If you opt for our AST management services, our Residential AST Lettings Management Team will assume complete responsibility for maintaining and caring for your properties at the highest level. You can expect top-notch service from us.

Every tenancy and tenant is different; therefore, every approach must be unique. Our team offers expert knowledge backed up by years of experience in the industry. We’ll keep up to date with the latest changes to Legislation and Regulations to ensure your property and tenancy remain compliant.

The critical areas of our AST Management Service are:

• A dedicated Maintenance and Repairs Reporting Portal, which gives help and advice to tenants, available in over 20 different languages
• An out-of-hours Emergency Helpline
• Rent collection, chasing arrears, and serving statutory reminder letters
• Liaising with contractors, paying invoices, utility bills and service charges on your behalf
• Providing regular Property Account Statements
• Guidance through registration with HMRC NRL (Non-resident Landlord) Scheme
• Providing Quarterly and Annual statements to HMRC for NRL Scheme Landlords
• Acting as the tenants’ primary contact throughout their tenancy term.
• Arranging repairs
• Providing suitably qualified contractors who have been referenced and vetted
• Maintaining records of and instructing annual Gas Safety Inspections
• Maintaining records of CO alarm testing and managing the installation of replacements if required
• Maintaining records of and instructing a five-year EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report)
• Maintaining records of and instructing a ten-year EPC (Energy Performance Certificate)
• Arranging inventory inspections at check-in and check-out
• Carrying out periodic visits of the property during a tenancy and providing a report
• Providing guidance on registering with HMO Additional Licencing if required
• Registering deposits in an Accredited Scheme
• Negotiating on your behalf on dilapidation deductions, providing advice and guidance on permitted deductions from the tenant’s deposit
• Reviewing the property condition regularly to advise on redecoration & refurbishment works

Assured Shorthold Tenancy Explained:

An Assured Shorthold Tenancy (AST) is the most common type of tenancy agreement used in residential lettings in England and Wales. It binds landlords and tenants to certain rights and responsibilities during the tenancy period. As a landlord, understanding the ins and outs of ASTs is crucial for successful property management.

What Qualifies as an AST

Any residential tenancy in England and Wales that started after the 15^th of January 1989 is automatically classified as an Assured Shorthold Tenancy if the following applies:

• You’re a private landlord or housing association
• The property is your tenants’ main accommodation
• You do not live in the property

However, there are certain instances when the tenancy cannot be classified as AST:

• The tenancy agreement was signed before the 15^th of January, 1989
• The rent is more than £100,000 per year
• The rent is less than £250 per year (less than £1000 in London)
• It’s a business tenancy or tenancy of licensed premises
• It’s a holiday let
• The landlord is a local council
• The landlord resides at the property

Landlord’s Responsibilities

As a landlord, you must follow certain responsibilities when under an AST:

• Keeping the property in good interior and exterior condition, including drains, gutters, pipes, and other essential infrastructure
• Keeping the installations for the supply of all the essential utilities in proper working order, including water, gas, electricity, and sanitation. This also applies to various conveniences such as basins, sinks, baths, heating water and rooms
• Depending on the nature of the repairs, all maintenance work must be undertaken within a reasonable period
• Arrange a valid Gas Safety Certificate (if applicable) and EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report) and provide a copy to the tenant
• Give a minimum of 24 hours’ notice to enter the property
• Make sure the furniture in your property meets relevant safety regulations
• Protect the tenants’ deposit within 30 days of receiving it, and provide the tenant with ‘prescribed information’
• Provide an up-to-date copy of the ‘How to Rent’ booklet
• Ensure the property meets the minimum energy efficiency standards and provide a copy of the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)
• Anything other terms you agreed and stated in the contract

Tenant’s Responsibilities

Tenants under an AST also have responsibilities, which include the following:

• Providing the relevant documents, such as your passport or BRP card, to prove a ‘Right to Rent’.
• Paying the rent on time
• Using the premises as a private dwelling only and not for business purposes
• Taking reasonable steps to maintain the property and keep it in good condition
• Taking reasonable steps to keep the property secure when you’re away, locking all doors and windows
• Informing the Council of your student status for council tax purposes
• Taking care of the furniture and other home appliances that the tenant has been provided with
• Informing the landlord of any damage and reporting any repairs in writing immediately. Any form of digital communication is acceptable
• Asking your landlord/agent’s permission when necessary (e.g. hanging pictures, painting walls)
• Ending the tenancy as outlined in the contract
• Keeping to the terms and conditions of the contract and anything else you have agreed to in the contract

Are You Looking for Help with Your Residential AST Lettings?
At Robert Irving Burns, we understand the complexities and challenges that come with managing ASTs in Central London. Our comprehensive AST management services are tailored to meet the unique needs of landlords in this area.