Choosing the Right Agent
Finding the right letting agent is key to achieving the best rental value and a seamless process. At Hawthorn & Co, we know what it takes to stand out. Here's what you should look for:
- Presentation: Do they use professional photography, video tours or floorplans?
- Communication: Check reviews from both tenants and landlords to gauge their approach. Ask questions like:
- Who will be your main point of contact?
- How experienced is that person?
- When can you expect rent payments to reach your account?
- Is their property management local?
- At Hawthorn & Co, we pride ourselves on personal, consistent service—you’ll deal with the same trusted expert throughout, ensuring smooth communication and peace of mind.
2. The Consultation and Valuation
Your journey starts with a professional valuation. At Hawthorn & Co, we’ll:
- Bring comparable local rental data to justify our pricing.
- Outline a clear strategy to achieve the best rental price in the shortest time.
- Guide you through the latest legal requirements to ensure compliance.
We don’t just value properties; we craft a tailored plan to set you up for success.
3. Selecting the Right Service
Choose a service that matches your needs:
- Let Only: We’ll market your property and find the right tenant.
- Rent Collection: We collect monthly rent while you manage the property.
- Full Management: Leave everything to us—from collecting rent to handling all tenant queries.
We’ll also help you decide whether to let your property furnished, part-furnished, or unfurnished. Don’t forget, an EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) is a legal requirement before marketing begins—we can guide you through this process.
4. Launching the Marketing Campaign
Once you’ve chosen Hawthorn & Co, we’ll hit the ground running with:
- Professional marketing across all major platforms.
- Targeted social media campaigns to reach the perfect audience.
- A prominent ‘To Let’ board to capture local interest.
- Accompanied viewings for every potential tenant, giving you the freedom to step back while we handle the details.
5. Securing the Right Tenant
Once viewings begin, offers will start to come in. We’ll negotiate the best rent for your property and secure it with a holding deposit. At Hawthorn & Co, we ensure peace of mind by conducting:
- Reference checks with previous landlords and employers.
- Credit history and affordability checks (tenants should earn at least 30x the monthly rent).
- Right to Rent checks, ensuring legal compliance.
We don’t just find tenants; we find the right tenants for your property.
6. Setting Up the Tenancy
Legislation changes constantly, and setting up a tenancy can be complex. At Hawthorn & Co, we take care of every detail, ensuring your property is safe, compliant, and ready for tenants to move in. From safety certificates to tenancy agreements, we’ve got you covered.
7. Moving In
Once references are approved, a move-in date will be agreed upon. Beforehand, tenants will transfer their first month’s rent and deposit. On move-in day, we’ll:
- Meet the tenant to complete the tenancy agreement.
- Conduct a professional inventory.
- Hand over the keys and ensure a smooth start to their tenancy.
8. When Tenants Move Out
When the tenancy ends, you can choose to:
- Renew the agreement.
- Serve notice to the tenant and relist your property.
Should tenants move out, we’ll arrange an exit inventory and return the deposit (minus any deductions for damages). Then, we’ll prepare your property for its next chapter—finding new tenants with the same dedication and expertise.
At Hawthorn & Co, we’re here to make every step of letting stress-free and successful. Whether it’s your first time or you’re a seasoned landlord, trust us to take care of your investment.
