Why choose us to let your property
Finding a tenant for your property is only the beginning of being a Landlord. Making sure your tenants can pay their rent and look after your property is paramount. We can advise you on achievable rental values, referencing, agreements, on-going property management.
We maintain very high professional standards and our office is registered with ARLA [Association of Residential Letting Agents]. We are members of TDS for deposit protection and The Ombudsman Scheme for lettings and have agreed to follow the TPO Code of Practice for Residential Estate Agents which goes well beyond that required by law.
A Local, Personal and Unbeatable Service
As an independent Estate and Letting Agent, Bennett Jones has continued to go from strength to strength, forming partnerships with our clients for over 30 years. Our central office is based in the heart of Dursley, our staff have an extensive knowledge of the area and a wealth of experience making us the best choice for letting your home.
Professional Advice & Expertise
All aspects of your property merit professional care. There are two core service levels available depending on your circumstances and which best suits your requirements. Letting your property can be a complex process which is why you can rely on our fully dedicated team to help guide you through every step of the letting process.
Come and discuss the services and choose an option that can best suit you. Whether that’s a fully managed service to take care of the day to day management and rent collection or simply finding the right tenant for your property, you can find all the advice you need.
| Service | Fully managed | Let only |
|---|---|---|
| Market appraisal, advice on appropriate rent level, market conditions, refurbishment requirements | ✓ | ✓ |
| Provide guidance on compliance with statutory provisions, letting consents and tax implications | ✓ | ✓ |
| Arranging of pre-tenancy works e.g. Gas/electrical check, Energy Performance Certificate, Inventory/schedule of Condition (contractor invoices charged separately) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Erect board outside property in accordance with Town and Country Planning Act 1990 (where possible) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Comprehensive marketing of the property on relevant portals including Rightmove, Zoopla, Primelocation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Carry out accompanied viewings (as appropriate) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Comprehensive referencing and Right to Rent checks for prospective tenants and guarantors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Advise on non-resident tax status and HMRC (if relevant) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Collect and remit initial months' rent and dilapidations deposit, deducting any fees or contractor invoices | ✓ | ✓ |
| Transferring council tax and utility accounts into new tenants' names and dealing with any discrepancies | ✓ | ✓ |
| Registering tenant deposit with recognised deposit scheme at start of tenancy | ✓ | ✓ |
| Contract negotiation and drawing up tenancy agreements | ✓ | ✓ |
| Demand and collect the monthly rent and pay to landlord deducting any agreed contractor payments | ✓ | |
| Arrange routine repairs, safety checks and instruct approved contractors once quotes approved | ✓ | |
| Undertake regular property inspections, advise landlord of the outcome and follow up with tenant | ✓ | |
| Out of hours emergency contact for tenants 365 days a year | ✓ | |
| Holding deposit in a protected deposit scheme for duration of tenancy | ✓ | |
| Pursue non-payment of rent and provide advice on rent arrears actions | ✓ | |
| Undertake end of tenancy inspection and handle any associated deposit negotiations between landlord and tenant | ✓ | |
| Inform service suppliers and local authority at end of tenancy | ✓ | |
| Where appropriate serve possession notices to tenants | ✓ | |
| Annual income/expenditure statement (on request) | ✓ | |
| Access to landlord 'Propertyfile' Portal | ✓ |
Letting Fee Information
All Prices inclusive of VAT
Set-up Fee: Advertising, accompanied viewings, referencing prospective tenants, contract negotiation and drawing up tenancy agreements.
Let Only = 84% of first months rent (subject to minimum fee of £720.00)
Fully Managed = Fixed Fee of £600.00
Monthly Managed charge of 15% of the monthly rent
Optional Extras:
Rent Guarantee: Covering the full rent in the event of non-payment by the tenant and subject to approved tenant references being obtained. Only available for landlords on Full Management service = £24.00 per month.
Tenancy Agreement: Drawing up one-off legal contract between landlord and tenant (included as part of the Let Only or Full Management setup) = £120.00
Rent Review: Review rent during tenancy and in accordance with current prevailing market conditions, advise the landlord, negotiate with the tenant(s), direct tenant(s) to make a payment change as appropriate and serve a Section 13 Notice if the tenancy is on a periodic basis. Fee for Full Management = £42.00, Fee for Let Only =£60.00
Service of Legal Notices: Included in Full Management, Fee for Let Only = £120.00
Tenants Permitted Payments
Holding Deposit – This is to reserve a property. Equivalent to one week’s rent. Please note this will be withheld if any relevant person (including any guarantor/s withdraw from the tenancy, fail a Right-to-Rent check, provide materially significant false or misleading information, or fail to sign their tenancy agreement (and/or) Deed of Guarantee) within 15 calendar days (or other Deadline for Agreement as mutually agreed in writing).
Security Deposit – Five week’s rent. This covers damages or defaults on the part of the tenant during the tenancy.
Lost key(s) or other security devices – Tenants are liable to the actual cost of replacing any lost key(s) or other security device(s). If the loss results in locks needing to be changed, the actual costs of a locksmith, new lock and replacement keys for the tenant, landlord or any other persons requiring keys will be charged to the tenant. If extra costs are incurred there will be a charge of £15 per hour for the time taken replacing lost key(s) or other security device(s).
Variation of contact (Tenant’s request) – £50 per agreed variation. To cover the costs associated with taking landlord’s instructions as well as the preparation and execution of new legal documents.
Change of sharer (Tenant’s request) – £50 per replacement tenant or any reasonable costs incurred if higher. To cover the costs associated with taking landlord’s instructions, new tenant referencing and Right-to-Rent checks, deposit registration as well as the preparation and execution of new legal documents
Early Termination (Tenant’s request) – Should the tenant wish to leave their contract early they shall be liable to the landlord’s costs in re-letting the property as well as all rent due under the tenancy until the start date of the replacement tenancy. These costs will be no more than the maximum amount of rent outstanding on the tenancy.
Meet the Lettings Team
Tom Russell
Tom has a decade’s worth of experience as a Director at Bennett Jones and has run the Lettings department since 2010. His genuine desire to strive for excellence has increased this side of the business by over 200%. Tom has completed a degree in Building Surveying at UWE, Bristol and has achieved a Level 4 in ARLA Propertymark.
Thomas Smith
Thomas joined the company in 2016 and has since achieved a Level 3 in his ARLA Propertymark qualifications in Lettings and Property Management making him your local lettings expect. His strong knowledge of the area and desire to help others has made him an integral part of the Lettings Department.
Kayley Parsons
Kayley joined the Lettings Department in 2022 and has quickly become an important part of the team. Working in the town for over a decade she has an excellent knowledge of the local area and people.
Lucy Furneaux
Lucy is our newest addition to the expanding lettings team with a previous career in administration. Bringing a can-do attitude and a keen eye for attention to detail.
