Introduction
WardHorne’s fully managed service provides you with the peace of mind that both your tenants and your property are well looked after. By relieving you of the ongoing responsibility of managing a property, we can save you time and hassle.
WardHorne use their extensive experience of property management in Richmond, Catterick and the surrounding North Yorkshire area to advise on how much rent your property can achieve, optional improvements to increase revenue and compulsory checks that need to be in place. You will benefit from professional marketing of your property and we will arrange accompanied viewings.
You can be reassured that your best interests are taken care of as we undertake referencing of prospective tenants and signing of all paperwork needed for the tenancy agreement. From there, we handle all of the financial aspects: deposit registration, rent collection, utility changeovers and bill payments.
WardHorne proactively care for our properties, carrying out detailed inventories, regular inspections and early interventions to resolve issues. Both our tenants and landlords value our quick response to everyday issues and emergencies.
Key Features
- Rent assessment and advice
- Compulsory property checks
- Advertising and marketing
- Initial tenant assessment
- Arrange accompanied viewings
- Tenant reference and/or guarantor checks
- Legal paperwork
- Photographic statement of condition and inventory
- Meter readings
- First month’s rent
- Deposit collection
- Deposit registration
- Checking in
- Complimentary welcome pack
- Utility changeovers
- Rent collection
- Maintenance visits
- Emergency repairs
- Bill payments
- Issue notices under the housing act
- Safety checks
- Check out report
- Help with disputes
- Re-let the property
Details
Compulsory Property Checks
We will advise on the appropriate safety checks and associated paperwork that are required for the property, e.g. a gas safety record, an energy performance certificate, mains electrical testing and portable appliance testing. We can also arrange for these checks to be carried out as part of our fully managed service. All costs will be borne by the landlord even if the property is not actually let through WardHorne.
Advertising and Marketing
- Distinctive "To Let" boards.
- Richmond based office.
- Advertising in North Yorkshire press.
- Unique advertising through our sponsored partners – Richmond Rugby Union Football Club and Richmond Swimming Pool.
- National exposure through major online property portals.
- International exposure through our website.
- Regular contact with our prospective tenants and landlords.
Initial Tenant Assessment
When we meet a prospective tenant we make preliminary enquiries about their suitability for the property in relation to landlord stipulations such as no DSS, pet owner etc. WardHorne cannot be held responsible for any personal information that is withheld which does not relate to landlord stipulations or financial requirements.
Viewings
We arrange all viewings for the tenant with either the existing tenant, the landlord or WardHorne.
To provide the best service to both our tenants and landlords, we like to accompany prospective tenants to viewing appointments wherever possible. This enables us to assess how well a property is suited to tenants, professionally pitch the property to tenants and to gather valuable feedback for landlords.
Tenant References
If the tenant meets the stipulations set down by the landlord, we then assess their financial background using an outside agency Van Mildert. Both tenant references and/or guarantor financial checks are carried out through Van Mildert.
Legal Paperwork
WardHorne prepare the tenancy agreement and related documents. We will arrange for the tenancy agreement and related documents to be signed at our office with the tenants.
Photographic Inventory
WardHorne produces a detailed photographic inventory which shows and describes the condition of key elements of the property and all of its contents. We know that this gives you added security against deposit/bond disputes at the end of a tenancy. This service is part of our ‘Fully Managed’ service and can be an ‘add-on’ to our ‘Introduction’ and ‘Letting’ services.
Meter Readings
Meter readings are taken at the same time as the photographic inventory is compiled.
First Month’s Rent
We collect the first month’s rent at the time when the tenancy agreement is signed.
Deposit Collection
We collect the deposit at the time when the tenancy agreement is signed.
Deposit Registration
By law, all landlords must register deposits/bonds with a Deposit Protection Scheme. WardHorne do this on your behalf with the DPS.
Checking In
The check in procedures are done within the office on signing day when the keys are handed over and unique information to that property is discussed.
Complimentary ‘Welcome Pack’
WardHorne prides itself on looking after both its landlords and tenants. We provide each of your new tenants with a special WardHorne ‘Welcome Pack’ to see them through the first 24 hours of being in their new home. This is at no cost to the landlord.
Utility Changeovers
We will notify relevant organisations on your behalf that the tenant is taking over. This includes the local Council, Yorkshire Water and relevant gas and electricity providers.
Rent Collection
We strongly recommend that tenants pay their rental payments by standing order but are unable to enforce this. Statements can be provided on request, detailing the rent collected and any deductions made for management fees, bills and repairs.
Maintenance Visits
We will regularly inspect your property to ensure that the tenant is meeting the standards in the tenancy agreement. We are proactive in identifying and dealing with issues that might result in permanent damage to the property or its contents. We send a report to the landlord following each visit, and liaise with the tenant on all day to day matters arising.
Emergency Repairs
WardHorne arrange minor repairs, general maintenance and replacements to the property as agreed in individual cases. Other than in emergencies, quotes can be passed to you for consideration prior to work commencing. We use only insured contractors, some of whom we have a long standing relationship with.
Bill Payments
WardHorne pay the bills on your behalf which will be deducted from the following month’s rent. This minimises time and effort for the landlord and ensures good working relationships.
Issue Notices under Housing Act
We recover possession of the property in accordance with instructions received but cannot be held responsible for any delays, damages or costs incurred in the event that vacant possession is not achieved within the time scale requested.
Safety Checks
We can arrange for the appropriate safety checks to be carried out on your behalf. The landlord is responsible for costs including any additional costs incurred in doing this.
Check Out Report
Shortly after a tenant leaves a property we carry out an inspection of the property and its contents and compare it with the initial photographic inventory. We compile a report to enable the landlord to decide if any retention of the deposit is reasonable.
Help with Disputes
The landlord cannot withhold any part of the deposit/bond unless all parties are in agreement. WardHorne do act as a mediator in any initial dispute. If an agreement cannot be reached, the tenant and landlord can jointly or separately raise a Dispute with the Deposit Scheme. They will consider the evidence supplied by all parties and return a verdict within 28 days. This cannot be appealed.
The Dispute Service - Tenancy Deposit Scheme
The Property Ombudsman
Continuity of Letting
As soon as a tenant gives notice to leave we will inform you and begin to re-market it, in order to maximise your revenue.
Changes to Preference and Stipulations
A landlord can change their preferences and stipulations between tenancies and we are happy to advise on this at the appropriate times.