Frequently Asked Questions
Guaranteed Rent FAQs
What is Guaranteed Rent?
Guaranteed Rent (can also be known as Rent to Rent) is a scheme designed to ensure that a landlord has minimal hassle when letting their property. We lease your property from you for a period of time and then rent the property to other tenants on your behalf, taking full control of the property management.
What size properties do you accept and in what areas?
We are able to take any size property onto the Guaranteed Rent scheme. We have a high demand for 1-4 bedroom properties. We will take properties in any London borough or surrounding area.
Is the guaranteed rent scheme worth it for landlords?
We believe Guaranteed Rent is worth it for landlords because you receive consistent rent payments that are guaranteed, even if the property is empty. This gives landlords financial peace of mind, knowing that they will always be paid.
What is the maximum length of contract for guaranteed rent?
We offer landlords flexible contracts, on average from 1 – 5 years to suit your needs, however we can offer contracts up to 10 years for certain properties.
Do you assist with landlord compliance & regulations?
Our management includes ensuring the landlord is compliant with the numerous landlord obligations and legislative requirements to let a property including:
Gas safety regulations
Electrical safety regulations
Energy performance certificate regulations
Right to rent checks
Tenancy deposit protection
Tenant fees act 2019
Smoke and Carbon monoxide regulations
Selective / HMO licencing
Landlord and Tenant act 1985
Housing and planning act 2016
Housing Act 2004
Homes (fitness for human habitation act) 2018
What happens to my property once a tenant moves out?
When a tenant vacates the property during the contract, we will arrange for works to bring the property back up to the required standard, this includes painting, cleaning, fixing damages, etc. We also pay for the council tax and utility bills when the property is empty.
How much rent can I achieve through guaranteed rent?
We always like to see a property before a valuation is given. This gives us the opportunity to check the property meets the required standards and also ensures that you are maximising the rent on your property.
Will you complete works before the property is rented?
Once a property is on our Guaranteed Rent scheme, we are able to complete both small repairs and large refurbishments and are able to offer landlords payment plans to help spread the cost.
Who do you work with on the guaranteed rent scheme?
We work with most London boroughs. This means that we are able to achieve the best possible rent and rent the property in the quickest time possible.
HMO Guaranteed Rent FAQs
Does my HMO need a communal space?
Whether you need a communal space will depend on the type of letting agreement you have. One of our experts will advise you on the needs for your specific property.
Do you pay guaranteed rent for HMOs on a room by room basis?
Unlike private rental, your HMO will be valued as a whole, meaning we will quote you for the whole property.
Do you provide full HMO management?
Yes, Elliot Leigh have the resources to manage your entire property, including any maintenance or repair works.
What if a landlord doesn't have a license?
A landlord without the relevant HMO license can be fined and face repaying up to 12 months' rent.
Can a landlord live in their HMO property?
As a landlord you are legally allowed to live in a HMO with your tenants. However, if you are interested in our Guaranteed Rent scheme, a live-in landlord would not be accepted as we require an empty property.
Who is excempt from an HMO license?
HMOs must have a license if the property is occupied by 5 or more people who rent from the same landlord. Licensing helps to make sure that HMOs are safe and run properly.
What are the responsibilities of an HMO landlord?
As a HMO landlord, you have extra legal responsibilities which includes fire and general safety, water supply and drainage, gas and electricity, waste disposal, and general upkeep of the HMO.
How many tenants can live in an HMO?
There is not set rule on how many people can live in your HMO, however overcrowding is not allowed. Your local council can decide how many people are allowed to live in your HMO.
Portfolio Landlord FAQs
What is a portfolio landlord?
At Elliot Leigh Guaranteed Rent, we define a Portfolio Landlord as someone who owns 4 or more properties within their portfolio. Whether you own multiple properties, HMOs, a block of flats or a hotel, we have the expertise within our team to successfully manage and maintain your property portfolio on behalf of you.
What is the difference between portfolio and private landlords?
In our terms, any landlord who owns four or more mortgaged properties, either in their private name, jointly or within a limited company is classified as a Portfolio Landlord.
We would define a Private Landlord as someone who owns up to three properties and does not operate as a business or a Limited company.
How many properties can you manage?
There is no limit on the amount of properties we can manage on behalf of you. However, we always like to see a property before a valuation is given. This gives us the opportunity to check the property meets the required standards and also ensures that you are maximising the rent on your property.
Find out more about one of the largest portfolios we manage here.
Does it matter if all my properties are in different areas?
As long as your properties are located within a suitable radius then being located in different areas will not affect anything. We will take properties in any London borough or surrounding area and have a particularly high demand for 1-4bed properties.
What is the maximum length of contract for guaranteed rent?
We offer landlords flexible contracts, on average from 1 – 5 years to suit your needs, however we can offer contracts up to 10 years for certain properties.
Tenant FAQs
Who is my landlord?
The landlord is the owner of your property. However, as the leasing agent, we are your point of contact for any property issues you may be facing.
Contact us here
How do I report a repair?
We have recently changed the way to report a repair. All issues should be reported via our online form that can be found here.
You can also find our tenant guides on this page. These are a step by step guide that outline how to fix issues that are a tenant's responsibility.
Am I allowed to make changes to my property?
Tenants are strictly NOT allowed to make any changes to the property. If you do make changes to the property, you are in breech of your contract.
How often will my property be inspected?
Our dedicated property inspectors will undertake inspections of the property every 8-12 weeks. The inspector will contact you via telephone or letter prior to let you know. If you are not going to be in, they are able to enter with keys with your consent.
Who do I call in an emergency?
If there is an emergency at your property, Elliot Leigh must be contacted immediately as well as the relevant emergency service so the problem can be addressed quickly and the correct action taken. Call 0208 983 4444 (Option 3 for Maintenance).
If you have an emergency outside of office hours call the emergency number on 07817 031587.
Leave your name, telephone number, property address and description of the emergency.
You will receive a call back to decide the immediate action to be taken.
Gas Emergencies
Turn off the gas supply.
Call Cadent on 0800 389 8000
Open all doors and windows to expel gas.
Put out naked flames.
Don’t smoke.
Don’t turn on electric switches.
Wait for an engineer from the Cadent to attend.
Call the emergency number on 07817 031587.
Floods
Turn off water using stop-cock.
Call the emergency number on 07817 031587.
Electrical Failure
Call your electric supplier.
Call the emergency number on 07817 031587.
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Elliot Leigh Housing Solutions
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728-730 Eastern Avenue, Ilford, Essex, IG2 6PE
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(Certificate number FS 510771)
ISO 14001 accreditation through BSI
(Certificate number EMS 573471)
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