Could you be missing out on a good tenant, by not allowing a cat at your rental property?

Perhaps you are a cat owner yourself, or alternatively a landlord who won’t consider allowing any ‘pet’ in their rented property. It often comes down to a either a positive past experience, or one of those scary ‘urban tales’ from the landlord’s family and friends…

Obviously, every cat – from pure pedigrees to moggies – has its own personality or behaviours that are probably worth looking into, and considering carefully, if you’re going to allow your tenants to rent with their favourite feline friend.

Here are some things to consider about lettings and cats:

Older and wiser …

Older cats are used to living with their owners and are often calmer – especially with a cat-flap in the door that allows them to come and go at will. They may also be a bonus in an area that may be prone to rodents – even the Prime Minister has an adopted cat from Battersea Dogs & Cats Home, Larry the Chief Mouser, at 10 Downing Street!

Cute kittens …

Kittens can be great fun (for the tenant) until they come home one day to find that the property has been turned into a playground and the kitten is halfway through destroying the landlord’s vertical blinds – or even the sofa! It’s probably best to only agree to a kitten in a fairly robust and unfurnished property, where the tenant provides their own blinds, curtains, and soft furnishings.

It’s also worth asking the tenants to put a detailed request in writing. For example: details of the cat’s size and age, and if this is likely to be a temporary or permanent arrangement.

Responsible pet owners expect extra costs to allow for additional wear and tear, and it may be reasonable to ask for some additional rent – say about £20–25 per month.

This will mean that you will be able to build up a small ‘repairs’ fund in order to quickly cover any additional work at the end of the tenancy (such as scratches to the doors).

If you agree to the tenants keeping a cat at the property, consider adding a pet clause to your tenancy agreement (signed by both parties).

Not all cats always have to mean a “no” …

Many tenants will have well-behaved cats due to good training and ownership skills. However, it is always advisable to put in writing what you both agree to be acceptable and to make it clear that you understand that a pet is an important part of your tenant’s life. In *2016 it was estimated that 11 million (40%) of UK households have pets, with 17% having a cat, so it can be a common request from tenants.

If you’d like to know more about lets with pets, please just ask.

This is a question we are asked by many landlords in so many different ways!

What with landlords facing increased costs through removal of tax allowances, changes in calculating your tax due on your property investments and the additional stamp duty, now is a good time to think strategically about your rental property and the demand in your local rental market. Many landlords say to us "even a small rental increase would be welcome"

This property in Marton had been let through The Letting People for some years and was in need of some updating work to attract professional tenants for a further 7-10 years.

Following a new kitchen, flooring, installation of gas fire and other refurbishment works this property was ready to go. The rental value increased by £250 per calendar month giving a return on the investment in just under 2 years.

Click here to view images of this property both before, and after! https://www.thelettingpeople.co.uk/userFiles/property_refurbishment_marton.pdf

On launching back on to the rental market, the property attracted immediate attention from professional tenants looking for an updated village property that was ready to move into – and was let in 1 day.

A win win for both the Landlord and Tenant!

Please note that all tenancies agreed on or after the 1st June 2019 will be in accordance with the Tenant Fees Act 2019.

Tenant fee and protection information

Effective from 01/06/2019         

As well as paying the rent, you may also be required to make the following payments

Permitted Payments

Before the tenancy starts payable to the Agent, Coverworld Management Services Ltd, T/AS The Letting People:

Holding Deposit: 1 weeks rent payable on application

Tenancy Deposit: 5 Weeks rent

During the tenancy

Payment of £50 if you wish to change the terms of the tenancy agreement in agreement with your landlord.

Payment of interest for the late payment of rent at the rate of 3% above the Bank of England annual percentage rate for each day that the payment is outstanding.

Payment of the reasonable incurred costs to replace the loss of keys or security devices.

Payment of any unpaid rent or other reasonable costs incurred associated with your early termination of tenancy in agreement with your landlord.

Payable to the provider, if applicable, as follows:

• Gas electric and water charges
• Communications including telephone and broadband
• Subscriptions including cable and satellite provider
• Television license
• Council tax

Other permitted payment

Any other permitted payments, not included above, under the relevant legislation including contractual damages.

Tenant Protection

Coverworld Management Services Ltd T/AS The Letting People is a member of UKALA Total Loss CMP. No 073584

Coverworld Management Services Ltd T/AS The Letting People is a member of the Property Redress Scheme

You can find out more details of Tenant Protection by visiting the scheme(s) website.

