Whilst the London property market is ever changing our commitment to our clients and providing the highest level of estate agency to those who we represent remains the same.
Braithwait’s dedicated lettings agents understand the London property market, and our affiliation with Debussy Developments allows us to help you with every element of letting your property. Our wealth of experience, unrivaled local knowledge of our areas, and close relationships with numerous businesses including; relocation agencies, employment agencies; and reputable companies ensures that we have an extensive database of applicants and a constant stream of new tenants.
Our clients are our highest priority and our objective is to provide an informative and professional service to both landlords and tenants. Our lettings department work with transparency to ensure the best rental value and heads of terms.
Braithwait offer an array of high-impact marketing techniques to drive awareness, excitement and lead generation. The Braithwait team know the importance of delivering results and outputs that make a real difference.
The man who stops advertising to save money is the man who stops the clock to save.
We understand that not everyone visits the property portal websites when looking to rent, so our team are proactive to ensure braithwait.co.uk appears at the top of search engine rankings so that no stone is un-turned in the search for the perfect tenant.
Over the past few years, the way that many people interact has changed as they spend more time on social media sites. At Braithwait we have a dedicated social media team updating our social streams with the most relevant local and property content to educate our target market about the benefits of buying in our areas.
Braithwait will negotiate all offers directly with potential applicants on your behalf. Upon your acceptance of an offer we conduct a full reference check through Veri-Check. Once satisfactory reference reports have been attained we will prepare and agree the Tenancy Agreement.
Braithwait use Veri-Check to provide you with a comprehensive reference report on potential applicants, this includes contacting previous landlords, verifying affordability with current employers or accountants, and confirming any County Court Judgements or adverse credit.
The rental market as with any other is competitive therefore, in order to obtain the best possible Tenants; you must present your property in the most effective way.
Interior walls should be neutral colours and carpets plain
Fabrics and Furnishings (if any) should be able to withstand reasonable wear and tear and be of suitable quality
Animals and their odours should be eliminated
The front door should be clean and the Entrance Hall clear of any obstructions as first impressions are important
The entire property should be clean and well-aired and the garden tidy.
If the weather is cold, heating should be turned on and, in warmer conditions, windows opened
For any other advice contact your Agent
Written consent must be obtained from your Mortgage Provider/Freeholder (if property is leasehold).
Your Insurance Company must be notified that the property is to be rented out and appropriate insurance obtained for a tenanted property. There are specialist insurance companies who can provide this and we would be happy to assist you.
The Inland Revenue must also be informed within 6 months of letting your property, flat or apartment in the UK and failure to do so will incur penalties, interest and other consequences. The Inland Revenue are apt to deal harshly with Landlords who do not declare rental income and it is always best to seek advice on tax planning and Capital Gains Tax from a fully qualified Accountant.
Mail should be redirected with the Post Office.
Further copies of keys will need to be provided, at least two if you have Management Agents acting for you.
Utilities such as gas/electricity/water/telephone & Council Tax will have to be transferred to the successful Tenant.
An Inventory and Check In should be drawn up. This is an important legal document which forms an integral part of the Tenancy Agreement and, as such, it is a false economy to prepare your own in most cases.
The Inventory is required whether the property to let is furnished or unfurnished and accurate descriptions of the overall condition of wall/floor coverings, kitchen and bathroom fittings to name but a few are essential. Amounts cannot be withheld from the Tenant’s deposit unless the loss or damage is proved to have been caused by the Tenant.
In the event that any dispute concerning loss or damage to your property is not amicably resolved then the matter will be referred to the Courts and arbitration but should be noted that any judgement will be on the basis of written documentation – the Inventory.
The Housing Act 1988 (amended 1996) has given rise to two types of Tenancy: Assured and Assured Short hold Tenancy as well as the existing Company Tenancy and Contractual Tenancy.
Certain criteria have to be satisfied for a tenancy to qualify for assured status. Assured Tenancy gives the Tenant security of tenure but at a market rent negotiated between the parties. The Landlord may request back possession of the property let on an Assured Tenancy but must obtain a COURT ORDER. This has its advantages but is not as flexible.
This Tenancy is attractive to Landlords as it offers market rents without security of tenure beyond the contractual term and the majority of Tenancies are based on this format. However, certain criteria must first be met:
If the property is let under an Assured Short hold Tenancy, the Landlord can issue a Section 21 Notice to guarantee possession provided the term of the Short hold is expired and not less than two months notice has been given by the Landlord stating he requires possession.
If court action is needed, this can be obtained on a number of different grounds against the Tenant.
However, it should be noted that is a criminal offence under the Protection from Evictions Act 1977, for a Landlord to threaten or forcibly evict a Tenant from their property.
This is governed by contract law and is not regulated by the Housing Acts of 1988 or 1996. It is used when a Private or Public Limited Company (excluding partnership or sole trader) want to enter into a Tenancy.
There is no security of tenure and rental payments are often made on a quarterly basis by prior agreement.
Contractual Tenancy also falls outside the provisions of the Housing Acts of 1988 and 1996 and is not regulated by statute. It is most commonly used where the rent exceeds £25,000 per annum and both parties have the freedom to contract as they choose, but must then rely solely on the provisions of that Agreement.
