Residential Lettings
Welcome to The Acorn Group “Founded in 1984 as a one-office, independent estate agency, The Acorn Group now employs over 450 staff, working from more than 35 different offices and supported by a range of professional divisions and services. Still privately owned, the company’s growth has seen the incorporation of other leading brands including John Payne, Langford Russell, MAP Chartered Surveyors, Start Financial Services and Start Lease Extensions. The Acorn Group has been providing specialist property advice and a tailored service to private and corporate clients for over 35 years. Our highly trained team has a broad skill base, which enables us to supply the relevant professional support at every stage of each transaction. Over the years, with the continued growth of our business, we have never lost sight of the fact that we work in a service industry. The fundamentals of customer care are still applied in the same way today as the day we first opened our doors.”
Neil Louth Neil Louth Chief Executive Officer neil.louth@acorngroup.co.uk
Read just a few of our Google reviews
“An incredible team of property professionals.”
“What an experience! Their service was absolutely fantastic.”
“The entire team have been outstanding in every aspect.”
ROB LOCKE
LEROY ROBINSON
EDWARD SWEATMAN
“Help was on the end of the phone whenever we needed it.”
“A very smooth and streamlined process. Highly recommended.”
“Their professionalism and communication was second to none.”
NICOLA BANDY
ROSS TILLBROOK
CARROLL GARRAWAY
“I can’t fault the service and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend.”
“We were blown away. Such a positive experience. Can’t recommend highly enough.”
“Went above and beyond. A real breath of fresh air.”
CLARE HOLT
HAYLEY RAWLINS
MEGAN WILLIAMS
“I promise you won’t be disappointed – I wish I had gone to them first!” EMMA ROBERTS
“A fast, seamless professional service in letting my flat.” NICK KENDALL
“A truly wonderful experience. A ten out of ten service.” OGNIAN LOZANOV
“Would recommend them with all my heart, as they were just great throughout.”
“Excellent service. Very helpful. Highly recommended.”
“Very responsive and proactive unlike other agencies.”
MIHAELA CICEU
FRANCESCA NEZREK
VIOLET LULE
We represent over 4,500 landlords in South East London and Kent From experienced corporate clients and investors to first-time landlords, our leading high street brands have over 4,500 combined clients spread across the entire lettings spectrum.
Letting your property We recognise that the property you are letting is more than likely one of the single most valuable assets you own. Therefore it is vital that you choose an experienced agent with the knowledge to protect your interests and the resource to be able to market your property as widely as possible to attract the best possible tenant. As members of ARLA Propertymark, TPO, CMP, Safe Agent and TDS, our clients can be secure in knowing that their valued asset is in safe hands.
St Georges Wharf, Bermondsey
The letting process in five easy steps Step 1 – Rent Valuation
We will visit your property to discuss in detail all aspects of letting and to determine the rental yield of the property. To do this we take into consideration the size, presentation, facilities and location. This valuation is completely free.
Step 2 – Property Preparation
Tenants make their decision about whether to rent a property within a few minutes of viewing it. It is important that a property is well presented to create a comfortable and safe living space. The property should be cleaned thoroughly, de-cluttered and the décor as neutral and light as possible. By optimising the property’s appearance, it will receive more market interest.
Step 3 – Accompanied Viewings
We will arrange appointments and accompany prospective tenants on viewings. You will be updated after each viewing as to interest expressed by potential tenants.
Step 4 – Letting Agreed
Once a suitable tenant has been found and the terms of the let agreed with you, each prospective tenant will be required to complete an online application form. We work in partnership with an independent referencing agency that will carry out a credit check and compile a reference report which we will send to you; we will also fulfil the required Right to Rent and ID checks.
Step 5 – Paperwork & Compliance
In recent years there have been important changes in legislation surrounding lettings, so it is our job to ensure our clients are up to date with all the latest rules and regulations. We will prepare the tenancy agreement and associated documentation and notify you of your health and safety obligations and arrange checks as required. We will collect the move-in monies including a security deposit and will arrange for a schedule of condition to be prepared and signed at check-in and for the deposit to be registered in a government recognised scheme.
Greenwich Market, Greenwich
South London Gallery, Peckham
Our letting services Full management is the preferred choice for the majority of our clients. This all-encompassing service takes away the day-to-day worry of letting a property but most importantly ensures that you avoid the heavy penalties which can be imposed if the various different pieces of legislation are not properly complied with.
Fully Managed Market Valuation Full Marketing Details Accompanied Viewings Negotiate Terms Right to Rent Check* Reference Report* Credit Check Schedule of Condition* Tenancy Agreement* Collection of Deposit Registration of Deposit* Rent Collection Rent Statements Property Inspections Property Maintenance Negotiate Renewal Terms Negotiate Rent Review S21 Notice (repossession) S8 Notice (breach of tenancy) Court Attendance Check Out* Deposit Dispute
*Subject to charge
Rent Collection Only
Let Only
Crystal Palace Park, Crystal Palace
Did you know... We have over 6,000 tenants registered with us, looking to let a property.
