How much do property management companies charge in Wimbledon?

Cribs Estates publishes landlord service fees of 7% for let-only, 9% for rent collection and 12% for full property management. These fees are subject to 20% VAT. Additional services and third-party costs may apply. Landlords should check the complete fee schedule and terms before instructing an agent.

What is included in a fully managed property management service?

Cribs Estates' full management service includes tenant sourcing and referencing, rent collection, monthly landlord statements, maintenance coordination, tenancy issue management, compliance certificate tracking, six-monthly property visits and assistance with deposit disputes. Please refer to the management agreement for the complete service scope.

Are there hidden fees when using a property management company?

Landlords should check whether VAT, inventory checks, safety certificates, tenancy administration, licensing applications and maintenance costs are included in the quoted management fee. Cribs Estates publishes a separate schedule of landlord fees and additional charges. Its published fees are subject to 20% VAT.

Who is responsible for repairs and maintenance in a fully managed rental property?

Under Cribs Estates' full management service, the agency coordinates tenant maintenance requests and arranges contractors for property repairs. The landlord remains responsible for applicable legal obligations and repair costs, subject to the tenancy agreement and management arrangements.

Can I change my property management company while my tenant is still living in the property?

In many circumstances, landlords can change their managing agent without ending the existing tenancy. Check the current agency agreement for notice periods, termination fees and restrictions. Arrange the transfer of tenancy documents, deposit information, rent records, keys and safety certificates before the new agent takes over.

What checks should a property management company carry out before letting a property?

Important checks include tenant referencing, Right to Rent checks, gas safety documentation where applicable, electrical safety reports, a valid Energy Performance Certificate, smoke and carbon monoxide alarm requirements and appropriate deposit protection. Additional licensing requirements may apply depending on the property and local authority.

Does Cribs Estates manage properties for landlords who live outside London?

Cribs Estates provides property management services for landlords with residential and commercial properties across London. Its services include rent collection, tenant communication, maintenance coordination and property inspections. Contact the team to discuss managing a property when you live outside the local area.

Does Cribs Estates provide commercial property management?

Yes. Cribs Estates provides commercial property management for business premises, including offices, retail properties and other commercial buildings. Services include lease administration, tenant liaison, rent management, maintenance coordination and finding replacement tenants.

Landlord Tax Changes 2027: Will You Pay More Tax on Rent You Never Keep?

