Would you like to work with a small firm whose directors are both landlords and property developers and who understand your needs?
If so we can help!
Established in 2005 in Kent’s County town of Maidstone, Edward Ellis & Co is an independent specialist lettings agency offering an unrivalled personal service to landlords and tenants.
We know what landlords and tenants require – our directors have been personally involved in buying, refurbishing, selling and renting out properties for over 20 years, and continue to manage their own rental properties alongside our landlord clients’ properties. We now fully manage an extensive range of properties in Maidstone and the surrounding areas.
To keep our costs and fees low we have taken the decision not to have a high street office (or staff). This means that we can offer you a full personal service at a price that is lower than our competitors. We are aiming to build our managed lettings portfolio over the next few years so we have set our charges to attract and retain new landlords.
We offer a choice of services to landlords; from full management through tenant find to a DIY service which can be customised to your own requirements.
Edward Ellis & Co is a full member of The Property Ombudsman, helping to raise standards in the industry and offering peace of mind to landlords and tenants through the knowledge that the firm they are dealing with offers clearly defined levels of customer service.
Please contact us for further details of how we could save you money.
Our Services to Landlords
Many people feel that ‘High Street’ estate agents are very expensive, typically charging “full management” rates of 15% or “let only” rates of 10%. You could expect to be charged extra for the tenancy agreement and inventory, and duties over and above what would be considered standard management of the property i.e. overseeing major constructions and works of this nature.
We offer a high quality lettings agency service at an extremely attractive price.
Although we do not have a high street office we offer the complete lettings agency service; advertising, viewings, referencing and all other activities carried out by an established agent.
We are full members of the Property Redress Service, offering you a high level of protection. We carry full Professional Indemnity Insurance.
We have many years’ property letting experience – our directors have been personally involved in buying, selling and renting out properties since 2000, and continue to manage a portfolio of rental properties on a day-to-day basis. This means that we can help you establish and manage your tenancy whether you are a new landlord with your first buy-to-let property or you are an experienced landlord with an extensive property portfolio.
Why do I need an agent to let my property?
There are over 100 separate pieces of legislation governing the renting of property and a popular saying is “anything a tenant does wrong is a civil matter but any omissions or errors by the landlord are potentially criminal matters”. Having a property to let and finding someone who wishes to rent it may appear simple and possibly is. Unfortunately, the matter does not end there. The professional agent will have experience in marketing property, selecting the right tenant, taking up essential references, advising on the standard of the property, advising on all safety aspects, drawing up tenancy agreements under the Housing Act 1988 or otherwise, creating inventories and schedules of condition, changing of services to tenant’s names and ensuring receipt of cleared funds. Once a tenant has possession of a property, it is too late to decide that you may have accepted the wrong person.
Why do I need my property managed in my absence?
Landlords often consider that their parents or a friendly neighbour will be able to manage their property as they know contractors for maintenance. This, however, is by no means the only concern. Letting the property is one area and management is another. This involves demanding and collecting rent on a regular basis and ensuring that rent continues to be paid for the duration of the tenancy; visiting the property on a regular basis to ensure that the tenants are taking care and checking for any general maintenance which might be required; arranging maintenance matters, surveillance of contractors and settlement of accounts; renewals of tenancies; advising on tax matters and allowances. Assuming that the tenancy runs smoothly the managing agent will be well able to deal with the above matters. The professional agent will know how to deal with problem tenants who perhaps wish to make deductions from the rent, do not pay the rent at all or who will not leave at the appropriate time.
Please contact us for further details of our services.