Letting Made Easy

Cherry Tree is a specialists letting and management company which prides itself of on the quality of our residential property. We offer a first class service and never under estimate the importance of excellent customer service.

We are a company that has invested in technology and through this and other online marketing mediums have developed strategies to ensure quality tenants are in place to take new properties.

The demand for rental accommodation is stronger than ever in this area and is increasingly becoming the choice of the professional person. Stoke on Trent is ideally situated, offering city centre living yet close to the motorway network for commuters and people relocating.

Rising house prices and higher deposits result in fewer first time buyers so for young professionals wishing to save for their deposit, renting a property is often the first step. For others, they prefer to rent due to uncertainty as to how long they will be located in this area, another increasing trend is downsizing among the forty plus community, we wish to extract their equity from their property.

Viewings

All viewing appointments will be confirmed if you are living at the property. Our Lettings Negotiators will always accompany tenants who look at any of our properties, and whilst in discussion with them establish and understand each tenant’s needs and property specification required. To ensure that you are kept informed regarding the letting of your property, we guarantee regular, constructive feedback on viewings that have taken place.

We understand that time is valuable and often a tenants’ lifestyle may not conform to the normal 9-5 so our Letting Negotiators are as flexible as possible offering early evening and weekend viewings.

Marketing your property As soon as your property is listed, highly effective SMS text messaging and email alerts enable us to quickly inform prospective tenants, therefore creating urgency to view. In addition to our IT marketing, which is prompt and immediate, we also prepare individual details of your property with colour photography which is then displayed in our showroom. Cherry Tree use a wide range of media; press, rightmove, fish 4 homes and our websites exposing your property to the widest possible audience. What to leave In today’s market the majority of tenants are looking for unfurnished accommodation however, there is still good demand for furnished accommodation. The following guidelines, we hope, will assist you when making your decision, it is worth remembering that although a cooker is an essential, most people also choose to leave a fridge and washing machine.

Unfurnished A property offered unfurnished should contain all carpets, curtains, light fittings and built in appliances. Any appliances that you do leave will be your responsibility to maintain should they inadvertently malfunction through no fault of the tenant.

Furnished A property offered furnished can include all furniture so long as it complies with government legislation (detailed later) although you are advised not to leave televisions, videos or expensive hi-fi equipment.

Presenting a property

Presenting your property in the right way is essential if you wish to get maximum rental return.

The foremost requirement is that your property is presented clean, fresh and well maintained as this will then let easily to quality tenants.

If you are considering decorating your property then we advise that you keep colours light and plain throughout with neutral floor coverings. Curtains and light fittings should be in keeping and in good working order. Any kitchen appliances must be clean and in good working order.

Dealing with maintenance problems

We have our own team of maintenance contractors who are extremely professional and experienced and will be instructed should a maintenance problem occur at your property involving gas, electricity or water. It is essential that we deal with the problem immediately as it may cause further damage and any expenses incurred will be deducted from your rental payment. Please be assured that we will always endeavour to keep costs to a minimum.

You may prefer to use your own contactors and we will happily note their number accordingly.

Tenant selection

Finding a tenant is easy, but finding the right tenant takes experience. All tenants must fulfil our application requirements without exception. We must be entirely satisfied that they are financially secure to take on the tenancy and that they are suitable; are of good character and will fulfil all the requirements of their tenancy agreement.

Our professional team deal personally with the whole application process, taking credit ratings, employers references or accountants references should they be self employed and previous landlord references. If there is any doubt or uncertainty we will consider their application no further.

Landlord insurance

At Cherry Tree we work hard to make insurance easy. We can offer you expert advice, excellent value and a friendly, efficient service. Call us today and through our insurance partner will be able to offer very competitive insurance cover.

Safety

Gas Safety Legislation/Electrical Safety

Government Legislation requires the Landlord to hold a Landlord’s Gas Safety Certificate issued by a C.O.R.G.I Registered Engineer concerning all gas appliances in rented property.

A copy of this certificate, which is valid for 12 months, must be issued to both the landlord and the in-going tenant. At present there is not legal obligation to hold an electrical safety certificate, however there is a duty of care regulation and we would advise that an electrical safety check be carried out by an approved electrician.

Furniture Legislation

Recent government legislation relating to furnished rented accommodation insists that all furnishing comply with the Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations 1988 (as amended in 1989 and 1993). These regulations apply largely to persons letting residential property as a business however all information will be made available to you to ensure that any furniture complies.