Your tenant pays £2,000 in rent. But how much of it do you actually keep?Mortgage interest, repairs, insurance and letting costs soon take their share. From 6 April 2027, the new property income tax rates announced in the Autumn Budget 2026 will come into effect. The rates of 24%, 44% and 49% add another concern.Will you pay more tax on money already spent elsewhere?These landlord tax changes 2027 do not mean every pound of rent is taxed at those rates. Your taxable income, allowable expenses and finance costs all affect the final figure.What Are the New Landlord Tax Rates for 2027?The Autumn Budget 2026 confirmed higher separate tax rates for property income from 6 April 2027.Tax bandProperty income tax rate from April 2027Basic rate24%Higher rate44%Additional rate49%These new rental income tax rates UK replace the earlier planned rates of 22%, 42% and 47%. The changes are part of wider property income tax changes announced in Budget 2026. For landlords affected by the new rates, the changes mean reviewing your expected tax position before the 2027/28 tax year begins.Are You Taxed on All the Rent Your Tenant Pays?This is where many landlords become concerned about the tax on rental income UK rules. The answer is NO. You are not automatically taxed on every pound of rent your tenant pays.For example, imagine you receive £30,000 in annual rent and have £5,000 of allowable property expenses. Your starting figure would be:£30,000 rent received− £5,000 allowable expenses= £25,000The final tax calculation depends on the relevant tax rules and your wider income. You need to know which rental property expenses tax deductible rules apply. Eligible costs can reduce taxable property income, whilst capital improvements often receive different tax treatment.Why Does Mortgage Interest Still Cause Problems?Many landlords pay substantial mortgage interest but cannot treat it like an ordinary deductible property expense. Under the residential finance cost rules, qualifying finance costs are generally dealt with through a tax reduction instead.From April 2027, under the changes already announced, the separate property basic rate of 24% will also be relevant to residential finance cost relief. So mortgage costs still need careful attention when reviewing your future tax bill. Paying thousands of pounds in mortgage interest does not reduce your taxable rental income pound for pound.How Much More Could Higher Rate Landlords Pay?The impact depends on your individual circumstances, but from 6 April 2027, the higher property income tax rate will increase from 40% to 44%. Here is a simple example.Suppose £10,000 of your income is taxable at the relevant property higher rate:At 40%, the tax would be £4,000.At 44%, the tax would be £4,400.That is a difference of £400. For higher-rate taxpayers, the increase makes rental property tax planning more important before April 2027.Which Rental Property Expenses Can Landlords Claim?Keeping accurate records matters because legitimate expenses can reduce taxable rental income where they meet HMRC rules. Depending on your circumstances, allowable costs can include:Letting and management feesRepairs and maintenanceLandlord insuranceRelevant professional feesOther costs incurred wholly and exclusively for the rental businessThe landlord tax allowance rules also matter. For example, some landlords may choose between claiming eligible expenses or using the £1,000 property allowance, depending on which approach applies and gives the better result.What Should Landlords Review Before April 2027?The new rates have already been announced, but they do not take effect until 6 April 2027. That gives landlords time to understand their position and prepare. Start by reviewing:Your rental income: Know how much rent you receive and how your taxable property income is calculated.Your allowable expenses: Keep clear records of genuine property costs.Your mortgage finance costs: Understand how the residential finance cost rules affect your tax calculation.Your wider income: Your rental income does not exist separately from your overall tax position.Your plans: Speak to a qualified tax adviser before making major decisions about ownership or restructuring.A higher tax rate does not mean every landlord should make the same change. The right decision depends on your property, borrowing and wider financial position.For landlords who want less involvement in daily issues, a fully managed letting service can provide support with tenant management, maintenance and rent collection.Take the Pressure Out of Being a LandlordThe tax calculation itself should be handled with your accountant or tax adviser. Cribs Estates helps with the practical side of running your rental property.Our property management London service supports landlords with day-to-day property matters, including tenant concerns and maintenance coordination. Our wider landlord services also help landlords manage the responsibilities that come with renting out a property.Cribs Estates also provides property management Wimbledon support for landlords who want professional help managing their rental property in the local area.The Autumn Budget 2026 has confirmed higher property income tax rates from April 2027. As the changes get closer, keeping on top of your property costs and day-to-day responsibilities becomes even more important.

HMO Energy Requirement 2028: Is Your Property Facing the Wrong Deadline?

