Platinum Properties are an independent, family owned and run, letting agency dealing solely with the letting and management of quality residential property across Cambridgeshire and Suffolk.

Platinum Properties was established to provide excellence in service with a personal, yet professional approach. Our core principals are trustworthiness and truthfulness at all times which is why our rates are

simple and transparent.

The management of property is not something which can be learnt overnight. Qualified experience is essential and I have over 10 year’s industry experience and all staff are qualified through the Association

of Residential Letting Agents.

To prove our commitment to service excellence Platinum Properties are licensed by the Association of Residential Letting Agents and members of The Property Ombudsman who, as organisations, are

committed to raising standards within the lettings industry with strict codes of conduct for their agents.

Our aim is to build our business on recommendation, in order to do so we are committed to matching platinum quality properties to platinum quality tenants and to providing a platinum quality of service to

ensure that both landlords and tenants engage in longstanding mutually beneficial relationships with our support.

We are committed to the local community and use local independent contractors and suppliers whereverpossible with whom we have built strong working relationships over the years. We also believe in giving

back and regularly undertake charity work to raise money for local charities on an ongoing basis.

Maria MorganDirector

INTRODUCTION

Why choose anything less than Platinum when we have offer all of this to offer?

• Independent lettings specialists with market leading local knowledge

• Complete ‘in-house’ personal service

• Competitive simple to understand fees, no hidden ‘contractor commissions’

• Licensed members of the Association of Residential Letting Agents

• ARLA qualified professionals

• Members of The Property Ombudsman

• Members of the Deposit Protection Service

• Marketing includes local press, multiple websites (including Rightmove and Zoopla), social media, email

and SMS updates

• Comprehensive property details complying with ASA regulations, including multiple high quality photographs

and floor plans

• Extended working hours

“The service was excellent,as always. Platinum Properties

are a pleasure to deal with and always very helpful

with advice and information.”Mrs H Nix (Landlord)

WHY PLATINUM?

“The service was excellent,as always. Platinum Properties

are a pleasure to deal with and always very helpful

with advice and information.”Mrs H Nix (Landlord)

All services are subject to £35.00 Deposit Administration Fee per Annum when Platinum Properties hold the Deposit. Platinum Properties must hold the Deposit on Platinum & Gold Services.

We offer four levels of service as standard, all percentages listed below are plus VAT.

Platinum Service( Full Management )

10%• Market appraisal and rental advice. • Marketing advice. • Advertising. • Accompanied viewings. • Obtaining tenant references. • Preparation of Tenancy Agreement. • Preparation of Inventory and Condition Report. • Collection of first month’s rent and deposit. • Monthly rental collection. • Monthly statement of income and expenditure. • Regular Newsletters. • Dealing with property maintenance and repairs. • Arranging gas and electrical inspections. • Regular property visits & reports. • Submission and supervision of insurance claims

(if needed). • Renewal of tenancy. • Final inspection of property at conclusion of

tenancy. • Dealing with deductions from deposit. • End of tenancy deposit administration in accordance with a government approved scheme.

Gold Service ( Management, No Repairs )

8.5%

Contact us for further information and pricing.(can only be applied to Platinum & Gold Services above)

Optional Legal Protection & Rent Guarantee Insurance

As detailed in our Platinum service,but tenants contact you for all repairsand maintenance which you arrange.

Silver Service ( Let Only plus Rent Collection )

Bronze Service ( Let Only )

7.5%

50%

As Bronze but includes collection of rent and monthly statement.

• Market appraisal and rental advice. • Marketing advice. • Advertising. • Accompanied viewings. • Obtaining tenant references. • Preparation of Tenancy Agreement. • Collection of first month’s rent and deposit. • Contact prior to the conclusion of the tenancy

for renewal instructions.

First Month Rent

Single ServicesWe can provide any of the following one off services or you can ‘bolt’ these on to our Silver or Bronze packages. These are included in our Platinum & Gold services.

