Your Buy to Let Questions Answered

Buy to let properties have become profitable and popular investments over the years. Many have found success in buy to let investments and a lot of first-time property investors choose residential buy to let as their way on to the property ladder.

However, buy to let investments can be quite tricky. There are a lot of careful considerations that a landlord has to take notice of. A landlord has to deal with a number of people - the tenant, a lettings agent, the lender and the government to name a few. For many first time property buyers, an investment in buy to let property is a daunting experience for which one needs the advice of more seasoned veterans. In the meantime, you might also have these questions in mind. Read on and find out the answers to your most pressing questions about buy to let investments:

- Can I disallow my tenants from bringing pets?
Yes, you certainly may. To be clear about it, include in your tenancy agreement the stipulation that prohibits your tenants from keeping dogs and cats (and even caged hamsters and birds) on the rental property.

- What is a company let?
A company let is an agreement between the tenant’s employer (the Company) and you as the landlord. A company let is subject to the ordinary law on contracts and is quite common in London where most companies shoulder the rental payments of their relocated employees as part of their relocation package.

- Does the property need to have a decent shower?
The importance of having functional and well-equipped shower facilities on your buy to let property cannot be understated. In fact, tenants take into great consideration the fact that their rental property is outfitted with power showers and decent bath fixtures. Therefore, take this into account as you prepare for your refurbishment, especially in properties with large bathroom specifications.

- Who pays for the council tax?
Council tax is a local tax levied on the person permanently residing in a property. The amount of said tax is calculated depending on the value of the property. The rule is that the TENANT pays for the council tax for lets that last for over three months.

- Do I need to hire a professional cleaning service in between tenants?
As a general rule, yes. And having a clean and spotless rental property inures to the benefit of you as the landlord too. A property would be more attractive to potential tenants if it is spic and span. Moreover, tenants would want to begin their tenancy on a clean slate just as much as you would expect the property to be returned to you in a good condition as well.

- How can I improve the rental yields of my buy to let property?
In property investments, first impressions last. And first impressions are often the ones that matter the most. As you open up for property for viewing to potential tenants, make sure that it is free from dust and clutter, as well as tidy inside and out. You can also turn the hospitality meter up a notch by opening up the doors for a wide airy feel as well as serving coffee or other beverages for a touch of good home comfort.