before I let my property?
A. You must consider all the following points. If you have any further questions or worries, ask the experienced team at Alan Francis. They will be happy to help and advise you and make recommendations to ensure a trouble-free letting.
- the correct price
- the type of marketing
- what regulations you will have to meet. See the Legal Matters page for further details
- what your responsibilities are.
Q. Will I be able to get my property back?
A. Legislation has removed many of the risks of letting. Properties are let on an assured short-hold tenancy with a fixed end date. Landlords are required to serve two months notice that they require the property back at the end of the fixed term. For extra piece of mind, Landlords are able to take out insurance against tenants defaulting on rent and failure to vacate. Further details are available on request.
Q. What happens if the tenant does not pay rent?
A.On the rare occasions that tenants don't pay their rent, our Accounts Department has a strict chase policy. A deposit of one and a half month's rent is always taken at the beginning of the tenancy and, for extra piece of mind, insurance can be taken out that will pay the rent and cover legal costs for a given period. Further details are available on request.
