The relationship between a landlord, a tenant, and a letting agent can go on for many years so it is important that you choose the right agent. At Keegan White we take pride in the level of service that we are able to offer; whether you want us to just find a tenant for you, collect the rent or completely leave it to us to fully manage the property and take the stress out of being a landlord.
Landlord Guidance
Free Valuation
When we visit to provide a rental valuation there is no fee involved and no obligation. When we meet you at the property for the appointment we will provide you with any advice that you may need on how to prepare the property for a tenancy and give you an honest appraisal of exactly how much we believe you can get for it in the current market. We can discuss market activity and perhaps most importantly, what we can do for you with our innovative and unique methods.
Photography, Floorplans & Virtual Tours
When instructed to let your property we will begin the preparation of property’s particulars in readiness for marketing. This is an important part of the process because of the extensive exposure that the property will receive. The philosophy is to present the property in its ‘best true light’, which is why Keegan White also includes detailed floorplans and immersive virtual tours with all our advertised stock.
Ensuring Your Property Is Let Lawfully
It is a legal requirement to have a valid Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) when letting your property which last for ten years. All rentals must have a passed Electrical Installation & Condition Report (EICR) which run for five years. If there is gas to the property, then an annual gas inspection is also required. We can instruct approved persons to get the property into order at competitive prices.
Marketing
We believe that with Keegan White your property will be exposed to the greatest audience. Our marketing concepts enable this through traditional advertising methods such as the office window, our website and all main national property websites, and we harness the powers of social media. Everyone knows someone who’s looking to move and through social media use we know that your property will be exposed to a wider audience than any other estate agent in High Wycombe.
Viewings
Our up-to-date applicant lists are targeted with emails and phone calls to arrange viewings as soon as the details have been approved and the property is launched. Booking viewings couldn’t be easier, applicants can book appointments online, by telephone, by email, or via our website, and these will be confirmed with you via email.
Offers
Feedback is gained after viewings with the aim of drawing offers. When an offer is received on your property we qualify the applicant’s position. We provide you with all the information that you will need to help you make an informed decision on whether to accept or reject an offer.
Pre-Tenancy
Once a let has been agreed, the prospective tenant should go through full referencing to protect the tenancy and your asset. We need to know that the tenant will have the Right to Reside in the UK, and we want to check their employment status, income, previous landlord and credit history. During this time the property will need (if not already) a fully detailed inventory and schedule of condition; the tenant is obligated to return the property in the same condition as it was taken. The Assured Shorthold Tenancy (AST) is drawn up and agreed by both sides, once this is done the check-in procedure and date are agreed. Once the deposit funds and first month’s rent are received, the tenants are then checked-in and provided with the keys on the move-in date. We liaise with all parties during the course of this process to help the transaction proceed to a speedy and smooth conclusion.
During & End of Tenancy
Much here depends on whether you elect to employ our services on a Let Only, Rent Collect, or Fully Managed. We will provide you with further information in this regard at our appointment and an overview of our fees and charges are clearly set out here: https://www.keeganwhite.co.uk/services/landlord-fees
Tenant Guidance and Potential Costs:
Holding Monies (per tenancy)
One week’s rent is required in order to reserve the property. You will be provided with necessary documentation from Keegan White which sets out the requirements and obligations in order to secure the property in advance of making any payment. The holding monies usually contribute towards the first month’s rent, unless you specify otherwise; it is therefore not a charge as such. There are requirements to repay the holding monies if:
i/ The landlord and the tenant enter into a tenancy agreement relating to the housing. As per above it is common for the holding monies to be used to contribute to the first month’s rent. Or,
ii/ The landlord decides before the deadline for agreement not to enter into a tenancy agreement relating to the housing. Or,
iii/ The landlord and the tenant fail to enter into a tenancy agreement relating to the housing before the deadline for agreement.
However, be advised that the holding monies may become forfeit and withheld if any relevant person, including any guarantors withdraw from the tenancy, fail a Right-to-Rent check, provide false or inaccurate information, or fail to sign their tenancy agreement within 15 calendar days, or any other deadline for this that has been mutually agreed in writing.
Security Deposit
Per tenancy for rental properties under £50,000 per year is the equivalent to five weeks’ rent. The security deposit covers damages or failures on the part of the tenant during the tenancy.
Security Deposit
Per tenancy for rental properties over £50,000 per year is the equivalent to six weeks’ rent. The security deposit covers damages or failures on the part of the tenant during the tenancy.
During Your Tenancy you may incur additional costs if:
Unpaid Rent
Where the rent is not received on time, as per the Tenancy Agreement, interest will be calculated at 3% above the Bank of England base rate, per annum to the unpaid rent if that rent is unpaid for a period in excess of 14 days. Interest is calculated daily.