The rules for HMOs have changed since the original proposals. The government previously consulted on higher energy standards for new private tenancies from 2028. The final policy now sets one compliance date of 1 October 2030 for relevant privately rented homes in England and Wales.That does not mean HMO landlords should ignore energy efficiency until 2030. Here is what has been confirmed for HMO energy requirements in 2028 and what you should start reviewing.Do HMOs Need to Meet New Energy Requirements in 2028?The 2028 date came from an earlier consultation. The government had proposed requiring new private rented tenancies to meet a higher energy standard from 2028, followed by all tenancies in 2030. Following this, the government decided against a phased approach. All relevant private rented homes will instead have the same deadline of 1 October 2030.Until then, the current minimum standard generally remains EPC E, unless a valid exemption applies. This distinction matters. Some older articles still refer to an EPC C requirement for new tenancies from 2028. Landlords planning work should use the latest government guidance rather than relying on the earlier proposal.You can read the government's latest response on energy performance standards for privately rented homes for the confirmed timetable and policy.What Will HMO Landlords Need to Meet by 2030?The future requirement will not simply use the current EPC letter rating in the same way. By 1 October 2030, privately rented homes will generally need to meet a higher standard based on reformed EPC measures. The government has confirmed a dual-metric approach:Your property must first achieve a C-grade or above for fabric performance.You must then meet either the heating system standard or the smart readiness standard.A valid registered exemption may apply where the rules allow one.The focus on fabric performance means landlords should pay attention to how well the building retains heat. Insulation, walls, floors, windows, and other parts of HMO property management can all become important when planning future improvements.Your HMO Has an EPC C. Do You Still Need to Upgrade?An existing EPC C could give you more time, but the date of the certificate matters. The government has confirmed a transition arrangement for properties that achieve an Energy Efficiency Rating of C or above before 1 October 2029.If your HMO meets this condition, it will generally be recognised as compliant with the higher standard until that EPC expires or is replaced. This gives landlords an important reason to check their current certificate now. Ask yourself:What is my HMO's current EPC rating?When was the certificate issued?When does it expire?Does it show an Energy Efficiency Rating of C or above?Do not assume that every property with a historic EPC C will remain permanently compliant. Once the recognised EPC expires or is replaced, the property will move into the new system.How Much Will HMO Energy Improvements Cost?The government has set a £10,000 cost cap per property for the new standard. This does not mean every landlord must spend £10,000.It is the maximum amount a landlord will generally be required to invest in relevant energy efficiency improvements over the period set out in the policy. If the property still falls below the required standard after qualifying expenditure reaches the cap, the landlord may be able to register a cost-cap exemption.The government expects the average cost of improvements to be lower, although the actual amount will depend on the property and the work required. The key point for HMO landlords is to avoid choosing upgrades based on assumptions. A property with poor insulation may need a different approach from one where the main issue is its heating system.The government's private rented homes energy efficiency impact assessment provides further detail on the planned cost cap and transition arrangements.What Should You Check in Your HMO Before 2030?You do not need to wait until 2029 to understand where your property stands. Start by reviewing the information already available for your HMO.Check your current EPCLook at the rating, expiry date, and recommendations. An existing EPC can help you understand areas where the property loses energy.Review the building fabricFuture rules place fabric performance first. Check areas such as:Loft and roof insulation.Wall insulation.Floor insulation.Windows and heat loss.Consider improvements alongside planned maintenanceIf you already plan refurbishment or major maintenance work, it may be worth considering relevant energy improvements at the same time.Keep records of relevant workThe government has confirmed that, from 1 October 2025, qualifying expenditure may count towards the £10,000 cost cap under the final rules. Keep invoices and records of work completed on your property.The right improvements will depend on your individual HMO. A new boiler or a single upgrade does not automatically mean the property will meet the future standard.Don’t Wait Until the Last MinuteThe deadline may be in 2030, but planning takes time. You may need to arrange an assessment, understand the recommendations, budget for work, and coordinate contractors around your tenants. Leaving everything until the final year could also make it harder to fit improvements around planned maintenance and refurbishment.Early planning does not mean carrying out unnecessary work today. It means understanding your property's starting point and making informed decisions when maintenance or improvement work is already needed.Get Prepared With Cribs EstatesThe HMO energy requirement 2028 may no longer be the correct deadline, but the confirmed 2030 changes give landlords a clear reason to review their properties now. Cribs Estates supports HMO landlords with the day-to-day management of their properties. This includes monitoring property requirements, coordinating maintenance, and helping landlords keep track of important property matters.If your HMO needs maintenance or improvement work, our team can help coordinate the practical side of managing the property and keeping you informed.Our HMO management services also support landlords with the ongoing responsibilities involved in running a shared property.Contact Cribs Estates to discuss your HMO management and property maintenance needs.

