PRICE REDUCTION

House to let – Temple Street, Lindley

Property type: 2 bed terrace
Location: Lindley
Rental: £500 pcm
Min term: 6 months

**PRICE SUBSTANTIALLY REDUCED TO £500 PCM**

Set in the heart of Lindley is this well presented, two bedroom period property, set over three levels with good size dining kitchen and parking for one car. Stone flagged floors, granite working surfaces and integrated appliances are just some of the features on offer.

This lovely home should be inspected internally to fully appreciate the high quality finish throughout. Briefly comprising; Entrance lobby, lounge with feature fireplace, high ceilings and stone flagged floor. A staircase leads down to the lower ground dining kitchen. Set under vaulted ceiling this room is of a good size with units to the high and low level and integrated fridge, freezer, washing machine, oven, hob and dishwasher. There is a tiled floor, granite working surfaces, small window allowing natural light through and space for dining table, making this a great entertaining room.

From the hallway a further staircase rises to the top floor where there is a single bedroom with fitted wardrobes, double bedroom also with fitted wardrobes and feature fireplace and house bathroom with shower over bath. Externally the property has space for one vehicle to be parked, alternatively this could be used as a patio/sitting area. The property is double glazed and is complete with alarm and gas fired central heating.

• 2 Bedrooms
• Set over three levels
• Period features
• Integrated kitchen appliances
• Granite working surfaces
• Stone flagged floor
• DG & GFCH
• Bond – £600

To enquire about this property, please contact us on 01484 682999. To view the full advert for this property please click here.

How can lettings agents minimise the risk of rental arrears?

The number of tenants in the private rented sector (PRS) in the UK who are deemed to be in serious arrears – because they owe two or more months of rent – declined sharply to its lowest level in two years in the three months to the end of September.

According to the latest Tenant Arrears Tracker report, published by LSL Property Services, there was a 25 per cent decline in the total number of people in serious rent arrears between the second and third quarter of 2013.

The figure fell from 92,000 in the second quarter of the year to 69,000 in Q3, which is 34 per cent lower than the total in the same period in 2012.

David Brown, commercial director at LSL Property Services, suggested that the fall may be attributable to the fact that inflation is slowing and investment in the PRS is improving.

“That’s helping to keep supply growing of homes to let. And in turn, better supply is the only real way to keep rental inflation under control,” he said.

“Over the last quarter, rents have consistently risen more slowly than shop prices and wages and rents are now growing at a similar annual rate. Recently, that seems to have really helped tenants under financial pressure.”

However, it is not just economic factors that lead to arrears and there are a number of things landlords and lettings agents can do to help minimise the risk of a tenant being unable to pay.

Always screen potential tenants effectively

If you’ve got a property that is sitting empty and does not have a renter, it is obviously not bringing in any money and it can be tempting for landlords and letting agents to rush to fill the void.

However, this could result in a much worse situation – particularly if the tenant is unable to meet their rental obligations. With demand for rental properties so high at the moment, it is important to ensure you are selecting the right person, rather than just the first potential renter that comes along.

Make sure you conduct a credit check

It can be tempting to skip the credit check, especially if the property has been sitting empty for a period of time and you want to generate some income as soon as possible.

However, they are relatively inexpensive and can be conducted quickly and easily. These probes will make sure the tenant has the ability to pay and will highlight any issues they have had in the past – perfect for bringing problem tenants to your attention before it’s too late.

Seek references

Another important aspect of tenant screening is obtaining thorough references. This is vital because it gives you a more rounded idea of the tenant’s personality and behaviour, rather than just their financial situation.

However, do not let the process drag on for too long – it can take a significant amount of time to secure detailed references and you may find you end up losing an excellent tenant because of the delay.

At Applegate Lettings we take every precaution to ensure that these guidelines are met to minimise the risk of rental arrears for our landlords.

