Tenants Without a Written Contract- Verbal Tenancy Agreement

Most tenants fall for this because they do not have the adequate education or knowledge about this. They think they have no right which is WRONG. They do have right as a verbal contract is bonded by law. Which means a verbal agreement is a legally binding agreement just as a written one. (But most expect would not advise you to go for this option).

What is my Legal Right without a written Tenancy Agreement?

The fact that a tenant does not have a written agreement does not affect the statutory right of the tenant. Under this agreement, both the tenant and landlord is protected by the statutory law. If an agreement was reached (without a written agreement) and the landlord wants to evict the tenant, he/she is required to submit a valid Section 8 to the tenant before the tenant can be evicted and also the reasons for eviction must be on legitimate grounds. Also, after the Section 8 is served to the tenant, he/she is entitled to 14 days after the date of submission to decide on what to do. This process is just the same as evicting someone with a written agreement.Verbal Tenancy Agreement

A tenant without a written Tenancy Agreement can request for the Housing Officer at the Local Authority to inspect the property if he/she is not happy with the condition of the property and based on the outcome, request for an improvement notice to be served to the landlord in the property does not meet the set standards.

How Is a Verbal Tenancy Agreement Created?

For both parties (they) to say they have entered into a verbal Tenancy Agreement, there are some factors that should be included in the Verbal Tenancy Agreement for it to be deem valid which includes the following:

  • They must agree to be legally bonded to the agreement
  • They meet the minimum requirement in other to enter into an agreement (i.e. not drunk, insane or under the age of 18)
  • They must not be under any pressure to commit to the agreement
  • The agreement cannot go contrary to the law

Although the above are some elements of a Verbal Agreement, there are three most important factors that must also be included:

  • An Offer
  • An acceptance of offer
  • Payment known as the legal term consideration.

Why Is Verbal Tenancy Agreement Not Advised Even Though It is Protected By Law?

Even though Verbal Tenancy agreement is boned by law, it is always in your own best interest to go for a written Tenancy Agreement when creating a tenancy. Written tenancy agreement helps avoid misinterpretation between both parties. The written agreement clearly outlines the terms and responsibilities of both the landlord and tenant. This help solves any further dispute or misunderstanding that may arise later on.

Also for those who have in a Verbal Tenancy Agreement, you are advised to go for a written one if you want to renew the Tenancy.

How Do One Create Written Tenancy Agreement?

Despite its massive benefits, a written agreement is not difficult to put together. There are a lot of resources at your disposal you can use to create one yourself. There are many websites that offer a Written Tenancy Agreement Template that you can use to create one yourself. You can also consult a specialist solicitor who will help you draft one.

Reading all the above, if you are a landlord or a tenant who is yet to commit to a tenancy agreement, then it is advisable to go for a written one. Also, if you have already committed to a verbal Tenancy agreement, that is not the end as you are protected by the law but is advised to go for a written one when renewing your agreement.

Electric cooker installation – Four benefits of electric cookers

Did you know, that after the bedroom, the next room of the house that a vast majority of people find themselves spending the most time in, is actually the kitchen. When you stop and think about things, it actually makes perfect sense as we obviously have to eat and drink on a daily basis to survive, and many of the foods we find ourselves preparing, can’t just be rustled up in a matter of seconds.

As we spend so much time of our lives cooking, having functional, beneficial, practical, and economic kitchen appliances is absolutely essential for a number of reasons. As you probably know, the economy is still pretty unstable and the cost of living is sadly not getting very much cheaper. Every penny counts, which means that if we can take measures to save ourselves money, we should take these steps and do what has to be done. Electric cooker installation services

Older cookers and ovens in homes, are notoriously expensive to run as they waste a great deal of energy, they find themselves becoming faulty and unreliable, and they take so much time to heat up and prepare various foods. Therefore, some people decide to install gas cookers as it is thought that gas appliances are cheaper to run than electrical appliances. In reality however, it all depends on the economy itself, the time of year, and many other factors besides.

Electric cooker installation services however, are now in very high demand as people are finally realising that electric cookers, when installed correctly, can be energy efficient, practical, simple to use, and much more besides.

Here’s a look at some of the primary advantages associated with electric cookers.

Less loss of heat

One of the biggest drawbacks associated with gas ovens, is the fact that the heat that they generate is pretty difficult to control, which in turn means more is wasted, or lost entirely. One of the main benefits associated with electric cookers however, is the fact that the temperature is so easy to control and regulate, so you know exactly how much energy and heat is being generated by the device. If you want a temperature of 350 Degrees F, you simply set the switch to that number, and that is the exact temperature that you will get. Not only is this beneficial for helping to keep energy costs down, but it can also help with heating costs in the winter, as, once you do switch the oven off, if you open the door, the heat will escape from the oven and will help to heat your kitchen.

