Frequently asked questions
Your property
In which boroughs do you require properties?
We require properties in the West London Partnership Agreement area of Brent, Ealing, Hammersmith & Fulham, Harrow, Hillingdon, Hounslow and Kensington & Chelsea as well as surrounding areas.
What type of properties do you rent?
We are looking for houses and flats. We do not take flats if they are located over any commercial restaurants or fast food shops. All properties are subject to inspection before we can make you an offer.
What do I need to do before I rent to you?
Make a call to our office or you can fill out our enquiry form. We would then visit your property and encourage inspections before any works have been done to be able to let your property successfully, with minimum turn around time. Check our property standards and required documents for more information on what you will need.
Do I need to provide furniture?
We advise our owners not to provide furniture until we have signed up the tenancy and know whether the tenant has furniture themselves, the furniture you do provide will have to meet our furniture standards. We can also help with providing furniture.
Which safety certificates do I need to supply?
You need to supply a CP12 for the gas installation and appliances (carried out by a GAS SAFE registered gas engineer) and an NICEIC electrical certificate (carried out by an NICEIC registered engineer). Both certificates must be clear and show that no works are required. Certificates should be no older than one month at the start of the lease agreement.
Will I need to provide an Energy Performance Certificate?
Since October 2008, whenever a building is rented out, it must have a certificate showing its energy efficiency grade by law. An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is valid for 10 years and provides A to G ratings for the building with A being the most energy efficient and G being the least. A new tenant will not be able to move into the property unless it has an EPC.
When is my property handed back to me?
The property will be handed back to you at the end of the three year period. If the property becomes available and there is less then six months left on the lease then we may hand the property back to you giving you a months notice.
What happens if I want to extend my lease?
If you would like to extend your three year lease term we would renew your lease for a further three years. This may be with a tenant in place or not. At this stage you may be required to carry out works when the property first becomes void or empty.
Can I inspect the property during the agreement?
Yes, you will need to give us notice of your intention so we can let our tenant know and arrange a convenient time for both parties.
In what condition do I get my property back?
SBHG assigns an officer to inspect your property on a regular basis to ensure that all repairs are being addressed and the tenants are not causing any damage to the property. If there is any damage you will be compensated. Before tenants move into the property we carry out a photographic inventory of your property for free.
Do I have to carry out any repairs?
All structural repairs will be your responsibility however we offer a service where we can carry out repairs on your behalf and recharge you.
Our agreement
What are the legal obligations?
The lease you sign will detail all your legal obligations; it is important that you read the lease fully and ask us if you are unsure of any aspects of it before signing the agreement.
How long is the agreement?
We will set up the agreement for usually a period of three years.
Do you charge commission?
No commission is charged. Unlike estate agents, who charges a percentage of the annual rent at the start of the tenancy and a further charge if you require management. Management with SBHG is FREE.
Am I eligible for a grant?
Some local authorities are able to offer you a grant to assist you in completing works required to be done in the property in order to bring the property to the standard required. Application should be made directly to the governing council we will be happy to assist if they need any clarification.
Can I terminate my lease?
Our aim is to house homeless people, our professional acquisition officers will go through all the leasing commitments to give you a clear and precise understanding of exactly what is expected of you, for that reason we do not agree to our leases being terminated within the three years.
Rent
How much rent do I receive?
The rent you receive will depend on the number of bedrooms in the property and its location. Your payment is guaranteed.
How will the rent be paid to me?
Rent is paid monthly in advance using BACS, which is a payment direct from our bank account to your bank account.
When will the rent be paid to me?
Rent is sent to you on the 1st and will reach your account on the 3rd day of each month.
Tenants
Who are the tenants?
The tenants could be individuals or families in need of housing who have been nominated for temporary accommodation by a local authority because the place they are currently living in is no longer suitable or available.
Do I have a say in who the tenants are?
We work directly with the governing borough to house people this is done on a priority basis, the council will have already vetted people and families who are most in need so you will not be able to choose.
Can I contact the tenants myself?
All communication will be handled through us. We do not encourage landlords to contact the tenant directly.
What happens if the tenants cause anti social behaviour?
SBHG carry out frequent inspections of the property and aim to nib problems in the bud. However if problems persist to anti social behaviour SBHG will take every step including legal action to stop the problem and if neccessary we will evict, at no charge to you.
Who do tenants contact about repairs?
Tenants can contact SBHA who will assess the repair. We provide an emergency repairs response service 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Who’s responsible for boiler breakdown?
You would be responsible for a boiler breakdown, we advise you to have a cover such as British Gas or Homeserve as these are most convenient for tenants. |