Tenants
Andre Lanauvre has a long history in residential lettings. The company was established over 15 years ago and is dedicated to providing a professional service.We have information on many hundreds of properties throughout London and beyond. Some of these are on our own property list, but others are listed with agencies with whom we collaborate. We can offer you the full range of properties available on the London market. So if there is a property out there that meets your requirements, we will find it for you.We can also help you with short-term accommodation while you look for your new home.In order to help you with your move, we have prepared some guidelines that will give you an idea of what to expect when moving house in London. Please click on the links below to skip to an area of particular interest. If you require any further information you can fill in our response form by clicking here, or call us on 020 7245 0788.
| 1. Location | 8. Insurance |
| 2. Finding The Right Property | 9. Utilities |
| 3. Making An Offer | 10. Inventories And Check-Ins/Outs |
| 4. Tenancy Agreement | 11. Management |
| 5. References |
1. LOCATION
London is, without a doubt, a very exciting city, it is also somewhat confusing. Unlike other world cities, it is more like a series of villages clustered together under a common name. Each area has a particular flavour and will suit different personalities. Some people prefer the bohemian flavour of Notting Hill Gate, others the sophisticated glamour of Knightsbridge, the lively surroundings of Chelsea, South Kensington is very international, especially with the facilities of the French Lycee at its heart and High Street Kensington is loved by young professionals.
We are completely familiar with the different aspects of each of the various London neighbourhoods. We have been viewing properties for more than 10 years, guiding people around London. So, however unfamiliar you are with London and its idiosyncrasies, we can decode it all for you and guide you to the location that will be best to suit your needs.
Here are some of the points you should consider when looking to identify an area:
1) Your journey to and from work
(a) Do you need to be close to public transport?
(b) What is the longest your journey should take?
(c) Do you want to be within walking distance?
2) Schools
(a) Will your child be going to a specific school?(b) Is there a school bus?
(c) Will the nanny walk them there?
(d) Will they be driven?
(e) Will they travel on public transport themselves? (If so will this be by bus or tube?)
3) Recreation Facilities
(a) Do you want to live near a park for jogging, horse riding or roller blading?
(b) Do you want to be near a children's playground?
(c) Do you want to be close to the river or a special health club?
4) Neighbours
If you do not know anybody in London,
(a) Do you want to be near families with small children?
(b) Do you want to live close to colleagues from work?
(c) Do you already have friends living in London that you want to be nearby?
5) Security
You will get a lot of advice from colleagues and friends or you may see a really good value property in an unusual area. Rest assured that we would never show you a property in an area that we feel may be unsuitable for you or your family, just because it offers you cost-effective living space. Safety is very important, especially if you have children. We never forget this.
2.FINDING THE RIGHT PROPERTY
Just as in areas, everyone has a different taste in property. Some people want to live in a typical London townhouse, some a typical Chelsea house, a large mansion flat, a modern interior designed studio or an elegant stucco-fronted conversion. All of these are available in London and much will depend on your budget.Just as in areas, everyone has a different taste in property. Some people want to live in a typical London townhouse, some a typical Chelsea house, a large mansion flat, a modern interior designed studio or an elegant stucco-fronted conversion. All of these are available in London and much will depend on your budget.
We will advise you on the type of property you can expect to find for your budget. Sometimes concessions have to be made. If you are determined to live in a house, you may have to be flexible on the area in order to find the right accommodation for your budget. Likewise if you want outside space, you may have to look at some garden flats.
You can help us to find the most appropriate property by giving us as many details as possible about how you would like to live.
This is how we will help you find the right property.
1) We will talk with you about your requirements making sure we have the clearest briefing possible.
2) We will make preliminary selection of properties from our own selection and from other agents. We work closely with other agents and have details of their properties on our files. This gives us access to an enormous database of properties all over London.
3) We will take you on the first tour to see several properties.This tour may include the different areas you have expressed interest in, highlighting the character of each neighbourhood and driving around so that you see distances to the carious landmarks and public transport. From this we will have a clearer idea of the type of décor and size of neighbourhood you want. You may find the property you want on this tour, if not…
4) We will make a further selection and take you on another tour, until we find the home you want.We do have the most extensive database of residential property available to rent in central London. Once you have contacted us we will select for you the most suitable properties that meet your requirement, if you see a sign on a property you like or an advertisement for a property that could be interesting call us immediately with the details and we will find out more about it and organise for you to view it.
3. MAKING AN OFFER ON A PROPERTY
The offer should include the following:
1) Price: (payable monthly, quarterly, half yearly, yearly)
2) Start date.
