Are there any upfront costs, setup fees, or hidden charges?

No. We pride ourselves on transparency. There are no hidden fees, no upfront costs, and no commissions. The guaranteed rent amount we agree upon is exactly what you receive each month. All our cosmetic upgrades to prepare your property are completed at our expense, and we handle all ongoing management and maintenance costs during the contract term.

How long is the minimum contract term, and are there penalties for early termination?

Our standard guaranteed rent agreements are for 3-5 years, though we can discuss shorter or longer terms depending on your circumstances. We understand that situations change, so our agreements include a notice period of 6 months. Termination is possible if the agreed terms and conditions are not met by the property manager. There are no penalties for early termination beyond the agreed notice period.

When do I receive my first payment, and what is the ongoing payment schedule?

Your first payment will be made on the agreed start date. Thereafter, you will receive your guaranteed rent on the same date each month, paid directly to your bank account via standing order. Payments are made regardless of whether the property is occupied or in a void period.

What happens to the rent if property values or market rates increase during our contract?

The guaranteed rent is fixed for the duration of the contract term. However, we include rent review clauses every 3 years. If you choose to extend the contract at the end of the initial term, we will conduct a fresh market assessment and can adjust the guaranteed rent to reflect current market conditions.

Do you require a rent-free period at the start while you prepare the property?

We will require approximately 2 weeks to complete our set-up works. Your guaranteed rent payments begin once the property meets our standards and is ready to let.

If you achieve a higher rent than guaranteed, do I receive any share of the additional income?

No, the guaranteed rent amount is fixed. This arrangement allows us to manage the property profitably while absorbing all the risks associated with void periods and pricing fluctuations.

What cosmetic upgrades will you make, and do I have approval rights?

We assess each property individually and create a tailored upgrade plan. Typical improvements include fresh paint throughout, updated flooring where necessary, modern fixtures, professional deep cleaning, and minor repairs to ensure the property meets our high letting standards. We provide you with a detailed scope of works before we begin, and while we take care of everything at our cost, we are happy to discuss the plans with you. Our goal is to enhance your property’s appeal and rental value without making structural changes that would require your formal approval.

Who pays for ongoing maintenance and repairs during the contract?

We cover all routine maintenance and repairs during the contract term. This includes everything from plumbing issues and electrical repairs to appliance servicing and general wear and tear. This is part of our fully managed service, giving you a truly hands-off experience.

What happens if major repairs are needed (boiler, roof, etc.)?

For significant structural repairs or major system replacements (such as boilers, roofs, or major plumbing work), we operate on the following basis: These remain the landlord responsibility as they are capital improvements. We obtain quotes and project-manage the work, but these costs would be borne by you.

How often will you inspect the property during the contract?

We conduct regular inspections quarterly to ensure the property is being well-maintained and to identify any issues early. You will receive a detailed inspection report with photographs after each visit, so you are always informed about your property’s condition.

What condition will my property be in at the end of the agreement?

Your property will be returned to you in excellent condition. We maintain the property to high standards throughout the contract, and before handover, we will conduct a thorough clean and address any outstanding maintenance issues. You will receive the property back in the same or better condition than when we took it on, accounting for fair wear and tear.

Do I need a specific EPC rating or safety certificates before you take on my property?

Yes, your property must meet current letting standards. This includes a minimum EPC rating of C or above by 2030, valid Gas Safety Certificate (if applicable), Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) within the last five years, and all necessary smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. If your property doesn’t currently meet these standards, we can arrange for the necessary works to be completed at cost price.

Will you handle all compliance requirements (gas safety, electrical, etc.)?

Absolutely. We take full responsibility for all ongoing compliance requirements during the contract term. This includes annual gas safety certificates, periodic electrical testing, and ensuring all safety equipment is tested and maintained. You will receive copies of all certificates for your records.

Who will be living in my property?

This depends on your property type and location. We'll place carefully vetted short-term professional at your property.  For properties in high-demand short-stay locations, we may operate them as serviced accommodation with guests staying for shorter periods. We'll agree on the letting strategy with you before the contract begins.

How do you screen tenants or guests?

We have rigorous screening procedures in place. For short-term guests, we use verified booking platforms and maintain strict house rules. All occupants must meet our high standards before being approved.

Will I know who is staying in my property?

As we take on the full management responsibility, we handle all occupant relationships directly. However, we are happy to provide summary information about occupancy upon request.

What happens if there is damage beyond normal wear and tear?

We carry comprehensive insurance that covers malicious damage. Any damage is repaired promptly at no cost to you, ensuring your property remains in excellent condition. This is part of the risk we absorb as part of the guaranteed rent model.

How do you handle anti-social behaviour or complaints from neighbours?

We take any issues very seriously. We have clear agreements with strict conduct clauses, and we respond immediately to any complaints. If necessary, we take action including cancellation of bookings. Our reputation depends on maintaining good relationships with neighbours and the local community.

Am I liable for anything during the contract period?

You remain the legal owner of the property, so you retain ultimate responsibility for building insurance and structural integrity. However, we assume responsibility for all day-to-day management, compliance, and contents insurance. We ensure you are fully aware of your minimal ongoing obligations.

Can I visit my property during the contract, and how much notice do I need to give?

