Average tenancies are now nearly 40 months, a figure that has been growing for some years. This reflects the fact Owners are improving their properties to make it more likely they get long term stable tenancies. Sadly despite this, there are a minority of tenants who choose to leave sooner, or not live within the terms of their tenancy. Inevitably these cause a spike in workload, meaning a spike in costs.
Rather than share these costs across all owners, the majority of whom have long term stable tenancies, we charge these costs to the Owner affected.
The following are our main event based services:
The most significant event to most Owners is a tenancy changeover. We have always charged to find a tenant, we also charge for the end of tenancy visit and negotiations, usually called “checkout”. This service includes the end of tenancy review of property condition; assess what claims from the deposit may be justified; produce evidence to support claims; agree levels with Owner; meet the requirements to negotiate to reach an agreement; handle utility notification; finalise the amounts between both parties; conclude all paperwork and deposit protection requirements.
We keep this separate from the cost to find a tenant as it is not always needed, e.g. in a long term tenancy where no problems anticipated, or Owners are not reletting the property.
If our advice about justifiable claims from the deposit are not followed and negotiations become extended we will add our £60 hourly charge for the extended negotiations.
If you choose the Concierge Service, this service is not chargeable.
We need to protect Owners so do not complete the old ‘spot check’ but complete a more comprehensive Safety Compliance visit. For more details on the risks of not doing these visits please see our Safety Compliance page.
Sadly these visits take significantly longer to complete, plus we need to update our systems to ensure accurate records.
We will complete the first of these in any tenancy at no charge as part of the tenancy start for all service packages except Self-Manage and Set up and Monitor packages. Thereafter we will schedule these on a chargeable basis twice a year for the first 18 months of a tenancy, reducing to annually, unless you choose to change the frequency.
If you choose the Concierge Service, these visits are not chargeable.
A separate property visit is needed specifically to check for compliance issues, typically for military residents
For more background a explanation please see our contractor management page.
Owner preferred contractor – to put through formal vetting and approval – £75 inc. VAT
Chase for Owner preferred contractor failing to complete safety compliance certificate a week before due – £45 inc. VAT
Managing works through Owner service contracts – £75 per hour inc. VAT.
Loan of emergency heaters – £75 to supply, deliver and collect up to three heaters
Manage works or access for block management companies – £90 per issue
Manage major repairs or projects, typically £1,000+, or general property issues not related to tenancy, 10% of cost, subject to £75 minimum
Very professional organisation that gives good service to both the tenants as well as the landlord. Highly recommended.
Roger Steel
Landlord
All staff at Maxine Lester Residential Lettings are trained to a high standard and I have always found Lisa Gadsby very efficien
Phil Green
Landlord
Every time we have contacted Maxine Lester everyone has been so helpful. We have always had any issues dealt with promptly and...
Jake Benstead
Tenant
Excellent service all round, keeping us informed regularly on our property, always contactable and willing to help with any query.
Paula Frame
Landlord
All telephone calls recorded for training and quality
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