Did you know that we manage hundreds of properties on behalf of landlords?
Why not join those who choose Boxall Brown & Jones to look after your property? With extensive experience in the lettings market, we can offer you expert advice on marketing and managing your property.
Why let with Boxall Brown & Jones?
Boxall Brown & Jones have over 200 years combined experience in the property industry and have an extensive portfolio of clients who trust us to look after their property.
Boxall Brown & Jones are able to offer the very highest standards in property management and will take care of your property from the moment the tenants move in, till the day they move out – and beyond!
Strict Codes of Professionalism
Boxall Brown & Jones is regulated by the Royal Institution Of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) who also provides our Client Money Protection. We are members of The Property Ombudsman, The National Association of Estate Agents (NAEA), The Association of Residential Lettings Agents (ARLA) and comply with the Tenancy Deposit Protection Scheme.
We will use our marketing expertise to get you the best opportunities…
Our Service Includes
- Free rental appraisals.
- A professional and personal service, with expert advice on letting a property.
- Distinctive ‘to let’ boards and comprehensive property details with colour photographs.
- Professional and thorough inventories including digital photographs of each property.
- Complete day-to-day property management which takes the stress out of letting.
- Regular house visits with a full report including digital photos.
- Arranging gas and electric safety checks.
- Advertising on the leading industry property portal, Rightmove.
- An in-house social media and creative expert, who can market your property to over 178,000 people!
- Comprehensive tenant credit checking and referencing for your peace of mind.
- Monthly transfer of rent via BACS directly into your bank account.
- Tenancy agreement offering full legal protection.
- Escorted property viewing service.
- Arrangement and supervision of repairs.
- Client accounts monitored by RICS to maintain the highest levels of financial security for both landlords and tenants.
- Easy to read monthly landlord statements.
Landlord Fees
Interested in our services? Why not download our landlord fees booklet to find out more.
Please be aware bespoke deals can be done for multiple properties.
Client Money Handling Procedures
Boxall Brown & Jones preserve the security of clients’ money entrusted to its care in the course of its practice or business.
Our aim is to ensure that clients’ money can be clearly linked to the clients to whom it belongs and is protected on their behalf at all times and in particular, in the following circumstances:
- Insolvency
- Misappropriation by any party
- Transfer of client money to another organisation
Should clients’ money be misappropriated, the firm will inform our governing body, the RICS and, where appropriate, the police and our insurers.
General controls
We ensure:
- employees have clear segregation of duties and responsibilities and that a Principal or appropriately qualified individual oversees the client accounting function.
- that we employ competent and knowledgeable staff who are responsible for processing clients’ money and who are familiar with RICS Rules.
- that our accounting systems and client data are securely controlled and protected.
- that our computer systems are adequately protected for access, firewalls, backups and disaster recovery.
- there is adequate cover for holiday and long term absence.
- Principals cannot and do not override controls surrounding the accounting systems.
- all departments and branches apply the same level of controls in relation to the client accounting function.
Client bank accounts
We ensure:
- that our clients’ money is held in one or more client bank accounts separate from all other monies and that client money is available on demand.
- any client bank accounts are correctly titled to distinguish the accounts from an office or any other account.
- we have obtained written confirmation from the bank of the client account conditions.
- we advise clients in writing of the bank account details and agree the terms of the account handling, including arrangements for interest and charges.
- we have obtained written consent from our clients regarding retention of interest.
Client accounting systems and controls
We ensure that:
- accounting records and systems are appropriate to the nature and volumes of client account transactions. We use a suitable software package to manage client money effectively.
- our systems provide details of all money received into and paid from all client accounts and show a running balance of all client money held in that account.
- our systems identify all receipts and payments to the client to which they relate; for example by means of client ledgers showing cash balances held on behalf of clients at all times.
- accounting records are completed chronologically and promptly.
- the current balances at the total and client levels are always available.
- all ledgers have the client name and an appropriate description, e.g. the property address.
- overdrawn balances on client ledgers are prevented by the systems or controls in place and where they do occur are investigated and rectified immediately.
- adequate controls are in place over unidentified client money to ensure that such funds are kept securely. The clients are located and reimbursed as soon as possible. Such funds held for more than six years are donated to a registered charity.
- a central list of client bank accounts is maintained including dates of opening and closing accounts.
- we complete a ‘three way’ reconciliation at least once every month where clients’ money is held in a general client account.
- reconciliations are reviewed and signed off by a Principal or an appropriate independent senior member of staff.
- client accounting records, including copies of reconciliations, are securely kept for at least six years plus the current year.
Controls over the receipt of client money
We ensure that:
- only a Principal or appropriate staff independent of accounting staff open incoming post.
- procedures exist to ensure all clients’ money is banked within three working days.
- all cash and cheques received by post or by hand are promptly recorded.
- a reconciliation is performed between money received by post and that day’s banking.
- procedures exist to identify and distinguish between clients’ and office money.
- mixed monies are initially paid into the client account and the office element paid in the office account when the receipt has cleared the bank.
- fees received in advance for professional work not yet billed are paid into a client account pending completion of the work.
- duplicate receipts are issued for cash received and controls over the physical security of cash are effective.