For tenancies not covered by the Tenant Fees Act 2019, such as company lettings, please enquire about fees payable.

We wish all our clients and customers a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Please visit each branch page for details of their opening hours over the festive period. Thank you

Introducing Your ‘Good Tenant Guarantee’…

Landlords, are you:

1. Fed up with applications from unsuitable tenants?
2. Paying back refundable holding deposits and incurring Agent fees where applications have ‘fallen-through?
3. Concerned about empty periods and lost rent whilst looking for another suitable tenant?

Will your Tenant be a ‘good’ tenant?

Due to our extensive experience, our application and professional referencing service has been proven to reduce the possibility of a ‘bad’ tenant through our robust Tenant Application Progression service.

So here are the benefits:

1. In the last 12 months The Letting People’s ongoing services have achieved more than 99% of rent payments being paid on time (and with this meaning less than 1% average rent arrears
2. In the last 12 months no Tenant applications have failed references and fallen through. Meaning all applicants we progress have gone on to become tenants.
3. Unless the property is not available we can turn round the application process to handover in 7 days minimising your loss of rent for empty properties

What do we look for in your tenant’s references?

In the first instance we pre-qualify Tenant applicants to meet selection criteria and subsequent we will arrange to take up references including your tenant’s current:

1. Employment situation and gross earnings
2. Rental history and/or previous addresses (especially if they own a property)
3. Credit worthiness

In order to gain as clear a picture as possible of the expected tenancy.
Getting to know your new tenant …

Your Tenant Application Progression service (TAP) is an essential part of your necessary due diligence …

Find out more by contacting us on 01926 882555

Landlords is your property not letting? 

Wondered why other similar properrties are letting and not yours?

Maybe now is the time to consider the benefits to having additional marketing support from a letting expert?

Marketing support is all about getting more interest in your property from prospective renters to help let your property quickly with the support of a letting expert!

Ok, so all our letting services feature advertising on the main portals of Rightmove and Zoopla together with a host of other websites. 

However, the following specialist services are also available through your letting expert as part of your Letting and Property Management service, and can include:

1.    Proactive marketing to relocation agents and corporate home movers

2.    Targeted market options and referrals which may include 3rd party businesses such as Rent to Rent or Serviced Accommodation operators etc. 

3.    Changes to property advertising

4.    Changes or new photos or 3rd party photos upload for advertising

5.    Bespoke split testing or lead bait testing for Rightmove and Zoopla

6.    In depth marketing comparator assessment and report

7.    Uplift advertising options and marketing recommendations for landlord additional payment 

8.    Uplift options in our goodwill such as premium listing, social media etc

Call us on 01926 882555 to find out how we can help get your property let quickly!

Terms and conditions will apply

Ps We also offer range of  letting solutions such as a No Deposit option!

This extended, spacious 3 double-bedroom terraced house with patio and spacious garden, 2 bathrooms is located in Southam, within walking distance of local shops and good bus routes.

Key Features:

• Extended kitchen dining area
• 3 double bedrooms
• Patio and spacious garden
• Gas central heating
• Attic space
• Double glazing

+++++DRAFT NOTE: The information provided about the property has been submitted to the Vendor but has not been verified by the Vendor and therefore is distributed without any guarantee of accuracy.

Further Details:

Front path beside off-road forecourt parking space beside path leading to entrance door, opening to the hallway with staircase leading to first floor, and door to
Downstairs
• Sitting room to front with modern gas fire in fire-surround and window to front.  Double doors to
• Dining kitchen with ceramic-tiled flooring, having under stairs storage area, dining area, and kitchen with fitted cupboards, and appliances including: gas hob, electric oven and a washing machine.  Patio door to back garden, and door to

• Downstairs bathroom with bath having electric shower over, WC and washbasin.

Upstairs
• Double bedroom overlooking the front, with door to:  Modern en-suite shower-room with shower cubicle having shower, WC, washbasin and heated towel rail
• Double bedroom overlooking the back garden. Gas boiler.
• Spacious double bedroom with window to back (having pull down ladder access to attic space – with skylight window and radiator.

