What if I am not satisfied with the service provided by Chris Packer Ltd ?
Chris Packer Estate Agents aim to provide the highest professional service. However, should you have reason to complain then we do have an Internal Complaints Procedure, and should this not resolve the issue, then you can refer to the Property Ombudsman.
What happens at the end of the Occupational Contract?
Chris Packer Ltd undertakes a final inspection of the property after the contract holder vacates. This can be with or without the landlord depending on the landlord’s preference. If everything is satisfactory the deposit will be returned in full to the contract holder. If any work is required the cost will be deducted from the deposit/bond.
What happens to the deposit/bond?
The deposit paid by the contract holder when the occupational contract starts is protected in the Tenancy Deposit Scheme and kept by Chris Packer Ltd in a separate deposit account and cannot be used until the occupational contract ends.
What other charges could I expect?
All landlords must have an Energy Performance Certificate and I can arrange for this to be completed via a local surveyor who I use for all my properties at a charge of £50. You must also have an annual gas safety certificate completed. This I can arrange for £60 through an experienced Gas Safe Engineer, I can also arrange for the annual renewals on behalf of all landlords. The contract holders deposit must be protected through an approved Government Scheme which I also organise via the Tenancy Deposit Scheme for which there is a one off charge of £20.
What management charge will Chris Packer Ltd charge?
Chris Packer Ltd charge 12.5% of the monthly rent. Chris Packer Ltd does not charge V.A.T.
As a landlord when will I receive the rent?
Most contract holders pay via standing order. As soon as I get confirmation that the rent has been received the landlord gets the balance of the rent (less management charge and any repairs) paid electronically into the landlords chosen bank account within 24 hours.
How do you deal with continual maintenance Issues?
I have several maintenance contractors who are highly experienced and I have worked with them for many years. If a contract holder calls with a problem I contact the landlord as quickly as possible to get confirmation to proceed with any repair work, and provide a quote if required. If I cannot contact the landlord and the repair is urgent e.g. a water leak I instruct the contractor to proceed to avoid further damage to the property. The cost of repairs will be deducted from the following months rent.
How often do you check the property?
I undertake an inspection of the property one month after the contract holders have occupied the property, mainly to check that they are settled and there are no problems. I then complete regular inspections. If there are any problems or doubts about contract holders then inspections can easily be completed more frequently and any problems are immediately reported to the landlord.
Do you organise utility bills when a contract holder moves in/moves out?
The day a contract holder occupies a property I take the relevant meter readings and inform all the relevant utility companies, council and water authority. I do the same when a contract holder vacates a property.
How do you evaluate a potential contract holder?
I always do accompanied viewings so that I meet the potential contract holder from the beginning. Once I have a prospective contract holder I obtain employee references, character references, existing landlord references and copies of bank statements. I discuss references with the landlord and if agreeable I arrange a date for the contract holder to move In and organise all the legal and mandatory work on behalf of the landlord. Prior to the contract holder moving in a full inventory and photographs are completed.
How does Chris Packer Ltd advertise properties?
Chris Packer Ltd advertises properties on our website. We also keep a comprehensive mailing list of potential contract holders.
Why should I choose Chris Packer Ltd to manage my property?
I have been working in estate agency for over 40 years in Swansea, Cardiff, the Vale of Glamorgan and Bridgend. I have been practising in Bridgend for over 30 years and have a strong knowledge of the area. I was an honoured member of the National Association of Estate Agents (NAEA) I am a licensed member of the Association of Residential Lettings Agent (ARLA). I am a member of Property Mark, the Governing body for Professional Agents. Chris Packer Estate Agents is a member of the Property Ombudsman, The Tenancy Deposit Scheme and a licensed agent with Rent Smart Wales. I provide a professional service and like to get to know my landlords and contract holders. I keep in regular contact with my landlords and contract holders so that if there are any problems they can be resolved quickly.
What happens if anything goes wrong with the property?
We ask contract holders to contact Chris Packer Ltd as soon as they find an issue and any repairs will be undertaken as quickly as possible. We ask them not to ignore any problems as this could lead to further damage. Obviously, any damage caused by the contract holder will be the responsibility of the contract holder to repair; any other repairs will be covered via the landlord. Chris Packer Ltd use local maintenance businesses in the Bridgend area and we have built up a strong business relationship over the years, resulting in the best service available.
Do you consider contract holders on Housing Benefit?
It depends on the landlord. If you are on Housing Benefit please ask before you arrange a viewing of any property. I manage several properties let to contract holders on Housing Benefit.
Am I allowed to do anything to the property?
If you want to do any decorating or improvements you must ask Chris Packer Ltd first so we can confirm the landlords consent. Any changes will then be inspected once completed to coincide with the landlord’s agreement.
How long is the Occupational Contract for?
The initial occupational contract agreement will be for a minimum of six months and then renewed for a further six months or longer dependent on the agreement of both parties. Another option is on a month to month basis.
What happens to my bond?
Your bond (Deposit) will be protected through the Tenancy Deposit Scheme until you vacate the property. Further details of the scheme will be provided when you sign the Occupational Contract.
How do I pay my rent?
Your rent will need to be paid on the same date every month by standing order.
What finance do I need to pay up front?
On signing a tenancy agreement you will need to pay a deposit (Equal to one months rent) and the first months rent. Both payments need to be paid in cash. There are no other payments or fees to be paid by the tenant .
What references and information do I have to provide if I would like to rent a property?
In order to rent a property through Chris Packer Ltd you will be required to provide employee references, character references, a reference from your existing landlord or agent and bank statements.