3) Length of Tenancy: (One, two, three years, most landlords will expect a Tenancy to be for a year and give the option for a further one, two, or three years.)
4) Deposit: The deposit is paid at the commencement of the tenancy and is held by the Agent against any dilapidations that may occur during the tenancy. The amount is usually the equivalent of 4-6 weeks rent, and it should be held in a deposit account with the interest accruing to the tenant.
5) Type of Tenancy: (Private Let, Company Let, Assured Shorthold, Premium Lease)
6) Break Clause: (Most Landlords will agree to a business release clause after 6 months with 30/60 days previous notice). A break clause can be mutual i.e. both the Landlord and the Tenant can give notice during a Tenancy or it can be only for the benefit of one of the parties.
7) Renewal Clause: (you may want an option to renew for one, two or three years this will depend on the landlords situation and subject to a rent increase typically in line with the R.P.I minimum 3% maximum 7%)
8) The initial offer should also include any alterations, decoration requests and who should pay for it. (You may for example want the Landlord to store some items of furniture, decorate one or several rooms, put in a washing machine.) You may be prepared to pay for some or part of the cost or you may expect everything to be paid by the landlord.
We will help you and keep you informed throughout the negotiations, and give you as much information as we can as to the Landlord's expectations. Many Landlords reside overseas and in some in circumstances it may take over 24 hours to get an answer.
4. THE TENANCY AGREEMENT
This is a legally binding document that lays down the terms and conditions of your tenancy.
It is important to check the following points:-
1) The name in which the tenancy will be drawn up
2) The rent amount and how it will be paid
3) The length of the tenancy
4) The date the tenancy will begin
5) The renewal terms
6) The break clause
7) Any special requirements
8) The amount of the deposit and how this will be held.
There may be an administration fee charged for drawing up the agreement usually from £75 to £100 and this will be included on the initial bill.
5. REFERENCES
Before any tenancy agreement can be finalised we need to obtain suitable references. This can vary from Landlord to Landlord, but usually 1 financial and 1 character reference are required.
When a bank reference is required you should advise your bank and instruct them to reply to a reference request, your bank may charge a fee for giving you a reference.
6. INSURANCE
It Is for the Tenant to arrange for the insurance of their personal belongings.
7. UTILITIES
In most instances you will be liable for paying your own gas, electricity, telephone, water rates, TV licence and council tax.
This can be a minefield and many a frustrated hour can be spent dealing with each utility company. You should be aware of the following procedures:-
IMPORTANT Please note the meter readings for gas and electricity when you move in the property, this is normally done when you do the inventory check in.
Electricity
You will need to sign on with the London Electricity Company ,and you may also be required to pay a deposit.
Gas
You will need to apply to the gas company and arrange to transfer the account for the supply into your name.
Telephone
You will need to apply for any existing telephone number (if applicable) to be transferred into your name. You will usually be required to pay a deposit unless the telephone is in the name of your company and they already have an account with the telephone company in question.
Water
You will need to apply to transfer the account into your name. You will usually have to pay the water charges and this could amount to approximately £300 per year.
Council Tax
This tax is also payable by the tenant. Where it is appropriate you will need to notify the local council office and they will send the payment forms to the tenant.
As an example in Kensington and Chelsea, the council tax for 1995-1996 is between £326.19 and £978.55 per annum and £269.81 to £809.40 in Westminster.
We will assist you with all aspects of transferring the utilities into your name, and in the majority of cases we will arrange it on your behalf.
Residents Parking
This is available from the local council office. You will need to provide a signed copy of your tenancy agreement proving that you are indeed resident at the address quoted. Residents parking for Westminster, for example, is £120 per annum. This fee varies from one council area to another.
8. INVENTORIES AND CHECK-INS/OUTS
Inventories and schedule of dilapidations are made to protect both the tenant and the landlord and prevent disputes at the end of the Tenancy.
The inventory should list every item in the property down to the door handles. The schedule of dilapidations should give detailed information of the state of every single item in the property.
You should go through the inventory and schedule of dilapidations carefully and note any discrepancies.
When you leave the property the check-out will be made, usually by the same inventory clerk. This will also include a schedule of dilapidations. Any damage in excess of normal wear and tear, or any items missing from the inventory will be noted and their value deducted from the deposit.
9. MANAGEMENT OF THE RENTED PROPERTY
The Landlord will either manage the property himself or appoint a managing agent to deal with any problems that may arise. In any event we will always be available to assist you with any queries.
WE HOPE THAT THIS INTRODUCTION WILL BE OF HELP TO YOU AND THAT YOU WILL ENOJOY YOUR TIME IN LONDON.