We understand that letting your property, especially for the first time can be a worrying experience, with this in mind our most important consideration is providing you the landlord with the best possible service and the right tenant for your property. Market your property with us and take advantage of promoting your property In both of ours offices in Norbury, London and Croydon, Surrey.
We never forget that the property is your most important asset and we can confidently assure you that by instructing us to act as your letting and management agents your asset will be in professional and caring hands.
A Personal Service
Because we are a small firm, we are able to offer a personal service with attention to detail, whilst at the same time maintaining a high standard of competence and professionalism.
Competitive Rates
Our fees are competitive and may be open to negotiation dependent on the level of service required. We are particularly committed to investment landlords and savings can be made on the smallest of portfolios.
Carefully Selected Tenants
Drawn from a continually updated register, all prospective tenants are thoroughly referenced and credit checked. In some cases we will also require a guarantor.
We are so confident of finding you the perfect tenants, we offer a NO LET, NO FEE deal. If we can’t find anyone to rent your property, you don’t pay us a penny.
Give us a try today, you have nothing to lose.
Your Requirements Come First!
We listen to what you have to say, and attempt to match your requirements as best as we can. We believe in regular communication throughout the letting process, and if necessary, the property management period.
If you’re not happy with anything, or have questions you’d like to ask, we encourage you to get in touch. We are looking to build long lasting relationships with our landlords, and hope to continue doing business for the foreseeable future.
Providing a Professional and Reliable Service
We understand the number one reason you decide to use a letting agent or property management company, is because you are a busy person. Perhaps you simply don’t have enough time to deal with the day to day running, a rental property demands.
You can count on us to take the burden for you. It can be stressful and time consuming dealing with tenant’s problems. Our expert letting and property management team has had dedicated training, and years of experience in handling a range of situations.
Many of our current landlords would recommend our management service, and have used us again and again.
We Will Find You a Tenant Quickly!
Every day that your property remains empty, is a lost day of income. We are experts at getting homes filled, fast. As more than 80% of property searches start on the Internet, we focus on getting awareness for your property using websites such as Primelocation, Rightmove, Globrix, Zoopla, Gumtree, FindaProperty and our own website.
We also target the Oriental community, and have connections to large websites and newspapers in the area. We can confidently say that we will advertise your property to more prospective tenants than any other London & Croydon based agency. We have one office in Norbury, London and one in Croydon, Surrey. We will market you property in both of our offices as two agents in one.
Dedicated and Fully Trained Team
Over the years, we have built up our team around quality and excellence. They are trained in dealing with all aspects of commercial and residential lettings and property management.
We are one of the only letting agencies which can offer a 14 day speed let guarantee. Our past success tells us, landlords never wait longer than 14 days for their property to be let. Please visit allagents.co.uk for our reviews from our Landlords and Tenants.
Choosing an Agent can be as difficult as choosing a Tenant.
With Crown Lets 4u Estate Agents, you get it right first time.
Full Management
This is our inclusive service, which provides for the marketing of the property and carrying out viewings, leading to the introduction and vetting of a prospective tenant. This proving satisfactory, we then go ahead and prepare the tenancy agreement, and if required an inventory. The tenant will then be checked in against the inventory.
During the tenancy we carry out periodic inspection visits. Should these bring to light any maintenance issues, we will (within the confines of our Management Agreement) arrange or recommend any necessary repairs.Collecting and processing of rental payments is also an important part of our full management service. Rental balances will be credited automatically to the landlord’s nominated bank account.
Towards the end of the tenancy, we liaise with the tenant, with a view to renewing the tenancy agreement, or arranging to check them out and re-advertising the property to let.
This service is suitable for landlords who are not residing locally, or would rather not deal with the tenants directly, preferring all aspects to be handled by an agent.
Rent Collection
For Landlords who want their Letting Agent to do more than provide a Let Only service but do not require a Fully Managed service, our Rent Collection service is a popular choice.
The service includes all the elements of our Let Only service with the following additions: Monthly Rent Collection & Reconciliation, Monthly Invoicing & Account Statements, Fast Rent Transfers (Landlords receive the rent in their account within 5 working days of the rent hitting the base accounts) and an Annual Tax Statement.
