What are your commission charges?
Please refer to our Commissions and Additional Services Guide for more information.
Are there any additional marketing costs?
Your estate agent should include all marketing expenses within their commission fee but it is worth checking this before you instruct an estate agent, as some may charge an additional fee for advertising etc.
Who will conduct viewings on my property and when will they occur?
Your estate agent should accompany all viewings. It is advisable to choose an estate agent who offers longer opening hours to maximise viewing potential and minimise the number of viewings you have to conduct yourself.
Do I need to be present for viewings?
If your estate agent is accompanying all viewings and they have the access codes and keys for your property then your presence is not required. The Tenants often feel more relaxed when the owner is not present.
What is an EPC and how long is it valid for?
An EPC measures the energy efficiency of a property using a scale of A-G and is valid for 10 years. It is a legal requirement for Landlords to have a valid EPC before their property is let. Band D, is the minimum rating acceptable to rent your property.
Rubicon can arrange an EPC for you.
How much will it cost to have my property managed?
Your estate agent’s Property Management fee will be charged as a percentage of the rental price + VAT and is payable upon Letting. Refer to your estate agent’s Terms and Conditions for an outline of the services provided by their Property Management department and the corresponding fee.
How much is the Tenants deposit and what happens to it?
Typically this is five weeks’ rent and is payable upon the signing of the Tenancy Agreement. The deposit should then be registered with a Tenancy deposit protection scheme within 30 days of receipt of payment.
Rubicon can hold the deposit as a stakeholder and register this with a deposit protection scheme, resulting in a faster and more efficient deposit release process at the end of the Tenancy. This is mandatory for managed properties.
How long does it take to receive my rent once paid by the Tenant?
For a long let you should receive your rent by standing order on the rental due date each month. The due date is typically, although not always, the date on which the Tenant moved in.
I want to let out my property; Do I need to tell the mortgage lender?
Yes, you must obtain permission from your mortgage lender and inform us of any special conditions that they impose. We may require written evidence of this.
How do I know how much rent to charge?
We will assess the potential rental value in current market conditions and recommend the type of Tenant that would be most suitable for the property. We will also agree with you the terms on which the property will be marketed, including any restrictions.
