The Launch of our New Service 'Rooms'

The Launch of our New Service 'Rooms'

When viewing a new rental property, it is important to check several things.

General Condition

Does the room or communal areas require any cosmetic improvements? If yes, then ensure that you are specific and list each issue that requires attention when making your offer. This should include walls/rooms that require painting, carpets that need replacing, loose door handles that need tightening.

Furniture

Is the furniture of a suitable standard? Does it require cleaning/fixing? Does each item carry the relevant fire safety label?

Utilities

Check the gas, water and electricity meters for payment methods. Turn on the water to check the pressure, is it strong enough?

Heating

What type of heating does the property have and is it sufficient enough to heat your room? Gas central heating is most cost effective but uncommon in modern properties, which retain heat more efficiently. If it's gas, an annual inspection should be carried out (by law) by a Gas Safe registered engineer. Ask to see the certificate!

Security

Are the doors and windows secure, and do they open and close properly? Are there smoke alarms and Carbon Monoxide alarms and do they work.

Outside

If there is a garden or communal areas, ask who is responsible for the upkeep.

NB. Make sure that your offer and its terms are accepted in writing by Butler & Stag before proceeding.

What Happens Next

Butler & Stag will prepare the Tenancy. You will be contacted by one of our Lettings Administrators who will assist you through to move in.

References; Butler & Stag use a professional referencing company to carry out full references for each tenant that will be living in the property. You should expect to receive an email from our referencing company, containing a link for you to follow and complete relevant information about yourself. Credit checks, previous rental history and employment status' will all be checked.

Tenancy Agreement (TA); Butler & Stag will produce the tenancy agreement which is a legal binding contract between you as the Tenant(s) and the Landlord(s). It will detail the responsibilities and rights of both the Tenant(s) and Landlord(s) or their representative. Please ensure you read through the TA, thoroughly ensuring that you are happy with all of its content.

Payment; Before your move in can take place, we require cleared funds in our bank account for all associated costs for your rental. This will include the agreed amount of rent paid in advance (usually one, six or twelve months), a damage deposit (usually the equivalent of four weeks rent) and any fees being charged by Butler & Stag.

Move In; We can meet you at the property or in the office to hand-over the keys and wish you well in your new home. We will arrange standing order payments for your rental payments and inform you of who is responsible for day to day management.

Guaranteed Rent Scheme with Butler & Stag

Once we have agreed a competitive fixed monthly amount, Butler & Stag effectively become your tenant, guaranteeing you will receive the agreed amount on the same day each month, whether the property is occupied or not.

Using our vast high street agency experience we will find suitable flat-mates for each property and ensure a smooth management process for tenants and landlords alike. Whether it be a hectic personal life or simply not wanting to deal with the day to day of property management more and more landlords are opting for this service as it is the least stressful of all the various options available.

Some of the benefits for landlords include;

• Guaranteed rent Scheme for 2-5 Years
• 0% Commission Fee
• 0% Management Fee
• Comprehensive marketing
• In house maintenance
• Same day let
• Organising electrical safety inspection
• Organising gas safety inspection
• Arranging the check-in/out of the tenants
• Collection of rent
• 24-hour call out service
• Arranging repairs and maintenance
• Referenced and credit checked tenants
• Monthly/Yearly statements
• Ecosign - electronic signature facility
• Transfer of utilities
• Quarterly Management inspections
• No void periods
• We cover all legal costs for non-payment of rent
• Your rent will not be affected during any such period

Rooms Management with Butler & Stag

Most room specialist companies simply offer a guaranteed rent service or a platform for the landlord to advertise the rooms themselves, no one is offering a specialised managed service that allows 'Landlords to take the bulk of the profit' until now that is.

Whilst many landlords will just want the guaranteed rent as they know exactly what they will be getting each month, there is arguably a far greater return in allowing us to find you the tenants and manage the rooms, whilst taking an agreed percentage of the income on a month by month basis, very similar to a standard Assured Shorthold Tenancy.

As Landlords you can leave us to sort out all of the detail which will include;

• Marketing and Advertising
• Carrying out accompanied Viewings
• Finding the Tenants for each room
• Referencing in the same way we would for a typical AST so we can monitor quality control.
• Drawing up the Tenancy Agreement
• Registering Deposit
• Arranging an Inventory
• Move-In and check out of Tenants
• Monthly Statements
• Arranging Cleaning of Communal Areas every Two Weeks
• Arranging out-going Payments
• Arranging Repairs and Maintenance
• 24 Hour call out service
• Advice on Deposit Deductions
• Quarterly Inspections
• Management While Property is Vacant
• Key Holding Service
• Organising Gas & Electrical Inspections

Some things to remember when considering room management;

• On average we can produce in excess of 30% more income when comparing to a standard AST.
• Only works for 2+ bedroom properties with separate living room and kitchen.
• Comprehensive management service for the same percentage fee as when letting on a standard AST but with potential for far greater rental income.
• Bills are Normally Included by the Landlord under the Rooms Service
• All Rooms Must Have Wi-Fi Access
• Rooms are Typically Furnished with Bed, Mattress, Wardrobe, Chest of Drawers. Occasionally with Desk & Chair, TV etc...

Watch our short video from Director Michael for more information

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5EhoMWokqo0