Landlords

As the landlord, you will be responsible financially for the usual things a landlord is responsible for. However, as the manager of the property Living London will do most of the hard work.

“Minor Maintenance” is categorised under two headings: the “nature” of the maintenance and the “cost” of the maintenance. “Nature” involves fixing lights, switches, sockets, radiator leaks, tap leaks, re-grouting, re-siliconing, fitted furniture repairs, most single-coat redecoration – the “cost” covers any works which are conducted up to a figure of £200 per month. In the very rare event that Minor Maintenance exceeds the figure of £200 in any given month, the Landlord will be advised prior to any works being undertaken. There is no Landlord involvement required in the instance of Minor Maintenance – all work is carried out by Living London’s own in-house Building and Maintenance Team within 48 hours of request, and usually sooner.

Periodic Inspection Certificates (Gas, Electrical, EPC, Legionnaire’s) are legal requirements so do not come under the heading of Minor Maintenance.

“Major Maintenance” covers larger ticket items such as boiler or Megaflow replacement, replacement of white goods or structural repairs such as roofworks. These items will also include high-end fittings such as sanitary-ware or kitchen fittings. Living London will provide quotes to the Landlord and manage the works. The cost of these works is met by the Landlord following careful consultation. All coordination with the residents regarding the carrying out of works is undertaken by Living London.

In reality, the same condition will be difficult to gauge; it is far more likely that the property will be returned in better condition than at the beginning of a tenancy. Living London is constantly undertaking improvements on each property throughout the course of a tenancy to ensure that the all our properties continue to reflect the high standards that are associated with the Living London brand. When occupants move out, bedrooms are very often completely redecorated, carpets steam cleaned and communal areas refreshed as well.

At the end of the Tenancy, when the property is returned to the Landlord, Living London will refer to the ‘Check in and Inventory Report’ and ensure the property is in given back in “either the same or better condition” when compared to the start of the Tenancy. As outlined above Living London carries out redecoration and general maintenance throughout the duration of the tenancy so it is understood that the overall condition of the property will be extremely good at all times. At the tenancy end it is understood that any outstanding necessary redecoration, floor repairs or other required works will be undertaken by Living London as a matter of course and in line with the conditions of the Tenancy Agreement. Living London goes to great lengths to construct stud walls in such a way that there is little or no damage to floors. In the event that marks, or more likely a slight colour differentiation caused by the effects of light and the passage of time are noticed, these will be made good.

LIVING LONDON – OCCUPANT PROFILE

• Occupant Vetting – All prospective occupants are interviewed by one of the Living London team. Successful applicants are vetted and professionally referenced. Their current employer and previous Landlord are contacted, and the use of a commercial referencing agency provides further comfort.
• Source of Occupants – Living London’s service and reputation mean that over 50% of Living London occupants come via word-of-mouth – friends, work colleagues and family of current occupants; current occupants changing location as well as previous Living London occupants; occasional advertising on platforms such as Spareroom.
• Occupant Employment – Occupants are all graduates and established employed professionals. Currently they work in the following fields: Financial Sector, Technology and IT, Law, Marketing and Media, Medicine, PR, Recruitment and Retail Management.
• Occupant Age Profile – Occupants’ ages range from mid-20s to the early 30s.
• Number of Occupants – Each bedroom is let to a single occupant only.
• Occupancy Duration – The minimum term contract that Living London have with occupants is 5 months, however most stay for between 9 and 18 months.
• Occupant Retention – When current occupants look to change location, many opt to remain enjoying the benefits provided by Living London , and so move from one property to another.