Letting Only
Our letting only services includes marketing of the property and carrying out viewings, leading to the introduction and vetting of a prospective tenant. This proving satisfactory, we then go ahead and prepare the tenancy agreement, and if required an inventory.
Following this, the first month’s rent and usually a tenancy deposit is collected and credited to the landlord less our agreed fee. Managing the tenancy, including the maintenance and rent collection, will then be the responsibility of the Landlord.
Note: According to current legislation the security deposit must be placed in a government nominated bank account. Should a claim arise the Inventory must have been carried out by a third party i.e. the agent, or professional inventory provider.
Our Fees
We offer a competitive fee structure and can offer reductions on our standard charges for multiple property portfolios. Please telephone or email us to discuss your requirements.
The Next Step
Contact us and register your interest as an existing or potential Landlord by requesting a free valuation on your property. You can email us your details or you rely upon the trusted method of a telephone call.
Our fees for a successful Let:
8% (No VAT) for Sole Agency based on the annual rent whether the Let is for one year or less. (Discounted from our standard 10% plus VAT).
10% (No Vat) for Multiple Agency based on the annual rent whether the Let is for one year or less. (Discounted from our standard 12% plus VAT).
If Required for Full Management Service, additional 5% no vat on a monthly basis, deducted from the rent and balance transferred to the landlord account every month.
Our fee is based on a “No Let = No Fee” arrangement, with all advertising and marketing costs borne by ourselves.
We offer a competitive fee structure and can offer reductions on our standard charges for multiple property portfolios.
Please telephone or email us to discuss your requirements.
Additional Costs:
£100.00 - Tenancy Agreement or Free With Full Management Service
£50.00 - Tenants Check In or Free With Full Management Service
£95.00 - Tenants Check Out or Free with Full Management Service
£75.00 - Inspection Visit Every 6 Months or Free with Full Management Service
£50.00 - Submitting Deposit In DPS or Free with Full Management Service
£200.00 - Inventory List + Pictures or £100.00 with Full Management Service
£165.00 - Electric Certificate
£75.00 - Energy Performance Certificate
£75.00 - Gas Safety Certificate
Landlords Buildings / Contents insurance (Please contact us for further details)
Tenants Rent Guarantee or Tenant Warranty Policy (Please contact us for further details)
Our fees for a successful Let:
12% (No VAT) for Sole Agency based on the annual rent whether the Let is for one year or less. (Discounted from our standard 15% plus VAT).
15% (No Vat) for Multiple Agency based on the annual rent whether the Let is for one year or less. (Discounted from our standard 18% plus VAT).
Our fee is based on a “No Let = No Fee” arrangement, with all advertising and marketing costs borne by ourselves.
We offer a competitive fee structure and can offer reductions on our standard charges for multiple property portfolios.
Please telephone or email us to discuss your requirements.
Our lettings team has developed an enviable reputation for providing a first class service to both landlords and tenants alike. We have for a number of years driven ourselves to meet the changing standards and expectations of our clients. With branches now in Norbury and Croydon and we are pleased to expand our association within the lettings industry, ensuring our aspirations are met with your expectations.
Specialists in Lettings
We made a point of being specialists in our field, with the confidence of being capable of letting your property quickly and professionally. We provide a range of services giving you peace of mind and reassurances that your property is dealt with by qualified letting professionals within our organisation. Our highly trained staffs aim to keep our clients regularly informed about changing housing legislation and our Tenancy Agreements are regularly updated to encompass current practices and procedures.
Dedicated Lettings Team
Our dedicated letting teams are trained to the maximum technical standards and have all the necessary information and knowledge at hand. We are committed to offer the highest levels of care and attention, ensuring your property is let quickly and that the tenancy runs as smoothly as possible. We continually strive to provide a quality service, working closely with private landlords and corporate investors alike.
High Profile Marketing
We invest heavily in marketing and have a recognized and respected brand. You can be assured your property will be extensively marketed, minimising the time in which it remains empty and maximising its potential. As well as our ‘To Let’ boards, website and local advertising, we keep a database of tenants currently looking for property. Our branches are located in the hub of communities and we have excellent contacts with local employers, companies, relocation agents, football clubs and agents who provide high quality tenants. Daily messaging and email bulletins are sent to all applicants that match the criteria of your property whilst traditional phone calls are made daily to ensure greater exposure of your property.