Outside front

Forecourt with pathway and parking space

Outside rear

Patio and garden with shed

Tenure: We understand that the property is Freehold

Services: We understand that Electricity, Gas, Water mains services are connected to the property

Council Tax: We understand that the council tax band for this property is To be confirmed

Energy Performance rating: The Energy Performance rating is D

Letting Arrangements: The property is currently let on an Assured Shorthold Tenancy to  28/3/2018

Viewing: All viewings are strictly by prior appointment with Coverworld Management Services Ltd T/as The Letting People. Please contact our office before your viewing appointment to confirm that the property remains available.

Location: The property is located at: 55 Abbey Lane Southam, Warwickshire CV47 1HR

More information available on Zoopla here: https://www.zoopla.co.uk/for-sale/details/46632849?pro_preview=1#DiR1ulFQ6wjLrIoP.97

Important: If there are any important matters which are likely to affect your decision as to whether to view or purchase the property you must contact us to obtain written clarification from us to your satisfaction before viewing the property.

Agent Notes and General Disclaimer:

Whilst Coverworld Management Services Ltd, T/as The Letting People endeavour to make Property Descriptions accurate and reliable, they should not be relied on as statements or representations of fact and do not constitute any part of an offer or contract. In addition, property descriptions are provided only as a general outline in good faith and from information provided to us and no Employee, Partner, Owner or Director of Coverworld Management Services Ltd T/as The Letting People has any authority whatsoever to give or make representation or warranty in relation to the property.

All measurements provided are approximate and for information guidance only and therefore are inaccurate. All prospective Buyers are advised to obtain their own measurements on inspecting the property before committing to any expense. Also, photographs and digital images are provided for general information only and do not imply that any item appearing in a photograph or digital image is included for sale with the property. In addition, furnishings, fittings and equipment are illustrative and may not represent these being present on viewing.

All those fixtures and fittings specifically stated on this property description have been advised by the Vendors to Coverworld Management Services Ltd T/as The Letting People as being included in the sale price. However, prospective Buyers are advised to confirm fixtures and fittings included when making an offer.

We would strongly recommend that all the information which Coverworld Management Services Ltd T/as The Letting People provide about the property is verified by you on inspection. Coverworld Management Services Ltd T/as The Letting People have not carried out any survey or tested any apparatus, equipment, fittings, installation or services including heating and so cannot verify they are in working order.

A copy of the Energy Performance Certificate may be viewed, on request, at our offices.

All prospective Buyers will be required to comply with Money Laundering Regulations which will require your submitting identification documentation and may also require proof of the source of funds.

The information displayed is a property advertisement and does not constitute property particulars. Any opinions contained within this property description are not statements of fact and may not represent the opinion of a potential Buyer and do not constitute any part of any offer or contract

Coverworld Management Services Ltd T/ The Letting People has not verified legal title or lease details, service charges and ground rents as may be applicable and therefore Buyers must obtain verification of the legal title and all other details of the property from their conveyance solicitors.

Property description preparation date:02/02/2018

Version v1

+++SOLD+++++ A rare opportunity to purchase a town centre freehold garage – great for vehicle parking or for storage of motorbikes, cycles, sports equipment, etc. Approximate size:  16’6” deep x 7’9” wide (127.88 square feet), 5.03m x 2.36m (11.88 square meters) with newly fitted corrugated roof and wooden barn-style doors with two locks.

Key features:

• Freehold garage
• Town centre location
• Quiet road
• Approximate size:16’6” deep x 7’9” wide (127.88 square feet), 5.03m x 2.36m (11.88 square meters) 
• Newly fitted corragated roof and barn-style wooden doors with two locks

Property Type: Terraced house

Offers over  £225,000 

+++UNDER OFFER++++ Summary: This is a spacious 2 double-bedroom terraced house with kitchen diner leading out to the patio and enclosed garden. The property is located on the peripheral of the much sought after Chase Meadow development, within walking distance of Warwick town centre, local amenities, a nursery and bus routes, it is also situated in the catchment area for a number of good schools. There are excellent transport links to the M40 to London or Birmingham and A46 to Stratford-upon-Avon and Coventry. This would be a great opportunity for a first time buyer, investors or someone looking to downsize.

Key Features:

• Kitchen dining area
• 2 double bedrooms
• Patio and secluded garden
• Gas central heating
• 2 Allocated parking spaces
• Double glazing

Description: A well presented, spacious two bedroom house benefiting from two good size double bedrooms, a spacious living area and large kitchen diner which leads out into the low maintenance garden. The family bathroom has recently had a full, modern refurbishment. There are two allocated parking spaces to the front of the property off a private driveway.

