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Mar 24, 2023
Say goodbye to utility stress with Unihomes: The hassle-free solution for student accommodation
As a student, there are many things to consider when looking for accommodation. One of the most important aspects is making sure that you have all the necessary utilities set up before you move in. This can be a time-consuming and stressful task, especially if you are sharing accommodation with other students. That's where Unihomes comes in. Unihomes is a company that offers an all-inclusive utility package for students, meaning that you only pay a share each per person of the utilities. This takes the hassle out of setting up utilities in one person's name and ensures that everyone is responsible for their fair share of the bill. With Unihomes, you can relax knowing that the utilities will be in place for your start date. All you need to do is complete the order form and Unihomes will take care of the rest. The utilities that are included in the package are Water, Gas, Electricity and Fibre internet, so you can be sure that you will have everything you need to get started. Not only does Unihomes offer a hassle-free way to set up your utilities, but it also offers a great value for money. The cost of the utilities is shared among all the students, which means that you can save money compared to setting up utilities individually. Another great thing about Unihomes is that they offer excellent customer service. If you have any questions or concerns, you can contact their customer service team and they will be happy to help. This means that you can have peace of mind knowing that you have support if you need it. In conclusion, Unihomes is a fantastic option for students who are looking for an easy and hassle-free way to set up their utilities. With the all-inclusive utility package, you only pay a share each per person of the utilities, which saves you time and money. So, if you're a student looking for accommodation, consider Unihomes as your go-to provider for all your utility needs.
May 2, 2022
How to Pass a Tenant Referencing Check
Finding your dream rental is usually the easiest and most enjoyable part of moving. But writing your rental application and undergoing tenant referencing isn’t quite as much fun. Unfortunately, it’s all part of the process. If you’re wondering what a letting agent checks during tenant referencing, here’s an overview of how tenant referencing checks work, plus our tips on how to pass. What is Tenant Referencing? Tenant referencing is the name given to the checks a landlord or letting agent carries out before accepting your rental application, and often carried out by a third party, in our case, Canopy or Legal for Landlords. Some aspects of tenant referencing are required by law (like checking you have the right to rent in the UK), but most simply provide reassurance to landlords that you can afford the rent and treat their property well. What is Checked During Tenant Referencing? During tenant referencing, your landlord or letting agent will check three main things, including your: Right to rent Affordability Credit history Some letting agents like ourselves check several other things during tenant referencing, too, which can include: Renting history References from previous landlords Credit history of any guarantors you’ve provided During tenant referencing, you’ll usually need to provide personal information (like your full name and current address), recent payslips, an employment contract and proof of any benefit income you get. How to Pass a Tenant Referencing Check 1. ONLY APPLY TO PROPERTIES YOU ARE SUITABLE FOR Most people fail tenant referencing because of financially related issues. The easiest way to avoid this is to talk candidly with your estate agent about your savings and income. They can help you apply to properties you can afford and suggest solutions. 2. BE HONEST ABOUT YOUR RENTING HISTORY Having issues on your rent records (like missed payments) can feel embarrassing, but it’s best not to hide them. Being upfront about issues with your finances or renting history saves time and allows an objective view to be taken. Plus, getting caught in a lie can mean you’ll lose your holding deposit – so it’s better to be honest. 3. CHECK YOUR CREDIT SCORE IS CORRECT Credit score websites usually keep up to date with changes in your history, but things get missed all the time. Issues can still appear on your record when they shouldn’t and some of your financial history can display incorrectly. Before you apply for a new rental, run a quick check of your credit score and fix any issues asap. Better yet, use a service form Canopy to check this for you, completely free. Canopy lets renters prove they’re reliable without having to fill in any paperwork meaning you can move in faster and easier. You can do these checks yourself, through Pre-Vetting, and landlords would more likely favour an offer from a prospective tenant who has been Pre-Vetted over someone who has not. 4. GET A GUARANTOR If your financial situation isn’t ideal, consider arranging a guarantor. This is someone that can pay the rent for you if you miss a payment. It’s best to ask someone you trust to be a guarantor – like a family member, partner or close friend. Looking For a New Rental? If you’re looking for a new rental in Chorlton or Greater Manchester, we’d love to help. Property Genius are your local property experts and our friendly team can help you find your next rental. Call us today on 0161 881 3028 or email us at contactus@property-genius.co.uk to register your details and receive alerts about the latest properties.
Apr 25, 2022
How Much Notice Do I Need To Give Tenants Before Visiting?
