Frequently Asked Questions

Letting Your Property

We provide a free, no-obligation market appraisal based on current market conditions, comparable properties, demand, location and the condition of your property.

Our aim is to achieve the highest sustainable rent while attracting quality tenants and minimising void periods.

Every property is different, however well-presented and correctly priced properties are often let within a few weeks.

The timescale will depend on location, market conditions, seasonality and rental price.

No.

Many tenants now prefer unfurnished properties, although some markets attract greater demand for furnished accommodation.

We can advise which option is likely to achieve the best result for your property.

Before a tenancy begins, landlords are responsible for ensuring the property complies with all current legal requirements, including (where applicable):

  • Valid Gas Safety Certificate
  • Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR)
  • Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)
  • Smoke alarms
  • Carbon monoxide alarms where required
  • Legionella risk assessment
  • Right to Rent compliance
  • Furniture and Furnishings Regulations (if furnished)
  • Any property licensing requirements
  • Deposit protection (if receiving the deposit directly)

We can guide you through every requirement.

Yes.

We can advise on presentation, decoration, repairs, safety requirements and improvements that may increase rental value and attract better tenants.

Finding Tenants

We advertise properties through a range of marketing channels which may include:

  • Rightmove
  • Zoopla
  • Our website
  • Social media
  • Our database of registered applicants

Professional photography and detailed property descriptions help maximise enquiries.

All prospective tenants are subject to referencing before the landlord makes a final decision.

Referencing typically includes:

  • Identity verification
  • Right to Rent checks
  • Employment and income verification
  • Credit checks
  • Previous landlord references (where applicable)
  • Affordability assessment

Yes.

We will provide you with suitable applicants together with the outcome of referencing so you can make an informed decision.

We will discuss the available options with you.

Depending on the circumstances, you may choose to:

  • Decline the application.
  • Accept a suitable guarantor.
  • Request additional information.
  • Consider another applicant.

Property Management

Our Fully Managed Service typically includes:

  • Marketing your property
  • Accompanied viewings
  • Tenant referencing
  • Preparing tenancy documentation
  • Collecting first months rent
  • Protecting the deposit
  • Regular property inspections
  • Coordinating maintenance and repairs
  • Managing contractor appointments
  • Rent arrears management
  • Serving notices where instructed
  • Managing the tenancy through to check-out

Routine inspections are typically carried out every 6 months, depending on the tenancy and landlord instructions.

Following each inspection, you will receive a report together with photographs where appropriate.

Tenants report maintenance directly to us.

We assess each issue and arrange suitable contractors where required.

For urgent repairs, we act promptly to protect both the tenant and your property.

Where possible, we will obtain your approval before instructing non-emergency works in accordance with our management agreement.

Yes.

Provided they are suitably qualified, insured and available when required, we are happy to work with your preferred contractors.

Rent & Payments

Tenants are supplied with your bank details and are asked to set up a standing order for the rent to come out on the given date. should you not receive rent please make us aware so we can chase.

If payment is missed, we contact the tenant immediately and keep you informed throughout the process.

Where appropriate, we will advise on the available legal options and recovery procedures.

Yes.

We regularly review market rents and can advise when an increase may be appropriate.

Any rent increase will be carried out in accordance with current legislation.

Deposits

Tenant deposits are protected within a Government-approved tenancy deposit protection scheme where required by law.

The prescribed information is served within the required legal timescales.

Where agreement cannot be reached, the tenancy deposit scheme offers a free Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) service.

We assist landlords by providing inventories, inspection reports and supporting evidence where appropriate.

Ending the Tenancy

Landlords must follow the legal process applicable at the time.

We will advise you on the appropriate route, the required notices and the correct procedures to minimise delays and ensure compliance.

We arrange:

  • Check-out inspection
  • Comparison against the inventory
  • Meter readings (where applicable)
  • Deposit negotiations
  • Key return
  • Advice on preparing the property for re-letting

Fees

Our fees vary depending on the level of service selected.

Please see our terms and conditions for details, or contact us for a personalised quotation.

We believe in transparent pricing with no hidden charges.

Compliance

Yes.

Keeping landlords compliant is one of our core responsibilities.

We monitor legislative changes and advise landlords of any action required to ensure their property remains compliant throughout the tenancy.

Although not legally required, specialist landlord insurance is strongly recommended.

This may include:

  • Buildings insurance
  • Landlord contents insurance
  • Property owner’s liability
  • Legal expenses cover
  • Rent guarantee insurance

We can recommend specialist providers if required.

We pride ourselves on providing a personal, professional and proactive service.

Unlike many larger agents, we work closely with every landlord, providing honest advice, transparent communication and a tailored management service focused on protecting your investment and maximising long-term returns.

Whether you own one property or a growing portfolio, we’re here to make letting straightforward and stress-free.

Complaints

We are committed to delivering an excellent service.

If you are dissatisfied with any aspect of our service, please contact us in the first instance so that we have the opportunity to resolve your concerns.

If your complaint cannot be resolved informally, you may make a formal complaint in accordance with our Complaints Procedure.

Should the matter remain unresolved after our internal complaints process has been completed, you may be entitled to refer the complaint to The Property Ombudsman, of which Bright Hill Properties is a member.