Image: Camilla/Shutterstock

Source: www.rman.co.uk

NOW LET

House to let – Wakefield Road, Grange Moor

Property type: 2 bedroom terrace
Location: Grange Moor
Rental: £400 pcm
Min term: 6 months

With large driveway for 2-4 cars, use of large lawned area adjoining the property, two bedrooms (see floorplan for measurements) and recent programme of modernisation this property should be viewed internally.

Set in the popular village of Grange Moor, this property is set back from the main road and accessed down private road. Briefly comprising; Entrance vestibule, lounge (currently undergoing programme of modernisation) and galley kitchen with fridge, freezer, cooker and washing machine. A stairway rises from the entrance vestibule to the first floor landing where there is a small single bedroom and good sized double bedroom (both also recently being re-decorated), there is a modern house bathroom with white three piece suite and shower over bath. Externally the property has a good sized driveway and path leading to adjoining field/garden. Whilst other neighbouring properties do have access to this garden area, it is predominately used by those occupying this property.

**PLEASE NOTE PHOTOS DO NOT SHOW THE FINISHED STANDARD AS THE PROPERTY IS CURRENTLY UNDERGOING WORKS**

• Off street parking for 2-4 cars
• Large, maintained garden area (shared)
• Two bedrooms
• See floor plan for measurements
• Galley kitchen
• Currently being re-furbished
• Set back from main road
• Bond – £500

To enquire about this property, please contact us on 01484 682999. To view a full list of all

NEW PROPERTY

House to let – Primrose Street, Primrose Hill

Property type: 2 bed terrace
Location: Primrose Hill, Huddersfield
Rental: £400 pcm
Min term: 6 months

Re-furbished two bedroom, end terrace property with side access, communal rear lawned garden, double glazing and gas fired central heating.

This well presented, modern home briefly comprises; Entrance lobby, lounge, galley kitchen with access to rear garden and keeping cellar. A staircase rises from the ground floor lobby to the first floor landing where there is a small single bedroom (see floor plan for measurements), double bedroom and modern house bathroom with shower over bath. As mentioned, the property has recently undergone a full programme of modernisation including re-plastering and decorating. New photos to follow.

• Two bedrooms (see floorplan)
• Modern throughout
• DSS considered
• Communal rear garden
• Double glazing
• Gas fired central heating
• On street parking
• Recently re-furbished
• Bond – £500

To enquire about this property, please contact us on 01484 682999. To view the full advert for this property please click here.

NEW PROPERTY

House to let – Nabbs Lane, Slaithwaite

Property type: 2 bed terrace
Location: Slaithwaite, Huddersfield
Rental: £500 pcm
Min term: 6 months

A very deceptive two double bedroomed cottage with good sized dining kitchen, separate utility and modern interior throughout. Available on a part furnished or un-furnished basis.

Set in the popular village of Slaithwaite only a few minutes’ walk from the ever popular Colne Valley canal this property must be viewed to fully appreciate the spacious accommodation on offer. Finished to a high standard it briefly comprises; Lounge with bay window and feature gas fire and surround. Steps rise from the lounge to the dining kitchen where there is an array of quality units to the high and low level, range style cooker, dining table and rear door. There is a separate utility store which is accessed from a doorway in the kitchen which is currently home to a combination boiler, freezer, washer and dryer (all available should the tenant require these to stay).

From the lounge a staircase rises to the first floor where there are two good sized double bedrooms and contemporary house bathroom with shower over bath. The property is complete with gas fired central heating, double glazing and has small cottage garden/patio area to the front. The property also has an external store/shed which the previous owner used to store a motorcycle.

Additional off street parking space may be negotiable for additional £20 pcm

• 2 Double bedrooms
• Dining kitchen
• Available part furnished or unfurnished
• Set in the village of Slaithwaite
• Close to train station
• Cottage garden
• High quality finish
• Additional parking may be negotiable for £20 pcm
• Bond – £700

To enquire about this property, please contact us on 01484 682999. To see the full advert for this property please click here.

