Lettings

We make being a landlord far less complicated and stressful.

None of us are born knowing how to let a property but luckily, we've got decades of experience in precisely that and have created our Landlord Guide to make letting a whole lot simpler and more straightforward for landlords.

Landlord Guide

Whether you are a first-time landlord or just need to be kept updated with the ever-changing rules and regulations regarding residential lettings, here are the basics every landlord needs to know.

Letting your property comes with many responsibilities, and even before you hand over the keys to your new tenant, you will need to have completed several important tasks to ensure your property is within legal requirements and will provide a safe and secure home.

Once your property fulfils the requirements to let, as a landlord, you will be responsible for maintaining it while it is tenanted.

Our simple Landlord Guide makes this less complicated and explains exactly what is expected of you, and of course, many of these responsibilities can be handed over to us should you wish to take up a management contract with Reaston Brown.

Getting ready to let

In order to let your property, it must meet Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) requirements. The majority of landlords provide good quality homes but knowing your responsibilities is the first step to successful tenancies.

If your property is in the city of Oxford, it will need to have a selective license. We are one of only a few letting agents that can provide this at a discounted rate. 

You can read the full HHSRS guidance here.

Making a home for living in

Making sure your rental property is in a good condition doesn't just increase its rental value, it's a mandatory requirement.

The Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018 covers all residential rental properties and is designed to ensure that every rental property is conducive to good health and well-being by ensuring that all rental properties have:

• Plumbing, waste, central heating and hot water systems that are in good working order and condition.
• Natural light and ventilation in all rooms -Bathrooms are exempt from natural light requirements
• Bathroom and kitchen extractor fans fitted to prevent dangerous mould developing.
• Sinks and bathroom fixtures and fittings in good working order and any sealants in good condition to prevent water damage.
• Secure external doors and windows which are in good condition, including locks.

Maintaining these items is the landlord's responsibility, unless tenant misuse is indicated. 

We can provide emergency locksmiths, and repair and maintenance contractors with our full management contracts, as well as key holding services.

Prices are all individually quoted.

Keeping your tenants and property safe and secure

Gas and Electricity Certificates

All rental properties must have current valid Gas (where applicable) and Electric Safety Certificates

An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) must be renewed every 5 years, whilst Gas Safety Certificates must be renewed every 12 months.

If you haven't already arranged these, we can do so on your behalf, including ongoing renewals should you select our property management services.

Fire/Smoke Alarms

Rental properties must have working fire/smoke alarms on each floor where there is living accommodation.

All fire/smoke alarms must be tested and working on tenant check-in.

Once a tenant has moved in, if the alarm is battery operated, the tenant will then be responsible for replacing batteries when required during their tenancy.

Carbon Monoxide Alarms

Carbon monoxide alarms are mandatory in every room where a combustion appliance such as a gas heater or boiler is situated.

We can organise installation for you for a one-off fee.

Internal Décor and Condition

All interior walls, ceilings, floors, and carpets must be clean and in a good condition. The property must also be mould-free.

We have several trusted and verified local contractors who we can arrange to carry out professional pre and post-tenancy deep cleaning of properties, including general painting and decorating, including regrouting of baths, showers, and sinks.

Prices are all individually quoted.

Furnishings

More often than not, rental properties are let unfurnished, however, should you provide furnishings, they must meet current fire safety standards and be in a good state of repair.

Energy Performance Certificates (EPC's)

All rental properties must have a current EPC not below an E rating unless an exemption is applied such as in some listed buildings.

This minimum rating is due to be raised to C on all new tenancies in 2025 and all existing tenancies in 2028. 

EPCs last for 10 years, however, if you have made any energy-saving modifications to your property, we recommend getting a new one even if your property's current one has some time left to run as this will improve its rental value and desirability.

Need an EPC for your property? We can organise this for you.

Please ask us for a quote.

Inventory and Check-In/Check-Out

We can arrange this for you. Please ask us for a quote.

The Paperwork

Right-to-Rent

It is the landlord's legal responsibility to ensure that their tenant is lawfully permitted to rent in England. This is something we can do as part of our tenant referencing service.

Tenancy Agreements

An Assured Shorthold Tenancy (AST) agreement is a legally binding contract between a landlord and tenant and is typically used in residential lets. Its purpose is not only to protect tenants, it also protects landlords and without one, should things go wrong with your tenant, you may struggle to evict them.

Some landlords provide their own ASTs, however, the majority of our landlords ask us to prepare them as part of our Tenant Find service.

Tenant Deposits

By law, tenant deposits must be registered with a Tenant Deposit Scheme and tenants provided with details within 30 days of receipt. Although you are free to do this yourself, most landlords ask us to register their deposits with our Insured TDS account - View Certificate

And of course, our experienced and knowledgeable lettings team is always on hand to explain anything you might not fully understand or just want some more information on.

Why not give them a call and arrange a confidential chat about letting your property and our landlord services?