Comprehensive Tenant Referencing
Once a potential tenant has been found for your property, they will undergo an extensive assessment procedure. Our referencing service has been designed to minimise risks and to ensure that the let goes smoothly. As well as financial references and fraud checks, we approach employers and a previous landlord.
Full Property Management Service
Our property management staffs are regularly trained to keep them abreast of developments in the law affecting lettings and specifically to protect your interests. Through regular property visits and extensive experience we strive to exceed your expectations and to give you the advice and service you expect. Through trusted relations, we associate ourselves with organisations that work side by side with Midland Letting & Sales, such as Electricians, Plumbers, Gas Engineers and Insurance Agents. Trade people can often be hard to find and can also be quite costly and we have the understanding that should you ever require the services of one of our approved contractors then rest assured both your property and you will be dealt with professionally and at a reasonable cost.
Insurance
As appointed introducers for several insurance companies we are able to offer a range of insurance policies for landlords, including the following - Buildings Insurance Contents Insurance Rent guarantee Legal Expenses Please ask for further details.
Corporate Landlords
If you have a portfolio of properties, a block of flats or you represent the management company for your building, then we can offer you a range of very competitive property management services, which will be tailored to your individual circumstances. We will allocate you an individual letting consultant along with an account manager when the property is let and managed by us
Before a property can be let, there are several matters which the owner will need to deal with to ensure that the tenancy runs smoothly, and also that he/she complies with the law. We provide summarised information below. If you require further advice or assistance with any matter, please do not hesitate to contact us:
Preparing the Property
We have found that a good relationship with Tenants is the key to a smooth-running tenancy. As Property Managers this relationship is our job, but it is important that the Tenants should feel comfortable in their temporary home, and that they are receiving value for their money. It follows therefore that a well presented and maintained property in a good decorative order will go towards this, whilst also achieving a higher rental figure. Tenants are also more inclined to treat such a property with greater respect.
General Condition
Electrical, gas plumbing, waste, central heating and hot water systems must be safe, sound and in good working order. Repairs and maintenance are at the Landlords expense unless misuse can be established. Interior decorations should be in good condition and preferably plain, light and neutral.
Furnishings
Your property can be let fully furnished, part furnished or unfurnished. Which of these is appropriate will depend on the type of property and local market conditions. We will be pleased to give you advice on whether to furnish or not and to what level. As a minimum you will need to provide decent quality carpets, curtains and light fittings. Remember that there will be wear and tear on the property and any items provided.
Personal items, ornaments etc.
Personal possessions, ornaments, pictures, books etc. should be removed from the premises, especially those of real or sentimental value. Some items may be boxed, sealed and stored in the loft at the owners risk. All cupboards and shelf space should be left clear for the Tenants own use.
Gardens
Gardens should be left neat, tidy and rubbish free, with any lawns cut. Tenants are required to maintain the gardens to a reasonable standard, provided they are left the necessary tools. However, few Tenants are experienced gardeners, and if you value your garden, or if it is particularly large, you may wish us to arrange visits by our regular gardener.
Cleaning
At the commencement of the tenancy the property must be in a thoroughly clean condition, and at the end of each tenancy it is the Tenants responsibility to leave the property in a similar condition. Where they fail to do so, cleaning will be arranged at their expense.
Information for the Tenant
It is helpful if you leave information for the Tenant, e.g. on operating the central heating and hot water system, washing machine and alarm system, and the day refuse is collected etc.
Keys
You should provide one set of keys for each Tenant. Where we will be managing we will arrange to have duplicates cut as required.
Repairs & Maintenance- Section 11, Landlord and Tenant Act 1985
The landlord is responsible for the structure and exterior of the property; baths, sinks and other sanitary items; heating and hot water installations. However, this only applies if the tenant has a fixed tenancy contract for under 7 years, else these issues become the tenants responsibility. The landlord is not responsible for damages caused by the tenants.
