Step-by-step guide to letting your property
Step 1 Accurate valuation
Your aim should be to let your property at the best possible price in the shortest possible time. Our expert valuers carry out thousands of valuations every month giving us intimate and unparalleled knowledge of property values in your area.
This is why we consistently achieve the asking price across all our clients' properties.
Step 2 Selecting an estate agent
When choosing a letting agent consider their opening hours, when they will be available to conduct viewings and what kind of marketing your property will receive. These are critical to obtaining the maximum rental value for your property.
You should also check if your agent will organise your government-required Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) on your behalf or
if you need to arrange this yourself? You are responsible for making this document available to prospective and future tenants.
DMF can arrange this for you.
Step 3 Consider Property Management
Property Management can be the key to reaping maximum rental returns on your property. Many tenants insist on renting managed properties and are often prepared to pay a premium for this.
Instructing DMF to manage your property gives you peace of mind that both your property and tenant will be cared for 24/7. Your dedicated Property Manager will look after the general day-to-day management and more complex issues such as emergency repairs, collection of rent, transfer of utilities and much more.
Step 4 Presenting your property
First impressions count, making the presentation of your property critical to a successful let.
Consider addressing any DIY jobs you have been meaning to get done, add a fresh coat of paint where necessary and try to de-clutter to make rooms appear larger.
DMF's team will then take photographs and write comprehensive property descriptions, all in just one visit.
Step 5 Preparing your property for tenancy
Before you let your property for the first time you must obtain a professional and comprehensive inventory. This will set out the condition and contents of the property. DMF will carry out a professional inventory on your behalf.
Long term tenancies (6 months or more)
You are responsible for checking that the tenants have set up accounts with utility companies, telephone supplier, council tax and TV licensing.
Short term tenancies (up to 6 months)
You will retain responsibility for the utility accounts, council tax and TV licence, as these costs are included in the rent. The tenant will be responsible for any telecommunication services.
Step 6 Marketing your property
To find your perfect tenant you need to give your property maximum exposure across the market.
When you instruct DMF to let your property you will automatically benefit from our comprehensive marketing package on all major property portals.
Step 7 Accompanied viewings
Our longer opening hours are essential to maximise viewing opportunities for your property - in fact over 35% of our viewings are carried out after work and at weekends. Accompanied viewings also mean we can use our expertise to help let your property.
Step 8 Receiving an offer
As soon as an offer is received we will contact you to communicate full details of an offer along with any special conditions to help you decide whether or not to accept.
Step 9 Offer agreed
Once you accept an offer we will do the following, regardless of whether your property is managed:
Collect references from the tenants
Arrange signing of Tenancy Agreement
Collect moving-in payment (rent + deposit)
Carry out check-in and inventory
For your added peace of mind, where applicable we will hold the deposit as a stakeholder and register this with a deposit protection scheme, resulting in a faster and more efficient deposit release process at the end of the tenancy.
Step 10 Completion
Upon completion, keys will be released to the inventory clerk or the tenant on moving-in day.
For managed properties, we will provide the tenant with contact details of their dedicated Property Manager.
Congratulations, your property is now let!