NOW LET

Now let – Union Street, Lindley

Property type: 1 bedroom terrace house
Location: Huddersfield
Rental: £385 pcm
Min term: 6 months

A one bedroom cottage set in the popular village of Lindley with gas central heating, double glazing and various appliances.

This lovely home is modern throughout with neutral décor. Briefly comprising; good size lounge with gas fire, modern galley kitchen with washing machine, oven, hob, extractor and fridge/freezer and store. A staircase rises from the lounge to the first floor landing where the bedroom and bathroom are situated. The bathroom is complete with white three piece suite and shower over bath. The property is set in a quiet courtyard and has outside space to the front.

Bond: £385

(Photos are of a similar property, pictures of this property are to follow).

• Good size double bedroom
• Recently re-furbished
• Modern kitchen
• Modern bathroom
• Off street parking
• Set only a few minutes walk from Lindley centre
• Close to HRI
• Bond – £385
• See floorplan for measurements

To enquire about this property, please contact us on 01484 682999. To view a full list of all our available properties please click here.

HMRC to clamp down on PRS

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has pledged to clampdown on tax avoidance in the private rental sector (PRS).

It has launched the Let Property campaign in a bid to collect the hundreds of millions of pounds that is estimated to have been unpaid by the sector.

However, a tax specialist has advised the PRS to view this scheme as a “window of opportunity” to get its affairs in order.

Stephen Barratt, private client tax director at James Cowper, stated: “HMRC recognises that there will be instances where individuals have either deliberately not declared rental income on let properties or made an honest mistake.”

However, he did warn that any people who choose to “hide behind the sofa” can expect to face much tougher penalties and even run the risk of criminal prosecution.

Mr Barratt said HMRC is using increasingly sophisticated software, which means the chances of successful avoiding tax are becoming significantly reduced.

At Applegate Lettings we advise all landlords to take tax advice before purchasing any rental property.

Image: Paul Maguire/Shutterstock

Source: www.rman.co.uk

RLA slams rent cap calls

The Residential Landlords Association (RLA) has slammed calls for the government to introduce caps on private sector rents.

Last week, National Housing Federation chief executive David Orr claimed the government would be “incomprehensibly stupid” if it did not at least consider putting a limit on private rents.

However, RLA chairman Alan Ward said he was “surprised” and “disappointed” by these comments.

Speaking ahead of last month’s Labour Party conference, he claimed the last financial year saw rents increase below inflation at just 0.8 per cent.

Mr Ward added Mr Orr’s comments were based on just a few London Boroughs where a housing shortage has caused rent rises.

“The problem David Orr highlights is one of supply, which would be critically undermined by capping rents,” he stated.

Mr Ward added that trying to improve the rental sector through rent controls is the equivalent of attempting to treat flu with a “sticking plaster”.

Source: www.rman.co.uk
Image: Pablo Hidalgo/Shutterstock

NOW LET

Now let – Brewery Cottage, New Mill

Property type: 2 bedroom semi

Location: New Mill
Rental: £350 pcm
Min term: 6 months

Complete with two bedrooms and small outside yard this property has recently undergone a full modernisation programme and should be viewed internally to fully appreciate the accommodation on offer.

**Offered at the reduced rate of £350 for the first three months, then £395pcm thereafter**

Offered on a furnished or unfurnished basis, this lovely cottage briefly comprises: Entrance vestibule, dining kitchen and lounge to the first floor. A doorway leads from the lounge to the staircase rising to the first floor with feature window to the bottom. From the first floor landing there is a house bathroom with bath and separate shower cubicle, single bedroom with built in wardrobe area and then large master bedroom (see floor plan for measurements).

The property is set in the centre of New Mill with direct access to all major bus routes and local amenities. There is a courtyard to the rear which provides the cottage with hanging space. The property is complete with gas fired central heating, double glazing and has new carpets and decoration throughout. Early inspections advised in order to avoid disappointment.

