Why do I need an agency?

It is recommended that landlords utilise an agency for ease of letting their property. Agencies can provide specialist knowledge, services and manage the day to day running of the property, preventing and diverting any problems in advance.

How do I know what the legal requirements are for letting?

That's where we come in, we will arrange everything for you and advise on certification, insurance, timescales and housing standards.

What sort of agreements are used?

The usual tenancy agreements are 6 month Assured Shorthold Tenancies, followed by either another 6 month AST or a periodic monthly tenancy (a rolling ongoing agreement) YorHome can prepare these and have bespoke agreements written for you.

What do I get for my money?

YorHome will arrange everything from the viewings to the utilities, to the move in date, then the collection of rent, the regular inspections of the property and any ongoing maintenance. You as the owner have full control over how and when you would like to be involved.

Who is responsible for the maintenance?

YorHome can arrange for a respected local contractor to carry out emergency repairs up to an agreed financial limit without inconvenience to you, we will arrange for you to be invoiced for the work carried out, however, we do not make a charge for the work or the arrangement of it.

What about the bills?

The tenant is responsible for all the usual household bills including water and council tax, television license, telephone bills and contents insurance.

What is the Deposit Scheme that I've heard about?

The deposit scheme is a government run system whereby any money paid in advance to the landlord (not the first months rent but usually equivalent in sum to a months rent) is paid into a third party escrow account. This means that neither the landlord nor the tenant hold onto the money and don't benefit from the interest. It also means that the money will only be paid back to the tenant on the agreement of both parties at the end of the tenancy. If both parties don't agree then an independent mediator will assess the situation but this does cost and the cost varies on the time taken to resolve any issues.

What is the Bond Guarantee Scheme?

The Housing Options Service at the City of York council runs the bond guarantee scheme. 

A bond is a paper agreement, signed in advance of a new tenancy by both the landlord and the potential tenant agreeing that a bond will be accepted rather than a monetary deposit. 

The advantage to this is that landlords will not have to use the National Tenancy Deposit schemeput it in a deposit scheme.

Do you credit check tenants?

As we are working with our tenants already and know them very well, this is not something that should be necessary, in any case, no history of rent or mortgage arrears would ever show up in a credit check. This shows store cards, HP agreements, loans etc so is not as valuable as it sounds. We work with our tenants in making sure they take on properties they can afford and assist them where necessary

Do you underwrite/ guarantee the rent?

As YorHome is a non profit making organisation, we don't cover any unpaid rent, however, the rent is one month in advance and as we are managing the tenancy we will know if ever there is a missed payment and can find out and resolve the reasons behind this. There are insurance companies that you can pay into that will cover any unpaid rent, however it is not something we are anticipating due to our involvement with the tenancies. 

What if I have a problem with my tenant?

YorHome will arrange to meet with you to discuss any worries and then meet with the tenant to see about resolving any issues. YorHome works on behalf of the landlord so we will be proactive in minimising any issues. All our tenants have support staff and advice from external agencies to enable a happy, trouble free tenancy.