There are several key steps involved in the letting process - and whether you’re a first time investor, or an landlord well versed in these matters, this quick reference may be of help.

Click each point in the checklist to learn more.

There are several key steps involved in the letting process - and whether you’re a first time investor, or an landlord well versed in these matters, this quick reference may be of help.

Click each point in the checklist to learn more.

We have many years' experience in residential lettings and will be able to give you an accurate rental valuation of your property.

This figure will be based on many governing factors such as current demand; the property's location and overall condition; its proximity to transport links, shops, schools etc.; and what other comparable properties have recently let for in your local area. We can answer any questions you may have regarding our service or the letting process itself, including advice on whether to let your property furnished or unfurnished and on the permissions you may need to obtain in order to let your property.

You don't get a second chance to make a first impression!

With superb digital photography and industry-leading particulars we can now begin marketing your property. As the internet is now the first port of call for the majority of prospective tenants, in addition to featuring your property on prospect.co.uk, we will broadcast it to the leading property portals such as rightmove.co.uk.

With local press advertising, canvassing via our in-house publications, welcoming premises and a friendly, informative approach to attract new applicants, our team of pro-active, energetic staff are busy matching applicants to properties from our extensive database. Learn more about our first class marketing.

We make it our job to show interested tenants around your property.

We will point out the benefits of your particular property and should be able to answer any questions the tenants may have regarding its location, local amenities and transport links. All we ask is that the property be tidy and in good order so that we can show it at its very best.

At Prospect we understand how important it is to find the right tenant for both you and your property and we have a database of professional individuals currently looking for suitable properties to rent.

We are also a trusted relocation partner to many large companies in the region's 'silicon valley' and are retained to help in the relocation of their key executives/personnel for both short and long term lets.

We will undertake thorough checks on suitable tenants: we employ an external, specialist agency to obtain references on your behalf. They will contact the tenant's employer and current/previous landlord (if applicable).

Each person over the age of 18 who will be living in the property will need to be referenced. Should the references prove to be unsatisfactory it will not be possible to proceed further with the let.

From the 1st October 2008 all properties for let require an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) by law in England and Wales.

Landlords will only require an Energy Performance Certificate for properties being marketed for rent from 1st October. Properties which already have a tenant before 1st October will not require an EPC until the property is available for rent at a later date. The EPC is only required for properties that are self-contained, and is valid for 10 years. Click here for more information.

As a landlord you are responsible for the safety of your tenant and there are a number of checks and certificates that you will need to have in place before letting your property.

Soft furnishings must comply with Fire Safety Regulations

You must have a gas safety certificate for any gas appliances, undertaken by someone Corgi registered and undertaken annually

You should ensure that all electrical goods are safe to use and are supplied with operating instructions.

If you are in any doubt about your responsibilities we are here to help and advise.

We always recommend a thorough professional clean of a property prior to renting it out - it sets a standard to be met at the end of the tenancy.

Our management team will then do their utmost to ensure that the property is maintained to this level throughout the tenancy. We suggest cleaning all carpets, curtains and upholstery, kitchen appliances, cupboards inside and out. Walls should be in good order and outstanding repairs should have been carried out. If applicable, the garden should also be tidy.

Before a tenancy begins we recommend that an inventory be carried out - not just to catalogue the contents, but also to formally assess the condition of your property prior to letting.

The inventory also helps ensure that all items in the property are still in place and in good condition when the tenant leaves. Due to the high calibre of tenants we select and high value of deposit held, we generally find that problems of this nature are exceptionally rare.

With all relevant paperwork signed and the deposit (normally 1.5 months’ rent) plus the first month's rent, received in clear funds, we will then release the keys to the new tenant.

This is undertaken at our dedicated lettings administration department at our Reading Branch. We will ask the tenant to sign a standing order to be forwarded to their bank for future rent collection. By law all deposits held are protected under the government's Tenancy Deposit Scheme (TDS) providing peace of mind for landlord and tenant alike.

We offer three tiers of management service, the merits and benefits of which can be found in our Essential Residential Lettings Guide and which we will discuss fully with you during an initial appointment.

You are free to choose the level best suiting your requirements from the basic Portfolio Service; the more comprehensive Rent & Deposit Service; to the Premier Managed Service in which we will take care of the entire process for you from managing rent collection to organising and supervising repairs.

When a tenancy comes to an end, our inventory clerk will compare the condition of the property to the previously agreed check-in and will produce a checkout report that is typed, agreed, printed and signed there and then.

The report will also outline any remedial works deemed necessary.