SeaMoor Lettings

SeaMoor Lettings is a Council-run scheme offering landlords a full property management service.

Are you a landlord looking to rent out your properties?

SeaMoor Lettings is a scheme run by South Hams District Council offering landlords a full property management service.

We work closely with private sector landlords to improve access to the private rented sector. This allows local families to access quality local housing and contributes to maintaining our communities.

The service we provide includes:

  • Tenant selection, credit checks and referencing
  • Preparing tenancy agreements and associated legal documents
  • Conducting quarterly management inspections including all outdoor spaces
  • A rent and damage deposit guarantee to the value of two months' rent
  • A 50% guarantee of the rent when the property is empty (maximum two months)
  • Arranging and paying for your gas, electric and energy performance certificates
  • Access to affordable finance packages for property improvements
  • Rent account management
  • A comprehensive inventory together with digital photographic evidence
  • In-house support from the resources of the Council

All for a competitive fee of just 6% per month plus VAT.

For more information, email us at Seamoor.Lettings@swdevon.gov.uk


Frequently Asked Questions

To read our frequently asked questions choose from the selections below:

Frequently Asked Questions - SeaMoor Lettings

Who will my tenants be?

Your tenants will be local households in housing need who have been referred to SeaMoor by the housing options team at the Council.

Most families will have successfully managed in the private sector before needing to move on from their homes. These households are looking for long term lets and to make your property their home. As a result we experience very low tenancy turnovers and minimal amount of time when properties are empty.

All tenants will be asked to complete an assessment with a housing officer and provide two references. The name of their last landlord must be given if they have held a tenancy. We will complete a full credit reference check through Experian in order to find you a suitable tenant.

How will my tenants pay their rent?

Some tenants will be in receipt of Housing Benefit or Universal Credit which is paid directly to them.

We offer a full rent account management service and rent is collected as part of the management service.

What sort of properties are you looking for?

The type of property we are looking for depends on tenant demand. We will be mainly interested in good quality, unfurnished properties.

However, we are also able to support landlords with accessing funding to improve properties which previously may not have been of a lettable standard. To find out if your property is suitable for the scheme, or to find out more about support with making improvements to your property please contact us.

We have to make sure that properties we take on are safe, in good repair and have the essential facilities. We will need to see proof of ownership, buildings insurance (including malicious damage cover) and necessary permission from your mortgage lender.

What property inspections do you offer?

 

We will visit your property and discuss with you what, if anything, needs to be done to make sure it meets our usual letting standard. Landlords whose properties need improvement may be able to benefit from Private Sector Renewal grants or preferred rate loans. We will be able to advise you what assistance may be available.

What is a sole agency agreement?

Once the property is ready to let, you will sign a sole agency agreement with the Council. This will detail the responsibilities of you as landlord, the tenant and the Council.

Agreements do not follow a fixed term, however we do expect landlords taking part in the scheme to do so with the intention of providing a long let arrangement.

What happens if the property needs repairs?

Landlords are liable for the maintenance of the exterior of the building, plumbing, gas, electrical installations and interior fittings.

As part of the management service we can organise repairs for you. We only use fully qualified contractors. Our management team are flexible and we will agree with you in advance what level of involvement you wish to have.

How will I know that the tenants will look after my property?

We will carry out regular quarterly inspections both inside and outside your property.

We will make sure that tenants understand their contractual obligations and will inform them if ever they fall short of the required standard.

What happens when a tenant leaves?

The properties we manage tend to be long-term lets and many tenants remain in their tenancies for many years. When the tenant leaves we will inspect the property.

If there has been more than fair wear and tear you can make a claim for the cost of necessary works up to the value of two months' rent under our rent deposit guarantee. We operate a fast tenant referral system and will attempt to re-let your property within two weeks. If we cannot do this, we will continue to pay 50% of the rent for a maximum of two months.