Most professional Tenants prefer the property to be unfurnished and it has been found that a Tenant is likely to respect the property more if they have their own possessions. Moreover the difference between rent for furnished or unfurnished is negligible and the Landlord remains responsible for the repair of replacement of any furnishings which become broken or worn (unless this was caused by a deliberate act of the Tenant – see Damage Deposits).
You will need to decide whether you require your agent to simply market your property and find a Tenant or whether you would prefer to engage the services of their Managing Agents.
Whether you chose to opt for a Managing Agent or not, Braithwait as your Letting Agent will firstly provide colour property details and a rental valuation which will be based on the popularity of the area, proximity to transport, rental price of similar property handled and decorative condition to name but a few.
It is important to price your rent fairly but realistically in order to attract the most suitable Tenant.
Your rental property will be regularly advertised in the local press and publications dedicated to the letting industry as well as displayed in our offices and feature on our website to ensure maximum exposure. We also contact any listed prospective Tenants, local companies and relocation agents.v
Should you decide to employ us as your Managing Agent, we will also field calls, arrange viewings, vet prospective Tenants and obtain references, draw up contracts and advise you on your Safety and Repairs obligations.
Thorough credit checks are carried out on all prospective Tenants as we can reserve the right to decline an application where necessary in the interests of protecting the Landlord’s investment.
These can be obtained through us as your Managing Agent and include references from the Tenant’s employer and previous Landlord.
We can also provide you with/assist you in obtaining a linked insurance policy to safeguard your rental income and provide legal protection.
The Letting team at Braithwait can prepare and supply you with all legal documentation and give practical general legal advice.
This is usually equivalent to one month’s rent and is taken from the Tenant to be held in our Client Account until the end of the Tenancy. Upon vacation of your property, there will be a re-inspection and any refunds will be made within a maximum of 28 days, provided that there are no disputes and all utility accounts have been settled.
The costs of everyday repairs and maintenance are the responsibility of the Landlord but, if we are instructed to manage your property on your behalf, we will pay the contractor out of the Tenant’s rent. We can also organise quotes for approval on any major repair as this becomes apparent.
Under the LANDLORD AND TENANT ACT 1985, Landlords are responsible for repair of the structure and exterior of the property, together with installations for the supply of gas, electricity, water and sanitation.
If the property is not in a good state of repair at the commencement of the Tenancy, the Tenant has the right to insist that repairs are carried out and, in the event that the damage is serious, the Tenant will be entitled to consider the letting as terminated as the Landlord will be in breach of his obligations.
This is usually done on a calendar monthly basis and is forwarded to the Landlord via any previously approved method after any agreed deductions have been made for contractors etc.
Under common law, the Landlord must ensure that properties to let are safe and failure to comply with Safety Legislation is considered a criminal offence resulting in legal action and prosecution.
As your Managing Agent, we can carry out safety checks upon your request, deducting the cost from your rent.
An NICEIC or similarly qualified electrical engineer must carry out these tests on an annual basis and we would also recommend this is done upon change of Tenancy.
All operating instructions must be left in the property for the Tenant’s benefit.
The above is only a guide to the legal safety requirements and should you have any further enquiries, we would recommend that you contact a qualified solicitor who will be able to verify these in full.
You are considered an overseas Landlord if you live abroad or go to work abroad for lengthy periods of time.
It is important to firstly note that Inland Revenue regulations apply even if you are a non-UK resident. Moreover, non-resident Landlords must apply to the Inland Revenue Financial Intermediaries Claims Office (FICO) for authorisation (by way of an exemption certificate) to receive payment of property rental “gross”, that is without deduction of Income Tax by the letting agent or Tenant as required by law.
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"I have both purchased and sold properties through Braithwait. They also manage a rental property for me. From start to end Stuart and his team offer a fantastic and highly personal service. Above and beyond helpful. I can't recommend them enough!"
Tracy Shaw - Google Review"From sale to purchase - Stuart and his team were with us all the way! They coordinated with a solicitor, mortgage broker, movers and even cleaners to make the transition from selling our old home to moving into a new one seamless. We would wholeheartedly recommend Braithwait!"
Livia Mordant - Google Review"Can’t go wrong with Braithwait, Stuart and everyone else really endeavoured to find me the perfect property. They clearly understand the local area very well."
Jordan Swailes - Google Review"I would highly recommend this independent local agent. They went above and beyond the call of duty in every aspect of my tenancy and I am eternally grateful for all the staff who were so helpful and kind."
Lina Elliot - Google ReviewI couldn't have been happier with the service provided by Braithwait in helping me find a new rental property. The Lettings Manager, Luke, went above and beyond in meeting my needs and exceeding my expectations. He was always available to answer any questions and I felt the service provided by him and his team to be personal and of very high quality. I would highly recommend Braithwait.
Elyse Waller - Google Review"Rui was really human with us. He is extremely professional, organised and helpful. He is smart, calm. He made our move-in easy. If you want to get the same experience I would suggest him."
Fleurine F - Google Review