Bond – £495
Bond with pet – £695

• Large master bedroom
• Bathroom with separate shower
• Re-decorated throughout
• New carpets throughout
• Dining kitchen
• Patio/yard area to rear
• Double glazing & GFCH
• Bond – £495

To enquire about this property, please contact us on 01484 682999. To view a full list of all our available properties please click here.

Most rental properties flout law on EPC, say officials

Most rental properties do not have Energy Performance Certificates, an answer to a Freedom of Information request has revealed.The request was put by Dave Timms, acting executive director of environmental charity 10:10 to the Department for Communities and Local Government. Timms asked about levels of compliance regarding EPCs.The reply from CLG says that 26% of private domestic rental properties have EPCs, compared with 95% of properties put on the market for sale. Three-quarters (75%) of rental stock in the social housing sector has EPCs.However, the CLG reply says that the figures, which relate to 2012, were “not quality assured in the normal manner of Government statistics. We are therefore unable to confirm the accuracy of the data or if the figures are statistically sound.”

CLG says it arrived at the data for the private rented sector by looking at the central EPC register and at data from the English Housing Survey, and it is based on “an estimated turnover in the private rented sector of new tenancy agreements per year”.

The letter also notes that since January this year, it has been a requirement that property adverts should include the EPC rating. The letter says: “This should help raise public awareness of what is required.”

10:10 said that CLG was “doing little to enforce the law on EPCs. Moreover, it has only a rough idea of how many estate agents are complying, and seems complacent about the widespread flouting of the rules.”

An EPC must be available whenever a property is sold or rented, and has a shelf life of ten years. Failure to produce an EPC can result in fines.

The fixed penalty is £200, with enforcement action having to be started within six months. It is not known how many fines have been issued.

While the legal responsibility for having an EPC rests with the landlord, it is the responsibility of a letting agent to be satisfied that an EPC has been commissioned for the property before marketing it for rent.

Alongside the landlord, the letting agent must also use all reasonable efforts to secure that the EPC is obtained for the property within seven days (or inside a maximum of 28 days if necessary).

Applegate Lettings make sure that all properties marketed have EPC’s and these are displayed on the property adverts.

Source: www.rman.co.uk
Image: Pixel Europe/Shutterstock

NOW LET

Now let – Grange Cottages, Marsden

Property type: 2 bedroom terrace
Location: Marsden
Rental: £545 pcm
Min term: 6 months

Recently re-furbished to a high standard, this two bedroom property is set in the highly sought after village of Marsden, not far from local amenities and rural walks along the canal.

Entered via gated, cottage garden, double doors open into the modern dining kitchen. This lovely room has recently had new kitchen, including Belfast sink, handcrafted wooden units, range style cooker, new combi boiler and stone/flagged floor with under floor heating. There is a WC to this floor also with wash hand basin and cupboard for washing machine. As mentioned double doors open out from the dining area into a patio courtyard where the current owners have made somewhat of an enclosed haven and it makes a fabulous extension onto the kitchen on a sunny day.

From the dining kitchen a staircase rises up to the lounge where there is a an open grate fire, large window allowing lots of natural light into this spacious room and doorway leading to hallway and additional front door, accessed via steps. To the top floor bedroom two is currently used as a study but double could fit if required, however we would generally class as single bedroom (please see floor plan). Across the landing is the master suite which has the added feature of roll top bath, double shower, toilet and bidet, again with under floor heating. There are additional features such as locally crafted handmade tiles inset into the floor and raised areas, wooden flooring to the bedroom area and fitted cupboard/wardrobe area. This room is a real feature and with the additional toilet downstairs should not pose issues with those wishing to use the second bedroom as bedroom.

• Master en-suite with roll top bath
• High quality throughout
• New kitchen and bathrooms
• New combination boiler
• Set over three levels
• Private, gated garden with doors to kitchen
• Must be viewed internally
• Bond – £745

To enquire about this property, please contact us on 01484 682999. To view a full list of all our available properties please click here.

