Mike Potter has been running Potter and Co Lettings since 1996, and has gained a great deal of experience in that time.

We offer two services:-

1. Non-Management For this service we find prospective tenants, arrange viewing appointments with the landlord, reference prospective tenants to establish whether they are acceptable to the landlord, draw up tenancy agreements, and arrange for payment of the security deposit and first month's rent.

2. Full Management For this service we conduct viewings, reference applicants, collect a security deposit and rent, and manage the letting of the property on an on-going basis.

We are selective in our referencing of potential tenants and carry out credit references, employers reference and, if they have been renting, a landlord's or letting agent's reference. Prospective tenants must be earning at least three times the amount of rent (per household if there's more than one tenant) which must be from permanent employment only. If we are managing the letting, we do not normally rent property to more than two tenants sharing.

The only exceptions to the above would be students, in which case we collect six months' rent in advance and a maximum six month contract is signed with notice served that the tenancy terminates at the end of the six month period. The process is repeated if they wish to renew the tenancy. We also require a parent or guardian, whom we also reference, as a guarantor.

We ask landlords if they have any preferences with regards to tenants, e.g. no students, no sharers, etc.

We collect the equivalent of five weeks' rent as a security deposit which is registered with a Deposit Protection Scheme.

Rents and deposits are held in their own separate accounts.

Comprehensive inventories and schedules of condition are drawn up and these are checked at the start and end of each tenancy, ensuring disputes are kept to a minimum (to date we've never had to go to arbitration). For landlords' peace of mind, we also provide six monthly or quarterly (landlord's choice) written inspection reports, thereby keeping on top of any maintenance required, and ensuring that the property, its contents and fittings are being kept in a good state of repair.

We are careful who we rent to. We have a good relationship with all our tenants and landlords which helps to ensure hassle-free tenancies.

By advertising on Zoopla, PrimeLocation and Homes24 amongst others, and having a city centre office with plenty of passing trade, we minimise vacant periods between tenancies. On average, 96% of the properties we manage are tenanted at any one time.

We have tried-and-tested electricians, plumbers and handymen on our list of approved tradespeople, but if you have anyone specific you would prefer us to use, we would be pleased to enlist their services.

Please do not hesitate to contact us to discuss our competitive fees.