The Lettings Process with Adams Estates
At Adams Estates, we are proud of our extensive knowledge and experience in property management. Our experienced lettings team takes care of your property’s day-to-day management, offering various service levels to meet your individual needs.
Whether you are a first-time landlord or an experienced one, this guide provides a step-by-step walkthrough of the letting process when working with Adams Estates.
1 Consider Your Needs
Seeking professional advice early is essential. Your priorities will depend on your circumstances. For investment properties, we can introduce you to competitive Buy-to-Let mortgages through Embrace Financial Services. If renting your home short-term, consult your mortgage lender about consent to let or let-to-buy options.
2 Consider Your Time Scales
We recommend marketing your property 6 to 8 weeks before you want it let. Standard tenancies are 6 or 12 months long. Consulting with friends, colleagues, and other landlords can help determine the best fit for your needs.
3 Talk to a Letting Agent
Visit or call your local Adams Estates branch to discuss your goals. Our local experts can help with property management options, compliance issues, landlord insurance, and rent guarantee cover. We aim to ensure peace of mind by looking after both your property and your tenant.
4 Valuation
A proper valuation ensures your property achieves the best rental income. Our free expert valuation pack includes details of comparable recently let properties. Our team will call to discuss your next steps.
5 Instruction
If you choose Adams Estates, we will schedule an appointment to photograph the property and create floorplans. Ensure any outstanding repairs are addressed, and consider freshening up any tired areas to attract potential tenants.
6 Agency Agreement
You’ll receive our Agency Agreement and landlord information forms to complete and return. We’ll obtain or arrange an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) to start marketing the property.
7 Marketing
We place your property on the market within one working day of receiving the EPC. Your property will be uploaded to our website, matched with our database, listed on Rightmove and other websites, and advertised in the local press for maximum exposure.
8 Viewing
Adams Estates accompanies all tenants on property viewings. Most interest occurs around one month before the advertised availability date.
9 Feedback
We contact prospective tenants 24 hours after viewings for feedback. We then communicate the outcome and any necessary actions to you.
10 Offer
When a tenant makes an offer, we contact you immediately to discuss the details, any special conditions, and confirm how you wish to proceed, the tenant will complete a offer form which will be sent to yourself for consideration.
11 Referencing Process
After an offer is accepted, we seek tenant references, covering credit history, employment history, previous landlords, and guarantors if needed. This process takes about seven days, and we will confirm details with you.
12 Tenancy Agreement
Once references are received, we draw up the Tenancy Agreement for your signature. Alternatively, you can authorize Adams Estates to sign on your behalf.
13 Deposits
Tenants pay a deposit of five weeks’ rent before the agreement starts. Deposits under an Assured Shorthold Tenancy (AST) must be registered with an approved Tenancy Deposit Scheme. Adams Estates manages deposit protection, including providing tenants with scheme details.
14 Inventory
For Fully Managed and Rent Collection service level landlords, we arrange a professional inventory detailing the property’s condition and contents. We also handle compliance issues such as obtaining a Landlord Gas Safety Certificate and Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR).
15 Check-In Service
Adams Estates offers a check-in service to ensure a smooth and efficient handover to new tenants.
16 Standing Orders
We encourage tenants to set up standing orders for rent payments.
17 Property Management
Our dedicated Property Management Team at Adams Estates ensures rent is paid on time and maintenance is promptly addressed. The team will contact you shortly after the tenant moves in.
18 Tenancy Renewal
Two months before your fixed term ends, we discuss your future plans and assess the market. We then contact your tenant to discuss their plans. Options include renewing the fixed term, transitioning to a month-by-month periodic tenancy, or ending the tenancy. We advise on current legislation around ending a tenancy.
19 Check-Out and Return of Deposits
When the tenant moves out, we arrange an exit inventory and report the property’s condition to you. We work with you to negotiate deposit deductions for repairs if needed and return the remaining amount to the tenant.
Adams Estates looks forward to helping you maximize your rental property's potential. Contact us for expert advice and comprehensive letting services.
Previous - Landlord Compliance Guide
Next - Buy To Let Guide