Q: WHAT AREAS OF SOUTHAMPTON DO YOU TAKE PROPERTIES ON?
A: Our main areas are Portswood, Highfield, Shirley, Freemantle, Polygon, City Centre and Swaythling, We are expanding all the time so if your area is not listed, please contact us to find out if we can help.
Q: WHAT TYPE OF PROPERTIES DO YOU DEAL WITH?
A: Mainly houses or flats with a minimum of 3 bedrooms and 2 reception rooms. We do prefer parking but it is not essential. The properties can have a big garden or not. The property doesn’t have to be in amazing condition but if you are not sure, get in touch to find out if we can help.
Q: DO YOU PAY A DEPOSIT?
A: We don’t pay a deposit to you, but each tenant will pay an individual deposit equal to one month’s rent. Their deposit will then be held with the Deposit Protection Service for the duration of their tenancy to safeguard against any possible damage to the property.
Q: DOES THE PROPERTY NEED TO BE FURNISHED?
A: The property doesn’t necessarily need to be furnished. We take on fully, part or non furnished properties. If you formerly rented to students or the furniture is not the type we normally use, we would ask you to remove it. Our customers are professionals and so expect a higher standard of surroundings than most students. This would be reflected in the offer we make you.
Q: HOW DO I RECEIVE RENT PAYMENTS?
A: We set up a monthly Standing Order for the agreed rent directly into your bank account. This Standing Order will be in place for the duration of the contract so you have this amount guaranteed each month.
Q: WHAT ARE YOUR FEES?
A: You will be pleased to know we don’t take fees from Landlords! Also, we don’t charge tenant finder fees or the usual Management fees, we do that free too. We simply make our money on the difference between what our customers pay us and what we pay you.
Q: WHAT ABOUT REFURBISHMENTS?
A: We carry out light refurbishments at our own cost. If there are larger maintenance work needed, we can help you complete that work at a reduced cost.
Q: I HAVE A PORTFOLIO OF PROPERTIES. DO YOU TAKE ON MULTIPLE PROPERTIES FROM ONE PERSON?
A: Yes. we can take on a number of properties as long as they meet our criteria.
Q: SOME OF MY FREINDS ARE ALSO LANDLORDS, COULD YOU HELP THEM AS WELL?
A: Yes. Not only can we help them, but you would also receive a £200 referral bonus per property that we take on from your referral. That could add up for you depending on how many friends with suitable property that we take on you have.
Q: HOW MUCH 'WEAR AND TEAR' MIGHT THERE BE AS IT IS A SHARED HOUSEHOLD?
A: This is a common concern among Landlords when considering shared accommodation. This will not be the case when letting to Smart Room Lettings. At the end of the three year contract, the property will most likely be in a better condition than properties let by typical Letting Agents. This is because we are very careful about who we let into the property, also we have a cleaner go in every two weeks and we carry out small maintenance jobs throughout the duration of the contract.
Q: DO YOU HAVE YOUR OWN TRADESMEN?
A: Yes. We have a fully qualified team that we use for general repairs and maintenance issues, having said that, if you prefer to use your own then that’s fine of course.
Q: HOW CAN I BE ASSURED THE PROPERTY WON'T GET DAMAGED?
A: There a few ways we can assure you. Firstly, we only accept working professionals or mature post graduates into the property. Secondly, we regularly inspect the property, which you can do also. Thirdly we have a cleaner come in every two weeks to clean the communal area and a gardener to keep the outside looking good.
Q: WHO WILL PAY FOR ONGING REPAIRS?
A: As the landlord, you will still be responsible for all the usual repairs and safety checks. We can arrange everything for you if you wished and all you would have to do is confirm and pay. We always get quotes for any larger work before proceeding.
Q: WILL I HAVE TO DEAL WITH TENANTS?
A: No as we are essentially your tenants. We deal with all our customers which includes; all emails, phone calls, meetings, viewings thus removing all that hassle from you.
Q: WHAT HAPPENS IF ONE OF YOUR CUSTOMERS DAMAGES SOMETHING IN THE HOUSE?
A: We will get it fixed immediately and foot the cost. Then we will charge the customers. You would only be responsible for the normal Landlord maintenance such as; Gas Safety check, PAT testing on YOUR electrical equipment/appliances, making sure the heating, hot water system, radiators and water system is working etc. We have put all this in the contract so you can refer to that as to your responsibilities and ours.
Q: WHAT IF ONE OF YOUR CUSTOMERS DOESN'T PAY OR IS LATE PAYING?
A: That will not be your problem but ours. In reality this rarely happens but if it does, we cover the cost which means you still get paid on time. You will be paid as usual by Standing Order.
Q: WHAT INPUT WILL I HAVE IN THE PROPERTY ONCE I SIGN THE CONTRACT?
A: Once we take over the tenancy of the property, you never need to set foot in it for the whole time frame of the contract if you didn’t want to but if you wanted to do quarterly inspections you could do that. We will give you updates on inspections and any maintenance required, including Gas Safety checks. We take all the hassle out of being a Landlord, no voids, no tenant issues, no missing rent payments, you get guaranteed rents.
Q: WHAT HAPPENS IF I WANT TO END MY CONTRACT WITH YOU OR VISA-VERSA?
A: All we ask is that you give us 6 months notice simply because we could have just signed in a customer for a 6 month contract and we want to give our customers enough time to find alternative accommodation. We will also give you 6 months notice should we wish to end the contract.