As a landlord, you have a right to visit your rental property. But your tenants also have a right to quiet enjoyment while living there. That’s why landlords should always have a reason for visiting and must give notice in writing before turning up at the door. If you don’t give notice, your tenants can refuse your entry. If you’re not sure about your rights to visit a property as a landlord, we’ll provide an overview in this article on the circumstances you can visit, and how much notice you need to give. How Much Notice Do Landlords Need to Give Tenants Before Visiting? To visit your rental property, you need to provide your tenants with a minimum of 24 hours’ notice. Written notice is generally required, as a tenant can refuse your entry if it’s not provided in writing. For this reason, it’s best to send a text or write a quick email to request the visit rather than asking over the phone. You also have to arrange your visit for a ‘reasonable time of day’. This is subjective, but ultimately means you shouldn’t book a visit too late, early, or at unsociable or undesirable times for the tenant. What Reasons Would a Landlord Need to Visit a Rental Property? Generally, you shouldn’t visit your tenants unless there’s a specific purpose for the visit. Since all tenants have a right to quiet enjoyment, regardless of whether it’s written in the lease or not, you or your letting agent shouldn’t be visiting the property very often or interfering too much with their lives. As a landlord, you should only visit the property for things like: Carrying out repairs – including routine and emergency Undertaking maintenance on the property Undertaking a safety inspection – like a gas, electrical or energy performance assessment or inspection Carrying out a mid-term inspection – to check your tenants are keeping the property in good condition Undertaking viewings – which, of course, would only be suitable if the tenancy is ending or you are selling the property with sitting tenants If you’re selling the property and want to host viewings, you need to be conscious of the impact this will have on the tenant. This is particularly important if they haven’t served you notice and you’re either selling the property with them as sitting tenants or you’ve served them notice. Keeping a property clean and tidy for strangers to view when they’re not home can be a disruption and an inconvenience, especially if they are only made aware of the viewing 24 hours’ before. To make it easier for them, try to arrange with your letting agent for viewings to be made in batches on certain days of the week. Need Help Letting Your Property? If you need help booking and managing visits to your rental property, Property Genius are your local property experts in Chorlton, Manchester. With our expert property management services, we can help your tenancies run smoothly – keeping you and your tenants happy. To learn more about our letting and property management services, get in touch with our friendly team today.
Apr 18, 2022
How to Make Your Rental Application Stand Out: Get the Property You Want!
When you’ve found your dream rental, there’s nothing worse than finding out the property is in high demand – and you’ve got competition. If multiple people are applying for the house or apartment you want, you may be wondering, “How can I make my rental application stand out?”. In this article, we’ll share our advice on making your rental application stand out from the crowd when you’re applying for a rental property in Manchester. 1. Speak to a Letting Agent First, it’s best to speak to the letting agent before applying for the property. Ask specifically what information you’ll need to include in your application and take notes. Your letting agent will likely know the landlord well, so it can’t hurt to ask if they have any tailored advice about how to make your application stand out. 2. Apply Early Sending your application in early is always a good idea. Once you’ve viewed the rental property and told the letting agent you’re interested, they’ll be expecting your application. The sooner you send it to them, the more serious they’ll think you are – which could help your application get accepted. You can even in some cases apply for a property based on the virtual tour, but confirm with your agent when the tour was created to make sure you’re comfortable with proceeding on this basis. 3. Don’t Miss a Thing The worst thing you can do when sending a rental application to a letting agent is to have key information missing. For example, missing references, email addresses that bounce back, absent documents and so on, missing contact details etc. This can delay the application process and make you appear disorganised to the landlord, so double-check that you’ve included everything before hitting send. We’ve made our application straight forward but please don’t miss anything out! 4. Make it Personal Writing a personalised message in your application form to your landlord is an excellent way to make your rental application stand out. Don’t be afraid to sell yourself and highlight all the important things. We suggest that you: Introduce yourself with a high-level summary of your living and employment status Share some details about why you’re interested in the property Add a polite closing summary 5. Put yourself in a strong position The landlord will looking for the following: Equal to, or higher rental amount than the asking price Moving in date close when the property will be available from (this reduces void period with unpaid rent) Long term tenancy (most landlords are comfortable starting at a 6 month agreement but would prefer long term tenants)
Mar 20, 2022
Selling With a Sitting Tenant: Pros & Cons