More reliable and less maintenance

Gas cookers have a reputation for being notoriously difficult to care for and maintain, as they are often plagued with a wide range of different problems, especially as grease and general dirt begins to build up inside of them. You can have blocked gas valves, low gas circulation, trouble with the lighting devices, and much more besides. Not only is this a real pain in the backside when you’re constantly having to sent out for maintenance and repairmen to fix your cooker, it is also very expensive as replacement parts, and indeed labour costs, are not cheap. Electric cookers are far, far more reliable and easy to maintain, and, if anything does ever go wrong with them, several years down the line, you will still easily be able to source a wide range of different replacement parts and accessories, all for very affordable prices. Put simply, the more reliable an oven is, the more money you will save in the long run.

Less ventilation

With gas cookers, there is the very real risk of a gas leak, and indeed of Carbon Monoxide poisoning when the device is switched on, which is one of the main reasons why gas cookers require much more ventilation than electric ovens and cookers. This extra demand for ventilation can not only be more expensive, it can also take up more room in your kitchen, which is going to be especially frustrating if your kitchen is already small to begin with. Instead of useful kitchen cabinets or shelves, you may need additional extractor fans and ventilation units. With electric ovens however, there are far fewer health risks.

As there are less risks, the need for complex and oversized ventilation is also much smaller, meaning you again save money, and have far more space in your kitchen.

Great for inexperienced cooks

Another benefit of electric cookers is the fact that they are ideal for inexperienced cooks as they are extremely easier to control and regulate than gas cookers, meaning that it is far more difficult for you to overcook, or undercook, whatever it is that you happen to be cooking inside the oven. Not only is the temperature more precise, but on top of that, the numbers and scales are also easier to read and understand than gas cookers as well.

Benefits of Hiring a Property Management Company

One of the biggest and most valuable investments people make over the course of their lives is in residential or commercial real estate. Often, it takes life savings from years of hard work to get the property you really want. While managing a property may not seem like a big deal at all first, once you get into the game, the paperwork and other daily tasks can really catch up. This is where property management companies come in.estate-agents-uk

In addition to helping with managing day to day affairs for your property, these companies can also help add value to your investment. From single family homes to large office buildings and apartment blocks, property management companies can help manage all kinds of real estate operations. It is no wonder then that most real estate investors recommend using a good management company, and consider it one of the essentials in the property business.

When Should You Hire a Property Management Company?

Relying on a property management company can transform the way you see real estate, and be a real game changer for your future. If you fall in one of the following categories, you should seriously consider hiring a property management company:

  • You have multiple properties and rental units.
  • You live far away from your rental property.
  • You have limited time, or you simply do not want to be involved in hands-on management.
  • You want to focus on growing your business without having to deal with endless paperwork.
  • Your property is part of an affordable housing program and you need help to deal with loans, credits, and returns.


How do I Choose the Property Management Company?

Before you jump right in, it is important that you know the risks associated with handing over your property to a real estate management company. While it is true that most companies work to help increase the overall value of your property, there are a lot of inexperienced operators out there who may do the exact opposite. Therefore, it is very important to choose wisely when it comes to property management companies. We have put together a list of some essential items you should check before entering any contracts:

  • Get recommendations from colleagues and local apartment associations. People will recommend companies that know how to do their jobs correctly and make properties better places to live in. Moreover, you can be comfortable knowing that the recommended management company has local experience and is known well throughout the area.
  • Visit websites of the Property Ombudsman (TPO), the Ombudsman Service and the Property Redress Scheme (PRS) to search for approved professionals in your area. All three organizations maintain updated databases of real estate management organizations operating throughout the United Kingdom.
  • Check how many properties and units the organization you are considering manages. Additionally, be aware of a management company that has their own properties; they are more likely to focus on them first, and your property may get left out.
  • You should also check how often managers will be personally visiting the sites in order to inspect them periodically. It should also be decided on who will manage maintenance issues and if there will be any extra charges for this service.
  • Determine the charges beforehand. Most managers charge between 5 and 10 percent of the rent generated from your property. However, some companies determine this amount on the maximum possible rent, and expect to be paid whether the property is occupied or vacant.

At the end of the day, make sure to read the fine print before signing up with a real estate management company.

What are the Benefits of Hiring a Property Management Company?


