General Questions for Landlords

Question: How do I get started with Winslow Group as a landlord?

Winslow Says: We begin with a no-obligation consultation to understand your property, goals, and preferred letting model. From there, we conduct a property assessment, review compliance requirements, and guide you through our onboarding process step-by-step. We also provide lease options once you are onboard and management packages that suit your preferences.

Question: Do I need tenants already to use your services?
Winslow Says: Not at all. We specialise in facilitating processes for vetted tenants through our partnerships with councils and public sector agencies. If your property is vacant, we'll handle the compliance, prepare it for placement, and source the most suitable tenants—usually within a swift period.

Question: What types of properties do you accept?
Winslow Says: We work with a wide range of properties, including 1–5 bedroom homes, HMOs (Houses in Multiple Occupation), apartments, and self-contained studios. We also welcome block accommodation and converted properties, provided they can be made compliant with housing standards.

Question: Do I need to live near the property?
Winslow Says: No, we work with landlords all across the UK (and overseas) who own properties in our operational regions. Our full management service means you don't need to be nearby—we'll take care of everything on your behalf with a variety of services we can offer or make referals

Question: Will I receive guaranteed rent?
Winslow Says: Yes, if your property is accepted onto this council lease scheme. We are able to facilitate 2–5 year leases with guaranteed rent paid options on a case by case scenario. Your income is secured regardless of tenant status or void periods.

Question: Can I stay involved in the tenancy if I want to?
Winslow Says: Absolutely. Our PRS (Private Rented Sector) model lets you approve tenants and remain in control of the tenancy agreement. You can choose full management or handle communication yourself—we're flexible to your needs.

Question: Are there upfront fees or hidden costs?
Winslow Says: No hidden fees. We don't charge landlords to join. If you choose our full management service, we apply a transparent monthly management fee with no mark-ups.

Compliance & Property Standards

Question: What compliance certificates do I need?

Winslow Says: At a minimum, you'll need an EPC (rated E or higher), a valid Gas Safety Certificate (CP12), and an EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report). You'll also need working smoke and CO2 alarms, and potentially fire doors and extinguishers if your property is an HMO.

Question: What happens if my property doesn't meet the standards yet?
Winslow Says: No problem. We offer guidance on exactly what's needed and can refer you to trusted, competitively priced contractors who understand public housing standards.

Question: What is HHSRS and why does it matter?
Winslow Says: HHSRS (Housing Health and Safety Rating System) is the legal framework councils use to assess housing safety. It looks at things like fire risk, damp, ventilation, and overcrowding. A property must be free of Category 1 hazards to be eligible for public sector use.

Question: Do I need an HMO licence?
Winslow Says: If your property is rented to three or more unrelated people who share facilities, it likely qualifies as an HMO and may require licensing depending on your borough. We'll assess this and help you through the licensing process if needed.

Question: How do you handle fire safety?
Winslow Says: We conduct if requested or coordinate fire risk assessments as required. We expect the landlord to ensure his property is expected standards. Depending on the layout, we may advise or facilitate fitting of Fire doors, communal alarms, extinguishers, or emergency lighting. Every upgrade is based on local authority and housing guidance.

Question: Do you adapt compliance to different boroughs?
Winslow Says: Yes. We work closely with each borough to meet their specific licensing schemes, inspection expectations, and safety protocols. Our compliance is tailored and proactive—ensuring local authority approval at every step.

Local Housing Allowance (LHA) & Rent-Related Questions

Question: What is Local Housing Allowance (LHA)?

Winslow Says: LHA is the maximum rent figure used by councils to determine Housing Benefit or Universal Credit housing payments. Rates vary by postcode and property size. These figures guide rent offers for public placements.

Question: Can I earn market rent under your schemes?
Winslow Says: Yes. In many cases—especially under PRS or Home Office schemes—we can achieve market or near-market rates. Even in LHA-based placements, we structure deals to maximise returns while ensuring placement suitability.

Question: Where can I check current LHA rates?
Winslow Says: You can check rates based on your property's postcode via the official VOA site: https://lha-direct.voa.gov.uk. We can also do this for you as part of your initial assessment.

Question: Who pays the rent—tenant or council?
Winslow Says: Under council lease schemes, rent is paid directly by the local authority. In PRS tenancies, the tenant may receive Housing Benefit or Universal Credit and pay you (or us, if we manage the property). We assist in setting up payments and ensuring smooth rent flows.

Question: What's the difference between guaranteed rent and PRS rent?
Winslow Says: Guaranteed rent is fixed, paid regardless of occupancy, and typically comes through a lease with the council. PRS rent can be higher but is subject to tenant payments—ideal for landlords seeking greater returns and involvement. Property standards play a pivotal role.

Tenant & Property Management

Question: Who deals with tenant issues or repairs?

Winslow Says If you're using our management service, we do. We're the first point of contact for tenants, and we manage all maintenance requests, repairs, and inspections. Landlords are updated regularly and consulted for major decisions.

Question: How do you ensure my property is looked after?
Winslow Says: We conduct regular inspections . Whilst in communication with the landlord always obtaining consent. We monitor occupancy and maintain detailed condition reports. If we spot issues, we act quickly and inform the landlord—protecting your investment and ensuring tenant accountability.

Question: What happens if something goes wrong with the tenant?
Winslow Says: We are able to liase with the council on Tenancy breaches and communicate what is professionally and in line with housing law. We do not handle notices, disputes, if necessary. Our Moto is always early intervention and smooth resolution.

Question: Can I upgrade or change the lease during the term?
Winslow Says: In most cases, yes. Depending on the lease type and council arrangements, we can facilitate extensions, reviews, or upgrades mid-term—especially if your circumstances or the property change.

Question: Will you notify me of key updates or renewals?
Winslow Says: Yes. We proactively monitor compliance expiry dates, lease reviews, and tenant feedback. You'll receive regular updates and support with any actions required to maintain full compliance and performance.