Frequently Asked Questions
Can I move my property management arrangement from one company to another?
Yes you can and it's actually very easy to do because rental property management is an add-on service so you can invoke the notice period whenever you want.
Isn't property management tied up with the company that found my tenant?
No, not at all. Tenancy agreements are between a landlord and tenant and an estate agent acts as the link between the two. While the firm that found your tenant might be entitled to some commission, property management is completely separate.
Do I have to deal with a lot of paperwork when changing rental property management firms?
You do not have to worry about this. All you provide us with is the letter to your existing property management company indicating you want to terminate the contract and our signed terms and conditions. We collect all other documents from your previous management company, including inventories and gas safety certificates.
Can you guarantee you will find me long-term tenants?
Unfortunately, this is not something we can guarantee. However, we will strive to seek out tenants who would like this arrangement and encourage them to sign 12-24 month contracts.
How often is my property inspected?
Mid-term inspections are carried out every six months, although if we find a tenant is not looking after your property as they should, checks will be more regular. We will also advise them what they should do to improve.
What is a break clause?
This can be added into a tenancy agreement and allows you as the landlord or your tenant to leave the contract before it officially ends. For example, this could include giving two months' notice after the first six months.
What is your tenant referencing process?
We hire a third-party company to thoroughly check a potential resident. Details ranging from their credit history, to employment records and character statements are noted. This allows us to match tenants to the most suitable property depending on what they can afford.
What levels of access to the property do I have as a landlord?
As the landlord you can give a tenant notice as outlined in the contract before accessing your property. However, we advise you not to visit too often as your tenants will want to enjoy living in your investment with as little disturbance as possible.
How do I pay your property management fees?
All of our fees for our managed properties are charged monthly for your ease and convenience. We never ask for money upfront.
Where will you advertise my properties?
We believe the internet is the most efficient and effective way to advertise to tenants and your properties will feature on major portals including Zoopla, Rightmove, Find a Property, Email4Properties and Primelocation.
Do you have any hidden or additional charges?
There are no hidden charges. All our extra charges are listed in our terms and conditions and include gas and electrical certificates, deposit registration, tenancy agreement preparation and rental guarantee insurance.
What if my tenant wants to exit the contract before the break clause?
Tenants have signed a contract and so they must fulfil their obligation. However, should your tenant be in a particularly difficult situation, we would advise you to allow us to find you a suitable tenant to replace them. The outgoing tenant would have to reimburse you for any expenses experienced because of this, but in the past this option has worked well for all parties.
How long am I expected to stay with Tuhafifa?
Of course, we would like you to stay with us for the long term. However, should you decide to leave us then you can give us one month's notice after three months. Our finder's fee needs to be paid to us if the tenant we found remains in your property.
Do I get to keep the damage deposit during a contract?
If you have entered into a tenancy deposit scheme then you can keep it. If you have not then by law we keep the money and register it with one of the government-recognised deposit organisations.
What if the damage deposit is not registered?
We would advise you to register the deposit as soon as possible. If this is not done within 14 days from when your tenant gave you the money then they are entitled to three times the original amount. They also need to be provided with the registration documents within this period. By not registering the deposit you also lose the right to serve a Section 21 notice to a tenant if you want them to leave your property.
Can you guarantee no void periods?
While we cannot guarantee this, most properties we manage have void periods of less than a week. A large proportion of our clients experience tenants moving in on the first empty day, meaning there is no void period whatsoever.
What happens if I want to increase the rent?
We always review the rent during contract renewals to check it is in line with market conditions. We will try and negotiate a rent increase and let you know how the process is going, but please keep in mind the ability of your tenant to meet any rent rises.
What if my tenant doesn't pay their rent?
If you do not have a rental guarantee insurance policy then we will advise you to agree to a Section 8 notice. This can be put in place after the tenant has missed two months of rent and they then have two weeks to leave. In the unfortunate scenario of a tenant refusing to move, you will have to apply to the courts for an order to evict them and of course, we will support you every step of the way.
Do I need to take out any insurance?
Yes, we strongly advise you to take out contents insurance, building insurance and rental guarantee insurance. Should an incident occur and you are not covered, it could cost you dearly.
Who is responsible for paying utility bills?
During the tenancy, tenants are liable to pay all utility bills unless the tenancy agreement states otherwise. During void periods, you as the landlord are responsible. We oversee the switching of names on bills so you don't have to worry.
What is an assured shorthold tenancy?
Also known as an AST, this is the default tenancy agreement introduced by the Housing Act 1988 for properties in England and Wales. The tenant and landlord must agree on rent and the minimum term of the contract. Under an AST, the landlord has the right to guaranteed possession after the initial six months.
What is a Section 21 notice?
This falls under the Housing Act 1988 and gives the landlord the right to regain possession of a property at the end of an AST. This can be issued without a reason being given.
What is a Section 8 notice?
Also under the remit of the Housing Act 1988, this is served by a landlord to regain possession of their property from a tenant during the fixed term of an AST. As such, it can only be issued if the tenant has breached their tenancy agreement - such as not paying rent - and met other conditions.
