Landlord's Guide

Why Do I Need A Letting And Managing Agent?

Letting out a property is a serious business and carries great responsibility as well as requiring expertise, time, patience and resources.

You need to be able to advertise the property as well as field calls, be available for viewings, carry our reference and credit checks on tenants, be aware of the different types of tenancy agreements, prepare inventories, ensure the property complies with all current safety regulations (or face possible fines and criminal charges) and chase up the tenants for rental!

If you want peace of mind, it really is worth using our services.

How Do We Estimate Rental Values?

At Seths, we believe in giving you realistic market appraisals rather than just asking you what rental you want for your property and agreeing with you.

Our appraisals take into account factors such as condition of your property, number of bedrooms, general market demand in the area, proximity to schools, shops and other amenities, and prices achieved nearby for similar properties.

Why Should I Choose Seths?

Sometimes natural instinct tends to guide you towards the agent who charges the least commission or who puts a higher valuation on the property. Letting and managing properties is a very exhaustive and time consuming process. If somebody is quoting low fees you need to think why ? What part of the service are they cutting down on. In the case of high valuations, you could lose weeks or even months of rental income while your property lies empty.


Seths have been letting and managing properties since 1970, always innovating along the way. Here are some of the reasons why our clients keep coming back to us:

• Polite, friendly and well trained staff
• Prominent and stylish corner office
• Extensive knowledge of the local market
• Computerised administration system
• Distinct To Let boards
• Inventory with photographs
• Automatic text to tenants about new properties
• Up to date training about new legislation
• High return rate of existing tenants looking for new properties

Should The Property Be Furnished Or Unfurnished?

Properties can be offered for rental furnished or unfurnished. Whilst we are visiting your property for a market appraisal we can advise what would be appropriate.

Furnished properties include sofas, coffee tables, dining table and chairs, beds, wardrobes, chest of drawers as well as white goods including fridge/freezer, cooker, oven and washing machines. In the event that the property has a large area of lawn we would also recommend that a lawn mower is provided.

Some tenants have their own furniture and in this case we recommend that you still provide the white goods as listed above.

What Is A Gas Safety Check?

Under the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1994 if you are renting out a property that has a gas boiler and associated pipework, a gas safety check must be carried out by a Corgi registered plumber every year, before the tenants move into the property. This can either be done by yourself, or we can arrange it; we use various contractors who can quickly carry this out at competitive rates.

In addition to the above there are an ever increasing amount of other statutes and regulations that apply to letting out your property including but not limited The Housing Act, Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations, Plugs and Sockets etc (Safety) Regulations and General Product Safety Regulations.

How Long Will It Take To Find A Tenant?

Although this is difficult to answer, it can take from a few days to a few weeks depending on demand in the area, condition of the property and the market segment you are aiming to rent to.

We have the ability to send instant text messages to all waiting tenants and can maximise the speed of letting.

Remember we only get paid once the property has been let, and it is in our best interest to find you a suitable tenant in the shortest possible time.

What Is An Inventory?

Generally, inventories record the condition of the property and are used to assess if the tenants hand the property back in the same condition as when they took it. However this can sometimes lead to disputes as the conditions noted down may be open to subjective interpretation. At Seths we take as many photos of the property as possible upon occupation by the tenants so that there is a visual recording of all facts.

Can I Get The Property Back At The End Of The Tenancy?

There have been many stories about sitting tenants and it is therefore important to know what you are getting yourself into.

We only use up to date Assured Shorthold Tenancy (AST) agreements meaning that you can gain possession of your property at the end of the tenancy.

Tips For Your Property

With the substantial amount of supply of rental property in Leicester, it is important that you put a lot of thought and effort into preparing your property for rental. Here are some tips which will help you maintain your property in the long run, and help it appeal to tenants:

• Ensure the property is well presented
• Ensure all kitchen door hinges are tight and the doors open and close without a problem
• The décor should be neutral and light. Avoid wallpaper as this can be damaged easily and may be costly to repair
• Ensure the carpet is neutral in colour, but not too light as it can be dirtied very quickly
• Ensure the kitchen is well equipped with appliances such as washing machine, microwave, etc.
• Where possible, put wardrobes in each bedroom - storage is essential
• Security locks for windows is a good idea - it will give the tenants a sense of safety
• Good showering facilities - tenants prefer showers to baths and a good power shower or mixer shower is ideal
• Ensure the garden is tidy - tenants shy away from properties with untidy gardens

Landlord's Checklist

Although Seths will do most of the work for you, there are some things that you will have to remember:

• Have you informed your mortgage lender that you are letting out the property? You also need to send a copy of the tenancy agreement if required.
• If arranging the gas safety check yourself, have you ensured this is done before the tenants move in, and a copy left with Seths
• Have you informed your insurance company that there are tenants in the property. For more information about insurance click here
• Have you given us keys for all doors, windows and gates
• Have you signed the tenancy agreement
• Have you supplied everything as agreed e.g. extra furniture, appliances
• Have you informed your accountant about your extra income
• Have you left instruction manuals for all essential items e.g. oven, shower, boiler

This document is produced as a Guide by Seths and all information contained herein is offered in good faith. Readers who chose to act upon it do so at their own risk and Seths accept no responsibility for any action taken, or loss occurring as a result of any information contained above.