Harrington Lowndes was established in 1985. We are a member of the National Association of Estate Agents (NAEA).

We have a well earned reputation for being West London's premier independent estate agents because we provide a highly professional yet personal service to all our Vendors/Purchasers and Landlords/Tenants.

To achieve this sucess requires us to be flexible and to offer our services when it is most convenient for our clients.

At Harrington Lowndes we maintain a first class, friendly and professional working environment for our employees. They are highly motivated, result orientated and 100% committed to achieving Harrington Lowndes objectives (goals).

Terms and Conditions of Business
LETTING SERVICE

RENT COLLECTION SERVICE

MANAGEMENT SERVICE

LETTING SERVICE FEE

The commission for introducing a Tenant is 10% of the total gross rent reserved under the terms of the tenancy agreement, or any extension thereof, ignoring any options for either party to terminate. Fees are payable in advance during any period for which the property is let, including any extension of the tenancy. The fee will be payable in full for the entire term of the Tenancy Agreement as soon as the Agreement has been signed and the initial payment made, ignoring any options for either party to terminate.

RENT COLLECTION SERVICE FEE

In addition to the LETTING SERVICE we are able to offer collection of rent, preparing and submitting a regular statement of accounts to the Landlord and transferring the net monies to the Landlord or to his bank. We will arrange at the end of the tenancy for the inventory to be checked and a schedule of dilapidations (if any) will be submitted. For Rent Collection Service our commission is 3% of the total rent reserved under the terms of the tenancy agreement payable monthly from the rent received.

MANAGEMENT SERVICE FEE

We offer a comprehensive management service which may be used in conjunction with our LET"ING & RENT COLLECTION SERVICE. Our charge for this service is 5% of the total gross rent reserved under the terms of the tenancy agreement payable monthly from the rent received.

Short Lets 3 Months or Under

For tenancies of three months or less our commission for introducing a Tenant is 15% of the total gross rent reserved under the terms of the tenancy agreement.

Additional Charges

Fee for providing estimates, instructing and supervising all types of work on your behalf, including cleaning, decoration and furnishing between tenancies,is 15% of the total cost of work except at the commencement of the tenancy; All costs to be paid by the Landlord.

Postage, Facsimile, Telephone and Courier charges relating to commencement of the tenancy are charged to the Landlord. Overseas postage, facsimile and telephone calls are also charged to the Landlord.

Local postage, facsimile and telephone charges are included in our commission.

Our charge for tenancy agreement is £50, except in cases involving complex negotiations and substantial redrafting, where a supplementary charge will be made.

Inspection visits are £35 per inspection.

For seeking approval from your mortgage company, superior Landlord or insurance company for permission to sub-let, dealing with correspondence arising there from, our fee is £35 for each consent.

General Conditions

(1) The successful introduction of a Tenant by Harrington Lowndes invokes acceptance of the terms and conditions contained herein.

(2) Harrington Lowndes will be entitled to commission if the company lets the said property whether instructed verbally or in writing.

(3) At the commencement of each tenancy, Harrington Lowndes is entitled to the letting fee in full, for the term of that tenancy. In the event of there being an early termination of the Agreement by reason of the tenant exercising their rights under the `tenancy Agreement to terminate, we undertake to refund any letting fee paid in advance prior to the original date determined in the Tenancy Agreement and provided the Tenancy has run for a minimum period of six months.

(4) Should the Tenancy be extended or renewed for a further period or a new tenancy granted at any time either on the same terms and conditions or on different terms and conditions whether or not negotiated or effected by us, either with the original tenant (whether under a provision in the original tenancy or otherwise) or with any associated party (including a subsidiary/associated company or individual within a company, firm or embassy or a party introduced by the original tenant), then we will be entitled to a further fee which would be assessed on the same basis as that of the original tenancy. The fees will be payable in advance by annual installments.

( 5) Where we are not employed to collect rent throughout the tenancy we require the tenant to pay the first two month's rent to us. Our fees will be deducted from the monies received and the balance remitted to the Landlord. Where we are collecting rent we will account to clients monthly in arrears.

