Clear answers for landlords and property owners considering NCPM’s residential, commercial and mixed-use property management services

What services do you provide?

We offer a full suite of property management solutions

  • full property management
  • rent collection
  • let-only services
  • tenant sourcing
  • compliance management
  • marketing
  • inspections, and
  • maintenance coordination.
  • Concluding tenancies

We manage residential, commercial, and mixed-use properties across the North West.

What are your fees for each service?

Our fees are tailored around your property, the level of service you need and how much involvement you want us to take away from you.

We offer flexible options across full property management, rent collection and let-only services, with management packages starting from 10% and rent collection from 5%.

We also provide additional residential and commercial services, which can be tailored to your requirements.

Rather than giving you a long list of charges, we prefer to understand your property and what you need from us first. We’ll then explain the most suitable service and provide a clear breakdown of the costs before you instruct us.

Have a property you’d like to discuss? Get in touch and we’ll be happy to talk through your options.

Do you manage both commercial and residential properties?

We manage residential, commercial and mixed-use properties across the North West, including single lets, HMOs, offices, industrial units, retail premises and mixed-use buildings.

What is included in your full management package?

Tenant sourcing, referencing, inventories, check-in/out, rent collection, arrears handling, inspections, maintenance, compliance management (Including EPC, Gas Safety Certificate and EICR), reporting, and handling all day-to-day enquiries.

How often do you inspect properties?

Residential properties are typically inspected every 6–12 months. Where the property, tenancy or landlord’s requirements justify more frequent visits, we will agree an appropriate inspection schedule with you.

Commercial inspection frequencies depend on the lease and property type but are commonly quarterly.

Marketing & Lettings

How do you advertise properties?

We use a targeted mix of online, digital and local marketing, selected to suit the property and the type of tenant we are looking to attract.

This can include our website, social media, email marketing, local channels and established property advertising platforms. As our portfolio continues to grow, we are also expanding the platforms and reach we use to give our landlords even greater exposure.

We don't believe in simply putting a property online and waiting for enquiries. We look at the property, the local market and the type of tenant it is likely to attract, and tailor the marketing accordingly.

How do you vet and reference tenants?

Tenant selection is an important part of protecting your property and your investment. We use a professional referencing process which can include:

  • Credit and financial checks
  • Affordability assessment
  • Employment and income verification
  • Previous landlord or letting agent references
  • Right to Rent checks
  • Identification and other required compliance checks

We assess the information provided as part of the referencing process and keep you informed throughout the application.

What is your average void period?

Most properties are re-let within 7–21 days, although the actual period depends on the property type, condition, location, asking rent and prevailing market demand.

How quickly do you usually let a property?

Residential properties are typically let within 1–3 weeks.

Commercial units vary but we proactively market until a suitable tenant is secured.

Do you offer professional photography and floorplans?

Yes. Professional photography, floorplans, and virtual tours can be offered for all listings.

Rent & Financial Management

How do you ensure tenants pay rent on time?

We use automated rent collection systems, proactive reminders, strict credit control procedures, and immediate follow-ups on missed payments.

What is your rent collection process?

Rent is collected monthly, reconciled, and transferred to landlords within 3–5 working days along with a statement.

Do you offer rent guarantee insurance?

Yes. We provide optional rent guarantee and legal protection policies.

How are rental payments transferred to landlords?

Payments are sent via our automated software with a digital statement for easy bookkeeping.

How do you deal with rent arrears?

We follow a structured arrears escalation process:

1. Same-day notification
2. Formal reminders
3. Payment plan discussions
4. Notices served if required
5. Legal action handled on your behalf

Legal Compliance

What legal compliance do you manage?

EPC, Gas Safety, EICR, PAT testing, Legionella assessments, fire safety checks, smoke/carbon monoxide alarms, licensing, and general regulatory compliance.

Can you provide guidance on selective or additional licensing?

Yes. We check your postcode and property type, advise on required licenses, and manage applications on your behalf.

How do you stay compliant with Right to Rent checks?

We conduct checks before move-in, store records securely, and follow government guidance.

Do you stay updated with changing legislation?

