Landlord FAQ's
What is the trend of rental prices in Worcester
Rental values in Worcester rose by 6.3% over the 12 months to August 2023. Average monthly rents currently stand at around £927 for houses and £695 for flats, although actual values vary depending on size, number of bedrooms, location and the overall condition of the property. Our portfolio ranges from properties let at around £500 PCM to those achieving £1,600+.
How do I know what rent to charge?
With many years’ experience in the Worcester market and a managed portfolio of 200 properties since our establishment in 2003, we have extensive insight into rental levels across Worcestershire. We compare your property with similar homes locally and provide a realistic view of the rental income you can expect. We’re happy to visit and offer a tailored valuation free of charge.
What is included in my lettings fees?
Some agents promote low initial fees but add numerous extra charges. Apart from our Guaranteed Rent Service, which has no fees, all costs are covered within three clear charges:
- Letting Fee – a fixed cost for letting your property to a new tenant (including the inventory and photography)
- Renewal Fee – for extending an existing tenancy
- Management Fee – a monthly charge under our Fully Managed service, covering deposit protection, rent collection, inspections, maintenance coordination and end-of-tenancy checkouts
For further details see
How much will it cost me to let my property?
Being a landlord can be financially rewarding, but it also requires managing risk and responsibility. We offer three key service levels: Tenant Find, Fully Managed and Guaranteed Rent.
Except for the Guaranteed Rent Service (which has no fees), all charges are covered by the same three components listed above:
- Letting Fee
- Renewal Fee
- Management Fee
We believe in transparent pricing with no hidden extras, helping landlords easily understand their expected income.
For more information see
What happens if I do not let my property?
If your plans change or you decide not to go ahead, we do not charge for the time we have spent, and there are no tie-ins. We aim to make the process as straightforward as possible.
What if the tenant doesn't pay?
Our Guaranteed Rent Service offers a complete letting and management solution and provides a fixed rent start date with an agreed rental amount for 1, 2 or 3 years, paid monthly even if the tenant is late, misses payments, or the property becomes empty. More than 12,000 UK landlords use this “let it and forget it” service.
Under our Fully Managed service, we pursue arrears and, if necessary, manage legal proceedings to recover rent and regain possession.
With Tenant Find, you handle these matters yourself — though we are always available to offer guidance.
Actual non-payment is rare because tenants undergo thorough credit checks and affordability assessments, and this can be reinforced with guarantors or advance rent payments.
Why should I use a managing agent?
A fully managed service removes the day-to-day pressures of being a landlord. It provides professional distance between you and your tenant and ensures legal responsibilities are kept up to date. Issues such as rent arrears or deposit disputes are handled on your behalf.
For complete peace of mind, many landlords look to the Guaranteed Rent Service, used by over 12,000 property owners nationwide.
How do I receive my rental income?
With our Fully Managed service, the tenant pays by standing order into our account. Once funds clear, we transfer rent to you after deducting commission and any authorised costs. You’ll receive a detailed monthly statement.
For Tenant Find, we collect the first month’s rent and the deposit before transferring them to you. Thereafter, tenants pay you directly using your chosen method, usually by standing order.
The Guaranteed Rent Service provides fixed monthly payments from Northwood on the same day each month, regardless of whether the property is empty or tenants pay late.
What happens to my tenant's deposit?
Landlords must register tenant deposits with an approved scheme. We are members of the insured Tenancy Deposit Scheme (TDS) and register deposits within 30 days of the tenancy start. Protection continues for the duration of the tenancy, and the cost is included in our management fee.
Will my agent keep my money safe?
All client money is held in designated client accounts, monitored daily and independently audited.
Northwood Worcester holds Client Money Protection (CMP) through Propertymark, providing compensation in the unlikely event of misused client funds.
Why should I have an inventory?
An inventory captures the condition and contents of your property before a tenancy begins and is vital for resolving any end-of-tenancy disputes. We provide a full photographic inventory as part of our Letting Fee (for Tenant Find and Fully Managed services). Other agents may charge separately.
What if the tenant damages the property?
Damage beyond fair wear and tear must be repaired by the tenant or paid for from their security deposit.
Can I enter my property during the tenancy?
You must give tenants appropriate notice before accessing the property.
What is a routine visit?
A routine visit allows the landlord or agent to check general upkeep and identify maintenance issues. We carry out these inspections twice yearly as standard, or more often if needed. These unlimited visits are included in our Monthly Management Fee for Fully Managed landlords. Other agents may charge separately.
What is TPO?
The Property Ombudsman (TPO) is an independent organisation landlords can approach if they feel a complaint has not been resolved satisfactorily. We are covered by their redress scheme.
What is Right to Rent?
Right to Rent checks ensure that anyone renting a property in England has a legal right to reside in the UK. This requirement began in February 2016. We complete these checks as part of our referencing process (included in the Lettings Fee). Landlords conducting their own checks must obtain the correct proof of residency to avoid fines.
What is Client Money Protection?
Client Money Protection (CMP) provides compensation if an agent misuses rent, deposits or other client funds. Northwood Worcester is covered through Propertymark.
Does a landlord need to pay tax on rental income in Worcester?
Landlords, whether UK-based or overseas, may be liable for tax on rental income. We can support you with Non-Resident Landlord submissions and supply monthly and annual statements to help with tax returns.
Who will pay the council tax - the landlord or the tenant?
The tenant is responsible for the council tax (unless you decide to include this in the rent) this is clearly stated in all the Northwood tenancy agreements. If the property is standing empty, it is the landlord’s responsibility to pay.
Why do I need an EPC?
An EPC rates the energy efficiency of a property from A to G and remains valid for 10 years. All rental properties require an EPC, and since 1 April 2018, they must meet a minimum rating of E. Renting a non-compliant property can result in fines of up to £4,000. We can arrange EPC assessments for you.
How can I improve my EPC rating?
Simple steps include installing energy-saving lightbulbs, ensuring loft insulation is at least 270mm, and filling cavity walls where appropriate.
More substantial improvements include upgrading old boilers, replacing single-glazed windows, adding modern heating controls or installing renewable technologies such as solar panels.
What are my obligations surrounding gas?
Under the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998, landlords must ensure all gas appliances, flues and pipework are safe. Duties include:
- Annual Gas Safety Checks by a Gas Safe registered engineer
- Providing the Landlord Gas Safety Record (LGSR) to existing tenants within 28 days or to new tenants at move-in
- Maintaining all appliances and pipework in safe condition
We arrange Gas Safety Checks and ensure LGSR compliance as part of our Fully Managed service.
Do I need to get my electrical appliances tested?
It is recommended good practice to carry out Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) to ensure any electrical items supplied with the tenancy are safe.
Do I need an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR)?
Yes. Legislation requires landlords to have a valid EICR before letting a property. We can arrange this and maintain compliance through our Fully Managed service.
How do I check if my furniture is compliant?
All furnishings provided must meet fire safety regulations and display the correct labels. This reduces fire risk within the property.
Do I need smoke alarms in my property?
Yes. A working smoke alarm must be installed on every floor of the property. We can arrange installation and checks in line with regulations.
Do I need carbon monoxide alarms in my property?
Yes. From 1 October 2022, a CO alarm is required in every habitable room containing a gas appliance (excluding cookers). Landlords must ensure alarms are working on the first day of any new tenancy. We can arrange installation and checks.
I want to let my property. Do I need to tell my mortgage lender?
Yes. You must obtain consent from your mortgage provider before letting the property. They may apply specific conditions. If you are purchasing with the intention to let, you may need a buy-to-let mortgage.