Landlords Info
Property Management

Full property management is the preferred service level for the majority of our landlords. Our management service is also recommended for the busy individual who is not experienced in property management or familiar with Tenancy Law. It is also worth mentioning that fully managed properties tend to attract corporate tenants etc.

Our fully computerised department can offer prompt payments of rent each month, prepare monthly statements, pay ongoing bills, account for necessary maintenance, organise redecoration works and general property improvements, carry our property inspections, chase rent arrears (if any) and negotiate annual rent reviews. We deal with the everyday issues on your behalf and ensure full time care of your property.

More and more tenants these days request managed properties as it allows a more professional service removing the emotion from both sides.

Our property management package includes services such as rent collection, handling administration and legal notices, as well as assistance with more complex issues and the provision of a 24-hour emergency line for tenants.

Comprehensive Free Inspections

We carry out a minimum three-monthly interim report for all our managed properties. This is carried out by an experienced and qualified inventory inspector. The charge is included as part of our management fees. This gives a landlord reassurance that their property remains in sound condition for future rentals as well as minimising the cost of the repairs, by acting in good time.

What Happens if There’s a Problem?

We have our own reliable tradesman that have worked with us for many years. We continually check and monitor their work and pricing to ensure our landlords get a fair deal.

We only use companies providing the very best quality of workmanship on behalf of our clients, however if you have a particular tradesman you wish to use then we can set this up on our systems for you.

Rent Paid (Instant Payment Credit System)

All tenants in Managed properties pay rent to us by standing order direct in to our clients account; this avoids waiting for personal cheques to clear. We use a computerised instant payment system, this means when we receive payments from tenants, the landlord receives payments within 24hours, unlike the BACS system which can take days to transfer.

Inventories

A comprehensive inventory and schedule of condition is essential for the proper management of your property, whether they are let, furnished or unfurnished to reduce the risk of a dispute arising in respect of the security deposit. Inventories should, where applicable, show that furnishings and electrical equipment comply with current legislation. If you do not have an inventory and schedule of condition you will not be able to prove the condition of the property at the start of the tenancy and may not be able to obtain compensation from the tenant either through any Tenancy Deposit Protection Scheme or through the County Court. A comprehensive inventory and schedule of condition must be prepared and made available for all of our managed properties before commencement of the tenancy. This service is free of charge to all managed properties through 1st Capital Homes Ltd.

Energy Performance Certificates

From 1st October 2008, an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is mandatory for all new lets.

A landlord will need to provide an EPC whenever a home in the social or private rented sector is let to a new tenant. It applies to all residential tenancies regardless of the tenure type.

A landlord must make the EPC available free of charge to prospective tenants at the earliest opportunity. This should be when they are first given information about the property or view it, and certainly before any tenancy agreement is entered into.

EPCs are valid for 10 years and can be reused as many times as required within that period. It is not necessary to commission a new EPC each time there is a change of tenant although landlords may commission EPCs for these properties at any time to prepare for a change in tenant.

If a new EPC has been produced for a home within the ten year period, only the most recent one if valid.

The EPC provide prospective tenants with information about how energy efficient a property is that they are considering renting.

An EPC is not required for any property that was occupied before 1st October 2008 and which continues to be occupied after that date by the same tenant.

EPCs must be produced by an accredited Domestic Energy Assessor.

What is an Energy Performance Certificate?

An EPC is similar to the energy performance certificates now provided with domestic appliances such as refrigerators and washing machines. The energy efficiency and environmental impact of the property will be rated on a scale from A-G (where A is the most efficient and G the least efficient). Current running costs for heating, hot water and lighting will also be shown on the certificate, together with a list of recommended energy saving improvements. The rating is based on factors such as age, property layout, construction, heating, lighting, windows and insulation. The ratings are standard so a tenant can compare the energy efficiency of one home easily with another. The typical rating for a home is D or E. The environmental impact rating = the environmental impact rating of a home’s impact on the environment in terms of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions.

What are the penalties if I do not provide an EPC?

The provision of EPCs is enforced by the Trading Standards department of the local authority. They will impose a penalty charge if an EPC has not been provided. The landlord will remain responsible for any breaches!

Landlords can get free, impartial advice on energy efficiency improvements by visiting www.energysavingtrust.org.uk

How do I order an EPC through 1st Capital Homes?

We are able to arrange an EPC for your property on your behalf at a competitive rate. Please contact the Canterbury Office for more information.

You do not have to be an existing client landlord to benefit from this service, so even if you are not quite ready to rent your property through 1st Capital Homes, but still need an EPC feel free to contact us.

1st Capital Homes will keep a digital copy of the EPC in case it is ever misplaced.