“Real estate cannot be lost or stolen, nor can it be carried away. Managed with care, it’s the safest investment in the world.”
Franklin D. Roosevelt
Sense of Ownership
We treat your property as if it were our own, ensuring every decision is made with care, attention, and your best interests at heart. At Heritage, we understand that your investment deserves respect and professionalism at every step
Striving to Exceed Expectation
Your satisfaction is our priority. From finding the perfect tenant to managing the finer details, we go above and beyond to deliver a seamless and rewarding lettings experience. Excellence isn’t just a goal—it’s our standard.
Service You Value
We believe great service is about more than just ticking boxes. It’s about building trust, delivering results, and offering solutions that truly matter to you. At Heritage, we’re here to provide a service you can depend on.
10 Frequently Asked Questions for Landlords
The Renters’ Reform Bill is expected to bring significant changes to the rental market in England. While the Bill is still under consideration and not yet law, landlords should be aware of the following key proposals:
- Abolition of Section 21 “no-fault” evictions: Landlords would need valid grounds to regain possession of their property.
- Introduction of periodic tenancies: All tenancies would become periodic, allowing tenants to end their tenancy with two months’ notice.
- Right for tenants to request a pet: Tenants would gain the legal right to request permission to keep a pet, which landlords could only refuse with a valid reason.
- Implementation of the Decent Homes Standard: All rental properties must meet minimum safety and quality standards, including addressing issues like damp and mold.
- Establishment of a Private Rented Sector Landlord Ombudsman: A new ombudsman will resolve disputes between landlords and tenants.
- Creation of a Private Rented Sector Database: Landlords would need to register their properties on a government-operated database.
- Ban on rental bidding: Landlords will be prohibited from encouraging or accepting offers above the advertised rent, ensuring fairer access to housing.
These proposals aim to provide greater security for tenants while holding landlords to higher standards.
Important Note: These points are for guidance only and will be updated as legislation progresses. At Heritage, we are closely monitoring developments and will provide regular updates to ensure landlords remain informed and compliant.
The Renters’ Reform Bill is expected to bring significant changes to the rental market in England. While the Bill is still under consideration and not yet law, landlords should be aware of the following key proposals:
- Abolition of Section 21 “no-fault” evictions: Landlords would need valid grounds to regain possession of their property.
- Introduction of periodic tenancies: All tenancies would become periodic, allowing tenants to end their tenancy with two months’ notice.
- Right for tenants to request a pet: Tenants would gain the legal right to request permission to keep a pet, which landlords could only refuse with a valid reason.
- Implementation of the Decent Homes Standard: All rental properties must meet minimum safety and quality standards, including addressing issues like damp and mold.
- Establishment of a Private Rented Sector Landlord Ombudsman: A new ombudsman will resolve disputes between landlords and tenants.
- Creation of a Private Rented Sector Database: Landlords would need to register their properties on a government-operated database.
- Ban on rental bidding: Landlords will be prohibited from encouraging or accepting offers above the advertised rent, ensuring fairer access to housing.
These proposals aim to provide greater security for tenants while holding landlords to higher standards.
Important Note: These points are for guidance only and will be updated as legislation progresses. At Heritage, we are closely monitoring developments and will provide regular updates to ensure landlords remain informed and compliant.
To legally let your property in England, you must provide:
- An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC).
- A Gas Safety Certificate (if gas appliances are present).
- An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR).
- A written tenancy agreement.
- The latest version of the “How to Rent” guide, which is a legal requirement.
These documents ensure both you and your tenants meet all legal obligations.
At Heritage, we believe finding the right tenant goes beyond formal checks. While we conduct thorough tenant referencing, including credit checks, employment verification, and landlord references, we also trust our instincts.
We ask thoughtful questions like:
- Why are you moving?
- Have you had any historic credit issues?
- Why have you chosen this area?
- Who will be living in the property?
These questions provide valuable insight into a tenant’s intentions and stability. By combining professional checks with personal judgement, we aim to match you with reliable tenants who will respect your property and tenancy terms.
Yes, landlord insurance is essential. It covers risks associated with renting, such as property damage, loss of rent, and liability claims. Regular home insurance typically does not provide adequate cover for rental properties.
As a landlord, you are responsible for ensuring the property is safe and habitable. This includes maintaining heating systems, electrics, plumbing, and structural repairs. Tenants are usually responsible for minor upkeep, such as changing lightbulbs or garden maintenance.
At Heritage, we can provide advice on how to meet your maintenance responsibilities effectively.
In England, the deposit is capped at five weeks’ rent for properties with an annual rent below £50,000, and six weeks’ rent for those above. This deposit must be protected in a government-approved deposit protection scheme within 30 days of receipt. Examples of approved schemes include:
- Deposit Protection Service (DPS)
- Tenancy Deposit Scheme (TDS)
- MyDeposits
We ensure all deposits are registered correctly, providing peace of mind for both you and your tenants.
If a tenant misses a payment, contact them immediately to discuss the issue. If the problem persists, you may need to serve a Section 8 notice or seek legal advice. At Heritage, we can assist with managing arrears and advising on the appropriate next steps to resolve the situation.
Rental income is subject to income tax, so you’ll need to report it on your self-assessment tax return. Allowable expenses such as letting agent fees, repairs, and mortgage interest (limited relief) can be deducted to reduce your tax liability.
We recommend consulting a qualified accountant for tailored advice.
It depends on your target market. Furnished properties often appeal to short-term renters or young professionals, while unfurnished properties are popular with families or long-term tenants who prefer to bring their own furniture.
If you let your property furnished, it’s essential to ensure all soft furnishings (such as sofas, armchairs, and mattresses) comply with the Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations 1988 (as amended). They must have the appropriate fire safety labels attached to confirm compliance. This is a legal requirement to ensure the safety of your tenants.
Deposit disputes can arise if there’s damage or unpaid rent at the end of a tenancy. At Heritage, we take several steps to minimise the likelihood of disputes:
- We provide an extremely comprehensive inventory, including detailed descriptions and photographs, which tenants must sign and agree to at the start of the tenancy.
- For properties under our managed service, we carry out a mini-inventory during each property inspection.
If issues are identified during inspections, they are documented, and a course of action is agreed upon in writing with the tenant. This ensures transparency and maintains good relationships.
Additionally, we ensure all deposits are properly protected in government-approved deposit schemes, which can resolve disputes fairly if needed.