We continuously monitor relevant housing legislation and help landlords identify and complete the actions needed to keep their properties compliant with current requirements.

Maintenance & Contractors

Do you have in-house maintenance or external contractors?

We use a trusted network of vetted, insured contractors and can also work with your preferred suppliers.

What are your call-out response times?

Emergencies: 2–4 hours

Urgent issues: 24 hours

Routine maintenance: 2–5 days

Do landlords approve works above a cost threshold?

Yes. You set an agreed limit (usually £100–£300). Anything above requires your approval unless it’s an emergency.

Do you offer 24/7 maintenance?

Yes. Tenants have access to out-of-hours emergency support.

How do you ensure contractors are insured and compliant?

We verify insurance, DBS checks (where required), H&S compliance, and performance quality assessment.

Communication & Reporting

How often will you update me about my property?

You will receive updates at key stages; viewings, offers, inspections, arrears, and you can contact us anytime.

Do you provide online portals for landlords and tenants?

Yes. You can view maintenance updates, statements, documents, and inspection reports online.

What reporting tools do you use?

Financial statements, maintenance logs, inspection reports, compliance trackers, and CRM-based updates.

Who will be my main point of contact?

We provide a single point of contact for day-to-day property management, supported by specialist lettings, maintenance and finance teams. This gives landlords clear accountability while ensuring each issue is handled by the right person.

Tenant Management & Policies

How do you handle tenant complaints?

We acknowledge issues promptly, investigate, log actions, and resolve them following established procedures.

Do you manage evictions?

Yes. Where possession is necessary, we coordinate the process using the appropriate statutory ground, liaising with landlords and legal advisers as required and keeping the case properly documented from initial action through to possession proceedings.

How do you manage deposit disputes?

We arrange for deposits to be protected in an approved tenancy deposit scheme and manage the supporting evidence and submissions if a dispute arises.

Commercial Property-Specific

Do you manage commercial service charges?

Yes. We prepare budgets, collect payments, manage expenditure, provide year-end accounts, and deliver transparency to tenants.

How do you calculate and administer service charge budgets?

Budgets are based on forecasted maintenance, utilities, insurance, compliance, and management costs, split according to lease terms.

Do you handle commercial lease renewals and rent reviews?

Yes, including negotiation, RICS-compliant valuations, and liaison with solicitors.

Do you assist with dilapidations?

We coordinate surveys, prepare schedules, and negotiate settlements.

Can you manage multi-let offices or estates?

Yes. We liaise with existing management companies or take on the duty in-house; manage communal areas, occupiers, compliance, service charges, and day-to-day operations.

Local Market Expertise

What are market rents like in my area?

We provide tailored rental appraisals using comparable evidence, market data, and demand trends across the North West.

What are current demand levels?

Demand remains strong for well-presented residential properties and competitively priced commercial spaces.

Do you track local trends?

Yes. We monitor transport changes, regeneration projects, business activity, and tenant demand shifts.

Contracts & Terms

Is there a minimum contract term?

Let-only contracts end once a tenant has moved out. Management agreements typically run on a rolling basis.

Do you charge exit fees?

No exit fees for standard service termination, unless specified in bespoke agreements.

Can I switch from let-only to full management later?

Yes. We can upgrade you at any time, and fees are adjusted accordingly.

Are management fees charged during voids?

No. You only pay for management when the property is tenanted (except commercial service charge administration, where applicable).

Legal Compliance

Do you stay updated with changing legislation?

We continuously monitor UK housing legislation and advise landlords about changes affecting their properties, including any action required to remain compliant.

This includes:

  • The Renters' Rights Act
  • Licensing requirements
  • Right to Rent obligations
  • EPC requirements
  • Gas Safety and Electrical Safety Regulations
  • Deposit protection legislation
  • Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) requirements
  • Emerging standards such as the Private Rented Sector Database, Landlord Ombudsman and future Decent Homes Standard requirements.

We proactively advise landlords of legislative changes and any actions required.

How do you stay compliant with Right to Rent checks?

We conduct Right to Rent checks before a tenancy begins, retain records securely and follow current Home Office guidance.

We also ensure all required tenancy documentation and prescribed information is issued in accordance with current legislation.

