Acres have a fine reputation for service and professionalism in the local area and offer the whole property package including Residential Sales, Land & New Homes, Surveys & Valuations, Commercial Sales and Valuations and Mortgage and Conveyancing services.
Acres provide a range of services for your lettings and management requirements. The firm is a member of the NAEA, and RICS and you can be assured that we have the experience, skills and expertise to Let and Manage your property.
With our extensive full colour advertising in the local press
An acres.co.uk interactive web site with full internal photographs
Through and findaproperty.com.
Our 6 Offices have prominent locations in Tamworth, Four Oaks, Great Barr, Kingstanding, Wylde Green and Sutton Coldfield.
Distinctive TO-LET boards
A database of tenants and relocation agents actively seeking properties
Mail shots to local business and hospitals
Accompanied viewings with experienced professional sales staff 7 days a week
Potential Tenants:
Once we have established with you the criteria for the sort of person you wish to occupy your property we will match this against the applicants to ensure you get a suitable Tenant.
Anyone over the age of 18 will be referenced
Confirmation of Identity
Confirmation of residency
Credit checks on all tenants
Search of public records
Search of previous/associated addresses
Search of known associates
Previous/Current landlord reference
Previous/Current employer's reference
In some cases it may be necessary that we request a suitable guarantor, and if so the same referencing procedure will be carried out.
Preparing your property for Occupation:
Completing a full detailed photographic inventory for you to sign and agree.
Inform all the utilities of the change of occupant and meter readings.
Organise Gas and Electric Safety Certificates (Additional Charges Apply)
Ensure your property complies with up to date Heath and Safety Regulations.
Check that all smoke alarms are working.
Services we offer:
Managed Service
All Marketing
Advertising in local papers, acres.co.uk, findaproperty.com and distinctive To-Let board
Accompanied Viewings Seven days a week
Full referencing and Credit Checks
Prepare AST and Set up Standing order mandate
Collect first months rent and deposit from tenant in cleared funds
Photograph Inventories
Tenants check in
Register Deposit with TDSL
Checking your Tenants into the Property.
Rent Collection
Monthly Landlord Statements
Regular Inspections Condition reports to Landlords
Maintenance Enquiries.
Renewal Documents
Check Outs
Letting and Rent Collection Service
All Marketing
Advertising in local papers, acres.co.uk, findaproperty.com and distinctive To-Let board
Accompanied Viewings Seven days a week
Full referencing and Credit Checks
Prepare AST and Set up Standing order mandate
Collect first months rent and deposit from tenant in cleared funds
Photographic Inventories
Register Deposit with TDSL
Rent Collection
Monthly Landlord Statements
Letting Service
All Marketing
Advertising in local papers, acres.co.uk, findaproperty.com and distinctive To-Let board
Accompanied Viewings Seven days a week
Full referencing and Credit Checks
Prepare AST and Set up Standing order mandate
Collect first months rent and deposit from tenant in cleared funds
Photographic Inventories
Register Deposit with TDSL, subject to a service agreement.
Deposits
Deposits are held against any damages to the property and are equivalent to one and half months rent. Acres are a Member of Tenancy Deposit Solutions where the deposit will be registered. At the end of the Tenancy a final check out inspection will be carried out on all Fully managed properties. If it is agreed that there are no damages, then the deposit will be returned to the Tenants in full. However any damages to the property will be rectified using the Tenants deposit. If a dispute should arise, Acres will provide the paper work to Tenancy Deposit Solutions for arbitration. Their decision is final.
Mortgages
Your mortgage lender should be informed that you intend to let the property. This should be done before a tenant moves into the property. If your lender requests to see a copy of the Tenancy Agreement, we will happily provide them with this.
If you require a mortgage, or any advice on Mortgages, Acres Financial Services will be happy to help.
Insurance
As landlord you are still responsible for the building and accordingly the buildings insurance. It is advised that you inform your insurance company of your intentions to let. The Landlord is responsible for items left and Acres recommend that you have accidental and malicious damage cover, with your contents insurance. Tenants personal items will be covered by their own insurance.
Leasehold Properties
Written permission will be required from the Managing Agents. Please note that it is the Landlords responsibility for payment of service charges and ground rent.
Tax
Income received from renting any property is subject to tax. We strongly recommend that you take advice from your accountant.
Overseas Landlords
Acres can provide an exemption certificate from the Inland Revenue. If you are awarded exemption, a copy of the exemption certificate must be held by Acres.
Repairs and General Management of your property.
Every property at some point will need some work doing to it. If things go wrong in a managed property the tenant will contact us, we then contact you and then instruct an agreed contractor to carry out the repair. We will agree with you a minimum limit for maintenance work. This is usually equivalent to half a months rent.
Safety Requirements
Gas Appliances
It is a legal requirement that an up to date 'Landlord's Gas Safety Certificate' exists for all Gas appliances in the property.
Acres can arrange for the safety inspection to be carried out for you by our approved gas engineer. A safety certificate must be issued every twelve months.
Electrical Checks
The Landlord is responsible for ensuring that all electrical installations and appliances are safe for use. The best way of avoiding prosecution is ensure that they are checked and serviced regularly.
Smoke Alarms
It is our recommendation that all properties should be fitted with at least two smoke alarms. Tenants are required to maintain the Smoke alarms whilst occupying the property.
Furnishings
If any furniture is left in a property, as a landlord you have a duty to ensure it is maintained and any electrical or mechanical equipment is repaired should it become faulty.
Any soft furnishings (beds, sofas, padded seats on chairs etc.) that are left in the property must comply with fire regulations. These regulations aim to improve safety by requiring all furniture to pass the 'cigarette test'. Any furniture or furnishing that does not carry the required label must be removed from the property.
Keys
All managed properties will require a set of keys for each tenant and one set for Acres, to be retained in our office for emergencies and inspections.
Studio's and room only to Executive Detached Homes
Short Lets and Long Term Tenancies
Speedy Service for a swift move in.
We will try our very best to get you in your chosen property as quickly as possible. (Subject to reference and availability)
Application Procedure
All persons over the age of 18 who wish to reside in the property will need to be referenced.
There will be an administration Fee of £90 per person. (Inc. VAT)
This fee will take the property off the market during the reference process. This fee is non refundable. You must ensure that you are committed.
We require evidence of your name and your address. The most common forms are passport or driving license and a copy utility bill. A full list of alternative forms of identification under the Money Laundering Act can be made available.
We require fully completed application forms.
A full historic credit check will be carried out. Please ensure you declare any CCJs on the application form otherwise this could go against you at this stage.
We will require all previous landlord references (if applicable)
We will require a current employment reference
If your current employment is less than 18 months then we will require a previous employment reference
An accountants reference or 6 month's worth of bank statements will be required for anybody self employed
Tenant's earnings will be checked that they are salary sufficient against the property they wish to take.
In the event that there are concerns about a tenants income, reference, employment or credit history then you will require a Guarantor.
The Guarantor will be referenced in the same way as a tenant.
The Guarantor will be required to sign the Tenancy Agreement and is liable for any rent arrears, utility bills or damages incurred during the tenancy.
If you are unable to provide a guarantor this will affect your application.
If you fail the referencing process, Acres decision is final and non negotiable.