If you want to sell a property during a fixed-term tenancy, you don’t have to wait until the agreement ends before going to market. Selling a property with sitting tenants is often an excellent opportunity for landlords – and a very attractive sale for some buyers. But, alongside the pros, there are some cons to consider as well. In this article, we’ll discuss the pros and cons of selling with a sitting tenant in Chorlton, Manchester to help landlords prepare for a sitting-tenant sale. What is a Sitting Tenant? In short, a sitting tenant is someone who rents a property from you on a fixed-term tenancy agreement at the same time that you decide to sell. Even though you are selling, they can stay in the property until the fixed term expires. Pros of Selling With a Sitting Tenant 1. IT’S ATTRACTIVE TO LANDLORDS While most landlords worry that it’s hard to sell a house with sitting tenants, it can be very attractive to landlords looking to buy. Since there are already tenants living in the property, it means they won’t need to market it themselves or experience any voids in the first few weeks or months after buying. 2. YOU WON’T HAVE VOIDS Selling a property can take several months. If your rental is empty when you’re selling, this can lead to an extended period of voids. However, the benefit of selling with a sitting tenant is that your tenants will be staying in situ, so you’ll continue getting rent payments throughout the selling process. 3. THERE’S LESS RISK OF BREAK-IN’S Empty properties can be at risk of break-ins or vandalism. With a good security system and smart home features that simulate the presence of people, you can often deter burglars from breaking into an empty property for sale. However, when you have sitting tenants, you could be at less risk of a break-in since your tenants will be living in the property as normal. Cons of Selling With a Sitting Tenant 1. LIMITED TARGET MARKET While you can still sell a property with sitting tenants to homeowners, really, your target market is limited to other landlords. This can mean you’ll have a smaller buying pool – which isn’t necessarily a bad thing, especially as a property with sitting tenants can be very attractive to buying landlords. 2. RISK OF LOWER OFFERS IF SELLING TO HOMEOWNERS You can still sell a property with sitting tenants to homeowners, but it likely won’t be as attractive to them. If they buy, they’ll need to follow the eviction process before they can live in the property themselves. This can take time and create extra admin work for a homeowner, so they may undercut you on the asking price to make up for the inconvenience. 3. EXTRA ADMIN It isn’t a huge issue, and working with a letting agent will make the process easier, but extra administration work needs to be done when selling with sitting tenants. You’ll need to issue the buyer with a series of documentation, including all Right to Rent documents, tenancy agreements, gas & electricity safety certificates etc. Plus, you’ll need to transfer the tenants’ deposit to the buyer’s name. Get Expert Advice At Property Genius, we are your local property experts in Chorlton, Manchester. If you need expert letting advice about selling your property with a sitting tenant, our friendly team are happy to answer all your questions. Give us a call today on 01618813028 or browse our letting and property management services at https://www.property-genius.co.uk.
Aug 9, 2021
4 Simple Home Ideas to Boost Your Lockdown Mood
There’s no denying that lockdown has been a difficult time for many of us in Manchester. Now, with a roadmap out of restrictions, things are starting to look a little brighter but with strict limitations still in place for visiting friends and family, or even enjoying time outside in our beautiful location, it has never been more important to transform your home into the haven you deserve. Whilst big redecoration jobs and renovations are not practical for many of us during this period; there are lots of small steps you can take to transform your home and boost your lockdown mood. The team at Property Genius have come up with five ways to boost your mood and help get you through these strange times while also making your home a place you can enjoy. 1. DECLUTTER YOUR HOME The simplest, yet arguably the most effective way to boost your mood is to declutter. It’s quite therapeutic you know! In the past year, we have all spent more time at home than ever before, and the importance of having a tidy and organised space has never been more important. Most of us are working, relaxing, sleeping and socialising (virtually) in the same space and no matter the size of your home, it can quickly begin to feel very small! A thorough, ruthless declutter will work wonders for your mental health, and make your home feel more spacious and relaxing. Be patient and tackle each room individually – don’t try and do every area at once. Separating your items into four distinct categories is the easiest method. Things you absolutely cannot live without Items to be resold Items to be donated to charity Things to be thrown away 1. FOCUS ON SCENT Throughout lockdown, especially in the colder months, it can be difficult to keep your home smelling sweet when you can’t throw the windows open wide each day. So, it is important to consciously choose scents for each room which can make a massive difference to your home overall, as well as your mood. For example, rosemary is well known for being the perfect energy booster. Research shows rosemary oil can improve memory and fight muscle fatigue, making it the ideal scent for a weekday pick-me-up. Consider adding a rosemary wax melt to your office or workspace. This will get your home smelling amazing, boost your productivity and make you feel happier in general. 2. USE THE POWER OF PLANTS Houseplants have grown tremendously in popularity over the past decade. Particularly beneficial for those with limited access to a garden, houseplants allow us to bring a small element of the outdoors into our homes. Adding greenery to any room will not only enhance the aesthetics but also leave you feeling fantastic. The beauty of houseplants is that they are interchangeable, and match pretty much any décor. Meaning, you can have fun experimenting with each plant in different areas of your home. Studies show that the benefits of house plants include reducing stress and anxiety and increasing focus. They also undoubtedly improve the air quality in your home, whilst acting as a natural humidifier. Most houseplants require very little upkeep. Place them in front of some natural light, water regularly, and they will thrive. 