Brinkleys Estate Agents
Wimbledon Hill, Wimbledon Park, Putney

Landlords Information

How much is this going to cost me?

Brinkley’s initial valuation of your property is free. One of our experienced valuers will discuss the price of your property and the best way of achieving this. You only pay commission when we successfully let your property . During and after the lettings process you will always have access to an experienced lettings manager.

Preparing your property for rental

Before putting your property on the market take a cold hard look at it and check what decoration and cleaning needs to be taken care of before renting. If you are residing at the property it can sometimes be difficult to see what needs to be done as you live within it every day. It’s worth getting a second opinion from a friend or one of our letting staff.

Furnished or unfurnished?

Properties can be rented either furnished or unfurnished, our lettings staff will be able to advise you on which option is best for your property. Unfurnished properties usually have white goods, ie. Fridge/freezer, washing machine. If you do rent a property furnished all the essentials will be expected such as beds, wardrobes, sofas and dining table and chairs. You may leave additional electrical goods but you will be responsible for replacing them if they become faulty. It is not advisable to leave personal effects behind. All goods must comply with safety regulations.

Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs)

Current legislation requires you to obtain an EPC prior to marketing your property and it must contain certain information. Our lettings team will be able to arrange one for you quickly.

Conducting a property viewing

Brinkley’s conduct viewings 9am—8pm Monday to Friday, 9am—5pm Saturdays and by appointment on Sundays. We will check that a time is suitable prior to confirming a time with a prospective tenant. Our negotiators always conduct property viewings so you do not need to be present. We normally hold keys and can access the property to suit your instructions. Please make sure all keys are available to open windows, fire escapes or a garage if you have one.

Before a viewing have a quick tidy up, make sure the house is freshly aired and there are no nasty cooking smells or pet odours. If the property is tenanted it is worth inspecting the property personally to ensure it is in a suitable condition for viewings.

If you are present give time for viewers to discuss the property alone before they leave and resist the temptation to as viewers if they like the property. They may spontaneously tell you, either way we will provide you with feedback following a viewing.

How long does it take to find a tenant?

With our extensive advertising, high street branches and reputation it could only take a matter of days. At Brinkley’s we are able to maximise the speed of sale due to our computerised databases that match properties to potential tenants and inform them by email and SMS. We also undertake all the usual marketing as mentioned previously to ensure we find you a tenant as quickly as possible.

Receiving an offer

As soon as a prospective tenant has made an offer we will let you know verbally and in writing. Sometimes there may be a process of price negotiation This can be difficult but by working with Brinkley’s you will benefit from our expertise in the area.

Accepting an offer

The offer will be subject to references and nothing is legally binding until the tenancy agreement is signed. Our lettings staff will keep you informed at each stage and send you the references and a draft tenancy agreement for your approval.

Gas Safety Certificate

Properties with gas installations and appliances must be tested annually to ensure they are in good order. A copy of the certificate must be left at the property for inspection by the tenant. Our lettings staff will be able to arrange an inspection for you.

Inventory

Before a tenancy commences we advise instructing an inventory clerk to prepare a record of the condition of the property prior to the tenant’s occupation. A copy should be provided to each party. Our lettings staff will be able to arrange this for you.

Rent & Deposit

We will collect the first month’s rent and deposit from the tenant prior to their move. Once all documentation is received and agreements signed the tenancy can commence. Current legislation requires all deposits to be registered with an appropriate body within fourteen days of the tenancy commencing.