Lettings legislations & landlord responsibilities Failure to comply with legislation relating to letting a property may lead to significant financial penalties for a landlord and in the most serious of cases, could lead to criminal prosecution. Below is a basic summary of the requirements which a landlord must comply with before and during the letting of their property. This information is only intended as a guide; landlords should seek comprehensive professional advice. Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)
An Energy Performance Certificate is required for properties when constructed, sold or let. The Energy Performance Certificate provides details on the energy performance of the property and what needs to be done to improve it; a valid EPC will last for a period of 10 years. A copy of the EPC must be given to anyone who is interested in renting a property and to a tenant before they move into a property. From April 2018, any new tenancy or a renewal tenancy has to meet the minimum EPC rating of “E” or higher. From April 2020, it will not be possible to let a residential property with a rating of “F” or “G”. In order for a landlord to be able to gain possession of a property which has been let on an Assured Shorthold Tenancy, the property must have a valid EPC before notice can be served on a tenant. Gas Safety
Landlords must ensure that any gas appliance or pipework in a residential rental property is maintained in safe condition; and to be checked by a Gas Safe engineer before a tenancy starts and also annually. A record of the safety check must be kept for 2 years and a copy given to the tenant before they move in, and any further certificates within 28 days of a re-inspection. Fire and Furniture Safety
Furniture and furnishings supplied by a landlord must comply with fire safety regulations and meet the ignition and fire resistance requirements. These safety requirements set levels of fire resistance to domestic upholstered furniture, furnishings and other products which contain upholstery.
Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms
All residential rental properties must have a working smoke alarm on every floor used as living accommodation and a working carbon monoxide alarm in any rooms using solid fuels such as a coal fire or wood burning stove. These alarms must be checked on the first day of the tenancy and a record of that safety check is to be kept. After that, tenants should take responsibility for their own safety and test alarms regularly and replace batteries when needed. Electrical Safety
Landlords have a legal duty to make sure that the electrical installations and electrical equipment they are supplying is safe at the start of a tenancy and kept in good working order. An electrical safety check is to be carried out every five years by a qualified person and a copy of the electrical safety condition report (EICR) is to be given to the tenant before they move in. The landlord should also provide operating instructions and safety warning notices to enable the safe and proper use of all electrical equipment by the tenant. Legionella Assessment
The landlord is responsible for ensuring that the risk of exposure to legionella in a residential rental property is properly assessed and controlled. All water systems require an assessment of the risk by a competent person.
Right to Rent
The landlord is responsible for checking that each adult tenant or occupant has the right to rent in the UK by checking their original identity documents in the presence of each prospective tenant or occupant aged 18 years and above. Copies of the documents must be taken and the identity check recorded. If a prospective tenant or occupier has a time limited right to rent, follow up checks must be carried out and the Home Office notified of any person who no longer has the right to rent. A tenancy cannot proceed unless the prospective tenant or occupant can produce the appropriate identity documents to demonstrate that they have the right to rent. Property Licensing
House in Multiple Occupation (HMO): A house in multiple occupation (HMO) is a property where at least three tenants live, forming more than one “household”, and where the tenants are sharing a toilet, bathroom or kitchen facilities with other tenants. A landlord should check with their council as a license might be required depending on the area. A large HMO is where at least five tenants live in the property, forming more than one household, and where the tenants are sharing a toilet, bathroom or kitchen facilities with other tenants. Landlords of a large HMO must meet certain standards and obligations and apply for a mandatory licence. Licences are valid for a maximum of 5 years. A “household” is either a single person or members of the same family who live together. A family includes married or living together, relatives or half-relatives, stepparents and step-children. Additional Licensing: Certain local authorities impose a policy requiring other sizes of HMO to also be licensed. Even if a property is smaller and rented to fewer people, a landlord should still check with their council as a licence may still be needed. Selective Licensing: This is at the discretion of the individual local authority and can affect all rental properties regardless of size, number of storeys, or number of occupants. Before granting a licence, the local authority must be satisfied that the landlord and/ or any managing agent is fit and proper to hold a licence and that the property meets the required physical standards.
Maintenance & Repairs
Landlords must keep their rental property safe and free from health hazards. They have a duty to promptly arrange and carry out repairs which are affecting the property’s structure and exterior, this includes defects that are likely to be the cause of damp and mould, such as leaking gutters or wet outside walls. Landlords must also make sure that the interior of the property is maintained in satisfactory condition including basins, sinks, baths and other sanitary fittings, pipes and drains, heating and hot water, gas appliances, pipes, flues and ventilation, electrical wiring and installations. Floor surfaces should also be kept in good repair and free from trip hazards. Deposit Protection
Landlords must register a tenant’s deposit in a government-backed tenancy deposit scheme (TDS) within 30 days of receiving the deposit. This deposit should be returned to the tenant within 10 days of the parties agreeing how much the tenant will get back. If the tenant disputes the landlord’s proposed deductions, an application will need to be made to the scheme’s dispute resolution service during which time the deposit or any disputed amount will remain protected. Tax and the Non-resident Landlord (NRL)
Landlords have an obligation to declare rental income and other income they receive from their property to HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC). If a landlord resides overseas for 6 months or more in a year or is unable to provide the agent with a permanent UK address, the agent would be required to deduct tax at the basic rate from the rent and account to HMRC. If a non-resident landlord (NRL) is collecting the rent direct from their tenant, the tenant must deduct the tax and account to HMRC. Landlords can apply to HMRC for approval to receive their rental income with no tax deducted. If the application is approved, HMRC will tell the agent or tenant not to deduct tax from the rent.
