Frequently Asked Questions

Our near-guaranteed rent rates vary depending on location, property type, condition, and market demand. Typically, rates range from 70–90% of market rent: the figure is fixed below the market ceiling in exchange for certainty and zero effort on your part. Properties in prime locations with strong tenant demand receive higher rates. We conduct a professional valuation of your property and provide a personalised quote based on current market conditions and your specific circumstances.

You receive your rent payment on the same date each month, regardless of whether the property is occupied or if the tenant has paid. Payments are made directly into your bank account via BACS transfer. This is near-guaranteed rent, subject to contract terms: it is paid even during void periods, giving you reliable cash flow for your mortgage and expenses.

Near-guaranteed rent: Predictable monthly income, zero management stress, no void loss, no tenant arrears. You sacrifice some potential upside (the rent is fixed below market rent). Traditional letting: Potential for higher rent but variable income, tenant arrears risk, void periods, and ongoing management. The structure is designed for landlords who value time over the highest possible rent; whether it works out better depends on your actual costs, time, and risk across the full portfolio lifecycle.

Yes. Annual rent reviews are conducted in accordance with the terms of your lease agreement. Typically, rents increase in line with the Retail Price Index (RPI) or a fixed percentage agreed at the outset. This ensures your income keeps pace with inflation. The exact terms are clearly outlined in your contract, and we'll notify you of any upcoming reviews well in advance with transparent calculations.

Under our management agreement, we handle most day-to-day costs (maintenance, repairs, management fees). You can deduct: our management fee, any remaining maintenance costs you bear, buildings insurance, mortgage interest, ground rent, council tax (if applicable), and professional fees (accountancy, legal). You cannot deduct mortgage principal or most capital improvements. We provide detailed statements to support your tax return. Consult your accountant for your specific circumstances.

Total returns depend on your property type, location, prevailing rates, and general market conditions — there's no fixed figure that applies across the board. Stable near-guaranteed income, reduced void risk, and any capital appreciation each contribute differently depending on your circumstances. Speak to us for a personalised assessment and projection modelling for your specific portfolio.

Corporate lease — not an AST. Contract law governs, and the Housing Act 1988 doesn't apply. The arrangement is structured as a commercial lease between you and Total Housing Group: we become the leaseholder (and principal tenant), and the occupants are placed by a vetted housing association, CIC, or supported living provider — named to you before anything is signed. You have a direct contractual relationship with us, not with the occupants. The rent is effectively guaranteed because the housing provider's funding comes from local authority contracts, housing benefit, and government care packages, and all obligations flow from the lease agreement. Your solicitor will review the terms to ensure your interests are protected.

Your lease sets out the payment obligations in full, clear remedies for default (including forfeiture rights), and strict liability on us as the leaseholder. Your name stays on the Land Registry throughout, and the lease is subject to English law (or applicable Scottish/Welsh law). Your solicitor reviews the agreement before you sign and will advise on any specific protections relevant to your situation. We comply fully with all regulations including the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 and the Money Laundering Regulations.

No. A corporate lease is a commercial contract between two parties, not a regulated financial product, so FCA authorisation does not apply and Total Housing Group is not FCA-regulated. We comply with the legislation that does apply — including the Proceeds of Crime Act, the Money Laundering Regulations, and UK data protection law — and every agreement goes through legal review before you sign. Our contracts and terms are available for your solicitor's review before you commit.

Since we are the leaseholder (not a residential tenant), Section 21 of the Housing Act 1988 does not apply. Instead, your exit is governed by the termination provisions in your commercial lease agreement. Typically, leases allow termination at the end of the fixed term with notice, or earlier with our consent. If you wish to sell with vacant possession, we work with you to reach an agreement. The lease terms clearly outline your exit options, and you should review these with your solicitor.

Yes, you must inform your mortgage lender that you are entering a corporate lease arrangement, as it affects the legal status of the property. Many lenders accept company-let arrangements, as they provide reliable income and lower default risk. Some lenders have specific conditions; discuss with them before signing. Your broker or lender can confirm their policy. Failure to disclose may breach your mortgage terms, so transparency is essential. We can provide documentation to support your conversation with your lender.

You must report your rental income on your Self-Assessment tax return as a property business profit. Deductible expenses (our management fee, insurance, repairs, mortgage interest) reduce your taxable profit. We provide a detailed annual statement of income and, where applicable, management costs to support your return. You are responsible for filing your tax return and paying any tax due; consult your accountant for advice on your specific tax position and any Capital Gains Tax implications when you eventually sell.