(6) In the event of any tenancy not being concluded by reason of our instructions being withdrawn, a fee shall be payable by the Landlord to cover the fair and reasonable value of the work carried out and expenses incurred prior to the withdrawal of instructions.

(7) In the event that a sale be agreed with the original Tenant or prospective Tenant or any associated party, introduced by us whether before or during the term of the tenancy or within one year of the termination, then Harrington Lowndes shall become entitled, upon exchange of contracts, to a further commission at 2112 % of the sale price. The commission will be payable on the completion or two months after exchange of contracts whichever is the sooner.

Management Appointment

Unless otherwise agreed in advance, our appointment to manage as managing agents is for the duration of the tenancy and any renewal or extension thereof to the same tenant, is subject to three month's written notice to terminate from either side. In the event of the termination of the management agreement the proportion of commission fee relating to the letting (and rent collection if applicable) of the property shall remain due and payable to Harrington Lowndes as introductory agents.

General Information

Tenancy Agreement

Unless we are instructed otherwise, we use our standard form of tenancy agreements in respect of all furnished/unfurnished letting. We would submit a draft to the Landlord or to their solicitor for approval if requested. Whilst our tenancy agreement can be tailored to meet particular requirements, we can take no responsibility whatsoever in relation to its use in any individual case and the Landlord must rely entirely on their own legal advice in this connection. The charge for tenancy agreement/addendum if renewed/extended with an existing tenant is half the cost of the original tenancy agreement.

Furniture and Fittings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations 1988 & Furniture and Fittings (Fire) (Safety) (Amendment) Regulations 1993

With effect from 1st March 1993 it is an offence to supply furniture which does not comply with the Fire Resistance Requirements contained in Regulation 14 of 1988 Regulations if that furniture has been first provided or acquired since 1st March 1993. There is a transitional period, expiring on 31st December 1996 during which period all existing furniture which was supplied and already used in the same letting property before 1st March 1993 may continue still to be so used ONLY until 31st December 1996 whether or not there is a change of tenants. After 1st January 1997 all furniture and furnishings supplied whether old or new and whether or not previously incorporated in a letting, must comply with this Act.

Gas Safety (Installation And Use)
(Amendment) Regulations 1994

Under the above its obligatory for all gas appliances, in rented properties, to be "Checked for Safety" (serviced) at least once a year. The penalties for failing to have equipment checked, or failing to keep proper records, are the same as those under the Health and Safety Act - up to £25,000 fine and/or imprisonment. The onus, to have the works carried out, is on the Landlord but, of course, if the property is being managed then the onus may fall on the agent.

Inventories

We normally employ an independent inventory specialist to prepare a schedule of condition of the property together with an inventory of contents; their fees for making and "check in" are the Landlord's responsibility. Whilst care will be taken in giving instructions to such a company, we cannot accept liability for any error or omission on their part.

End of Tenancy

At the end of the tenancy we will arrange for an inventory clerk to check out the inventory. A schedule of dilapidations (if any) will be prepared. It is our normal practice to send a copy of the check-out report to both Tenant and Landlord for their comments. We will negotiate and agree dilapidations and make the appropriate deductions from the tenant's deposit. Where we are providing a letting service only, we will not become involved in the end of tenancy procedure.

Deposits

We usually obtain and hold a deposit, until the end of the tenancy, against possible damages, dilapidations and unpaid accounts for which the tenant is liable. We act as independent stakeholders for both parties. This money remains the property of the Tenant until the schedule of dilapidations has been agreed. Harrington Lowndes is unable to release the whole or any part of the deposit in the absence of the consent of both Tenant and Landlord.

Insurance

It is the Landlord's responsibility to ensure that there is adequate insurance cover for the property and contents (including public liability) for the full period of the tenancy and for any period during which the property may be vacant. The Landlord should also notify their insurers that the property is to be let.

Insurance Claim

Where properties are on management service Harrington Lowndes can undertake to make any claim exceeding £100 on behalf the Landlord on the building or house contents insurance policy on the following scale of charges.

