Colonia is a family run letting agency committed to traditional values and modern standards. Based in Lincoln we have over 100 years extensive local knowledge. Colonia offers a full range of property services ranging from letting only, rent processing to full management, plus many additional services in-between. For further information and guidance why not visit us in our friendly and relaxing office based on Burton Road where parking is readily available.
We have a committed Lettings and Property Management team with over 20 years knowledge and experience. Our dedicated staff are trained to the highest standards and pride themselves in both customer care and all aspects of the residential lettings industry. All our customers can be guaranteed to receive up to date, accurate advice and a professional service based on customer focused procedures.
Being a family run, local business we are free from the constraints set by a head office interested only in profits and target setting. At Colonia we recognise that your property is a valuable asset to you. That is why our experienced staff will listen to what you want from a Letting Agent and tailor a service that is appropriate to you. No matter whether you are a property developer, investing for the first time or just planning on letting your home for a short period of time we can provide a service that takes care of your property and gives you peace of mind.
A trained member of the team will meet with you and advise you on the local market rental value of your property. They will also advise you of any decoration or refurbishment needed to be done to the property to help it achieve the full rental potential
Once you are ready to proceed we will register your property on our own website, www.colonia.co.uk and the number 1’s UK property website www.rightmove.co.uk. Additional marketing will include production of a property brochure, mailings to potential tenants, inclusion in our showroom window display, appropriate advertising in the local press and with your permission we will erect a ‘To Let’ board free of charge.
In order to protect Landlords we reference check all potential tenants before proceeding with a tenancy. Colonia uses a professional referencing company which provides a tenant assessment service grading tenants as accept, accept with guarantor or decline. Following the check you will be offered the opportunity whether you wish to proceed or not.
A deposit in excess of one months rent will be collected and held by Colonia as an independent stakeholder. This deposit will be held under the regulations and compliance of the Tenancy Dispute Service, Tenancy Deposit Insurance based Scheme and we will comply with all legislation and bylaws.
Wherever possible we recommend that all rents are paid by standing order to enable prompt payment directly into your bank account. This allows you to manage your finances more efficiently. In addition to this we will provide you with a detailed statement monthly.
It is vital that a schedule of condition is available before a tenancy starts. We recommend that a specialist inventory company carries this out which we can arrange for you. Costs vary dependant on the size of the property and whether it is furnished or unfurnished. If you do not have a schedule of condition then at the end of a tenancy if a dispute arises, the arbitrators cannot apportion any costs to you as there is no documentary evidence of the condition, at the commencement of the tenancy.
If you require us to manage your property for you then we will visit the property at least once per term. This visit allows us to assess the condition of your property, highlight any maintenance that is required and ascertain the tenants’ intentions.
Colonia deals with professional contractors suitably qualified and insured to carry out all aspects of maintenance/repair work. All contractors have been personally recommended to us and are competitively priced. You can rest assured that where the cost of necessary works falls below an agreed price we will instruct the contractor on your behalf to avoid troubling you.
There are certain tax issues that relate to the rental of property, particularly in respect of overseas landlords and buy to let investments. Please refer to your accountant for clarification on these issues and how they are relevant to your own personal circumstances. If you wish for us to provide you with an accountant then we can do this for you.
You should check that the property is adequately insured for contents, buildings cover and rent and legal protection. We can put you in touch with a specialist provider of letting insurance if you require.
We are here on hand to offer you advice and support throughout the tenancy but in the event that legal action is needed, we can recommend a solicitor in which you will be responsible to instruct and settle any costs incurred.
All landlords are bound by law to abide with specific safety regulations. Please see safety regulations section for more information. Our trained staff will fully inform you and keep you up to date of these regulations to help you comply with them.