This legislation requires landlords to:
Common areas
If you own a block of flats, you’ll usually be responsible for repairing common areas, like staircases. Councils can ask landlords to fix problems in common areas, or to repair a tenant’s flat that’s been damaged by another tenant.
Money Shield is a Client Money Protection (CMP) scheme enabling lettings and estate agents to reassure tenants, landlords, buyers and vendors that their money is safe. If your agent has misappropriated your money, contact Money Shield to make a claim. Money Shield will step in to reimburse landlords and tenants should a property agent misappropriate rent, deposit or other client funds.
Thousands of Lettings Agents do not protect their Clients’ Money so make sure your agent has CMP. Money Shield offers the peace of mind that your money is protected if the unthinkable happens. If your rent or maintenance funds go missing due to theft or your agent goes bust, your money will be reimbursed quickly without any hassle.
Applying to have missing money reimbursed is simple with Money Shield. As long as it has been reported to the police you can simply fill out our claim form to get your money reimbursed. However claims seldom happen against Money Shield agents as we continually make checks to ensure your money is being held in a separate client account.
We at Crown Lets 4u are proud to confirm that we are a member of the Client Money Protection scheme by Money Sheild. Our Membership number is 59416461
Rogue letting agent Manish Manek was found guilty of 17 counts of theft involving tenants’ deposits and rent owed to landlords. He stole £47,000 before fleeing the UK in October 2012. A police investigation found that Manek had been putting tenant deposits and rent into his personal account. He was finally arrested and sentenced to jail leaving landlords and tenants out of pocket.
His victims never saw their money returned.
Money Shield will reimburse landlords and tenants who are out of pocket up to £5 million per year with a maximum award of £50,000 per individual claim. Unfortunately, we cannot make payments for any loss arising from war, terrorism, confiscation or nuclear risks.
The Government is taking action to protect landlords and tenants by making CMP mandatory. All agents managing lettings in England will need to belong to an approved CMP scheme by 1 April 2019. Agents in Scotland and Wales are already required to hold CMP.
Mortgage
If your property is mortgaged, you should obtain your mortgagee\\\\\\\'s written consent to the letting. They may require additional clauses in the tenancy agreement of which you must inform us.
Leaseholds
If you are a leaseholder, you should check the terms of your lease, and obtain any necessary written consent before letting.
Insurance
You should ensure that you are suitably covered for letting under both your buildings and contents insurance. Failure to inform your insurers may invalidate your policies. We can advise on Landlords Legal Protection, Rent Guarantee Cover and Landlords Contents and Buildings Insurance if required.
Bills and regular outgoings
We recommend that you arrange for regular outgoings e.g. service charges, maintenance contracts etc. to be paid by standing order or direct debit.
Council tax and utility accounts
We will arrange for the transfer of Council Tax and utility accounts to the Tenant, If we are managing your property. Meter readings will be taken, allowing your closing gas and electricity accounts to be drawn up. All these matters we will handle for you, however British Telecom will require instructions directly from both the Landlord and the Tenant.
Income tax
When resident in the UK, it is entirely the Landlords responsibility to inform the Revenue & Customs of rental income received, and to pay any tax due. Where the Landlord is resident outside the UK during a tenancy, he will require an exemption certificate from the Revenue & Customs before he can receive rental balances without deduction of tax. Where we are managing the property we will provide advice and assistance on applying for such exemption.
The inventory
It is most important that an inventory of contents and schedule of condition be prepared, in order to avoid misunderstanding or dispute at the end of a tenancy. Without such safeguards, it will be impossible for the Landlord to prove any loss, damage, or significant deterioration of the property or contents. In order to provide a complete Service, we will if required arrange for a member of staff to prepare an inventory and schedule of condition, at the cost quoted in our Agency Agreement.
Note: According to current legislation the security deposit must be placed in a government nominated bank account. Should a claim arise the Inventory must have been carried out by a third party i.e. the agent, or professional inventory provider.
The following requirements are the responsibility of the owner (Landlord). Where we are managing the property they are also our responsibility. Therefore where we are managing we will ensure compliance, any costs of which will be the responsibility of the landlord.
Gas
Annual safety check: Under the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 all gas appliances and flues in rented accommodation must be checked for safety within 12 months of being installed, and thereafter at least every 12 months by a competent engineer (e.g. a CORGI registered gas installer).