We typically handle all day-to-day maintenance and repairs as part of our management agreement. This includes emergency repairs, planned maintenance, and general upkeep. The lease specifies which party bears specific costs; major repairs are usually your responsibility as the freeholder, while we cover tenancy-related maintenance. We maintain a vetted network of contractors and manage all repairs efficiently. You'll receive regular updates and invoices for any costs you're responsible for.

This is a key benefit of the corporate lease structure: you receive your full near-guaranteed payment, subject to contract terms, even if the property is vacant between tenancies. We handle all costs during voids (marketing, refurbishment, repairs, council tax). You simply receive your agreed rent. We work to minimise voids through efficient turnover management and tenant placement, reducing the financial stress many traditional landlords face with empty properties.

We conduct thorough vetting including credit checks, employment verification, previous landlord references, and right-to-rent verification. We assess affordability, credit history, and character. Our goal is to place reliable occupants who will stay longer and cause fewer issues. Whilst your rent is paid by us regardless of occupant circumstances, we work hard to place quality occupants because it reduces our own costs and improves the overall experience. You can request additional vetting if you prefer.

If a tenant defaults, it is our problem, not yours. We continue to pay you the near-guaranteed rent on schedule, subject to contract terms, whilst we manage the arrears or eviction process. We have processes to handle arrears quickly and efficiently, minimising losses. Your income stream is designed to be largely independent of tenant payment failures, which is why many landlords prefer this structure to the unpredictability of traditional letting.

We collect and manage tenant deposits in compliance with the Housing Act 2004. Deposits are held in a government-approved insured scheme, and we provide prescribed information to tenants. At the end of tenancy, we conduct inventory checks, deduct any damages (deducted from the tenant's deposit, not your rent), and return remaining funds to the tenant. You receive credit for any damage recovered. The process is transparent, documented, and complies with all legal requirements for tenant deposit protection.

Step 1: Initial consultation—the first call is diagnostic, not sales. We ask 5 qualifying questions (portfolio size, location, current situation, timeline, what you want from the arrangement) before any pitch. Step 2: Property valuation—we assess your property to determine a fair near-guaranteed rent rate. Step 3: Offer—we provide a rent quote with clear terms, and we name the housing provider and occupant type (housing association, CIC, or supported living provider) before anything is signed. Step 4: Legal review—your solicitor reviews the lease agreement. Step 5: Exchange—once you're happy, we formalise the lease. Step 6: Occupancy—the provider places occupants. Typical timeline: 28 days from first call to first payment.

We accept most residential property types: detached houses, semi-detached houses, terraces, flats, and converted properties. We assess each property individually based on condition, location, and lettability. Properties must meet building regulation standards, be safe for occupation, and have legal title. We typically don't accept properties requiring major structural work, commercial properties, or those with complex ownership structures. If you're unsure, contact us with details—we'll give you an honest assessment of eligibility.

Our management fee is typically 5–10% of the rent, depending on property type and location. This covers occupant placement, tenancy management, maintenance coordination, and arrears handling. There are no hidden charges. Legal fees for lease drafting are typically covered by you and your solicitor (we recommend obtaining two quotes). Setup costs are transparent and outlined in your quote. All fees are detailed in your offer letter before you commit. We operate on a transparent, straightforward fee structure with no surprises.

Standard lease terms are typically 3–5 years, with options to break at the end of the initial term or to renew. Some landlords negotiate longer terms if they want maximum stability; others prefer shorter terms for flexibility. The lease is fully negotiable, and we work with you and your solicitor to reach mutually acceptable terms. We prefer longer commitments because they allow us to invest in tenant relationships and property quality, but we understand your need for flexibility and accommodate reasonable requests.

1. Book a consultation: Contact us to arrange a free, no-obligation call. The first call is diagnostic, not sales: we ask 5 qualifying questions before any pitch, and if we're not the right fit we'll say so. 2. Prepare property details: Have your address, current rent (if applicable), and any recent photos ready. 3. Ask questions: We'll explain how the near-guaranteed rent structure works, answer your concerns, and assess your property's suitability. 4. Get a quote: We'll provide a rent offer with clear terms. 5. Review with your solicitor: Before committing, have your solicitor review the lease. We're here to guide you through each step with transparency and support.