London Eye, Waterloo
Whether a client owns 5 or 500 rental properties, we are well-placed to take over immediate management We’ve invested in the right technology and people to ensure your property is in safe hands. When it comes to property management expertise, our dedicated team will be happy to answer any questions you might have.
Did you know... The board of directors at The Acorn Group are the same people who started the company back in 1984.
Blackheath Conservatoire, Blackheath Village
Dulwich Library, East Dulwich
Corporate and Premier Landlord Division This specialist division was established to meet the requirements of our corporate and larger multi-landlords who often require a tailor-made service to meet their differing needs. Whether a client owns 5 or 500 rental properties, we are well-placed to take over immediate management. Our specialist team have been selected based on their knowledge and experience of portfolio management. Our services include:
• Monthly or quarterly financial reporting • Vacant stock management
• Resolving difficult issues daily, including emergency maintenance • Advising landlords with regard to legal aspects and compliance • Dealing with court paperwork
• Projected profit and loss analysis
• Portfolio valuations for re-financing purposes or capital release • Portfolio disposal with tenants in situ, which maximises income for both purchaser and client • Nationwide property management service
We establish long standing relationships with our clients and are able to assist with a wide provision of services across the property sector including build-to-rent, block management, planning management, asset & equity management, corporate asset services, commercial, investment and development. To arrange a meeting to discuss the management of your portfolio, please call Paul Deveney, Director, on 020 8315 6970 or email corporateteam@acorngroup.co.uk or visit acorngroup.co.uk.
Block and Estate Management This specialist division was established in 1999 to manage The Group’s growing portfolio of residential blocks, since which time Acorn Estate Management has secured a solid reputation within the field of residential block management. We provide invaluable support to management companies, investors and freeholders alike to facilitate budget control, arrears recovery, health and safety compliance and supervision of works. New build developments need to be manageable and sustainable as one entity for many years and we work with local, national and regional building companies from concept
to construction. With our experience of the practical running of new developments, we advise on the service charge structure and plan for the provision of services and facilities at an early stage of the build. We work in partnership with our New Homes sales team to achieve an innovative and successful marketing strategy and to provide an essential after sales process. To find out more about our block and estate management services, contact Acorn Estate Management direct on 020 8315 6980, email em@acorngroup.co.uk or visit acorngroup.co.uk/estatemanagement.
Foots Cray Meadows, Sidcup
Royal Parade, Chislehurst
Start Financial Services Start Financial Services is an independent division of The Acorn Group and attracts a wide range of clients from the UK and overseas. Established in 1998, Start strives to innovate and provide bespoke financial solutions. Start brokers call upon a wealth of experience and unrivalled knowledge of the marketplace to arrange residential and buy-to-let mortgages, alongside a wide range of insurance products, to protect their clients.
Buy-to-Let Mortgages
The definition of buy-to-let is a property investment where the buyer becomes a landlord and rents out the property. The motivation behind this could be to make profit on the rental income received or to take advantage of the capital growth of the asset. If the investor does not have sufficient funds
to buy the property outright or wants to reserve some of the funds for another purpose, then the property can be purchased with the help of a buy-to-let mortgage. As with any type of investment there are a number of factors to consider before committing to a buy-to-let purchase and, if you are thinking of doing so, one of Start’s brokers can help to you make the right decision. To see which loan might be best for your buy-to-let, contact Start Financial Services on start@startmortgages.co.uk, phone 020 8315 6960 or visit startmortgages.co.uk.
Your property may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage. Not all Buy-to-Let mortgages are regulated by The Financial Conduct Authority.
City Hall and the Shard, London Bridge
Start Lease Extensions Start Lease Extensions, an independent division of The Acorn Group, provides a simple fixed fee package for leaseholders looking to extend the lease on their residential property. By law, as a leaseholder, you are likely to be automatically entitled to extend your lease by an additional 90 years; this is known as a “statutory lease extension”. Start Lease Extensions make the process of extending a lease as easy and stress free as possible – from liaising with the freeholder to instructing a surveyor and a lawyer. To obtain free no obligation advice and to ask about the simple fixed fee package, call Start Lease Extensions on 020 8315 6901, email enquiries@startleaseextensions.co.uk, or visit startleaseextensions.co.uk.
The Best Brands. The Best People. The Best Locations. All information is correct at the time of print.