As a Landlord at Fortress Property Solutions, expect top-of-the-range excellent tenant sourcing, comprehensive marketing of your property on all major portals and social media, rigors pre-let services including enhanced tenant reference checks, and meticulous management of your property. You can expect free rent collection, periodic inspection of the property every 8-12 weeks throughout the duration of the tenancy, monthly and annual statements, and more.
We at Fortress Property Solutions understand that letting a property is a major commitment and one where it is vital to maximize the return on your investment and to do so quickly and without undue complications. Our services never lose sight of this and are designed to make a letting as smooth and straightforward as possible.
We have invested in the latest innovative software and telephone systems and we are able to contact all of our potential tenants immediately a property comes to the market. We pride ourselves on providing prompt feedback to clients and discussing all comments, whether positive or negative in order that, where necessary, we can agree and adjust your specific marketing plan quickly and efficiently in order to maximize the potential of your property.
Our marketing coverage is so huge that properties listed with us for rent are reaching many thousands of potential tenants, who visit our carefully selected choice of websites, every day.
In addition, we also advertise locally, and combining this with our experienced personnel, our large constantly updated database, and our distinctive To Let boards, ensure that we explore every opportunity to achieve a letting at the best possible rent and within the timescale that suits you.
Our full-color property details include floor plans to maximize the impact of your property and encourage viewings from prospective tenants.
As members of The Property Redress Scheme (PRS), we abide by their strict codes of conduct, and, in the unlikely event of you being unhappy with any aspect of our service, they are able to provide independent adjudication and redress.
We proudly enjoy an enviable reputation for quality service and have worked hard to establish excellent relationships with major national and international relocation companies, international schools, and blue-chip organizations.
We take a modern and innovative approach to marketing, yet combine the latest technology with a traditional and personal approach to customer care.
Letting Obligations for Landlords
Electrical Installations & Equipment
Landlords of private rental properties and houses of multiple occupations are required to have an electrical installation condition report (EICR) carried out and available for the start of a new tenancy and for existing tenancies. This is to comply with the electrical safety standards in the private rented section (England) regulations 2020.
It is a legal requirement for a rental property to have a valid EICR before a new tenancy starts and is typically valid for 5 years from the date of the test. On completion of an EICR is carried out faults that have been identified are required to be rectified within 28 days from the date of the test and need to be undertaken by a Part P registered competent person.
Electrical equipment that is provided by the landlord that is to be used by a tenant at the property is legally required to be safe to use to comply with the electrical equipment (safety) regulations 1994. It is always best practice to carry out a portable appliance test (PAT) on any electrical equipment provided, as you may be liable if the tenants are harmed from a faulty electrical appliance at the property.
http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2020/312/made
https://www.rla.org.uk/landlord/guides/responsibilities/electrical_inspections.shtml
EPC
Energy Performance Certificates are needed whenever a property is built, sold, or rented. You must order an EPC for potential buyers and tenants before you market your property to sell or rent. An EPC contains information about a property’s energy use and typical energy costs and recommendations about how to reduce energy use and save money.
An EPC gives a property an energy efficiency rating from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient) and is valid for 10 years. To let a property your efficiency rating must be between A and E.
https://www.gov.uk/buy-sell-your-home/energy-performance-certificates
Fire
The furniture supplied within a rental property must comply with fire resistance requirements as defined within The Fire and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations 1988 (as amended).
The regulations apply to beds, headboards of beds and mattresses, sofa-beds, futons, and other convertibles, nursery furniture, garden furniture suitable for use in the dwelling, scatter cushions and seat pads, pillows, loose and stretch covers for furniture. They do not apply to furniture made before 1950, bedclothes including duvets, loose covers for mattresses, pillowcases, curtains, carpets, and sleeping bags.
http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1988/1324/contents/made
Gas
The Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 require a gas safety check to be carried out on every gas appliance/flue. This will ensure gas fittings and appliances are safe to use. A certificate will be supplied by a Gas Safe registered engineer stating a pass or a fail, and the appropriate action will be required should the check fail. The certificate is valid for 12 months and must be provided to the tenants prior to the commencement of the tenancy. Fortress Property Solutions will not allow tenants to move in without a valid certificate.
http://www.gassaferegister.co.uk/
Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms
The Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm Regulations 2015 require that a working smoke alarm be fitted on every floor and a carbon monoxide alarm in rooms containing a solid fuel appliance.
If smoke alarms are present, it is imperative that they are maintained. A clause within the tenancy agreement will typically inform the tenants of their responsibility to keep it well maintained and the battery to be replaced when necessary.
Tax and the Non-Resident Landlord Scheme
You may be subject to income tax during the rental period and capital gains when you sell. If you are in any doubt, or you would prefer not to complete your own self-assessment tax return, then we advise that you consult an accountant.
https://www.gov.uk/renting-out-a-property/paying-tax
If you reside overseas, we are required by HMRC to comply with the non-resident landlord scheme. Unless the landlord provides an NRL form to HMRC, we will be required to deduct the basic rate of income tax from the rent. Fortress Property Solutions can provide and assist you with the required information. Once HMRC approval is given we will able to transfer rental income without deductions.
http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/international/nr-landlords.htm
http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/cnr/nrl1.pdf
Tenancy Deposit Protection
Legislation requires security deposits for Assured Shorthold Tenancies to be registered with a government-approved scheme. Fortress Property Solutions can register the deposit on behalf of the landlord. We are members of the Deposit Protection Service.
https://www.gov.uk/tenancy-deposit-protection
Property Licensing
You may be required to apply for a license to rent your property. Regulations vary depending on the Borough and the style of property.
https://www.gov.uk/private-renting/houses-in-multiple-occupation