Landlords Services from Gallant Richardson

Gallant Richardson Letting Agents in Colchester

Renting out your property can provide you a good investment and make sound financial sense. Choosing the right agent is an important first step. We can help you find the right tenants, get the right price and complete the necessary documentation.

We’ve been letting and managing properties for 14 years, and are Licenced members of ARLA (Association or Residential Letting Agents) so let us take you through how it works in simple steps.

1. Arrange rental valuations and advice for your property. Ensure you talk to licensed agents and you let them know the type of tenants you will accept.
2. Decide which agent you felt most comfortable with, who gave you the most confidence and advice – the agent you want to entrust your property to; hopefully Gallant Richardson.
3. Instruct the agent; making sure you reiterate what you are looking for from a tenant so they know who they are looking for.
4. Get interested people, who fit your requirements, round to view the property.
5. Find the right tenant who meets your criteria and have the agent take a holding deposit whilst references can be checked and paperwork prepared.
6. Arrange a detailed Inventory and Schedule of Condition; without one, you have very little protection against damage by the tenants. All inventories arranged by Gallant Richardson are drawn up by APIP (Association of Professional Inventory Providers) qualified inventory clerks.
7. Collect the first months’ rent and a deposit -making sure it registered with a government approved body.
8. Check your tenant in – using the Inventory & Schedule of Condition.

Read our ‘Guide to Renting your home’ – Download here

Choosing a Professional Agent

Although there are many options open to you, making the right choice doesn’t have to be difficult. Whether you’re a prospective tenant, an experienced landlord or somebody looking to invest for the first time, it’s important that you choose a professional who’ll advise you correctly.

Choosing a licensed lettings agent, one who takes their duty of care seriously, can be crucial. Gallant Richardson is a ‘fully licensed’ agency, employing professionally qualified staff, ensuring you get the best possible advice and protection.

At Gallant Richardson, we pride ourselves on giving the best possible service to our landlords. Our fully qualified staff’s aim is to provide you with the best possible professional advice and to carry out their job in a way which best protects you and your investment.

Thinking of a new Investment?

If you are thinking of buying an investment property, we have the expertise and local knowledge to help guide you in the right direction. Our professional advice covers which sorts of property to purchase, the areas in which to buy, potential rental values and ‘Buy to Let’ mortgages.

Are you an existing landlord?

We offer our landlords a fully comprehensive service; whether you need an agent to just find the right tenants, or to fully manage the property and tenancy for you.

Marketing

Providing your property with the correct and effective marketing is essential. Gallant Richardson will ensure that your property receives the exposure it needs. As well as our own busy website, we’re listed on the main search portals: Rightmove, Zoopla, Prime Location, etc.

Once we start to market your property, the details will be sent out instantly to our large computerised database. All properties are also included on our own iPhone and Android app, where potential tenants can follow us whilst on the move.

We’re located on one of Colchester’s busiest town-centre thoroughfares, where your property will have the benefit of being advertised in our large LED-lit window displays.

Tenant referencing

A good agent will try and minimise the risk for a landlord. An important part of this process is making sure tenants are found who are adequately referenced. Gallant Richardson use HomeLet, the leading tenancy referencing agency, to assess all applicants. HomeLet will check current landlord/letting agent references, a credit reference search and take up employment or accountant’s references. We’ll also discuss with you, and any prospective tenant, all aspects of the letting agreement before proceeding.

Taking the worry out of being a Landlord

Gallant Richardson’s fully managed service is designed to remove the stress from being a landlord, and to make the letting experience as hassle-free as possible. We aim to offer you the best possible protection. We provide a Rent Guarantee, full detailed Inventory & Schedule of Condition along with a personal check-in and check-out with the tenants at the property.

Our fully managed package includes:

• Rent guarantee. We guarantee you the full rent due within 14 days, even when your tenant has not paid;
• Professionally prepared Inventory & Schedule of Condition of the property;
• Personal check-in & check-out of tenant using the Inventory & Schedule of Condition;
• Registration of tenant’s deposit with Tenancy Dispute Service (TDS);
• Regular property visits with written reports, including a first visit approximately one month from when a new tenant moves in;
• 24/7, 365 days a year, emergency contact for tenants;
• Flexible non-profit organisation of property maintenance;
• Unlike many agents, we do not tie you into a restrictive contract;
• Payment of rent to you on the same day it is received.

Our Fees

Property management

Initial fee: 75% + vat (90% inc vat) of the first month’s rent
Monthly charge: 12% + vat (14.4% inc vat) – charged from the second month onwards.

Renewal of Tenancy: inclusive of continuation of Rental Guarantee.

• 25% + vat (30% inc vat) of the first month’s rent for a new 6-month lease
• 50% + vat (60% inc vat) of the first month’s rent for a new 12-month lease

Renewal of Tenancy on a periodic basis:

• £60 inc vat for periodic renewal letters
• £100 inc vat for new 12 month rental guarantee (rents up to £750 pcm)
• £150 inc vat for new 12 month rental guarantee (rents over £750 pcm)

Tenant introduction (let only service)

Initial fee: 85% + vat (102% inc vat) of the first month’s rent

Additional Charge for:

• Tenancy Dispute Scheme
• Preparation of a written ‘Inventory’ and ‘Schedule of Condition’
• Full Check-in and Check-out service

	UNFURNISHED	FURNISHED
Studio/One Bedroom	£150 inc. VAT	£170 inc. VAT
Two Bedroom	£175 inc. VAT	£195 inc. VAT
Three Bedroom	£200 inc. VAT	£220 inc. VAT
Four Bedroom	£225 inc. VAT	£255 inc. VAT
Five Bedroom	£250 inc. VAT	£290 inc. VAT

 

Renewal of Tenancy:

• 25% + vat (30% inc vat) of the first month’s rent for a new 6 month lease
• 50% + vat (60% inc vat) of the first month’s rent for a new 12 month lease

Renewal of Tenancy on a periodic basis:

• £60 inc vat for periodic renewal letters

Landlord Fact Sheets

Our Landlord Fact Sheets aim to provide landlords with important information on legislation and other topics which will help them understand their obligations.

Fact sheet 1 – Understanding your Energy Efficiency’ obligations – Learn More

Fact sheet 2 – Understanding the ‘Deregulation act 2015’ – Learn More

Please contact our local office for further help or advice.