Landlord questions
Guaranteed rent, answered plainly.
Everything in our Landlord Information Pack, on one page. How the rent is paid, who lives in your property, what stays with you, and what happens when we hand it back.
What guaranteed rent means
British Housing leases your property directly from you on a long term agreement. We become your tenant and sub-let the property. You are paid a fixed rent every month by BACS, on the same date, for the whole term, including any period the property is empty.
- A fixed monthly rent, agreed before the lease starts
- No void periods. You are paid whether or not anyone is living there
- No set-up costs, no management fees, no commission
- Repairs and maintenance handled throughout
- Four inspections a year
- Every occupant referenced and checked for Right to Rent
How we work
The lease, the rent, and what happens while we hold the property.
- How long will the whole leasing process take?
- We can start the lease immediately after an initial inspection.
- Do you want the property furnished?
- Ideally yes. Furnished properties secure a higher rent. If your property is unfurnished we can supply economical furniture at cost.
- If the tenant is on Universal Credit, will the rent be paid directly by the tenant?
- No. Rent is paid directly to British Housing, either by the council or by a private vetted tenant. You are paid monthly irrespective of whether we collect the rent. That is what guaranteed rent means.
- How much is the rent, and is it negotiable?
- The rent depends on the number of bedrooms, the condition of your property and demand. It is negotiable, and once agreed it is fixed for the term of the lease. There is no provision for annual increases.
- Can you guarantee the condition of my property?
- Yes. We are contractually obliged to replace or fix any tenant damage, save for fair wear and tear. We carry out four inspections a year to mitigate against it.
- I live abroad. Can I still lease my property to you?
- Yes. Just provide proof of ownership and we can lease from you.
- Who will you house in my property?
- British Housing will be your tenant and will sub-let the property. Everyone living in the house is vetted for Right to Rent and has provided the required documentation and proof of ID.
- Who pays the council tax and utility bills?
- British Housing tenants are normally responsible for household bills. If the property is vacant, we pay them.
- What am I responsible for?
- All external repairs, meaning the roof, gutters, drains, external doors and windows. Also installations into the property (gas, electricity and water), buildings insurance, service charges and communal charges.
- How will the rent be paid?
- Monthly, by BACS, into your bank account.
- What do you need from me?
- Proof of ownership, proof of current buildings insurance, a recent mortgage statement, and copies of the latest gas, electrical and EPC certificates.
Getting the property back
What happens at the end of the term. Worth reading before you sign, not after.
- When will I know that my property is ready to be handed back?
- The representative responsible for your property will notify you in writing, and by telephone, when your lease has six months remaining.
- How long is the notice period before hand back?
- Three months. You are notified by call and in writing, and we ask you to acknowledge it so a hand back date can be agreed. The three months may be given while a resident is still in occupation, and no further notice is given once the property is empty.
- What condition will the property be in when it is returned?
- We complete repairs in accordance with the lease. We do ask you to recognise that a property will have fair wear and tear after being rented for three years. We do not redecorate or re-carpet before handing back.
- When do I become liable for the utility and council tax bills again?
- From the date the property is handed back to you. On the day we take meter readings and remind you to advise the utility suppliers and the council. You are responsible for ordering new gas cards and electric keys where necessary.
- What should I do with post for the previous occupants?
- Return it to sender rather than sending it to our office.
- Can you provide the recent gas, EPC and electrical certificates at hand back?
- Yes, provided the request reaches our team before the hand back appointment so the certificates can be brought along. If the request is made on the day, they can be sent on by email or post.
- What if I am abroad when the lease is due to expire?
- You may send a representative on your behalf. If we cannot reach you by letter or telephone, the keys are returned by recorded delivery to your last known address, and rent stops at the end of the notice period.
Still deciding?
Tell us the postcode and the number of bedrooms and we will come back with a figure. It costs nothing to find out what your property would earn.