More information is available on Zoopla here: https://www.zoopla.co.uk/for-sale/details/46928272?search_identifier=1c1053147ff845014f8b0dc0c5dcfcd2#ACcALxulZ7PRvPjl.97

Outside front: Two allocated parking spaces directly in front of the property with security light.

Entrance hall: Leading into the living area, with radiator.

Living Area: (4.98m x 4.01m max) Double glazed bay window, 2x radiators, large under stairs storage area. Television and telephone points.

Kitchen/Diner: (4.98m x 2.44m) Double glazed window and double glazed door to rear leading out into the garden. Light coloured kitchen cabinets, recently fitted stylish grey flooring. There is part wall tiling, a stainless steel sink drainer and a gas cooker point, plumbing for washing machine and dishwasher, space for a fridge freezer, Potterton central heating boiler and a radiator.

Outside rear: Low maintenance enclosed garden with patio, borders, security light and rear access. There is a timber shed, the garden backs on to a spinney.

Landing: Loft access to part boarded loft.

Bedroom One: (4.37m max x 4.04m max (x 3.68m)) Two double glazed windows to the front, built in wardrobe, radiator and airing cupboard. Television point.

Bedroom Two: (2.97m x 2.84m) Double glazed window to rear, radiator.

Bathroom: Double glazed window, heated towel rail, recently refurbished to a high standard. Bath with triton electric shower over, hand basin, W.C, extractor fan and shaver point.

Tenure: We understand that the property is Freehold.

Services: We understand that Electricity, Gas, Water mains services are connected to the property.

Council Tax: We understand that the council tax band for this property is C

Energy Performance rating: The Energy Performance rating is C

Viewing: All viewings are strictly by prior appointment with Coverworld Management Services Ltd T/as The Letting People. Please contact our office before your viewing appointment to confirm that the property remains available.

Location: The property is located at: 32 Young Close, Chase Meadow, Warwick, CV34 6PW

Estate Agents Act 1979: Disclosure Notice S21: This property is owned by an employee of CoverworldManagement Services Ltd T/as The Letting People

Important: If there are any important matters which are likely to affect your decision as to whether to view or purchase the property you must contact us to obtain written clarification from us to your satisfaction before viewing the property.

Agent Notes and General Disclaimer:

Whilst Coverworld Management Services Ltd, T/as The Letting People endeavour to make Property Descriptions accurate and reliable, they should not be relied on as statements or representations of fact and do not constitute any part of an offer or contract. In addition, property descriptions are provided only as a general outline in good faith and from information provided to us and no Employee, Partner, Owner or Director of Coverworld Management Services Ltd T/as The Letting People has any authority whatsoever to give or make representation or warranty in relation to the property.

All measurements provided are approximate and for information guidance only and therefore are inaccurate. All prospective Buyers are advised to obtain their own measurements on inspecting the property before committing to any expense. Also, photographs and digital images are provided for general information only and do not imply that any item appearing in a photograph or digital image is included for sale with the property. In addition, furnishings, fittings and equipment are illustrative and may not represent these being present on viewing.

All those fixtures and fittings specifically stated on this property description have been advised by the Vendors to Coverworld Management Services Ltd T/as The Letting People as being included in the sale price. However, prospective Buyers are advised to confirm fixtures and fittings included when making an offer.

We would strongly recommend that all the information which Coverworld Management Services Ltd T/as The Letting People provide about the property is verified by you on inspection. Coverworld Management Services Ltd T/as The Letting People have not carried out any survey or tested any apparatus, equipment, fittings, installation or services including heating and so cannot verify they are in working order.

A copy of the Energy Performance Certificate may be viewed, on request, at our offices.

All prospective Buyers will be required to comply with Money Laundering Regulations which will require your submitting identification documentation and may also require proof of the source of funds.

The information displayed is a property advertisement and does not constitute property particulars. Any opinions contained within this property description are not statements of fact and may not represent the opinion of a potential Buyer and do not constitute any part of any offer or contract

Coverworld Management Services Ltd T/ The Letting People has not verified legal title or lease details, service charges and ground rents as may be applicable and therefore Buyers must obtain verification of the legal title and all other details of the property from their conveyance solicitors.

Property description preparation date:16/03/2018

Version v1

Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy new Year!

Leamington office reception hours are as follows:

Closed Friday 20/12/2019

Open Thursday 2/1/2020 at 9.30am

For all urgent enquiries during the festive period please email:

leamington@thelettingpeople.co,uk