When we call to make a detailed inspection of the property, we will require the following information:

- Your overseas/alternative address
- Details of your UK bank account
- Details of your property insurance both buildings and contents
- The name and address of your UK representative so that we can contact them in the case of an emergency

We also like to make available to tenants notes on how various household items work e.g. central heating boiler, washing machine, location of stop tap etc. It is important that manufacturers' instruction booklets are left available together with any helpful hints/tips that may help operate any appliances. These can be kept on the premises for future reference.

If the property is mortgaged, it will be necessary for you to obtain the consent of the building society or lender before letting the property. Normally, there is no problem, but we suggest you mention you have instructed a company to act as your Letting Agents and we can supply a supporting letter, if required.

It is also advisable to request the Building Society or lender supply their name and address to us. We will then be able to satisfy them that the tenancy agreement will be prepared by ourselves end that their interests, as mortgagees, will be protected.

You will need to advise your insurance company of the letting. This can result in a rise in premiums. If you wish to save money, we can provide details of specialist rental property insurers.

There are currently three statutory regulations that affect the letting of a property.

1) The Low voltage Electrical Equipment (Safety Regulation 1989)
2) The Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulation 1994
3) The Fire and Furnishings (Fire Safety) Regulation 1988 & 1993 Amendment

IT IS NOW A LEGAL REQUIREMENT THAT LANDLORDS AND LETTING AGENTS SATISFY ALL THESE REGULATIONS AND PROVIDE ANNUAL SAFETY CERTIFICATES FOR INSPECTION BY THE REGULATORS AND YOUR TENANT. FAILURE TO COMPLY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENCE AND COULD LEAD TO IMPRISONMENT AND/OR A FINE OF UP TO £5,000.

With the raft of regulations concerning rental property in respect of gas, electric, and furnishings, The Letting Shop have negotiated a deal with Armstrong Ltd to assess the aforementioned matters. Landlords will benefit as the cost of these tests from Armstrong Ltd is probably the most competitive to be found.

It is essential your gas and electric meters are read accurately and that all accounts are settled prior to the property becoming vacant. The telephone service should be advised in order to avoid the possibility of a tenant running up a large bill which you as the subscriber are responsible for. We will write to the various other authorities giving them the name of the new tenant and the date for which he/she has become responsible for taking over the supply.

If you have an oil-fired central heating system, please take a tank reading before you leave, and provide us with details so that an adjustment can be made at the end of each tenancy.

We recommend that the landlord pay for a mail forwarding service.

If the property is leasehold please ensure the following:

Any intended lettings are permitted by the terms of your lease. Any tenancy is for a period expiring prior to the termination of your lease. Written permission from your landlord, if necessary, has been obtained for the subletting.

Authority to let a property must be obtained in writing from the joint owner(s) who should be named in the tenancy agreement.

We are committed to providing the highest level of service. In the unlikely event of a complaint, the matter should be raised with the appropriate branch manager. If you are still not satisfied, you can then phone or write to the Head of Residential Lettings. If the matter still cannot be resolved, it will be referred to an appropriate Director who will investigate on your behalf.

Please phone for the latest details of our charges.