£75 for claims up to £1,000
£100 for claims between £1,000 - £2,000
5% of claim value for claims over £2,000

Management During Vacant Periods

It must be noted that our management service does not apply when the property is not let, but we shall be pleased to discuss your requirement for management during vacant period, which is subject to a separate charge.

Repairs/Renewals

Works costing up to £250 for any one item will be dealt with as they arise by our property managers without further instruction from the Landlord. Where repairs/renewals, replacements etc. are liable to cost more than £500 we will whenever practical submit to you proper estimates, the exception being in cases of emergency.

Local Government Finance Act 1992 Council Tax

The Tenant or in the case of Company Tenant, the licensee, as "the Resident" under this Act, is liable for payment of the Council Tax while they occupy the property for a period of six months or more. When a property is not-tenanted "the Owner" is liable for Tax at 50% of the normal rate. Harrington Lowndes will notify the Local Authority of changes of tenant/void periods.

Inspection and Defects

Our management service will carry out a routine inspection which will include investigation of defects which may come to our notice or are clearly and adequately brought to our attention by the Tenant. We shall inspect the property on a periodic basis usually quarterly It should be noted that all our inspections will only cover apparent and obvious defects and not hidden or latent defects.

Breaches of Covenant

In the unlikely event the rent falls into arrears or that we become aware of any breach of covenant we will inform the Landlord immediately. However, should it become necessary for a solicitor to take action, the Landlord will be responsible for instructing their own solicitor and for all fees involved. (generally solicitors will claim costs).

Indemnity

The Landlord agrees to keep Harrington Lowndes fully and effectively indemnified in respect of any claim, demand, liability, cost and expense relating to the property or outgoings in respect thereof and in respect of any costs, charges or expenses incurred by Harrington Lowndes in relation to any claim by Harrington Lowndes under or in relation to these terms. Any sum due to Harrington Lowndes from the Landlord under these terms shall, if not paid on the due date, be subject to interest at the rate of 4% above the base rate of National Westminster Bank Plc. from the due date until payment. Such interest shall accrue on a daily basis and be payable before and after judgement.

Value Added Tax

Our fees and any other charges for services will be subject to VAT at the current rate.

Mortgage

Where the property to be let is subject to a mortgage, permission is normally required from the mortgagees to sub-let the property. We strongly advise that Landlords obtain mortgagees permission prior to the letting.

If the property is leasehold please ensure that:

(a) Any intended letting is permitted by the terms of the Head Lease.

(b) Any tenancy is for a period expiring prior to the termination of the Head Lease.

(c) The written permission of the Superior Landlord if required is obtained for sub-letting.

Taxes Management Act 1970

Under Section 78 of the above Act, for overseas Landlords, Harrington Lowndes reserve the right to withhold income tax at the standard rate of the gross rental pending receipt of alternative instructions from the Inland Revenue. Harrington Lowndes cannot undertake to make any tax claims or returns or negotiate with the Inland Revenue. It should be noted that if the rent is being paid directly to a non-resident Landlord by a tenant the Inland Revenue requires the tenant to deduct income tax at the appropriate rate and remit it to the Inland Revenue upon demand. We regret we cannot be responsible for dealing with any income tax affairs which should be referred to the Landlord's accountants.

Housing Act 1988

A tenancy granted to an individual on or after 15th January 1989 is subject to the Housing Act 1988. When a Landlord wishes to determine the tenancy (subject to the provisions of the Agreement e.g. Break clause) he is usually required to serve two month's notice on his tenants in the prescribed form. On instruction Harrington Lowndes are able to give such notice on the Landlord's behalf.

Liability

Harrington Lowndes shall not be held directly or indirectly liable for any deficiency, loss, or damage to the premises, the fixtures, fittings, or contents thereof, however caused, whether such fittings or contents are included in the Inventory or not, or for the negligence of our servants or agents in relation to the said premises. Harrington Lowndes shall not be liable for any rent or other liabilities payable by the Tenant or any outgoings payable by Harrington Lowndes on behalf of the Landlord as instructed, where there are insufficient funds available.