Tenant Management & Policies

What is your tenancy renewal process?

Under the Renters’ Rights Act, most residential tenancies operate as assured periodic tenancies rather than fixed terms, so they do not require a traditional renewal. We instead review the tenancy regularly, assess the rent against current market evidence, discuss the landlord’s objectives, manage any lawful rent-review process and maintain ongoing communication with the tenant.

Instead, we:

  • Conduct regular tenancy reviews
  • Assess rental values against the market
  • Discuss landlord objectives
  • Manage any lawful rent review process
  • Maintain ongoing communication with tenants

This provides greater flexibility for both landlords and tenants while ensuring compliance with current legislation.

Do you manage evictions?

Yes.

Since the abolition of Section 21 "no-fault" evictions, possession can only be sought using the appropriate legal grounds available under the legislation.

We assist landlords with:

  • Rent arrears cases
  • Anti-social behaviour cases
  • Landlord sale or occupation grounds
  • Persistent tenancy breaches
  • Court applications and possession proceedings

We manage the process from start to finish while ensuring compliance with current legal requirements.

Can you help if a tenant falls into rent arrears?

Yes.

We act as soon as a payment is missed, contact the tenant, establish the cause and agree an appropriate next step. Where necessary, we escalate the matter through formal notices and possession action under the relevant statutory grounds, while keeping the landlord informed and protecting their position throughout.

1. Immediate contact after missed payment
2. Early intervention and communication
3. Payment plan discussions where appropriate
4. Formal notices where required
5. Possession action under the relevant statutory grounds if necessary

Our aim is always to resolve issues quickly while protecting the landlord's position.

Can tenants keep pets?

Tenants have stronger rights to request permission to keep a pet, and landlords must consider each request reasonably rather than applying a blanket refusal. We assess the request, advise the landlord on any valid property-specific considerations and document the decision through the appropriate tenancy management process.

We advise landlords on handling pet requests fairly while protecting the property through appropriate tenancy management procedures.

Rent & Financial Management

How do rent increases work?

Under the Renters' Rights Act, rent increases must follow the statutory process and cannot be imposed through informal renewal negotiations as was common under fixed-term tenancies.

We advise landlords on:

  • Appropriate market rent levels
  • Legal notice requirements
  • Evidence-based rent reviews
  • Compliance with current regulations

This helps ensure increases are fair, defensible and legally compliant.

Marketing & Lettings

Do you accept rental bidding above the advertised rent?

No.

We market properties at a clearly advertised rental figure and follow all current legal requirements relating to property advertising and tenant selection. Rental bidding practices that undermine transparency are not part of our approach.

Can landlords refuse applicants receiving benefits or with children?

We assess applicants based on affordability, referencing and suitability.

Current legislation strengthens protections against blanket discrimination towards applicants with children or those receiving benefits. We advise landlords accordingly and ensure all applications are handled fairly and lawfully.

Renters’ Rights Act FAQs

What type of tenancy will my tenant have?

Most residential tenants in England now occupy their properties under assured periodic tenancies rather than fixed-term assured shorthold tenancies. Existing ASTs converted automatically from 1 May 2026.

Can landlords still regain possession of their property?

Yes.

Landlords can still recover possession where a valid legal ground exists, including:

  • Serious rent arrears
  • Anti-social behaviour
  • Landlord occupation
  • Sale of the property
  • Other statutory possession grounds

The process now operates through the updated possession framework rather than Section 21.

Will I need to register as a landlord?

The Government is introducing a Private Rented Sector Database and Landlord Ombudsman scheme as part of the wider reforms. As implementation details and commencement dates are confirmed, we will explain the applicable requirements and assist landlords with the steps needed to comply.

How does NCPM help landlords stay compliant?

We maintain a compliance-led management service covering:

  • Safety certification
  • Licensing
  • Deposit protection
  • Right to Rent checks
  • Rent review procedures
  • Property inspections
  • Legislative monitoring
  • Possession process management

Our compliance-led management service is designed to reduce risk, protect landlords’ investments and give tenants a safe, professionally managed home. We combine routine monitoring with clear advice and practical action when requirements change.