Frequently Asked Questions

What is an EPC?

EPC is an energy performance certificate.  They give information on how to make your home more energy efficient and reduce carbon dioxide emissions. All homes bought, sold or rented require an EPC.  We can help you by arranging an EPC certificate or any other safety certificates. 

Do I need an EPC?

Yes, all homes bought, sold or rented require an EPC. We can carry these out on your behalf if required, please ask a member of the team.

What safety certificates do I need?

Yes, you will need gas safety and electrical safety certificates. The landlord should also supply instruction manuals to items used in the property (e.g. boilers, cookers, vacuums, white goods) and we recommend that you install heat, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.

How do you check that a tenant will be a good tenant?

We do extensive reference checks on all potential tenants before they take up a tenancy.  We use Home-Let, a company who are the largest UK supplier of referencing to the lettings industry.  See their website, www.homelet.co.uk.

What happens with a tenant's deposit?

When a tenant signs up to a tenancy, we hold the deposit.  It is protected by a government approved tenancy deposit scheme (The Deposit Protection Service) until the end of the tenancy, when the property is checked for damages.  In the case of Let Only properties, the deposit will be forwarded to the Landlord within 14 days of collection and Landlords will be obliged, by stature, to join a tenancy deposit scheme. 

What happens if a repair needs to be undertaken?

Tenants will contact us directly to arrange any repairs that are needed. We work with reputable contractors who will survey and undertake any repairs or maintenance that is required.  We will contact you for your approval if there are any repairs needed which will cost over £200.

Do I need to insure the building and contents?

You need to arrange buildings insurance for your property.  We recommend that you insure your contents too, particularly if you are renting your property furnished. 

Why should I use Space Property?

We are a dedicated team of lettings and estate agents, working with the backing of a large, regional housing association; Space Property is the commercial arm of Yorkshire Housing. Operating in the Yorkshire area for over ten years,  Space Property owns or manages over 800 properties. We offer high quality homes for rent or for sale at market prices or at discounted rates throughout Yorkshire.

You can trust us to find good tenants for your property, support you to get your property ready to let, provide a 24 hour repairs and maintenance service, collect rent, including chasing rent arrears, and liaise with the tenant(s) and Landlord regarding any issues that might occur during the tenancy.

How long does it take to find a suitable tenant?

We will start to market your property as soon as you instruct us. We will carry out viewings on your property and start the referencing as soon as as an acceptable offer is received. The referrencing usually comes back within a few days. If the reference is acceptable we would arrange for the tenant to move in as soon as possible.

Do I need to furnish the property?

The properties we let at Space Property are generally let unfurnished. We are able to help you to arrange to furnish your property if you wish. A charge of around £40.00 per month for a 2 bedroom flat would be an example of the additional income you could make. Remember that if your property is furnished you must ensure that all furnishings comply with the required legislation.

How is the property marketed?

We will provide a To Let board, will take external photos of your property, internal photos where possible, advertise the property in the Space Property window in Leeds city centre and advertise it online on the Space Property, Rightmove, Zoopla and Findaproperty websites. 

How is rent collected?

Space Property will collect rent from the tenants monthly and pay it over to the Landlord monthly (normally sent within 15 days of collection) less any fees or expenses due or incurred for the period.  Payments will be made by direct bank transfer and a detailed rent statement will be forwarded to the Landlord.  Tenants can pay their rent to Space Property by bank transfer or online.