Emergency

Whilst we make every reasonable endeavour to contact the Landlord, we reserve the right to carry out urgent repairs without prior consultation. Harrington Lowndes's employees are bound to adhere to the letting and management terms and are not authorised to permit or accept any variations of these terms whatsoever.

Residential Sales

Specialist service

Six-point action plan

Stress free

Harrington Lowndes give top priority to identifying our clients' needs. We recognise that these are individual and paramount.

So we listen to you, we learn as much as we can about your property and your requirements - and we give you a free valuation.

Based on this full exchange of information and your expressed views, we will draw up a sales programme, designed to market your property speedily and successfully.

You can feel confident in the specialist service we offer and be satisfied at the high level of sales activity that this first contact will generate.

Harrington Lowndes' negotiators are the best in London. We have known the Fulham area intimately for more than 20 years. Our office is open from 9am until 7pm from Monday to Friday and from 10am until 5pm on Saturdays.

In addition to our local know-how, we are able to utilise the broad range of data stored in our computers to provide vital technical back up.

When you appoint Harrington Lowndes to sell your home, you can be certain that you are retaining a dynamic, innovative and client orientated estate agency.

So, once you have retained the services of Harrington Lowndes, on a sole agency basis, we will go into action without delay.

(1) We visit the client to take particulars of the property. We also take all the necessary measurements. The subsequent write-up will emphasize all the selling features of the property. We will of course give you the opportunity to see and comment on this at an early stage.

(2) We appoint your personal negotiator who will handle the sale throughout. His or her role will be to contact potential buyers, make appointments to view and to liaise with you, to keep you constantly in the picture.

(3) We advise you on how to present your house or flat to its best advantage for marketing. In our experience little cosmetic details can often make an important difference.

(4) We commission a specialist photographer to take high quality colour pictures of your property.

(5) We mail out details of your property to all suitable applicants listed on our computer database. These will include embassies, ministries, service headquarters, international companies, merchant banks, relocation companies and other specialist contacts.

(6) We undertake that your negotiator will always accompany prospective purchasers to view your property, even when you are living there.

We normally place advertising in national and local newspapers, property periodicals and the specialist magazines.

A photograph of your property with appropriate details will be displayed in our office and if possible in our window.

After each viewing, your negotiator will tell you of people's response, whether they plan to come back again and if an offer seems imminent.

Your negotiator will report to you on all offers received for your property and if agreed will negotiate on your behalf.

An essential aspect of our service is to qualify every offer made for your property. This is to ensure that the prospective buyer is in fact in a position to purchase.

It is in our mutual interest to sell your property promptly and at the best price obtainable. At the same time we aim to make this a stress-free experience for you.

 

After sales service

Once you have agreed to accept an offer we will regularly monitor the progress being made, through to final completion.

We have a reputation for quality of service, hard work and professionalism. All we ask is the opportunity to demonstrate this.

Vendors Check List

VENDORS CHECK LIST
By Harrington Lowndes

1) Memorandum of Sale has been sent to solicitor with property particulars

2) Acceptance of offer sent in writing `Subject to Contract'

3) Vendor's solicitor to write to mortgagee for Title Deeds

4) Send draft contract in duplicate to purchaser's solicitor

5) Vendor to send his solicitor the following:

6) Vendor to send his solicitor the additional following (if your property is Leasehold):

7) Preliminary property Questionnaire has been completed by the vendor & returned

8) Fixtures and Fittings schedule has been completed and returned by the vendor

9) Office copy entries and plans, Property Questionnaire, Fixtures & Fittings and contents form sent to purchaser's solicitor

10) Contract has been approved and returned by the purchaser's solicitor

11) Additional property information form has been completed & returned by the vendor

12) Solicitor to have signed Contract and Authority to exchange

13) Completion date has been agreed

14) Contracts exchanged, if yes date of exchange:

15) Solicitor has authority to pay LW's commission account from the proceeds

TIME TABLE

1/6 - 3 weeks from memorandum of sales; 1/8 - 4 weeks, 1/10 - 5 weeks 1/14 - 6 weeks. Completion any time after exchange.

We advise a change of solicitor if more than 2 weeks behind schedule