Yes, though we ask that you provide 48 hours; notice so we can arrange access and inform any occupants. We encourage landlords to attend our regular inspections if they wish. Remember, with occupants in residence, we must respect their right to quiet enjoyment of the property.

What type of agreement will we sign, and can my solicitor review it?

We enter into a Management Agreement where Little Door Properties becomes the tenant /property manager of your property. We absolutely encourage you to have your solicitor review the agreement before signing. We can provide the contract template in advance to facilitate this review.

What insurance do you carry, and what insurance do I still need to maintain?

We maintain comprehensive private indemnity, public liability, and contents insurance for the property. You will need to maintain buildings insurance in your name, as you remain the property owner. We can provide guidance on appropriate coverage levels and recommend specialist landlord insurance providers if needed.

Are you registered with any property industry bodies or redress schemes?

Yes, we are members of the National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA) and registered with PRS (Property Redress Scheme) and ICO (Information Commissioner Office). We operate to the highest professional standards and comply with all relevant regulations.

What happens if your company goes into administration?

While we're a financially stable and growing business, we understand this concern. In the unlikely event of administration, you would regain possession of your property with all tenancy agreements assigned back to you, ensuring continuity of rental income.

Do I need landlord insurance, and what specific coverage is required?

Yes, you must maintain buildings insurance as the property owner. We recommend ensuring your policy covers the property being used for serviced accommodation purposes. We can provide a letter confirming our management arrangement for your insurer. Public liability insurance is covered by us.

Will this affect my mortgage?

If you have a mortgage, you must inform your lender that you are renting the property and obtain their consent (buy-to-let consent). We recommend discussing this with your mortgage provider or broker before we proceed. We can provide documentation about our service to support your discussions with lenders.

What are the tax implications - am I still responsible for declaring rental income?

Yes, the guaranteed rent you receive is taxable income and must be declared to HMRC. We recommend consulting with an accountant, but generally, you can deduct expenses such as mortgage interest, insurance, and any major repairs you pay for. The guaranteed rent model can simplify your tax affairs as you have a predictable, consistent income. We can provide annual statements showing all payments made to you.

What are my three options at the end of the agreement?

At the end of our agreement, you have three choices:

1. Extend the contract – We’ll conduct a fresh market assessment and can agree on new terms for another period of guaranteed rent.

2. Have the property returned to you – We will hand back the property in excellent condition.

3. Sell the property to us or an investor in our network at market value or explore other options.

How much notice do I need to give if I do not want to renew?

We require 3 months; notice before the end of the contract term if you do not wish to renew. This allows us to plan appropriately and ensure a smooth transition. We will contact you 6 months before the contract ends to discuss your intentions.

What is the handover process like at contract end?

We make the handover as smooth as possible. We will conduct a final inspection together, provide you with all keys, documentation, and safety certificates. You will receive a full handover report with photographs, details of any works completed during our term, and recommendations for ongoing maintenance. We are available after handover to answer any questions during your transition period.

What happens if you can’t find occupants - do I still get paid?

Yes, absolutely. That’s the whole point of our guaranteed rent service. Whether the property is occupied or void, you receive your guaranteed rent payment on the same date every month. We absorb all the risk and cost associated with void periods. Finding and retaining quality tenants is our responsibility, not yours.

How quickly can we get started once I agree?

Once you've decided to proceed, we can typically begin within 2-4 weeks. The timeline includes:

• Light cosmetic upgrade works: 4 weeks, depending on scope

•  Property setup: 2-4 weeks.

• Agreement preparation: 7-14 days

• First rent payment: Date based on agreement start date

We work efficiently while ensuring everything is done to our high standards.

What documentation do you need from me?

We'll need:

• Proof of ownership (title deeds or recent mortgage statement)

• Current EPC certificate

• Gas Safety Certificate (if applicable)

• Electrical Installation Condition Report (if available)

• Building insurance details

• Mortgage lender consent (if mortgaged)

• Photo ID and proof of address Bank details for rent payments

We'll provide a complete checklist and can assist with obtaining any missing documents.

How do you communicate with landlords - portal, email, phone?

We believe in clear, regular communication. We provide property information, payment history, and inspection reports. You'll also have our direct contact details, and we will send monthly statements. We're always available by phone or email if you have questions or concerns.

Can I switch from guaranteed rent back to traditional letting if I'm unhappy?

While we're confident, you'll be delighted with our service, we understand circumstances change. You can discuss changing to a traditional management arrangement with us at any time, subject to reasonable notice. We want our landlords to be happy and will work with you to find the best solution.

Do you work with estate agents, or would this affect my relationship with my current agent?

We work collaboratively with estate agents, we're not competitors. In fact, many estate agents recommend us to their landlord clients because we provide a solution they don't offer. If you currently use an agent for traditional letting, we can explain to them how our service works. We also accept referrals from agents and can offer finder's fees for introductions.

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If you have any questions not covered here, or you'd like to discuss your property and receive a no-obligation guaranteed rent assessment, please contact us:

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Little Door Properties

‍M: 07943 870 941

E: Info@littledoorproperties.co.uk

‍W: www.littledoorproperties.co.uk

We look forward to providing you with the stress-free, guaranteed income you deserve from your property investment.

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