maintenance

An assessment of household energy usage and the extent to which this can be lowered if the recommendations of the Domestic Energy Assessor preparing the certificate are adopted. Certificates give properties a rating from A to G presented graphically in much the same style as used for fridges, washing machines and other white goods. Dwellings offered for sale must have an EPC that is not more than 12 months old, and from October 2008 rental properties must have a certificate that is not more than 10 years old.

We have an in-house Domestic Energy Assessor and would be happy to provide an EPC for your property in Herts. Please call us for a quote, which we guarantee will be competitive.

We are recruiting! We have full-time and part-time positions available a variety of specialities. If you have experience of property letting or property maintenance then please contact us. We have a specific need for experienced professionals with a knowledge of:

In exchange for paying rent to occupy a property tenants not only expect quiet enjoyment of that property but also that the property is maintained in the state it was in when they moved in. Herts Lettings endeavours to ensure this maintenance is carried out promptly, courteously and efficiently. Unless the repair is caused by clear negligence on the part of the tenant the landlord will bear the cost of this maintenance. Tenants are encouraged to report any problems to their Property Manager. It is important that repairs are carried out quickly as the tenant may otherwise have a legal right to reduce his rental payments. Depending on the wishes of the Owner, Herts Lettings will either notify the Owner of work to be done, or proceed with arrangements for the work, the cost being deducted from the rent collected and detailed on the monthly statement. Naturally, in an emergency Herts Lettings will take whatever action is considered necessary. Herts Lettings uses a panel of experienced specialist tradesmen to deal with problems which arise. It is part of Herts Lettings's management responsibility to ensure that all work carried out is at a reasonable cost and to a reasonable standard.

Gas appliances – boilers, water heaters and gas fires – in rented accommodation have to be checked for safety at least every 12 months by a CORGI registered gas installer. This is required by the Gas Safety (Installation & Use) Regulations 1998. A safety certificate is held for inspection by the regulatory body and a copy given to the tenant. Herts Lettings maintains records for all gas appliances in properties it manages and takes responsibility for arranging annual testing.

Electrical appliances will soon have to be tested prior to each new tenancy under PAT (Portable Appliance Testing) regulations. Testing is not yet compulsory but is recommended as good practice and has been adopted as standard procedure by Herts Lettings. We recommend that an NICEIC Periodic Electrical Report be prepared for properties over 25 years old within a year of the first let.

We would also strongly recommend that owners have the electrical installation at the property checked by a qualified electrician prior to the first let.

As an additional precaution we advise that all owners install smoke detectors in their properties.