How to Calculate EPC Rating: Don't Let a Low Score Catch You Out

Have you upgraded your rental property but still received a lower EPC rating than expected? A new boiler, better windows, or added insulation does not guarantee a higher score. The result depends on several features working together.Understanding how to calculate EPC rating can help you see what affects your property's energy performance. Here is how the assessment works and what landlords should check before spending money on upgrades.How Is an EPC Rating Calculated?An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)rating is calculated using information about a property's size, construction, insulation, heating, hot water and lighting. An approved government calculation method then estimates its energy performance under standard conditions.You can also read our guide on how to obtain an Energy Performance Certificate.For existing homes in England, assessors generally use the Reduced Data Standard Assessment Procedure (RdSAP). The current version is RdSAP 10.0.1. New homes use the Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP), currently version 10.3.The process involves three main steps:Property inspection: An accredited energy assessor records details such as room measurements, wall construction, windows, insulation, and heating systems.Calculation: The information is entered into approved software, which estimates the property's energy performance.Final rating: The property receives a numerical score and an A-G rating, alongside recommendations for possible improvements.The current domestic rating is based on estimated energy costs per square metre under standard assumptions. It does not simply use your tenants' actual gas and electricity bills.You can read the government's Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP) guidance for more information about the calculation methods.What Factors Affect Your Property's EPC Score?An assessor considers the property as a whole. Several features can influence the EPC score:Insulation: Loft, wall and floor insulation can affect how well the property retains heat.Windows: Glazing type and window performance influence heat loss.Heating system: The type of boiler or heating system, its fuel and its controls all matter.Hot water: The system used to heat and supply water forms part of the assessment.Lighting: The energy efficiency of fixed lighting is also considered.Property construction: The building's age, size, layout and materials can affect the calculation.What EPC Score Do You Need for Each Rating?The current domestic Energy Efficiency Rating uses a numerical score from 1 to 100, divided into seven bands.EPC bandNumerical scoreA92-100B81-91C69-80D55-68E39-54F21-38G1-20For example, a property with a score of 68 receives a D rating. It needs to reach 69 to enter band C. This difference can matter when planning improvements, particularly if you are a landlord preparing for future energy-efficiency requirements.Why Is Your EPC Rating Lower Than Expected?A propertycan receive a disappointing rating even after improvements. There are several possible reasons.The improvement was not enough: Replacing a boiler or upgrading windows may help, but the final result depends on the property's other features too.The assessor used an assumption: Some property details may be recorded using standard assumptions where evidence is unavailable. If you have invoices or installation records for insulation or heating upgrades, make them available during the assessment.The potential rating is being confused with the current rating: An EPC can show both the property's present performance and the rating it could achieve after recommended improvements. The potential score is not your property's current rating.If you believe the certificate contains incorrect information, check the recorded property details and contact the assessor or accreditation scheme.How Can Landlords Improve a Low EPC Rating Before 2030?Start with the recommendations on your current EPC. They provide a useful starting point for identifying improvements that may suit your property. Depending on the building, these could include:Improving loft or wall insulation.Installing more effective heating controls.Replacing inefficient lighting.Considering a more suitable heating system.Addressing other sources of unnecessary heat loss.Do not choose improvements based only on the assumption that they will move your property into a particular band. Check the likely impact, suitability and cost before arranging work.There is also an important deadline for landlords to understand. The current minimum energy-efficiency standard for relevant privately rented homes in England and Wales is generally EPC E, unless an exemption applies.The government has confirmed a higher standard for private rented homes from 1 October 2030. Properties will generally need to meet a C-grade or above for fabric performance and either heating system or smart readiness, unless a qualifying exemption or transitional arrangement applies.The government also plans to introduce reformed domestic EPCs in the second half of 2027. These will show four headline measures: energy cost, fabric performance, heating system and smart readiness.You can check the government's guidance on improving energy efficiency in privately rented homes for the confirmed policy details.How Cribs Estates Can Help You Prepare Your PropertyCribs Estates works with accredited assessors to help landlords arrange EPC assessments and understand the recommendations. Its property management service also includes checking valid EPCs and coordinating property maintenance.If you want support with your rental property's compliance and ongoing management, explore our property management services in London.

Landlord Heating Obligations UK: What Happens If You Fail to Act?