3. ADD SOME COLOUR Many of us shy away from bright colours, especially when it comes to our walls. We tend to opt for neutrals, adding a splash of colour within our soft furnishings if we feel particularly adventurous. There is a lot to be said for neutrals because they are so versatile, however, there has never been a better time to experiment with a little colour in your home than during lockdown. Painting is therapeutic. Having a physical task to take your mind away from a screen will do wonders for your mental and physical health. The painting process can be a fun activity with the people you live with, or a solo task to help fill the pandemic days and distract your mind. Additionally, having a splash of colour in your home gives an instantaneous high. This does not necessarily mean taking the paintbrush to every room in the house. Try an accent wall by simply cheering up one or two walls to completely transform the look of the space. This also does the job of enhancing your mood and making you smile during these trying times. 4. ADJUST YOUR LIGHTING Although simply not possible in every home, consider your furniture placement and the natural light. Natural sunlight is one of the most vital elements for maintaining focus and positive mental health. Whilst bright, sunny days may be few and far between during the winter lockdown in the UK, it has never been more important to make the most of what is available. Try moving your desk near a window, to allow your mind to reap the rewards of the sunshine. Additionally, consider investing in a sunrise alarm clock or Phillips Hue lighting system. These lights can cleverly and slowly brighten the room to naturally wake you in the morning, allowing your eyes and mind to adjust to the day gradually. This sets the right tone from the off and gives you an immediate mood boost. Staying positive during lockdown can be hard, but the team at Property Genius are here for you. Call us on 01618813028 or email contactus@property-genius.co.uk to chat with a member of our friendly and experienced team.
Aug 2, 2021
The Garden Improvements That Add The Most Value To Your Home in Chorlton
Many people wanting to sell their home focus on preparing it for sale which makes perfect sense! But, you should also be looking at what your garden offers to a potential buyer. After all, more and more of us are spending time at home and so want the outdoor space. So, what sort of garden improvements should you be doing to add value to your home? Here, we at Property Genius take a step outdoors and share our top tips on garden improvements you can action immediately. These tips won’t necessarily add monetary value to your home, however they will certainly make your property more attractive to potential buyers. FIX IT UP: COMPLETE OUTSTANDING GARDEN JOBS First of all, fix things. You know that fence panel you have been meaning to sort for a while now? Get it done. That outside tap with a slight leak? Sort it out. And as for that cracked paving slab on the patio right by the French doors? Come on, either do it or get someone in to have a look at it! Seriously, gardens are so important and they have to look good. If someone sees a messy, overgrown garden, they may have difficulty seeing past the weeds and miss the potential. They’ll see hard work and that is not for everyone. It also makes people wonder just how well you have looked after the rest of your home. HOME OFFICE: ADD A GARDEN STRUCTURE As we have said, more and more of us are spending time at home. Working, but at home. There are pitfalls to working at home, and one of those is finding a balance between work and home life. The easiest way to separate the two is to – separate the two! A garden office provides that distance to lock yourself away and work without home life getting in the way. You can also step out of your garden office at the end of the working day, lock up, and then, quite literally, go home. Costs of installation (and quality) vary, so you’ll need to do your homework. DINE OUT: CREATE OUTDOOR EATING SPACES When the summer sun hits the sky, we all love being outside. Dining al fresco is something to cherish. Imagine a lovely breakfast on the patio or a BBQ with friends as the sun sets. A nicely maintained garden patio or decked area will work wonders for your home’s appeal to a prospective buyer. If you have garden furniture, arrange it so that people can picture themselves there. LIGHTEN UP: ADD MOOD LIGHTING TO THE GARDEN Adding value to your garden could mean making it more appealing. Use lighting to lift darker areas. You could add small solar lights to light up pathways, or a net of twinkling stars woven over a tree’s lower branches. You could have a fixed, electric light too, either for cosmetic purposes or security. It fully depends on your budget. What is certain is that good use of lighting will benefit you when it comes to selling the property. HOME TAKEAWAYS: EATING OUT…IN! Eating at home rather than eating out has become the norm so it’s unsurprising that there are items you can purchase to enhance the experience – a bar area for example, or a pizza oven maybe. Some potential buyers will love that you have something there for them to make use of. These things won’t add much to the actual value of your home, but, what you are doing is adding value and standing out. OUTSIDE AND IN: MERGE THE TWO When you think of the garden, also think of how the garden and the house work together. For example, how do you exit the house to go into the garden? Could you add bi-fold doors to the property? This will be relatively costly, but the impact means you are more likely to add real value to the house. When you are thinking of garden improvements, you can think big but you should also think small too. You could do some building work, or you could just ensure you get the small things done well. You could install a fake grass landscape, or you could make sure real grass is cut properly. Whatever you do, or are thinking of doing, ask us for our opinion as we are more than happy to share our advice and expertise. Property Genius are your local property experts for the Chorlton, Manchester area. Call us on 01618813028 or email contactus@property-genius.co.uk to chat with a member of our friendly and experienced team.