A good management company is worth every penny you spend. Here are some ways they can help make your life easier:

Dealing with Tenants and Handling Maintenance


From tedious tasks like screening applications to planning out payments and completing tons of paperwork, management companies have the manpower to get the job done quickly. Most companies use a thorough vetting process to find tenants that pay on time, rent for long periods, and have a clean record. You will also be protected from rental scams and lawsuits resulting from misuse of property. 
Good maintenance is necessary to keep tenants happy and a professional management firm has access to contractors who perform routine maintenance work and all kinds of repairs. Having in-house maintenance staff increases the value of your property, and results in considerable savings as well.

Legal Issues


One of the biggest advantages of using a property management company is the protection it offers from all types of legal issues. From angry tenants to accident victims, property management companies stay on top of it all. With detailed knowledge about state and local laws for commercial properties, these companies can cover most situations. This includes safety of the property and living conditions. Additional duties range from handling security deposits and lease agreements to conducting inspections and handling the eviction process.

Get Your Property Ready for the Market

Experienced property management firms will complete multiple tasks to help get your property on the market. This includes thoroughly inspecting the property, gas safety inspections, electrical inspections, EPC, making any cosmetic changes required, and suggesting other improvements that increase the residual value and promise to boost revenue.

Furthermore, these organizations also help determine an appropriate rental rate based on the location, average income in the area, age of tenants, and other factors affecting the local market. With access to all this information and more, real estate management companies are much more informed in this entire process and can make better decisions.

One important element of getting your property filled up is marketing; and most management companies have dedicated marketing departments to help achieve targeted occupancy in a short amount of time. They can also get cheaper deals due to volume discounts and market your property online.

Value of Investment

A good property management company will seek to take every possible step to increase the value of your investment. By putting into place strict procedures to comply with local regulations, carry out periodic maintenance, and supervise the general appearance and daily operations of your property, these companies will have a positive financial impact in the long run.

Personal Benefits
By handing over management functions to professionals, you can relax and enjoy life as you have always wanted. Less stress from not having to deal with tenants and plenty of time and freedom to do what you want will greatly improve your lifestyle and health.

Inventory Services For Your Property Will Be Of Benefit

Being a landlord can be a challenging role but there are many ways in which you can make life easier for yourself. One of the most common areas of dispute relates to inventory lists and the condition of your property. If you want to minimise the likelihood of arguments over these matters, be proactive and rely on Cenultra for support.

The Check-In Service

Given that the best time to carry out an initial inventory check is when a new tenant moves into the property, the check-in service is an extremely popular option. This can occur at the exchanging of the keys, which allow for an accurate assessment to be made at the point of entry or when a new tenant takes control of the property. If required, this check can include readings of all energy meters as well as creating a report that evaluates the condition of the home and the entire inventory contained within the property at this point.Property Inventory Services For Your Property UK

The importance and benefits of having this record cannot be overstated. A large proportion of disputed between landlords and tenants are due to disagreements over the condition of contents or the presence of contents. Having a detailed and thorough property inspection list in place would provide an opportunity for everyone to see what was agreed upon at the end of a tenancy.

If there is an agreed property inventory list compiled, there can be no disagreement about what was available at the start of the tenancy, and what should be present, or at least replaced, at the end of a tenancy. However, if this is not in place, it opens up the opportunity for debate and argument, on all sides, which could eventually lead to legal action taking place.

At check-in, the inventory clerk will record which keys have been exchanged and will write all the energy meter readings. Our inventory clerks and tenants will concur the condition of the home and sign the report; all included as part of the inventory services provided.

At Cenultra, we can supply some of the experienced and qualified inventory clerks in London, so if you want the peace of mind and confidence that comes from having a detailed inventory list in place, get in touch and we’ll be more than happy to help.

The Check-Out Service

The check-out service will be very similar to the check in service as there is a need to evaluate the same items. Of course, the inventory should be taken afresh, with the inventory clerk noting what they see as opposed to working towards what should be present in the property.

The best way to carry out an inventory check-out list is for the inventory clerk not to check the check-in list until after the check-out list has been completed. Creating two separate and independent lists provides the best opportunity to compare the inventory and condition of the property between these two points.

The findings of the check-out inventory list can often be important if there are any disagreements between the landlord and tenant. The check-out service is just one of the many services provided by Cenultra and if you want the confidence and peace of mind that comes from hiring an independent inventory clerk, get in touch.

Mid-term inventory list

It may be that a mid-term inventory check is of benefit, and this can provide peace of mind to the landlord, and even the tenant. If the tenant is looking to be in the property for a long while, it makes sense to undertake an inventory and condition check on a regular basis.

