TO LET

The following information is given as a guide to assist you in letting your property.

Furniture & Equipment	When deciding what furniture to leave (furnished lettings only) it is usually a good idea to put yourself in the tenant's position and give consideration to what you would require yourself. It is important to remember that the furnishings and equipment form part of the letting for which the tenant is paying rent and therefore everything should be serviceable and functional. We would always advise that you do not leave TV, Hi-Fi, video etc and any items which are delicate or irreplaceable.

Services	Tenants are responsible under the terms of the lease for their own supply of the utilities and are accountable direct to the respective companies. Owners should ensure that final readings are taken on their departure. Tenants are also responsible for Council Tax if the tenancy is six months or more.

Telephone	We strongly recommend that you disconnect the line on vacation so that the tenant must have the telephone transferred to their name. this avoids any bills being run up in your name. There is a slight danger that the telephone number could be lost and a re-connection charge may be made on your return however, we would suggest that this is preferable to being held responsible for unpaid telephone bills.

Forwarding of Mail	Arrangements should be made by you with the Post Office for the re-direction of all mail.

Insurance	You must ensure that your property and its contents are adequately insured. You should inform your Property and Contents Insurers, in writing, of your intention to let the property. Failure to do so may result in the rejection of any subsequent claim. You should ensure that all premiums continue to be paid when due and that the insurance cover does not lapse. We can offer various insurance products relating to the letting of your property. Further information is available on request.

Mortgage	Most mortgage deeds provide that lenders must give their consent before a letting is arranged, many lenders usually make a charge for this. You should consult with your mortgage lender at the earliest opportunity.

Obtaining Possession	A Property would normally be let on an Assured Shorthold Tenancy under the provisions of the Housing Act 1988 for a minimum fixed term of six months. We take every precaution to ensure that possession can be regained at the end of the tenancy. It should be noted however, that once let, the Tenant is entitled to remain in occupation for the full duration of the fixed term providing the covenants contained within the Tenancy Agreement are being complied with. in the event of the Tenant not vacating the property at the end of the Tenancy, recovery of possession may be obtained by Court Order.

Rent Arrears / Legal Action	It can sometimes occur that Tenants, for various reasons, find themselves in difficulties and this can result in problems of rent arrears. If legal action is required in order to obtain payment of rent arrears and/or re-possession of your property then this would involve the services of a solicitor. You can employ your own solicitor if you wish or we can arrange for such matters to be dealt with by a local solicitor. In any event you would be responsible directly for your costs in connection with any legal action taken against the Tenant.

Sale of the Property	Through our connections in the property business we will be able to advise you on the sale of the property, even if you are abroad.

Outgoings	You should continue to pay your insurance premiums. We do not accept responsibility for the adequacy or otherwise of any insurance cover, nor can we verify service maintenance charges, demands or estimates. We will accept and pay on your behalf demands and accounts which appear to be in order at the time of such payments. You must agree in writing with us at the outset which outgoings you wish us to settle for you.

Income Tax	A new self assessment taxation system was introduced in April 1996. For the purpose of income tax, it is possible to bring all income from UK Property within a single set of rules and to formalise the taxation process for overseas landlords. Whilst we will endevour to offer advice on this matter, we would strongly advise that you arrange for your tax affairs to be dealt with by a qualified accountant. We can recommend accountant to you.