- unbanked client money receipts are kept secure.
Controls over the payment of client money
We ensure that:
- checks are made to ensure that sufficient funds are held on behalf of the relevant client before payments are made.
- a copy of the bank mandate is held and is up to date.
- adequate authorisation and supervision procedures are in place for payments made by cheque, bank transfer and electronic methods.
- insurance and adequate Principal supervision is in place where payments are made by non-principals.
- all payment requests have supporting evidence and that documentation has been authorised in advance by a Principal or other appropriate person.
- blank cheques are not signed, and unused cheques are kept securely.
- effective controls are in place over the setting up of new supplier accounts on the system.
- cash payments are avoided.
RICS Certified
This is to certify that Boxall Brown & Jones is a member of the RICS Client Money Protection Scheme.
Need to know more?
View our frequently asked questions
FAQ’s
When considering letting my property, do I need to tell the mortgage lender?
It is crucial if you are considering renting out your property that you contact your mortgage lender. We will be happy to advise the procedure on this to ensure you stay in the lender’s good books!
What is an EPC (Energy Performance Certificate)?
An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is a legal requirement for all rented properties and Boxall Brown and Jones Lettings will be delighted to arrange one on your behalf. The Energy Performance Certificate shows prospective tenants how energy efficient your property is and gives it a rating from A-G depending on its efficiency.
How can I get the best price for my property?
The lettings market has gone from strength to strength over recent years. We here at Boxall Brown & Jones believe that a combination of immaculate presentation and proactive marketing will find you not just A tenant, but the RIGHT tenant. Thoroughly vetted and put through strict testing criteria to ensure the rent is paid and the property protected.
How do I know how much rent to charge?
We have years of experience in the industry and will be able to advise you of potential rental figures. We offer a free valuation service (no obligation) please contact us on 01332 384438 and we can get this arranged. During this appointment we can advise you on ALL aspects of renting the property out! Covering everything from legal compliance to furnishings to provide or remove.
How do I know I am getting a good tenant?
Boxall Brown and Jones Lettings undertake detailed checks on any prospective tenants thinking of letting a property through us. We employ a company called Let Alliance who will complete full credit checking and comprehensive referencing reports. They will in some cases also look at employment references, past landlords and accountants’ references! All ensuring the people applying for the property are fit to do so. We strongly believe that time spent before a tenancy commences, checking out the tenant fully, gives landlords the opportunity to decide whether to let their property to a particular tenant or not – saving time, hassle and aggravation at a later stage.
What do I do about a deposit?
Any tenants wishing to rent a property through Boxall Brown and Jones Lettings will be required to pay five weeks rent as a deposit. This deposit will be sent to the TDS and registered. At the end of the tenancy if you are happy with the way the property has been left, the deposit will be returned in full to the tenant. If there has been any damage to the property caused during the tenants stay, it may be possible to take money from the deposit to cover this which is obviously what the deposit is there for. Deposits looked after by Boxall Brown and Jones Lettings are administered by the Tenancy Deposit Scheme. For more information on the Tenancy Deposit Scheme please visit the website at www.thedisputeservice.co.uk
What is an inventory?
An inventory is a document which is prepared before the tenant moves into the property. This details the exact condition of the property prior to occupation. Boxall Brown and Jones Lettings take considerable time and effort to prepare a very detailed inventory on any property that is let and record everything about the internal and external appearance of the property. If furniture is being left at the property, this will all be listed in the inventory. It is crucial that a very detailed inventory is prepared on every property so that at the end of the tenancy, if there is a dispute, this document can be relied upon.
What happens about insurance when I let out a property?
It is extremely important to arrange insurance on the property when it is Let and landlords should make sure that the insurance they organise specifically covers rented property.
How do I receive my rental income?
Any properties managed by Boxall Brown and Jones Lettings will be looked after by a sophisticated computer management system. Rents will be paid into our office and as soon as the funds are cleared the monies will be paid directly into the landlords account, less our fees and charges.
Who can help me if I have a problem with BB&J Lettings?
Boxall Brown & Jones are an independent firm of Chartered Surveyors and Estate Agents. Boxall Brown and Jones Lettings are therefore regulated by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, National Association of Estate Agents, Association of Residential Letting Agents and are members of The Property Ombudsman Scheme. Chris Birds is the Partner with responsibility for Boxall Brown and Jones Lettings and if your question or query cannot be adequately resolved by speaking to the team, Chris is always on hand to offer help and advice. Ultimately if you are unhappy with the response you receive you are able to take your complaint to the Regulatory Authorities mentioned above.
What regulations am I required to comply with?
It is extremely important to arrange insurance on the property when it is let and landlords should make sure that the insurance they organise specifically covers rented property.
Where will my property be advertised?
We ensure that your property is advertised on a variety of platforms to ensure a quick and smooth letting. We advertise on our own website, Rightmove and social media.
Referral Fees
At Boxall Brown & Jones, we believe in being fully transparent about the fees we receive.
Clients should be aware that we receive a fee for referring business to contractors. The level of referral fee received is normally 10% of the cost of any works completed to the property, as this is paid directly to Boxall Brown & Jones by the contractor.