Lost Keys
Tenants are liable to the cost of replacing any lost keys or other security device, including electronic key fobs. If the loss results in locks needing to be changed, then the costs of a locksmith, new lock and replacement keys for the tenant, landlord and any other persons requiring keys will be charged to the tenant.
Damage, Negligence, etc.
It is permissible for compensatory amounts to be charged to tenants to protect the landlord’s property for damage whether accidental or otherwise as permitted following the introduction of the Tenant Fees Act. This is subject to the contractual terms expressly identifying where deductions can be applied which is incorporated within the Tenancy Agreement. These deductions can originate from the tenancy deposit should there be sufficient sums or can otherwise be recovered through the usual civil remedies.
Amendments, or Variation of a Tenancy
If the tenant requires a change to the contract during the course of the tenancy, which the Landlord agrees to, there will be a nominal £50 inclusive of VAT charge per request. This covers the cost of time spent liaising with the request between the Tenant and the Landlord, along with the ensuing administrative costs in preparation and provision of the new legal documents.
End of Tenancy
On some occasions Tenants want to leave the property prior to the end of the contract. Rather than forcing a breach of contract, Keegan White will assist to source a new tenant to enable the existing Tenant to vacate early. The existing Tenant will be liable for the Landlord’s costs in re-letting the property. These costs will be no more than the maximum amount of rent outstanding on the tenancy.
Management of the property
At the start of a tenancy we will advise you who is responsible for managing the property. This may be Keegan White, a management, company, or the Landlord. Where Keegan White is not managing the property, we cannot authorise any repairs or maintenance, or guarantee the speed at which repairs will be carried out. Where we are managing the property, we may have to obtain the Landlord's consent before proceeding with a repair.
Where we manage a property and hold keys, Keegan White has contractors that are readily available and we therefore provide the contractors with the keys in order to gain prompt access, with your agreement, to carry out any remedial tasks. However, if you are unwilling to approve direct access, then it will be your responsibility to provide access.
Insurance
Whilst the Landlord will have Buildings Insurance in place, it is not the Landlords responsibility to insure the contents. Keegan White would advise all persons to seek adequate insurance for the possessions and contents. If needed we can make an introduction to a local insurance broker who can provide a free and comprehensive quotation without obligation. Please note that Keegan White may receive an introductory commission for this service.
Utilities
The Tenant will be responsible for the payment of: gas, electricity, water, TV license, Council tax, telephone and broadband during the entire course of the tenancy. It is the Tenants responsibility to advise the relevant companies and Councils when you are moving into a property, and when you vacate.
Taxation
If you pay rent directly to your Landlord's bank account and your Landlord is an overseas resident, you will be responsible for applying the provisions of the HM Revenue and Customs Non-Resident Landlords scheme for taxing UK rental income and should ask us for advice on this. These provisions are not required for Tenants who pay their rent through Keegan White, as we then take care of this.
Anti-Money Laundering Regulations
Keegan White, as with all companies, are subject to the Money Laundering Regulations (2007). As a result, we will prospective tenants to provide approved proofs of identification and address. We will provide the necessary requirements on application and prior to taking the Holding Monies. Without the provision of suitable documentation then Keegan White will not be unable to proceed with any work on your behalf.
VAT
We are taxed at 20% for VAT by HMRC and our fees are therefor subject to 20% VAT.
Complaints Procedure
In the event that you feel dissatisfied with how Keegan White has worked with you and you are unable to resolve this with the team member involved then please report the matter in writing for the attention of The Partners at Keegan White by post, or via email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Your complaint will in the first instance be acknowledged within 3 days of receipt and that a full response will be provided within 14 days of receipt, allowing sufficient time for a full investigation.
If you remain unsatisfied with the outcome of the investigation and the response, then we would then ask you to refer the matter to The Property Ombudsman (TPO) who will then carry out their own review.
Amendments
As time progresses, there will be changes in statutory legislation which may come into effect and Keegan White therefore reserves the right to make any necessary timely changes fees, in line with the statutory requirements of the Tenant Fees Act and our terms of business which will be given in writing with reasonable notice.
Client Money Protection
We work in conjunction with Green Door Property Management who provide an extremely professional and knowledgeable service from an experienced team who you will enjoy working with as do we. They will handle all monies, reference application and the drawing up of tenancy agreements. Please ‘click here’ to view their Client Money Protection certificate and you will find their Client Money Handling procedures within the ARLA Propertymark membership rules via the following link https://www.propertymark.co.uk/media/1045366/conduct-and-membership-rules.pdf
High Wycombe office call: 01494 417007