Fees and Compliance

Wards Property Fees and Compliance Services

At Wards Property, we pride ourselves on delivering comprehensive residential and commercial property expertise across Stoke-on-Trent, Newcastle-under-Lyme, Crewe, Leek, Stone, Stafford, and Cheshire. Our commitment to excellence ensures that our clients not only benefit from our extensive knowledge but also remain fully compliant with ever-changing property laws and regulations.

Transparent Fee Structure

Understanding our fees is simple and straightforward. We believe in complete transparency and no hidden costs. Our services include:

• Lettings Management: Starting at just 10% of the monthly rental income, our lettings management service includes tenant sourcing, rent collection, and property maintenance coordination.
• Property Sales: Our competitive sales commission begins at 1.25% of the final sale price, inclusive of all marketing costs, viewings, and negotiation support.
• Compliance Checks: For a nominal fee, we offer thorough compliance checks to ensure your property meets all legal requirements.

For a detailed breakdown of our fees, please contact us directly or visit our office.

Keeping You Compliant

Being a landlord in the UK comes with a multitude of responsibilities, and navigating the ever-evolving legal landscape can feel like a daunting task. From ensuring tenant safety to meeting energy efficiency standards, staying compliant requires vigilance and understanding. Here’s how we help you stay compliant:

Safety First

• Gas and Electrical Checks: Ensuring the safety of your tenants is paramount. All gas appliances must undergo annual inspections by a Gas Safe registered engineer, and electrical installations require checks at least every five years. We manage these inspections and ensure certificates are provided to your tenants.
• Fire Safety: We ensure your property is equipped with smoke alarms on each floor and carbon monoxide alarms where necessary. Regular testing and maintaining clear escape routes are part of our standard property management services. For larger properties, we recommend and facilitate the installation of fire extinguishers.
• HHSRS Compliance: The Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) assesses health and safety hazards within your property. We coordinate with local councils for inspections and ensure your property meets all required standards.

Administrative Essentials

• Right to Rent Checks: In England, landlords must verify the immigration status of prospective tenants. We handle these checks using the government’s online Right to Rent checker, ensuring full compliance.
• Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs): An EPC rates the energy efficiency of your property. We ensure you have a valid EPC before advertising your property and keep you informed of upcoming changes, such as the minimum band E rating required from April 2025.
• Deposit Protection: Protecting your tenant’s deposit in a government-approved scheme is crucial. We manage the deposit protection process, providing tenants with all prescribed information about the scheme used.
• How to Rent Guide: We provide your tenants with the government’s “How to Rent” guide, outlining their rights and responsibilities, which fosters transparency and a positive landlord-tenant relationship.

Additional Considerations

• Licensing: Depending on the property type and number of occupants, you might need a House of Multiple Occupation (HMO) license. We assist in obtaining the necessary licenses and ensure compliance with local council regulations.
• Legionnaires’ Disease Prevention: If your property has a complex water system, we conduct risk assessments and implement control measures to prevent Legionnaires’ disease.
• Model Tenancy Agreements: We utilize government-approved model tenancy agreements to ensure your contracts comply with current legislation and protect both parties.

Staying Informed

Landlord compliance is an ongoing process, and regulations can change. Here are some resources to stay up-to-date:

• GOV.UK: Comprehensive information on landlord responsibilities in England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
• National Landlords Association (NLA): Membership, advice, and training for landlords.
• Shelter: Information and support for tenants and landlords.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter to receive updates and tips on staying compliant.

Contact Us

Compliance is not just about avoiding penalties; it’s about creating a safe and secure environment for your tenants and fostering a positive rental experience for everyone involved. By staying informed and taking a proactive approach, you can navigate the compliance landscape with confidence.

For a free compliance check, call us today on 01782 848700 and speak to one of our Sales or Lettings Managers. Let Wards Property be your trusted partner in property management and compliance.

** VAT will be applied at the prevailing rate

Prices Correct as of 01/06/2022