This will provide the landlord with information about the ongoing condition of the property. If there is anything untoward, this will provide the landlord with a chance to encourage the tenant to change their behaviour or provide them with a warning with respect to their future behaviour.

If any issues arise at a later date, it can be helpful to have recorded information and evidence of any wrongdoing in a property and the information contained in a mid-term inventory list could be of significance at a later date.

When it comes to benefiting from the best standard of property inventory services London has to offer, be sure to call on Cenultra. We have been providing inventory services for a considerable period of time, and we like to think that we provide a fair, honest and effective review service. If you are looking to minimise the likelihood of any issues arising at a later date, be proactive by hiring a professional to carry out inventory services for you.

Accepting Late Rent During the Eviction Process: Bad or Good Idea?

Collecting late rent can be actually frustrating if you are a landlord. Collecting money from someone who is using your rental property is the main reason why you lent your property in the first place.

Getting money out can be a real problem when the tenant starts the eviction process. Tenants usually get angry when they get a notice that the eviction process has begun. Certain tenants decide to abandon the process whereas others fight the eviction. Landlords can even decide to leave as soon as possible without inflicting any damage to the property.Tenants Late Partial Payment

One scenario that you might not consider is when the tenant tries to get in touch with you about paying the rent late after the eviction process has begun. Here are certain things that you can do in order assess what is best for you:

Partial Payment Before Filing

The hardest part of navigating a late rent pay is when tenants offer to pay partial rent and promise to pay you the rent much later in the future. If you decide to pay the rent late, you are deciding to waive off the eviction process. For instance if you are deciding to send the notice to the tenant on a Monday and accept the partial payment on Wednesday, the Monday notice will not be valid. If they fail to pay the 2nd part of the late rent on Wednesday, you will not be able to revert the Monday notice. You will have to start the process all over again. However ultimately you will decide whether you want to get the partial payment or quit the timeline. If the tenants are good ones or they are barely late, there have been some outside circumstances and then you can decide to give them a break. However ultimately it is your property and you will be able to negotiate and decide how much longer you want to delay the payment. The tenant can however fail to meet the negotiated deadline or make the rent payment in full, the landlord can always decide to start the eviction process from the missed date and not the date on which the payment was actually or originally missed.

Pay or Quit Notice

The quit notice is sent to the tenants when the payment is late. The notice will give the tenant the much awaited time to pay the late rent before the landlord takes the next step to file the paperwork with the court. It all depends on the state. The time period might be somewhere from 3 to 14 days. When you get the payment in full with the late fees, it will mean that you are getting rid of the eviction process. Basically, accepting the payment will waive off your right to process the eviction of the tenant for the non-payment of the rent.

You can even accept the late rent payment and fees if they are paid in full irrespective of whatever happens. As long as the tenant decides to pay by the notice’s deadline, the landlord must receive the payment and he will then have no right to file anything in the court.

If you have started the eviction process with the court, your tenant might still call and offer to pay the rent. If you get the payment in full or even late rent payment, the court will dismiss your eviction process. If the process is evicted, you can basically decide to start the process again. Certain landlords do not accept the payment after there has been a filing in the court. However others might decide to get the payment in full. Certain landlords become happy to get the rent payment either it is partial or it is full and till the eviction process starts. If you deny the late rent payment and don’t accept it, the process will continue and your rights will continue to keep going. However it is on the landlord to reject the rent payment after the papers have been filed.

Several countries have clearly defined laws that permit landlords to accept partial payments of late rent without fully waiving their rights to the eviction process. Some countries just allow the landlords to get partial payments without waiving their rights to the eviction process. You must get all the information you can on eviction laws in the country in order to see exactly what is being done and you cannot accept late rent payments following the beginning of the eviction process.

The Final Choice

It is finally up to the landlord to make the eviction process and payments. It is their personal view according to the situation that emerges. While it is on the landlord to decide the decisions they want to make it varies by case to case. It is a better idea to decide the procedure that you follow with each tenant.

It is not a good idea to delay the eviction process over and over again as it can leave you with a string of partial payments. It also sends a very bad message to the tenants as in this way you will be pushing them to the limits. They say it is much better to go through the eviction process and try to get some really good tenants instead of messing around with tenants who will make you very frustrated with late rents.

Eventually, the whole process can be really frustrating, but ultimately it is the landlords choice as to what to do. If you can easily accept late payments, you can easily decide to go for the late payments if you do not want to get the eviction process started. On the other hand, if you however do decide to begin the eviction process all over again, the process can become very frustrating.