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Tenants

How do I know the Tenants will be Suitable?

One of the principal functions of a managing agent is the identification and referencing of a quality tenant. We will extensively market your property using both advertising and direct contact with a wide range of 'blue-chip' companies and relocation organisations. Our aim is to secure the right tenant at the right rent in the shortest possible time.

Referencing

On your behalf we will take references on every individual tenant who is to be named in the tenancy agreement, which will normally mean everyone over 18 intending to reside in the property. To ensure this vital process is carried out as objectively and thoroughly as possible we use an independent professional referencing company - any fees involved are paid by the tenant. The report sent to us by the credit referencing company will be actioned on the basis that the conclusion deems the applicant to be a suitable tenant and acceptable to underwriters for legal and rent protection policies. This process will include full referencing and, providing they can be obtained, various financial references such as current and previous employment references, current lender or previous Landlord reference and a bankers reference. To further strengthen your position we may decide to also take a Guarantor to back up the tenants' ability to meet their commitments to you.

How do I know that the Tenants will look after my Property?

Depending on which service you require, we regularly inspect the property during the tenancy and provide a written report to you. These inspections are usually carried out quarterly. From our extensive experience we know that if the tenant understands that the property and their occupancy of it is being closely monitored they are more likely to maintain a higher standard of care in that property.

The tenancy agreement makes reference to the fact that we have the right to visit the property at times acceptable to the tenant, provided reasonable notice has been given. If you want to visit the property yourself during the tenancy we will arrange this for you, but again the tenant is entitled to prior notice.

What if there is any Damage?

On taking occupancy the tenant lodges a dilapidation bond equivalent to between four and six week's rent. This bond is held in a secure client account throughout the tenancy by Castle Estates, as Agent for the Landlord, as provision after allowing for the length of the tenancy against anything what could reasonably be regarded as fair wear and tear.

When tenants are checked out of a property an assessment is made, by comparison against the original inventory, of any redecoration or minor repairs which cannot reasonably be accepted as fair wear and tear. We will negotiate and agree with the tenant the amount that will be withheld, obtain estimates by way of confirmation and the net deposit then remaining will usually be released to the tenant. We will arrange for any necessary work to be carried out prior to installing the next tenant.

What about Repairs and Maintenance?

Repairs are of course necessary to each and every property throughout the length of the tenancy and Landlords must be prepared for this eventuality plus of course repair and/or replacement of major electrical items such as cookers, washing machines, fridges; freezers and boilers as they age.

We will make arrangements, on your behalf, with our local contractors or contractors of your choice to carry out any such necessary works.

We will agree in advance the level of responsibility you wish us to have in arranging repairs and replacements and then proceed accordingly, without further reference to you, or as discussed and agreed. Some Landlords are prepared to accept responsibility themselves for such matters once they have been reported to them by us, and this is perfectly acceptable to us.

Where there is an emergency repair, such as a burst pipe or a gas leak, there are different legal obligations on all parties and we may well need to instruct on the work immediately to prevent any further damage to the property or health and safety risk to the tenants. In such circumstances we may need to act first and then report to you, and common sense has much to do with such decisions. However, it is also made clear to tenants that only in the most extreme of circumstances should they consider instructing their own contractor and that should they do so they may be liable themselves for the full costs.

Major repairs will, of course, be discussed with you first, estimates obtained for your approval and the subsequent works supervised by us and reported to you as necessary.

What about the garden?

Before the Tenant moves into the Property arrangements should be made for the garden to be in good order. We can make arrangements on your behalf for a gardening contractor to carry out any necessary work.

Tenants are generally responsible for the upkeep of the garden and you should provide sufficient gardening tools and a mower for their use, these items being included in the inventory.

Alternatively, you may wish us to arrange for a regular gardener during the tenancy and reflect this cost in the rental charged.

Renewals

About three months prior to the end of the tenancy we will contact you to discuss your further instructions.

We will then take the appropriate action with the Tenant to renew their tenancy or schedule their check-out. The property will be re-marketed if the incumbent tenants are not renewing.

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Let Your Property With Castle Estates - Glasgow

The level of service provided and relative legislation applicable may be subject to local and regional variations from that stated in the general brochure. Please contact us for full details and variations

As part of the Housing Scotland Act 2006 legislation has been introduced providing new rights for Private Sector Tenants through the Private Rented Housing Panel please click on following button for further details and information.

It is now a legal requirement to Register with your local authority as a Landlord and to avoid the neccessity of Castle Estates deducting tax from the rent received all Overseas Landlords must apply for a tax exemption certificate.

To assist you through the Overseas Tax and Landlord Registration process please follow the following Links which will allow you to either download or complete on line the necessary application forms. If you require any further assistance please contact us direct.

Click Link for Overseas Tax Information

Our Overseas Tax Number is:       NA032567