Inventory Unfurnished Furnished1 Bedroom Property

2 Bedroom Property

3 Bedroom Property

4 Bedroom Property

5 Bedroom Property

£100

£125

£150

£175

£200

£150

£175

£200

£225

£250

Negotiating Tenancy Renewal/Tenancy Agreement £100.00

Service of Section 13 Notice (Increasing Rent Amount during Rolling Tenancy) £100.00

Service of Section 8 or 21 Notice (Breach of Contract & Repossession) £124.00

If you have any other specific requests or requirements please contact us to discuss how we can help.

Our Scale of Fees should be read in conjunction with our Terms and Conditions and the Lettings Guide which may be updated from time to time.

LETTING YOUR PROPERTY

Platinum Properties deal with quality accommodation ranging from one bedroom flats through to large city and country properties. We do not deal with bedsit nor student accommodation.

We will only select a tenant in accordance with your instructions and will not place a tenant in a property who we think unsuitable, simply to secure a let.

All referencing is carried out by a specialist referencing company Legal4Landlords. Referencing includes;

• Detailed credit search.• Verification of bank account details • Former landlord references. • Employer’s reference to confirm salary, length and

continuity of employment. • Personal reference and/or next of kin verification.

Properties will generally be let on Assured Shorthold Tenancies to individuals or on Company Tenancies to companies. Additional clauses can be added to the Tenancy Agreement at your request to meet the individual needs of the tenancy and specific circumstances of each property. All Tenancy Agreements have been checked by the Association of Residential Letting Agents and the Office of Fair Trading.

A quality Inventory is critically important when letting a property. The Inventory is an essential tool in assessing the condition of the property at the commencement and end of any let. It is the foundation upon which any proposed deductions at the end of the tenancy or dilapidations during the tenancy can be assessed.

We will prepare a detailed Inventory and Schedule of Condition as standard on Platinum and Silver service properties. Our Inventories include details of the property, its fixtures and fittings and any furnishings, where applicable, and the condition of these, including pictorial evidence.

We suggest a standard deposit of 1.5 times the monthly rent. Where pets are permitted to reside within the property we will hold £500 in addition to the standard deposit.

All deposits must, by law, be registered with one of the deposit protection schemes. We are members of the Deposit Protection Service. We will hold the deposit on all Platinum and Silver service properties. We can hold the deposits for Silver and Bronze service properties should you, as the landlord, desire. Although you are free to join one of the other schemes should you wish.hold

Our Marketplace Inventory & Schedule of Condition

Choice of Tenant & Referencing

Tenancy Agreement

Deposits

We will carry out regular visits during the course of the tenancy to ensure that the tenants are keeping the property to the correct and proper standard. These visits are carried out every three months on six month tenancy and every four months on a twelve month tenancy.

Where the tenant is a long-standing tenant who keeps the property to an excellent standard we may, with your consent, extend these periods.

Where a tenant is not performing their duties in relation to the care of the property we will bring our inspections closer together to manage the situation and ensure the tenant rectifies the situation accordingly. You will receive a written report, including photographs, after each visit.

Landlords have a legal obligation under Section 11 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 to carry out repairs to the property where the failure means that the tenant is without some of the facilities or their enjoyment of the property is being adversely affected.

We are flexible with how you wish to work in relation to the arrangement and billing of repairs and maintenance.Maintenance work is sub contracted out to an approved list of reputable and insured local contractors. You are welcome to nominate your own contractors if you would prefer us to use their services.

Platinum Properties do not charge commission on their contractor’s invoices.

The tenants are responsible for ensuring basic maintenance to the gardens to include cutting the grass, turning and weeding the borders, clearing patios and paths and pruning back small shrubs and plants. Tenants cannot be held responsible for maintaining large shrubs, hedges or trees and it is recommended that if the rent of the property includes a sizable or landscaped garden that you consider the inclusion of the services of a gardener in the rent.

