Residential Lettings and Property Management

Finding an appropriate tenant is just part of what makes a successful tenancy. At Orchards of London we understand the importance of providing a vigilant and proactive service that ensures that our landlord client’s maximise their return on investment and that our tenants are also treated courteously and professionally. It is important that all legislative requirements are met and monitored on an ongoing basis.

At Orchards of London, whilst we can set up tenancies for landlords on a "let only" basis and hand the management of the tenancy over to the landlord on completion, we can also provide cost effective solutions in respect of rent collection and management. We can take care of ancillary legislative requirements such as the production of Energy Performance Certificates, inventories, gas and electrical safety checks etc. We can also arrange for properties to be cleaned and for new carpets and furnishings to be installed, where required. These days more and more tenants request managed properties as it allows a more professional service, removing the emotion from both sides.

Our fully trained team are highly experienced in prompt rent collection and credit control as well maintaining proactive relationships with tenants. In situations where we manage the property we will also carry out regular inspections and organise repairs and maintenance, when appropriate. We can also provide landlords with insurance to cover any rent arrears, void periods etc.

Further details on our range of services are listed below:

Referencing

All tenants are vigilantly referenced and credit checked before a tenancy is entered into.

Drawing up the tenancy agreement

Tenancy agreements are drawn up to reflect any specific matter such as whether pets can be kept at the property or whether smoking is allowed. An Assured Shorthold Tenancy (AST) is normally used properties with an annual rental of up to £100,000 but a contractual non Housing Act tenancy may be used if the tenant is a company or if the rent is over £100,000 per annum.

Tenant's deposit

A deposit is always taken from the tenant (usually equivalent to six weeks rent) and, as required by law, is lodged within the Tenant’s Deposit Scheme.

Orchards of London are members of the Deposit Protection Service which protects the tenant's deposit throughout the duration of the tenancy. It also ensures the prompt return of the deposit at the end of the tenancy where there is no dispute and ensures that any disputes are dealt with quickly and fairly.

Rent Guarantee

As part of our commitment to ensuring that our landlord clients maximise the return on their letting investment, we can provide the peace of mind of guaranteed rental income should your tenants fail to pay their rent. Click here to find out more about this service.

Full Management

Our experienced team can provide a full management service for landlords which covers every aspect of a tenancy from start to finish and therefore provides complete peace of mind that the property is being proactively looked after and managed throughout the lifetime of the tenancy.

Rent Collection

We can provide a rent collection service for landlords whether domiciled in the UK or abroad. We will collect the rent from the tenants and account to the landlord for the balance, taking into account any outgoings such as fees and taxation.

Energy Performance Certificates (EPC)

It is a legal requirement that a current EPC is in place before a tenancy is entered into. An EPC is currently valid for ten years.

An EPC must be produced by a qualified, accredited and insured Domestic Energy Assessor (DEA).

At Orchards of London we work with DEAs who are able to provide a fast, professional service for our landlord clients.

Inventories

In order to minimise any risk of dispute at the end of the tenancy it is strongly advised that an independent inventory is produced at the outset which is agreed by both landlord and tenant.

Orchards of London work with experienced and professional inventory clerks who will produce a formal inventory with photographs and who will assist with the check in and check out of the property in order to ensure

Gas, Electrical and Furnishings Safety Certificates

There are strict regulations governing the safety of properties for rent and the requirements for regular safety certificates to be produced and issued.

Orchards of London will advise you on what requirements apply to any specific property and we work with a team of approved, qualified and insured contractors who can provide the necessary certificates.

Cleaning

Presenting a property well is a huge factor in both securing and retaining a good quality tenant. Invariably after refurbishment work or at the end of a tenancy there is a need for a property to be thoroughly cleaned before a new tenant takes up occupancy.

Orchards of London have a team of approved and insured cleaning contractors who can undertake

Maintenance & Repairs

Whilst we trust that there will be no need to carry out any repairs or maintenance during a tenancy, it is inevitable that, on occasions, things will go wrong and need resolving.

Orchards of London work with an approved team of insured contractors including plumbers, electricians and builders who can react quickly to emergencies

Furnishings

Whilst many properties are let unfurnished, there are often still requirements for floor and window coverings or kitchen appliances to be included or existing one’s replaced.

Orchards of London can advise and assist with the purchase and installation of appropriate fittings and furnishings and ensure that all legislation relating to soft furnishings and appliances is adhered to.

Insurance

As well as advising on the appropriate insurance policies that a landlord should have in place when letting, we can also provide rent guarantee insurance to give peace of mind and protect rental income for landlords.

Our services at a glance

Service	Letting and Management	Tenant Finding Service
Comprehensive marketing
Finding a tenant
Obtaining references
Drawing up Tenancy Agreement
Organising Electrical Safety Certificate
Arranging inventory
Arranging check-in of the tenant at start of tenancy
Rent Guarantee Insurance
Collection of rent
24 hour call out service
Arranging repairs and maintenance
Arranging payment of outgoings
Montly statements
Advising on deposit deductions
Key holding service
Transfer of utilities
Management inspections
Management whilst property vacant between tenancies