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Residential Lettings is a growing area of our business and we have a fast turnaround of properties throughout Barnsley, Rotherham and Doncaster.
Headed by Matthew Smith, our team has extensive experience and the expertise to offer you a friendly and professional service. We understand the needs of both landlords and tenants when it comes to rentals and aim to make the whole process as simple as possible.
By taking care of the whole process from viewings and applications to vetting potential tenants and drawing up contracts, we aim to achieve lettings that perfectly meet the requirements of both the landlord and tenant.
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Landlords
Whether you have a portfolio of properties throughout South Yorkshire or this is your first venture into the Buy to Let market, our team are always on hand to advise.
We offer a free valuation of your property and independent marketing advice, without obligation and can provide distinctive publicity material including colour photographs that will make your property stand out.
We also offer the option to advertise your property on the Merryweathers website free of charge and arrange local press advertising to fill your property as quickly as possible, as well as advising on online opportunities.
All potential tenants are fully vetted through personal and work references, as well as references from previous landlords. A credit search is also necessary to ensure a trouble-free tenancy. We can also advise on matters such as setting a bond and drawing up a contract.
As well as providing an agency service, we also offer a full management option which many landlords choose for both their convenience and peace of mind. This includes:
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a tenant finding service |
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vetting service |
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collecting bonds and rent |
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advising on rent reviews and contract extensions |
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arranging quarterly inspections to ensure the property is being looked after |
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final inspection on vacation of the property |
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marketing the property when vacant to avoid prolonged void periods |
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acting as first point of contact for tenants |
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liaising with relevant qualified trades people if maintenance is necessary |
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We can also just offer a tenant finding service. This involves marketing the property, vetting potential tenants and collecting the first month’s rent and bond. The landlord will then manage the property themselves. This service is specifically tailored to landlords who may be in the building trade and choose to undertake their own maintenance or for landlords who live in a close proximity to the rented accommodation.
Tenants
Whether you are looking for a city apartment or a detached family home, we are sure to have a property to suit from our extensive portfolio.
From viewing a property to signing a tenancy agreement, our team will always be on hand to advise you and make the whole process as simple as possible. As all our staff are local people, they have a good knowledge of the area and can advise on both the type of property and location to suit your needs.
Here are a few frequently asked questions from tenants. If you have a question that is not answered below then contact a member of our team and they will be happy to assist you.
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When do I need to start looking for a property? |
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You should start looking about 4 weeks before you need to move. If you start looking too early, you are likely to see a property that is available before you are.
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How much rent should I be looking to pay? |
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We would advise that your earnings are at least 2 ½ times the rent and referencing agencies will generally insist on this or require a guarantor.
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What sort of agreement will I have? |
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We will provide you with an Assured shorthold tenancy agreement. This would be for a minimum of 6 months.
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I have seen a property that I really like. What should I do next? |
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Once you have decided to take a property, you should talk to our lettings manager Matthew Smith or you can call the lettings team on 0845 22 555 41 as soon as possible in order to agree on the terms of the tenancy. You will be required to fill in our tenants application form. Once all references have been returned and we have received the remainder of the monies due in cleared funds, contracts have been signed you will be able to move into your chosen property.
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What will I need to pay before I move in? |
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You will normally have to pay one months rent in advance and a minimum of one months rent as a damage deposit although this can be increased at the landlords request. There is also a referencing fee. The full amount would need to be paid to us in cleared funds before you can move in. Cleared funds would be cash, a bankers draft ( this takes at least 2 working days to show in our account) or a cheque (provided you have allowed at least a week for it to clear).
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What happens about references? |
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We normally use a referencing agency. You simply have to complete a form giving us details such as your addresses for the past 3 years, employment details etc. If you are a student you will also need to provide us with details of a guarantor. The guarantor needs to be someone who is earning at least 3 times the rent and will have the same responsibilities as the tenant. The referencing process is usually completed within 7 days but can be completed quicker if required.
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What do I do about utility bills etc? |
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We will inform the council tax, however we will leave the water, gas and electric to the tenant to inform of the date that you moved in and meter readings where appropriate. You will need to arrange telephone accounts, TV licence and any other services that you might require (like broadband or digital TV).
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For more information on our wide range of services for landlords and tenants contact Matt Smith:
Tel: 0845 225 5541
Fax: 01709 837770
Email: msmith@merryweathers.co.uk |
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