Frequently asked questions

Why rent my property via a Chichester lettings agency such as Smartlet?

Even experienced landlords with large portfolios of properties find that using a lettings agency can help to ease many of the routine tasks that have to be done in such a highly regulated environment. Assorted legislation places a considerable burden on a landlord and there is always the need to maintain a regular dialogue with tenants. A good agency provides this contact and feedback as well as ensuring that the legal requirements of a tenancy are met.

Why choose Smartlet over any other agency?

Owned and run by local professionals, Smartlet is not constrained by the terms and conditions and trading margins of lettings agencies that are part of national chains of estate agencies or franchises. We do not sell properties, building plots or commercial premises. Our focus is purely on letting properties in West Sussex and Hampshire.
As a result of our local approach to lettings, we are able to offer a truly personal service at preferential rates with no hidden costs. We do not offer short-term cut price rates which soon rise to the industry average. Also, we do not charge for a tenancy set-up, preparing inventories and tenancy check in/outs.
Much of our business is a direct result of referral or recommendation by an existing landlord or tenant.

How does Smartlet find the right tenant for the right property?

Any lettings agency that claims to have a long waiting list of prospective tenants is either not managing that list nor updating it on a regular basis. In our experience, prospective tenants that approach us are keen to move in within a relatively short period. And landlords are certainly keen not to leave their properties vacant for any longer than necessary. So we update our waiting list on a regular basis to ensure everyone’s needs are being met in a timely way.

How does Smartlet market the properties on its books?

Firstly we inspect the property, take photographs, and make detailed floor plans so that potential tenants can get an informed picture of the property, its features and its layout. We also advise the landlord what a realistic rent will be for the property based on our local experience and that of similar properties in the locality.
Once the details are agreed, we place the description, floor plans and photographs on four nationwide websites dedicated to property rentals. Prospective tenants use these sites’ search engines to refine their searches and our descriptions are designed to produce maximum “hits” for the properties on our books.
We also display in electronic format a full set of particulars, photographs and floor plans on printed particulars in our office window in Chichester as well as mailing the details electronically to suitable applicants on our waiting list.

How do I know my property will be looked after?

First and foremost we put all our prospective tenants through a strict referencing scheme which looks at their previous records in employment, previous tenancies, reasons for moving etc. We regard this process as the start of an ongoing relationship with our tenants.
At the start of a tenancy, we inspect the property before it is let and then monthly for at least the first three months before moving to quarterly inspections.
In the event of a problem with the structure, fabric of the rented property or an appliance inside, we use a number of local trades people to repair any faults promptly. See Smart Services »

Buy or rent?

Britain has a history of property ownership rather than renting but for many reasons the rental market has filled a need at all levels of our society. In the current economic climate, more people are choosing to rent because of the high cost of property and the shortage of suitable mortgages on offer. Some owners are also choosing to rent out their homes because they want to move and are experiencing difficulties selling their property.

What levels of service does Smartlet offer?

There are three different levels.

1. “Find tenant only” service where for a fixed fee we find and fully reference a suitable tenant or tenants.
2. An introduction plus rental service where we find an acceptable tenant and provide a regular rental collection service.
3. A full proactive management service that starts with an instruction from the landlord to rent a property through to managing all aspects of the tenancy throughout the duration of the contract.

How can I find out more about finding a place to rent or letting a property?

In the first instance, please contact Smartlet by telephone (01243 537779 or 01243 838301) or by email (info@smartlet.co.uk)