Maintenance: There is a duty to ensure that all gas appliances, flues and associated pipework are maintained in a safe condition at all times.
Records: Full records must be kept for at least 2 years of the inspections of each appliance and flue, of any defects found and of any remedial action taken.
Copies to tenants: A copy of the safety certificate issued by the engineer must be given to each new tenant before their tenancy commences, or to each existing tenant within 28 days of the check being carried out.
Electrical
There are several regulations relating to electrical installations, equipment and appliance safety, and these affect landlords and their agents in that they are supplying in the course of business. They include the Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 1994, the Plugs and Sockets Regulations 1994, the 2005 Building Regulation - Part P, and British Standard BS1363 relating to plugs and sockets. Although with tenanted property there is currently no legal requirement for an electrical safety certificate (except in the case of all HMOs) it is now widely accepted in the letting industry that the only safe way to ensure safety, and to avoid the risk of being accused of neglecting your duty of care, or even of manslaughter is to arrange such an inspection and certificate.
Fire
The Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations 1988 (amended 1989 & 1993) provide that specified items supplied in the course of letting property must meet minimum fire resistance standards. The regulations apply to all upholstered furniture, beds, headboards and mattresses, sofa-beds, futons and other convertibles, nursery furniture, garden furniture suitable for use in a dwelling, scatter cushions, pillows and non-original covers for furniture. They do not apply to antique furniture or furniture made before 1950, bedcovers including duvets, loose covers for mattresses, pillowcases, curtains, carpets or sleeping bags. Items which comply will have a suitable permanent label attached. Non-compliant items must be removed before a tenancy commences.
Smoke Alarms
All properties built since June 1992 must have been fitted with mains powered smoke detector alarms from new. Although there is no legislation requiring smoke alarms to be fitted in other ordinary tenanted properties, it is generally considered that the common law duty of care means that Landlords and their Agents could be liable should a fire cause injury or damage in a tenanted property where smoke alarms are not fitted. We therefore strongly recommend that the Landlord fit at least one alarm on each floor (in the hall and landing areas).
Is your property a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO)?
If your property is on 3 or more levels and let to 5 or more tenants comprising 2 or more households (i.e. not all of the same family) it will be subject to mandatory licensing by your local authority. Whether mandatory licensing as above applies or not, if there are 3 or more tenants not all related in any property, it is still likely to be an HMO, and special Management rules apply.
Learn more here: http://www.propertylicence.gov.uk
The Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS)
The HHSRS provides an analysis of how hazardous a property is through assessment of 29 potential hazards found in housing. Landlords have to maintain their properties to provide a safe and healthy environment. The HHSRS is enforced by local authorities.
For further information visit http://www.communities.gov.uk/hhsrs
The Tenancy Deposit Scheme
From 6 April 2007, all deposits taken by landlords and letting agents under Assured Shorthold Tenancies (ASTs) in England and Wales must be protected by a tenancy deposit protection scheme. Landlords and letting agents must not take a deposit unless it is dealt with under a tenancy deposit scheme. To avoid any disputes going to court, each scheme will be supported by an alternative dispute resolution service (ADR). Landlords and letting agents will be able to choose between two types of scheme; a single custodial scheme and two insurance-based schemes.
Learn more here: http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/TenancyDeposit/index.htm
The Disability Discrimination Act 2005
The DDA 2005 addresses the limitations of current legislation by extending disabled peoples rights in respect of premises that are let or to be let, and commonhold premises. Landlords and managers of let premises and premises that are to let will be required to make reasonable adjustments for disabled people. Under the new duties, provided certain conditions are met (for example, that a request has been made), landlords and managers of premises which are to let, or of premises which have already been let, must make reasonable adjustments, and a failure to do so will be unlawful unless it can be justified under the Act. Landlords will only have to make reasonable adjustments. And they will not have to remove or alter physical features of the premises.
Learn more here: http://www.dwp.gov.uk/aboutus/dda_factsheet4-premises.pdf
We hope that you will find the above information useful. If there are any aspects of which you are unsure, please ask us.
We look forward to being of assistance to you in the letting and management of your property.