RENTING YOUR PROPERTY THROUGH GIBSON LANE

THE LETTING PROCESS

Preparing Your Property for Rent

Before marketing your property, it is important to consider how it will be presented to prospective tenants. A clean, well-maintained property with neutral décor, freshly painted walls and good-quality flooring will always create a strong first impression and help attract suitable tenants.

Ensuring the property is safe, compliant and professionally presented from the outset also demonstrates that, as a landlord, you take pride in the condition of your property and expect it to be well looked after throughout the tenancy.

Before marketing can commence, you will need to ensure the property has a valid Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) that complies with current minimum energy efficiency regulations.

Finding the Right Tenant

Selecting the right tenant is one of the most important aspects of a successful tenancy. Taking the time to fully understand each applicant’s circumstances, employment status and suitability for the property can help create a positive and long-lasting relationship between landlord, tenant and agent.

At Gibson Lane, we conduct comprehensive referencing and affordability checks to ensure prospective tenants meet the necessary criteria. While first impressions are important, keeping an open mind is equally valuable — applicants who may not initially appear to be the obvious choice can often become excellent long-term tenants.

Your Rights and Responsibilities

Residential lettings are governed by extensive legislation and regulatory requirements, and landlords must ensure they remain compliant throughout the tenancy.

From safety regulations and deposit protection to right-to-rent obligations and tenancy documentation, professional guidance is essential in helping landlords avoid unnecessary risk and remain fully compliant with current legislation.

GIBSON LANE SERVICES

As an independent agency, Gibson Lane offers flexible services tailored to each landlord’s individual requirements. Whether you require a tenant-find service or full property management, our experienced team can guide you through every stage of the letting process and advise you on all current legal and compliance obligations.

Below is an overview of our service levels.

Tenant Find Service – 12% inc VAT

Our Tenant Find Service is designed for landlords who wish to manage the tenancy themselves once the tenant has moved in.

This service includes:

• Advice on preparing and marketing your property
• Guidance on current lettings legislation and compliance requirements
• Professional marketing across major property portals including Rightmove, Zoopla, OnTheMarket and the Gibson Lane website
• Accompanied viewings
• Negotiation of offers on your behalf
• Comprehensive tenant referencing and affordability checks
• Preparation of tenancy documentation
• Collection of the first month’s rent and tenancy deposit
• Registration of the tenancy deposit within a government-approved deposit protection scheme
• Arrangement of the inventory and check-in process

Once the tenancy has commenced, the tenant will be provided with the landlord’s contact details for ongoing day-to-day management and maintenance matters.

Rent Collection Service – 15% inc VAT

This service includes everything contained within the Tenant Find Service, together with ongoing rent collection and financial administration.

Additional services include:

• Collection and transfer of monthly rental payments
• Rent statements and payment records
• Chasing overdue rent payments where necessary
• Advice regarding rent arrears procedures

Fully Managed Service – 18% inc VAT

Our Fully Managed Service is designed to provide landlords with complete peace of mind by allowing Gibson Lane to oversee the day-to-day management of the tenancy on your behalf.

This service includes everything within the Tenant Find and Rent Collection Services, together with:

• A dedicated property manager as your primary point of contact
• Regular property inspections with written feedback reports
• Management of maintenance issues and repairs
• Organisation of statutory compliance requirements, including annual gas safety inspections where applicable
• Obtaining quotations for larger works and repairs
• Liaising with utility providers and local authorities regarding account transfers
• Guidance and support at the end of the tenancy
• Management of the tenancy deposit return process, including negotiation of any proposed deductions where appropriate

This service ensures your property is professionally managed throughout the tenancy while minimising the stress and time commitment involved in being a landlord.

THE BENEFITS OF PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

Having your property professionally managed by Gibson Lane provides far more than simply dealing with maintenance issues as they arise.

Our ARLA Propertymark-trained team is available to provide guidance and support throughout the tenancy, ensuring landlords remain informed and compliant with current legislation.

Gibson Lane is a member of ARLA Propertymark, The Property Ombudsman and a government-approved Client Money Protection scheme, giving landlords confidence that their property and funds are handled professionally and securely.

With access to trusted contractors and 24-hour emergency support, you can be assured that urgent property issues will be dealt with efficiently and cost-effectively.

Entrusting your property to Gibson Lane allows you to enjoy the benefits of property investment without the day-to-day pressures of property management.

LANDLORDS LIVING OVERSEAS

If you own a rental property in the UK but live abroad for a period of six months or more, you may be classed as an Overseas Landlord under HMRC’s Non-Resident Landlord (NRL) Scheme.

Under the scheme, a UK letting agent may be required to deduct basic rate tax from rental income collected on behalf of non-resident landlords and pay this directly to HMRC.

Landlords can apply directly to HMRC for approval to receive rental income gross without deductions, subject to meeting HMRC’s criteria.

Further information regarding the Non-Resident Landlord Scheme can be found on the HMRC website here.