We have put together some Frequently Asked Questions we have been asked by our Landlords or prospective Landlords 

 

Is there a demand for rental property and how long will it take to find a suitable tenant(s)?

There is a high demand for quality residential and commercial properties. We register multiple applicants daily looking for rental properties. We work with timescales for our perspective tenants and landlords to ensure properties are not left empty. 

 

How much rent will my property achieve?

This depends on a number of factors which include:-

 

• Location
• Size of Accommodation 
• Condition 
• Furnished or Unfurnished 

 

At Middletons we can offer you up to date market advice with what perspective tenants are looking for in a property and where your property would sit in the market place. Why not contact us here at Middletons for your FREE appointment today. 

 

Should we inform our mortgage provider with our intention of renting the property? 

Yes, failure to do so may invalidate the terms of your mortgage

 

What level of service does Middletons offer?

Here at Middletons we are offer Tenant Find, Tenant Find Plus and Fully Managed. Please see our Lettings fees and services page for more detail.

 

What is Legionnaires Disease and why do I need to be aware of it?

 

These regulations came into force in 2013. Legionellosis is a collective term for diseases caused by legionella bacteria including the most serious Legionnaires Disease. Legionnires is a potential fatal form of pneumonia and everyone is susceptible to infection. As a Landlord by lay you have health and safety duties under the health and safety act. You are responsible for control of Legionella bacteria in water systems to carry out a risk assessment to establish any risks and implement measures to either eliminate or control these risks

 

 

 

Are there any rules and regulations to which I am bound as a Landlord?

There are a number of rules and regulations to consider before letting your home and below we have outline some of the principles:- 

 

• Fire & Furnishings (Fire)(Safety)(Amendment) Regulations 1993:- This regulation came into force March 1993. Broadly speaking the regulations require all soft furnishings, upholstery or upholstered furnishing  should conform and comply with earlier fire safety regulations which have been in force for some time, controlling the sale of such goods. The furnishings must comply with the following 3 tests which measure the flame retardant properties of the furnishing. The cigarette test, The Match test and Ignitability test.

• Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998:- All Landlords who let properties with gas appliances such as gas fires, boilers, cookers, portable heaters or any other gas appliances. To comply all properties that contains gas appliances must be service on an annual basis and any remedial work undertaken must be recorded by the engineer. All engineers must be GAS SAFE registered and ll records will be provided to the Landlord and part to tenant. This is something Middletons arranges for you in our Fully Managed package

• Electrical Installation Condition Report -  new regulations require landlords to have the electrical installations in their properties inspected at least every 5 years and tested by a person who is qualified and competent. Landlords will also have to provide a copy of the electrical safety report to their tenants as well as to the local authority if requested.

• Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 1994:- This regulation states that all electrical equipment over 50 volts must be safe and also satisfy requirements relating to sleeving of pins on plugs, colour coding of main leads, labelling of cables and fusing information. The law does not sate electrical equipment has to be tested the best way to protect yourself from prosecution is to have relevant appliances tested annually.

• Smoke Alarms & The Building Regulations 1991:- These regulations require that all properties built since 1992 must be fitted with mains operated, interlinked smoke detectors/ alarms on each floor. Properties built before that date do not have such requirement. New regulations came into force in October 2015 where all residential rental properties are required to have working smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. 

• Carbon Monoxide Detectors:- Changes were made to some of the building regulations in October 2010, including those relating to carbon monoxide detectors driven by health and safety concerns. One of the significant changes was that carbon monoxide detectors must be placed in any rooms that have either a replacement or new fixed solid fuel burning appliance installed. A gas safety engineer will be able to advise you on correct location and position in these rooms.