Lettings and Management Guide

WHY USE CROWN HOUSE ESTATES TO LET
We’re different

If you think all Estate Agents are the same, you haven’t worked with Crown House Estates. We’re different. Everything we do will give you an altogether better experience in letting your property through us.

We have a team of experienced lettings specialists suited to all types of landlords. Whatever style of landlord you want to be, we’re here to help. If you’re just looking to find a tenant for your property, or you prefer a team to oversee every aspect of your let, we have a package to suit.

RENTAL VALUATION
Deciding on an asking rent

There’s no right or wrong when it comes to a rental valuation. If you were to get a number of opinions, there is likely to be quite a variation; from the realistic to the optimistic and all points in-between. What agents give you is more a view on "marketing price" than a precise value and, as such, the numbers can be very different. We aim to give you a range, an explanation and help so that you can decide on an asking price and the right strategy for you. Our objective is to get the best possible rent for you and there are different ways of achieving this depending on the property and the amount of activity in the property market.

Arrange a free rental valuation here.

FIRST IMPRESSION COUNT
Showing your property at its best

It is said that tenants make their minds up about a property within seconds of their visit and it pays to present your house or flat at its best. The more effort you put in, the better the rent you stand to achieve and therefore we will give you as many tips as we can about what is worth spending time and money on and how to best maximise the full potential of your property.

Rightly or wrongly, most people will judge a property on first sight. Houses or flats in good condition will attract a superior tenant and a higher rental return. It’s therefore worth investing some time and money in maintaining your property to an attractive standard.

Most rental properties need some kind of improvement works every four to five years. With the right approach, the work you do will pay dividends fast.

LOCAL KNOWLEDGE, LOCAL EXPERTS
Knowing the lay of the land

We know London and the property market. Through our many years of experience, we’ve built a great network and insight allowing us to get the best from your rental property.

Crown House Estates people are experts, they know the local market better than anyone and so are an unrivalled source of advice and knowledge. Our people live near to where they work and are members of the local community, so they can give you an insider's view.

EXPERIENCE
You can’t buy that

Our team come from a variety of backgrounds and have years of experience giving us an advantage when it comes to renting your property. Our people make us what we are – we are well known for being hardworking and going the extra mile to get you the very best rental prices that can be achieved in the market. Our staff are professional partners for our clients and trained to the highest standard to give you exceptional service at all times.

MARKETING KNOW-HOW
What we do best

We expertly value, photograph and list your property on some of the biggest listing sites as well as using our social media platforms. We use all our experience and expertise, together with our contacts to get your property rented as quickly and efficiently as possible.

CONTACTS
Invaluable

With many years of industry acumen, we have built a vast database of contacts who assist us in what we do and you as a landlord can benefit directly. We are connected to many industry professionals such as solicitors, accountants, architects, building contractors just to name a few, and that enables us to help and guide you wherever possible in many different ways.

HANDS-ON PERSONALISED SERVICE
First impressions count

Our friendly, personalised service and our experienced multilingual team are focused on getting you the best results at all times. We pride ourselves in helping you achieve your goals because through your success lies our success!

ADDITIONAL SERVICES
We are happy to assist you further than most

If you require us to help you to sell your property, then we would be happy to assist you here also.

If you are looking to expand your existing portfolio or invest in property, then we can assist you. Our dedicated property consultants are able to source lucrative opportunities via our network.

LEGAL & TAXATION
We have created partnerships with well-established independent professionals such as legal advisers and accountants that can guide you through the all the legal and tax responsibilities as a landlord.

MORTGAGE & INSURANCE SERVICES
Home Finance Centre, our dedicated in-house mortgage and protection consultants can provide various other services which go hand in hand with your property purchases. These include a full range of mortgage products and insurance services. If this is something you need, then one of our dedicated advisers would be more than happy to talk this through with you.

CROWN HOUSE ESTATES PROPERTY MANAGEMENT SERVICE
Hassle-free

There are many upsides to be a Landlord. Renting out properties in London remains a sure bet for regular income or for building up capital for future investments.

Whether you let out a one-bedroom flat or maintain a portfolio of properties, your responsibilities are the same - dealing with dripping taps or broken boilers, renegotiating leases and filing tax returns. Not to mention keeping abreast of an increasingly complex legislative environment.

The good news is that we can deal with all of the above and much more on your behalf.

Crown House Estates manages a wide range of properties on behalf of landlords across all areas of London. We’ll take care of you and your property, manage all the technical details and provide you with a secure and hassle-free income. We’ve got a great network of maintenance professionals on hand 24/7, every day of the year. Whatever the issue, be assured we’ll be on hand to fix the problem before it becomes a crisis.

We offer different levels of management services to you. You choose the right level of involvement from us. Whatever your requirements, our aim is to take the time, worry and hassle away from being a full-time landlord.

Landlord Service Breakdown

Service Activity Let-only Service at 6% Standard management service at 12% Premium management service at 18%
Market appraisal Yes Yes Yes
Comprehensive marketing, advertising and accompanied property viewings Yes Yes Yes
Tenant selection, introduction and referencing Yes Yes Yes
Drawing up of assured shorthold tenancy (AST) agreement Yes Yes Yes
Deposit lodged and protected with our preferred and approved scheme (subject to deposit lodgment fee) Yes Yes Yes
Prepare inventory and schedule of condition Yes Additional Fee Yes
Notify utilities at beginning and end of tenancy   Yes Yes
Validation of maintenance requests prior to issuing contractors   Yes Yes
Arranging free estimates for work from our fully vetted and qualified contractor network (or yours)   Yes Yes
Arranging routine repairs and maintenance under agreed amount   Yes Yes
All emergency (unsocial hours) maintenance dealt with 24/7. 365 days a year     Yes
Monthly rent collection and payment to you (the landlord) within x days   Yes Yes
Rent chasing/credit control via our rent arrears process   Yes Yes
Non-resident landlord quarterly and annual returns - retain tax and pay HMRC in respect of all non-resident landlords. Also includes the completion of quarterly and annual paperwork for reporting to HMRC.   Additional Fee Yes
Annual return - under paragraph 18 of Schedule 23 of Finance Act 2011   Additional Fee Yes
Invoice payment to suppliers/contractors   Yes Yes
Payment of servie charge/ground rent (if applicable)   Yes Yes
Arrangement of gas safety certificates, electrical safety and EPC's   Yes Yes
Arrange check-out inspection   Additional Fee Yes
Professional clean at end of tenancy   Additional Fee Yes
Negotiate renewal with tenant and ensure documentation signed    Yes Yes
Deposit negotiations between both parties and return of any monies due   Yes Yes
Adjudication of dispute (if applicable)     Yes
End of tenancy process   Yes Yes
Annual rent review   Yes Yes
Routine inspection(s) and the subsequent booking and reporting of the findings to the landlord     Yes
Rent guarantee insurance ensuring that you get paid your rent, even when your tenants don't pay   Yes Yes
Serve section 21 notices     Yes
Serve section 8 notices   Additional Fee Yes
Advice on property investment locally and assistance in sourcing   Additional Fee Yes