We are happy to arrange cleaners to attend the property on your behalf prior to the first let should you require. It is advisable to ensure that the property is handed to the tenants in the cleanest possible condition. The tenant is responsible for maintaining the standard of cleanliness throughout the tenancy. At the conclusion of the tenancy the tenant is obligated to return the property to the standard of cleanliness in which it was received at the outset of the tenancy. We will arrange for properties to be cleaned at the end of the tenancy at the tenant’s expense should this be necessary following their final inspection.

We are able to arrange and oversee refurbishment projects where necessary. Dependent upon the extent of the refurbishment it may be necessary to charge an additional fee which will be agreed on an individual basis.

If properties are empty between tenancies we will inspect the property at regular intervals. It is our practise to leave heating systems on low during the colder period of the year, rather than drain down. If your insurer requires the property to be drained down whilst empty please advise us accordingly.

PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

Property Visits

Repairs and Maintenance

Gardens

Cleaning

Refurbishment

Empty Properties

“Thank you so much for yourhelp and efficiency in getting

the boiler replacementorganised and completed andyour continued professionaland helpful communication

between myself and thetenants”

Miss H Rees (Landlord)

The first decision is whether you let the property with or without furnishings. Furnishing a property rarely makes a great deal of difference to the rent achievable and nor does it really make the property more desirable.

Unfurnished accommodation should include;• Carpets/suitable floor coverings of a good quality• Curtains and/or blinds and light shades• Cooker (other white goods are desirable, but not

essential)

Furnished accommodation should include as above plus;• White goods (minimum of washing machine and fridge)• Sofa/casual chairs• Bed(s)• Wardrobes• Basic gardening equipment

We would not recommend including any cooking utensils, crockery, cutlery, bedding or other incidental items of any kind in a rental property.

All properties to be let now require an Energy Performance Certificate and cannot be marketed without. If you do not already have one we can make arrangements for one to be prepared on your behalf.

If you are unsure if you already have an Energy Performance Certificate we can check the National Database on your behalf.

If the property is subject to a mortgage you will require the mortgage lenders consent to let, unless you have a Buy to Let Mortgage.

If your property is leasehold you will require consent from the Freeholder or their Managing Agent to let the property and we will require a copy of the Head Lease as we will be required to attach a copy of the terms of the Head Lease to the Tenancy Agreement as any tenant will be bound by the rules laid out within the Head Lease.

Tenants will be responsible for these costs during the course of the tenancy although, as a landlord, you will be responsible for any costs arising whilst the property is empty, including standing charges. At the end of our management period you will be responsible for restoring the services into your own name.

If you currently reside within the property you should settle the final accounts and advise the services that the property will be let. Please also arrange for the Post Office to redirect your mail.

We will require five working days between the propertybeing ready for let and the tenant moving in, during which we will prepare the inventory and arrange the safety testing and cleaning in line with your instructions.

Please provide us with contact telephone numbers and email and postal addresses. You should advise the office if you are away on holiday or absent for any length of time and provide us with contact details from whom we may take instruction in the event of an emergency during your absence.

GETTING THE PROPERTY READY

Furnished or Unfurnished?

Mortgages and Leasehold Properties

Utilities, Telephone, Council Tax and Post

Hand Over and Contact

Energy Performance Certificate

• Maintenance: pipework, appliances and flues must be maintained in a safe condition. Gas appliances must be serviced annually.

• Safety Checks: A gas safety test must be carried out on every gas appliance/flue by a Gas Safe registered Engineer. A gas safety check will make sure that gas fittings and appliances are safe to use.

• Record: A record of the annual gas safety check must be supplied to the tenant within 28 days of the check being completed or to new tenants prior to them moving in. Copies of the Gas Safety Certificates must be kept for two years.

Oil boilers must also be serviced annually and an up to date certificate supplied as outlined above.

