FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS BY LANDLORDS DOES IT MATTER HOW THE PROPERTY LOOKS FOR VIEWINGS? Yes. To have the best chance of letting the property quickly it should be in a generally clean and tidy condition with at least a reasonable standard of decoration. Neutral décor and wood floors are popular at present and bedrooms show better when beds are made up.     DO I HAVE TO TELL ANYONE THAT I AM LETTING THE PROPERTY? If you have a mortgage on the property then the mortgage company's consent may be required to let the property, otherwise you may find that you are in breach of your mortgage conditions. Likewise, you may be required to obtain Head Agent consent from the Freeholder of the building.     DO I HAVE TO CLEAN THE PROPERTY BEFORE THE TENANCY STARTS? Yes, use a professional cleaning company to clean the property before the Inventory Report is prepared. At the end of the tenancy the Tenant will be responsible for ensuring that the property is left in the same clean condition.     WHY DO I NEED A GAS SAFETY CERTIFICATE? Landlords must ensure that all appliances and pipe work are maintained in a safe condition in accordance with Government legislation. Therefore, each year Landlords have to provide Tenants with an official Gas Safety Record prepare by a CORGI registered engineer.     WHAT IS AN INVENTORY REPORT? An Inventory Report is usually prepared prior to the commencement of the tenancy. It is a list detailing all furniture, fittings and effects in the property together with a Schedule of Condition of the property.     WHO PAYS FOR THE INVENTORY REPORT? Usually the Landlord pays for the making of an Inventory Report at the start of the tenancy and the Tenant pays for the making of a Check-Out Report at the termination of the tenancy.     WILL REGENTS RESIDENTIAL MANAGE THE PROPERTY FOR ME? Yes, we would be pleased to manage most properties. However, we find that the majority of UK based Landlords do not require Management Services as they are able to deal with small queries themselves.     DO I HAVE TO PAY TAX ON RENTAL INCOME? Rent earned on property does count as income and should be declared on your Tax Return. However, some expenses can be offset and therefore the services of a Chartered Accountant are essential.     WHAT HAPPENS TO THE UTILITY ACCOUNTS? Utility accounts need to be transferred to the Tenant's name at the start of the tenancy and transferred back to the Landlord's name at the end of the tenancy. Meter readings will be required for gas, electricity and some water accounts.     HOW DO I RECEIVE MY RENT? The rent can be paid directly to the Landlord by the Tenant and usually a standing order mandate is set up.