NOW LET

Now let – Perseverance Place, Holmfirth

Property type: 3 bedroom terrace
Location: Holmfirth
Rental: £675 pcm
Min term: 6 months

Set over three levels, these three bedroomed homes have spacious utility room to lower level, large garage and dining kitchen with patio doors out to rear garden, making them the idea family home.

Set in an ideal location only a short walk from the centre of Holmfirth but with rural walks and footpaths nearby Applegate Lettings offer for let this modern three bedroom town house.  Briefly comprising; Entrance hallway with space for storage/office, utility room, large integral garage, good size dining kitchen with patio doors out to the rear garden and lounge. A second staircase rises to the top floor accommodation where there is a single bedroom, two doubles, one with en-suite, modern house bathroom and storage cupboard. The property has PVCu double glazing and gas fired central heating and is alarmed. There is a good sized, enclosed lawned garden to the rear and further garden area, along with driveway to the front.

• Well presented town house
• Accomodation over three floors
• Three bedrooms, 1 ensuite
• Good sized single garage
• Lawned garden
• Close to Holmfirth centre
• Sought after location
• DG & GFCH
• Strictly no pets
• Bond – £875

To enquire about this property, please contact us on 01484 682999. To view a full list of all our available properties please click here.

Responsibility for communal areas in rental homes 'must be made clear'

It is important that letting agents, landlords and tenants are all clear on who is responsible for communal areas in rental properties. This is according to ARLA, which has recently issued advice on the topic. 

Susan Fitz-Gibbon, president of the organisation, commented: "Neither tenants or landlords want the upkeep of any area within a property to 'fall between the cracks', so it is vital that all parties fully understand their responsibilities." She advised landlords to seek the advice of a letting agent when clarifying responsibility for communal areas on tenancy agreements.

Ms Fitz-Gibbon claimed assumptions can lead to problems later down the line and said every party involved benefits when obligations are laid out transparently from the start of a tenancy.

ARLA provided a number of tips on how rental property owners can ensure communal spaces are well kept. These included making sure tenants can easily contact their landlord or agent and building a relationship with neighbours if the space in question is shared with another property.

At Applegate Lettings we have very detailed tenancies and inventories which clarify when any communal areas and we even supply tenants with copies of the lease at leasehold properties so they can be assured they are abiding by it. We also do a full check in at properties and often clarify at the appointment any areas the tenant is unsure of so they know their responsibilities before getting settled in.

Source: www.rman.co.uk
Image: photobank.ch/Shutterstock

NOW LET

Now let – Waverley Terrace, Marsh

Property type: 2 bedroom terrace

Location: Marsh
Rental: £495 pcm
Min term: 6 months

A well maintained, two bedroom inner terrace property with off street parking space to rear and low maintenance gardens to front and rear.

Situated in the popular village of Marsh we offer for let furnished two bedroom home. Briefly comprising; Small entrance porch; lounge with modern settee’s, oak style coffee table and inset drawer and shelving unit, breakfast kitchen with small table, inset units to the high and low level, washing machine and fridge. A staircase leads from the kitchen to a useful keeping cellar and a doorway from the kitchen leads to the rear garden/parking area. From the kitchen and additional staircase rises to the first floor where there is a good sized double bedroom (please see floor plan) with bedroom furniture, and single bedroom which is currently home to a single bed but three quarter would fit if required. There is a modern house bathroom with large shower head style shower over bath and additional WC at the end of the landing. Complete with gas fired central heating and double glazing there is on street and off street parking and the property is ideally situated for Huddersfield town centre, M62 access and Huddersfield Royal Infirmary alike.

• Two bedrooms
• Off street parking space
• Additional on street parking
• Garden front and rear
• Modern finish
• Available furnished
• White goods included
• GFCH & DG
• Bond – £595

To enquire about this property, please contact us on 01484 682999. To view a full list of all our available properties please click here.