A tenant reports that the boiler has stopped working just as the weather turns cold. You arrange to look into it, but the repair takes longer than expected. How long can you wait before the delay becomes a legal problem?As per landlord heating obligations UK, landlords have a legal duty to keep heating and hot-water installations in repair and proper working order. Knowing what this means can help you respond before a small fault becomes a bigger problem.What Are Your Legal Heating Obligations as a Landlord?Under Section 11 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985, landlords covered by the law must keep installations for space heating and heating water in repair and proper working order.This generally means dealing with faults involving:Boilers and central heating systems.Radiators and associated heating pipes.Hot-water systems and relevant installations.You cannot simply transfer a legal repair duty to your tenant through a tenancy agreement. However, the circumstances matter. For example, a tenant may be responsible for damage they have caused, whilst normal wear and tear or a fault with the heating system will generally need to be addressed by the landlord.Broken Boiler? How Quickly Must You Act?There is no rule requiring every landlord to replace a broken boiler within 24 hours. The time allowed for a repair depends on the circumstances, including the seriousness of the fault, the weather and the impact on the tenant.A heating failure during freezing weather may require a much faster response than a minor issue that does not affect the property's ability to stay warm. If a tenant reports a heating problem, take these steps:Acknowledge the report. Record when the tenant contacted you and what has stopped working.Assess the urgency. Find out whether the property has heating and hot water, and consider the needs of anyone living there.Arrange a qualified contractor. For gas appliances, use a Gas Safe registered engineer where required.Keep the tenant informed. Explain the next steps and provide updates if parts or replacement equipment cause delays.Keep records. Save messages, contractor reports, appointments and invoices.If the repair cannot be completed immediately, consider whether a safe temporary arrangement is appropriate. This does not remove the need to address the underlying fault.Is There a Minimum Temperature for a Rented Property?Landlords often hear that rental homes must reach 21°C in living rooms and 18°C in other rooms. These figures are associated with guidance on assessing excess cold under the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS). They should not be treated as a simple statutory minimum that applies identically to every rented property.The key issue is whether the home can be heated adequately and whether cold conditions create a health or safety risk. The government's guidance on keeping a rented home safe explains that landlords must provide adequate heating in proper working order. Insulation, draughts, broken windows and the overall condition of the property can also affect how well it retains heat.If a tenant says the property is consistently too cold, investigate the cause rather than assuming the heating system is sufficient because it switches on.Gas Safety Check or Boiler Service: What's the Difference?A gas safety check is a legal requirement for relevant gas appliances and flues provided by the landlord. It must be carried out at least every 12 months by a Gas Safe registered engineer. Landlords must keep the record and give a copy to existing tenants within 28 days of the check, and to new tenants before they move in.A boiler service is routine maintenance intended to help keep the boiler working efficiently and identify developing faults. Although an annual service is recommended good practice, it is not the same as the statutory gas safety check.The Health and Safety Executive's landlord gas safety guidance explains these safety responsibilities. Keeping up with maintenance can help you identify problems earlier, although it cannot guarantee that a breakdown will never happen. For more detail, read our guide to the landlord gas safety certificate and boiler service.What Happens If You Ignore Heating Problems?Ignoring a reported heating fault can put tenants' comfort and wellbeing at risk. Cold conditions may also contribute to damp and mould problems, although the underlying cause should always be investigated.Depending on the circumstances, unresolved heating problems may lead to:Complaints to the local council.An inspection and possible enforcement action if serious housing hazards are identified.Disputes or legal claims relating to the property's condition.More extensive repairs if a fault is allowed to worsen.Strained tenant relationships and avoidable management costs.There is no single penalty that automatically applies to every delayed heating repair. The outcome depends on the facts, the condition of the property and whether the landlord has met their legal duties.Manage Heating Repairs Withouth StressKeeping on top of maintenance takes time, especially if you manage several rental properties or live away from your investment. Missed messages, contractor delays and incomplete records can make an already stressful repair harder to manage.Cribs Estates provides property management services in London, including responding to reported issues such as boiler breakdowns and heating faults, arranging tradespeople and reporting back to landlords.If you want help coordinating maintenance alongside tenant communication and other property management tasks, explore our property management services in London.