Renting out your property can be a sound financial decision and a valuable long-term investment. The first step is choosing the right agent. At Gallant Richardson, we help you find reliable tenants, secure the right rent, and manage all necessary documentation with professionalism and care.

With over 24 years’ experience in lettings and property management, and as licensed members of ARLA Property Mark (Association of Residential Letting Agents), we offer landlords reassurance, expertise, and peace of mind.

1. Arrange a rental valuation and discuss your requirements with a licensed agent.
2. Choose the agent who inspires the most confidence and provides clear, professional advice – hopefully Gallant Richardson.
3. Instruct your chosen agent, making sure your tenant requirements are clearly understood.
4. Conduct viewings with prospective tenants who meet your criteria.
5. Once the right tenant is found, a holding deposit is taken while references are checked and paperwork is prepared.
6. Arrange a detailed Inventory & Schedule of Condition – vital protection for landlords. All our inventories are carried out by qualified clerks.
7. Collect the first month’s rent and deposit, ensuring it is registered with a government-approved scheme.
8. Conduct check-in with the tenant, using the Inventory & Schedule of Condition.

👉 For more detail, download our Guide to Renting Your Home.

There are many options available, but selecting a licensed and fully regulated lettings agent can make all the difference. As a fully licensed agency, Gallant Richardson employs qualified staff who take their duty of care seriously—providing the best advice and protection for landlords.

Whether you’re a first-time investor or an experienced landlord, our goal is always the same: to safeguard your property and maximise your returns.

If you are considering purchasing a buy-to-let property, we can guide you on:

• Which types of property perform best
• The most suitable areas in Colchester and surrounding locations
• Likely rental values
• Buy-to-let mortgage options

We offer a flexible range of services—whether you need us to simply find tenants or to fully manage your property and tenancy.

• Featured on major UK portals: Rightmove, Zoopla, OnTheMarket, and more
• Exposure on our own busy website
• Instant alerts to our large tenant database
• Prominent LED window displays at our busy Colchester town-centre office

We partner with Canopy, the UK’s leading referencing agency, to carefully screen tenants. This includes:

• Credit checks
• Current landlord/agent references
• Employment or accountant references

This thorough process minimises risks and provides reassurance.

Our comprehensive management package is designed to take the worry out of being a landlord, offering maximum protection and peace of mind.

• Rent Guarantee – full rent paid within 14 days, even if the tenant defaults
• Professionally prepared Inventory & Schedule of Condition
• Personal check-in & check-out with tenants
• Deposit registration with the Tenancy Deposit Scheme (TDS)
• Regular property inspections with written reports (including a first visit one month after move-in)
• 24/7 emergency contact for tenants
• Transparent property maintenance
• No restrictive contracts
• Rent transferred to you on the same day it’s received

• Initial fee: 75% + VAT (90% inc. VAT) of first month’s rent
• Monthly charge: 12% + VAT (14.4% inc. VAT) thereafter
• Renewal of tenancy: inclusive of rental guarantee continuation

For new leases:

• 6-month: 25% + VAT (30% inc. VAT) of first month’s rent
• 12-month: 50% + VAT (60% inc. VAT) of first month’s rent

Periodic renewals:

• £60 inc. VAT for renewal letters
• £100 inc. VAT for 12-month rental guarantee (up to £750 pcm)
• £150 inc. VAT for 12-month rental guarantee (over £750 pcm)

• Initial fee: 85% + VAT (102% inc. VAT) of first month’s rent

Inventory & Schedule of Condition, incl. Check-in & Check-out:

• Studio/1 Bed – £150 (unfurnished) / £170 (furnished)
• 2 Bed – £175 / £195
• 3 Bed – £200 / £220
• 4 Bed – £225 / £255
• 5 Bed – £250 / £290

We also provide fact sheets to keep landlords informed of key legislation and obligations:

• Fact Sheet 1: Understanding Your Energy Efficiency Obligations
• Fact Sheet 2: Understanding the Deregulation Act 2015

📞 For professional advice or to discuss letting your property, please contact our local office today.