Jul 26, 2021
How Do I Pick the Best Lettings Agent in Chorlton, Manchester?
If you’re a new or inexperienced landlord, or you simply don’t have the time to manage your property, then it may be time to consider hiring a lettings agent to manage the property for you. But how can you ensure you’ve found the right one for you? Our handy tips will help you to pick the best lettings agent in Chorlton, Manchester. ● ASK FOR RECOMMENDATIONS If you have family or friends who rent out their properties nearby, or you know any other landlords in the area then ask them who they use, and whether they would recommend them. Word of mouth is often the most effective form of marketing, and there may even be a referral bonus for both parties. ● CHECK THEY ARE REGULATED This is absolutely essential if you’re going to pick the right lettings agent for your property. As with most industries there are a few cowboys out there looking to make a quick bit of cash, with minimal experience in their field. As a minimum you’ll want to choose a lettings agent that’s registered with the Property Ombudsman as this is a legal requirement, but it’s a good idea to find one that’s a member of the National Approved Letting Scheme (NALS), or the Association of Residential Letting Agents (ARLA Propertymark). Property Genius are proud to be members of both the TPO and ARLA Propertymark. ● COMPARE FEES You don’t have to pick the first lettings agent you find, so contact a few agents and find out their fee structures. Remember, it’s not always a good idea to just go with the cheapest to save money. Check with each of the agents what’s covered in their fees, as you might not be comparing like for like and could find yourself getting stung with hidden charges. It’s important you feel comfortable with your chosen lettings agent too and are happy with their level of knowledge, service and expertise. ● DECIDE WHICH SERVICES YOU NEED Some lettings agents may be better than others depending on what services you require. For example, are you looking for a lettings agent that just finds a tenant and sets up the initial contract, leaving you to manage the property once they’re in situ? Or are you looking for a lettings agent that takes care of full property management on your behalf, including complaints and maintenance issues? Deciding what level of service you want can be a key factor in choosing the right agent, especially if you don’t live close to the property. ● CHECK WHICH MONEY PROTECTION SCHEME THEY ARE IN All lettings’ agents are legally required to hold tenants’ deposits in a government-approved tenancy deposit scheme. They are also required to be a member of a client money protection scheme (CMP). They’ll need to have a certificate confirming this, which is displayed prominently in their offices and on their website. If it’s not visible then ask to see it, and if they don’t have one then it’s a huge red flag. ● ASK ABOUT THEIR MARKETING STRATEGIES Find out which property sites they advertise on and do some research yourself. A quick search on the big three – Zoopla, Rightmove and On The Market – will help you to get an idea of how well they market their properties, and how successful they are at renting them out efficiently. Is the lettings agent active on social media? Do they have a blog or news page? How active are they in the local community? All of these things will have a bearing on their reputation in Chorlton, Manchester. Look for things like photos and descriptions. Have the photos been taken professionally? Are the descriptions well written and error free? You want to employ the most professional agent you can find, so one that takes blurred pictures and makes sloppy spelling errors isn’t likely to be the best one you can find! ● FIND A LETTINGS AGENT YOU CAN BUILD A RELATIONSHIP WITH The relationship between the lettings agent and you, as their client is a very important one, that will hopefully be for the long-term. Therefore, it’s worth getting a feel for them to find out if they’re a company you’ll want to do business with in the long-term. There’s no point choosing an agency you don’t trust and can’t get hold of just because they’re the cheapest option. Find out when their opening hours are. Can you get hold of them on a weekend for example? How often do they carry out inspections and which tradespeople do they use? Think about all the potential issues that could arise and make sure you’re happy with the answers. And finally, check what the notice period is, just in case you do decide to leave them and go with another agency in future. Looking for a reliable lettings agent with a great reputation? Property Genius are your local lettings and property management experts for the Chorlton, Manchester area. Call us on 01618813028 or email contactus@property-genius.co.uk to chat with a member of our friendly and experienced team.