Letting a property can be a complicated process. This step-by-step guide has been designed to walk you through the process of letting your property.

Step 1: Getting an accurate valuation
Your aim should be to let your property at the best possible price in the shortest possible time. Our expert valuers carry out many valuations every month, giving us intimate and unparalleled knowledge of property values in your area. This is why we consistently achieve the asking price across all our clients’ properties.

Call us on 01443 809836 or complete the valuation request form.

Arrange a valuation

Step 2: Choosing an estate agent

When choosing a letting agent consider their opening hours, when they will be available to conduct viewings, their high street presence and what kind of marketing your property will receive. These are critical to obtaining the maximum rental value for your property.

You should also check if your agent will organise your government-required Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) on your behalf or if you need to arrange this yourself. You are responsible for making this document available to prospective and future tenants. Bayside can arrange this for you.

Step 3: Benefits of guaranteed rent

Most landlords are already familiar with the Guaranteed Rent insurance policies. However, most landlords don’t like the aspect of waiting to get the insurance pay-out, filling in forms, having to send in documentation, to shop around for solicitor’s costs, learn about the court system and worst of all having to bear a 1 month excess.

With our Guaranteed Rent, there are no small print requirements, no excess amounts, no forms or any requirement for landlords to source solicitors.
Plain and simple, we handle all the paperwork and we pay you every month, even if the tenant doesn’t, up until vacant possession.

Step 4: Consider property management

Property management can be the key to reaping maximum rental returns on your property. Many tenants insist on renting managed properties and are often prepared to pay a premium for this.

Instructing Bayside to manage your property gives you peace of mind that both your property and tenant will be cared for 24/7. Your dedicated Property Manager will look after the general day-to-day management and more complex issues such as emergency repairs, collection of rent, transfer of utilities and much more.

Step 5: Presenting your property

First impressions count, making the presentation of your property critical to a successful let. Consider addressing any DIY jobs you have been meaning to get done, add a fresh coat of paint where necessary and try to declutter to make rooms appear larger.
Lee Dare our professional ‘Photographer’ will then take photographs, Mark Edwards will create 360° tours, we will write comprehensive property descriptions, all in just one visit.

Step 6: Preparing your property for tenancy

Before you let your property for the first time you must obtain a professional and comprehensive inventory. This will set out the condition and contents of the property. Bayside will carry out a professional inventory on your behalf.

Long term tenancies (6 months or more) 

You are responsible for checking that the tenants have set up accounts with utility companies, telephone supplier, council tax and TV licensing.

Step 7: Marketing your property

To find your perfect tenant you need to give your property maximum exposure across a wide range of media.

When you instruct Bayside to let your property you will automatically benefit from our unrivalled, comprehensive marketing package, including: exposure on our website, full colour property details and key property titles, email and SMS alerts and PR.

Step 8: Viewings arranged

We will book and conduct viewings with all potential tenants. Keeping you informed with new interest in your property and feedback from viewings, once received from potential tenants.

We are flexible and will try to attend viewings when it is most convenient for the potential tenants. Viewings can be conducted after work and at weekends.

Step 9: Receiving and agreeing an offer

As soon as an offer is received we will contact you to communicate full details of the offer along with any special conditions to help you decide whether or not to accept.

Once you accept an offer we will do the following, regardless of whether your property is managed:
Collect references from the tenants.
Arrange signing of the Tenancy Agreement.
Collect moving-in payment (rent + deposit).
We can also, subject to a fee, get your property ready for move-in and:
Carry out check-in and inventory.
Organise Gas Safety Inspection and Portable Appliance Test.
Arrange professional cleaning of your property.
For your added peace of mind, where applicable we will 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.

Step 10: Completion

Upon completion, keys will be released to the inventory clerk or the tenant on moving-in day.

For managed properties, we will provide the tenant with contact details for our office, where we will deal with all enquiries and maintenance issues.

Congratulations, your property is now let!