Tenants:

Finding the right tenant for your property is a fundamental pre-requisite in the creation of a successful tenancy. We therefore help you to identify your specific needs and preferences with regard to the property as well as your preferred tenant profile. Following this we will then match prospective tenants to the information provided and proceed to arrange accompanied viewings to the property. At Harbour Properties we feel that it is important to accompany prospective tenants to all viewings as it not only allows us to impart information to the tenant with regards to the property and its surrounding area but it also allows us to form a view as to whether we feel that the individual would be a suitable tenant for the property.

Here at Harbour Properties we manage properties for both private tenants (those in employment who are able to meet the rental commitment in full), and Housing Benefit tenants (those who are eligible for help in paying their rent). Both groups of tenants are fully vetted by a nationally recognised referencing agency prior to the offer of a tenancy. This procedure includes a full credit check, address verification, employment confirmation (where applicable) and a reference from a previous landlord or management agency (where applicable). In the case of Housing Benefit tenants, where applicable a guarantor must be provided for the tenancy.   

Tenancies:

All tenancies created by Harbour Properties are Assured Shorthold Tenancy Agreements, and unless otherwise directed by you, we always recommend that a tenancy is created for an initial fixed term of six months. At the end of this fixed period, if both landlord and tenant are satisfied with the tenancy, and both parties are happy for it to continue, then the tenant can remain in the property until such time that either party gives notice that they wish the tenancy to end.

Deposits:

Prior to the commencement of every tenancy, we ensure that the tenant has paid a holding deposit (bond), which is retained by Harbour Properties. This deposit is returnable to the tenant at the end of the tenancy, provided that the terms of the tenancy have been adhered to. Before returning this deposit, we always undertake an inspection of the vacated property to determine that it has been left in a satisfactory condition.

Commencement of Tenancy:

Prior to the tenant moving in, we will carry out a full inventory and schedule of condition of the property. This will detail all of the items within the property including carpets and décor and briefly detail the condition of each item. The inventory is then agreed and signed by Harbour Properties and the tenant shortly after the commencement of tenancy. On the day of move in utility meter readings are also taken and communicated to the utility companies were possible, and the local Council are also advised of the change of occupancy for Council Tax purposes.

Notices:

All notices under the relevant Housing Act are served by Harbour Properties, and as Housing Act regulations change, these are updated on a regular basis to ensure compliance.

Two full months notice is required to a tenant to terminate the agreement and the tenant is required to give one full months to do same. On a Fixed Term Tenancy Agreement the tenant has a right to remain in the property until the end of that Fixed Term, whether notice has been served or not. Equally the tenant has to abide that they will serve the full duration of the Fixed Term Tenancy Agreement including the full payment of rent.

In the unusual and extreme circumstance where it is necessary to apply to the County Court to obtain a possession notice, the interests of the landlord are fully represented by Harbour Properties. We will prepare all necessary papers for the preparation of any Court Hearings and deal with the correspondence from the County Court on behalf of the landlord. In other words, Harbour Properties ‘manage’ the tenancy from its commencement to its full conclusion, including the legal process, if this becomes necessary.

End Of Tenancy:

At the end of the tenancy period, we make arrangements to meet with the tenant at the property and undertake a final inspection including taking all utility readings. In addition we obtain a forwarding address for the tenants, should we need to contact them further in relation to the tenancy and for the utility companies for final accounts to be settled. 

Property Inspections:

During the course of a six-month term, we would normally undertake two inspections – one within the first 21 days and subsequently later in the tenancy term. This allows us ascertain the tenants intentions with regards to the extension of the tenancy, if applicable, as well as being able to report back to the landlord with regards to our recommendations for the extension of the tenancy, if applicable.  All inspections are carried out on an appointment basis and with the consent of the tenant.