FAQ's
Finding tenants
Where will my property be advertised?​
​Mulberry Property Services will proactively advertise your property on Google, Facebook and on Rightmove, Zoopla and Prime Location. The property will be also marketed to qualified applicants on our database
Are there any additional marketing costs?
​No. Mulberry Property Services includes all marketing expenses, including listing your property on our website, Rightmove, Zoopla, as well as printed brochures and direct email alerts.
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Who will conduct viewings?
Mulberry Property Services ensures all viewings to your property are accompanied by one of our highly-trained Property Negotiators, even in the evenings and on Saturdays
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Do I need to be present for viewings?
No. Because renters often feel more relaxed when the owner or tenants are not present, Mulberry will ask you to supply any access codes and keys required to enter your property so we can conduct viewings independently.
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Compliance & Regulations
What are my responsibilities as a landlord?
​Making sure your property adheres to all relevant legislation is becoming increasingly more challenging .
​Regulation have changed significantly and keeping on top can be difficult. There have been over 150 regulation changes for landlords over the past five years. As a responsible Letting Agency in Milton Keynes, we will continually update you with the latest legislation.
Visit our compliance and regulations section for a breakdown of the main responsibilities.
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Do I need an EPC?
It is a legal requirement for landlords to have a valid EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) before their property is let.
An EPC measures the energy efficiency of a property using a scale of A-G and is valid for 10 years.
We can arrange an EPC for you.
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How can I protect myself from property fraud?
There are a couple of very simple measures which are recommended by both the Land Registry and Action Fraud that you can take to safeguard your property.
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Costs
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How much will it cost to let my property?
We have different lettings packages to suit your needs.
Additional costs may apply such as an Energy Performance Certificate and Inventory and Check-in reports
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How much will it cost to have my property managed?
View our Property Management Fees or contact us for more information.
The Property Management fee will be charged as a percentage of the rental price and is payable upon the tenant signing the Tenancy Agreement.
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How much does an inventory cost and who is responsible for organizing this?
Prices vary depending on the size of your property.
Please visit the inventory page for more information and prices
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Rent
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How long does it take to receive my rent?
We transfer rent the same day we receive it.
When we collect the rent on your behalf, not only will we transfer it to you on the same day, but we'll send you an email alert as soon as the rent lands in your account.
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​What happens if my tenants don't pay the rent?
We conduct thorough reference and affordability checks in order to provide qualified tenants.
We successfully collect 98% of all rents on behalf of our managed landlords. Our team is highly experienced in prompt rent collection whilst maintaining a proactive relationship with tenants.
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Can I increase the rent?
At the end of the tenancy we will help you work out what the best course of action is for you.
Should you choose to renew the contract, we'll help negotiate any rent increases with your tenants and ensure that both you and your existing tenants are happy.
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Move out
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How do I manage the end of tenancy process with my tenant?
If you are a managed landlord we will be looking after the move out process on your behalf but you will always be updated and confirm that you are happy with the condition of your property or propose deductions and allow your tenants to respond.
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Will my tenants arrange an end of tenancy clean?
Your tenants are required to leave the property in the same condition as noted in the inventory check-in at the start of the tenancy. As a diligent letting agency in Milton Keynes we will ensure all tenants comply with the check-out process
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Is a check-out report necessary?
It is best practice to complete an inventory check-in and check-out report. This record of the contents and condition of your property would then be supporting evidence for managing the end of tenancy and deposit process.
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When should my check-out take place?
A check-out report should be completed on the last day of the tenancy.
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Do I need to attend the check-out?
You don’t have to be present at the check-out, however you can attend if you want.
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Can I use my outgoing check-out for my new tenancy check-in?
Ideally each tenancy should have its own unique inventory check-in and check-out report. In the event that you wish to make deductions against a tenants deposit best practice would be to have a unique inventory check-in and check-out report for that tenancy. Please go to the inventory section where you can book in a check-out report.
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Can I use my property management inspection report as an inventory?
You can try to use it as evidence however ideally each tenancy should have its own unique inventory check-in and check-out report. Please go to the inventory section where you can book inventory reports
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Who settles the utility bills?
Your tenants will need to settle any outstanding utility bills they are responsible for with the provider directly as part of the moving out process
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Deposit
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How do I manage the deposit process with my tenants?
You will need to instruct Mulberry Property Services to release the deposit back to the tenants or inform us should you wish to propose deductions.
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How much is the tenant’s deposit?
Please check the latest deposit certificate which you have, as provided by Mulberry Property Services.
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Where can I find a copy of my check-out report?
If a check-out report was booked with Mulberry Property Services, you will be emailed a copy.
It can take up to 3 days after the move out date for the report to be received from the check-out clerk.
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What can I claim for against the deposit?
Typically most claims are for outstanding rent and any damage to the property or its contents beyond fair wear and tear which would be expected during any normal residential tenancy.
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How long do I have to make deductions?
You have up to 10 days after the date your tenants have vacated to propose deductions from the deposit.
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Why does a landlord only have 10 days to propose deductions?
All deposit funds held by Mulberry Property Services for Assured Shorthold Tenancies (AST) are protected with the DPS (custodial) in line with the Housing Act 2004. This legislation requires Mulberry or you as the Landlord to return any deposit funds not in dispute within 10 days of the tenant vacating the property.
Why do I need to consider betterment when making a deduction?
The tenant is responsible for damage beyond normal fair wear and tear during a residential tenancy.
Please consider the length of the tenancy, the age of the item and whether or not the item is still in working order (despite the damage), or is replacement the only option?
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What evidence do I need when proposing a deduction?
When negotiating at the end of a tenancy you will need to review your Tenancy Agreement, your inventory check-in and check-out reports, any email correspondence about damage or repairs, dated photographs, mid-term inspection reports, contractor reports, invoices, receipts, etc. These documents should form the basis of any proposed deductions.
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