It is Platinum Properties recommendation that all properties with gas appliances and/or oil boilers be fitted with CO detectors. If you choose not to have one installed we will require your instructions in writing.

Please see enclosed NIC EIC information booklet for further information. We are happy to arrange electrical installation and portable appliance testing as required and renew the certificates as outlined in the certification. Should you choose to arrange these yourself we will require a copy of the certificates.

All furniture within lettings commencing after 1 January 1997 must meet the fire resistance requirements of the regulations and be suitably labelled as such. If the furniture/furnishings are not labelled as such it should be removed or replaced.

These regulations do not apply to carpets, curtains nor duvets or to furniture made before 1950.

Properties built or constructed after June 1992 must be fitted with mains connected and operated smoke detectors. When properties are rewired or major electrical works are undertaken mains smoke detectors must also be fitted. On all other properties it is our recommendation that properties be fitted with battery operated smoke detectors.

This is the government’s new approach to evaluation of the potential risks to health and safety from any deficiencies identified in dwellings, i.e. damp and mould, excess cold/heat, electrical hazards, fire, etc.

The underlying principal of the HHSRS is that any residential premises should provide a safe and healthy environment for any potential occupier or visitor.

Inspectors from the local authority can be called upon by you as the landlord or the tenants to look at 29 health and safety areas and score each hazard they find as a category 1 or 2 according to its seriousness.

You must take action to fix category 1 faults, the most serious hazards, if the council serves an enforcement notice. You may also be asked to remove the less serious category 2 hazards.

Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998

Furniture & Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations 1998

Smoke Detectors

Housing Act 2004 Housing Health & Safety Rating System

Oil Boilers

Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Electrical Equipment (Safety)Regulations 1994

LEGAL AND SAFETY REQUIREMENTS

Tenants are contracted to pay the rent on the 1st of each month to Platinum Properties by standing order. We are required to ensure that rents have cleared through our client account before they are paid to landlord(s). Once payments are made to landlord(s), it may take up to three working days for funds to show in a landlords account.

Landlord(s) will receive a monthly statement from us, which is normally emailed unless a paper copy is requested. We are able to provide annual consolidated yearly statements for tax purposes.

Rental income is liable for taxation. Landlords are responsible for submitting their own annual tax returns.

If you reside overseas for more than six months in any tax year or subsequently move abroad you are required by HM Revenues & Customs to apply for permissions to have rents paid to you in gross. If you do not receive permission from HM Revenues & Customs we are legally obligated to withhold basic rate tax from any rental income received and submit this to HM Revenues & Customs on a quarterly basis. We would be happy to provide further information in relation to this should you require.

Expenditure you incur in running the property is an allowable tax deductible expenditure. This can include mortgage interest, insurance and many other costs. You will pay tax on the profit that you make. You should seek advice from a Tax Accountant or HM Revenues & Customs if you have any queries.

From time to time HM Revenues & Customs will request a list of our landlords and rental paid to them. We are legally obligated to provide this information.

You must advise your existing insurance companythat the property is to be let or arrange for a specialist let policy to be taken out. We are able to arrange insurance for you should you wish. Platinum Properties are an appointed representative of

Legal4Landlords, 8 Webster Court, Carina Park, Warrington, Cheshire WA5 8WD.(FSA Reg. no. 528518).

Legal Protection Insurance covers legal costs in the event of the need to take legal action against a tenant. We are not able to cover the rent for empty periods, but are able to offer rent cover in the event of tenants defaulting.

Our experience shows that in nearly all cases, rent arrears and legal problems arise as the result of a breakdown of a relationship/marriage or through loss of employment.

Please contact us for more information.

TAX AND INSURANCE

Rental Payments & Tax

Buildings & Contents Insurance

Legal Protection & Rent Guarantee Insurance

Income Tax

Platinum Properties (Ely) Limited. Company Registration Number: 08499495. Registered Office: 4 The Old Blacksmiths Yard, Burwell, Cambridgeshire CB25 0EA