Transparency
Services and Fees
Vale and Mercer Ltd. Straightforward, transparent pricing. No hidden charges, no surprises.
All fees stated on this page are not subject to VAT. Vale and Mercer Ltd is not currently VAT registered. This page will be updated promptly if our VAT status changes.
Landlord Services
We offer three levels of lettings service, designed around how involved you want to be in managing your property.
| Service | Tenant Find Fee | Ongoing Monthly Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Tenant Find Only | 8% of first year's rent | None |
| Tenant Find Only (multi-agency) | 12% of first year's rent | None |
| Rent Collection | 8% of first year's rent | 7% of monthly rent collected |
| Full Management | 8% of first year's rent | 10% of monthly rent collected |
Tenant Find Only
For landlords who are confident managing their own tenancy once a quality tenant is in place.
- Professional property photography and written listing
- Advertising on major UK property portals and the Vale and Mercer website
- Full tenant marketing and enquiry handling
- Accompanied viewings
- Full tenant referencing: credit checks, income verification, employment and previous landlord references
- Right to Rent compliance checks
- Anti-money laundering (AML) and sanctions screening
- Tenancy agreement preparation
- Collection and registration of the tenancy deposit with an approved deposit protection scheme
- Service of all legally required pre-tenancy documents
- Key handover
Rent Collection
Everything in Tenant Find Only, plus monthly rent collection and reconciliation, rent arrears chasing and prompt landlord notification, monthly rent statements, and annual rental income summary.
Also available as a standalone service for landlords who have already placed a tenant and wish to transfer rent collection to Vale and Mercer. Please contact us to discuss.
Full Management
Everything in Rent Collection, plus a dedicated property manager as your single point of contact, periodic property inspections, maintenance coordination, 24/7 emergency out-of-hours contact, preparation and service of legal notices where required, proactive rent review and compliance reminders, and check-out inspection and tenancy deposit return management.
Pre-Tenancy Compliance
Certain certificates are a legal requirement before a property can be let. Where you do not already hold valid, in-date certificates, we can arrange them on your behalf through vetted, accredited contractors and hold copies on file with your compliance dates tracked.
| Certificate | When Required | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) | Before marketing; valid 10 years. Minimum band E now, rising to band C for all tenancies from 1 October 2030 | £120 |
| Gas Safety Record (CP12) | Annually, where gas is present | £100 |
| Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) | Every 5 years | £140 |
| Legionella Risk Assessment | Landlords have a legal duty to assess the risk | £85 |
| Smoke and carbon monoxide alarm supply and fit | Required in all let properties | at cost |
Certificate fees cover arranging the inspection, the contractor's work, and issuing the certificate.
Additional Landlord Services
Optional services outside your chosen management level. Charged only when used, always agreed in advance.
| Service | Description | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Inventory and check-in report | Independent schedule of condition and meter readings at the start of a tenancy | from £120 |
| Check-out report | Independent condition report at the end of a tenancy | from £100 |
| Refurbishment and works management | Overseeing works between tenancies, from sourcing contractors to sign-off | 10% of works value |
| Non-resident landlord handling | Managing HMRC returns and annual certificate for landlords living overseas | £100 per year |
| Rent protection and legal expenses cover | Optional cover against tenant rent arrears, including legal costs for possession | By enquiry — please contact us |
Residential Sales
Fee
1.5% of the agreed sale price (indicative; please contact us to discuss)
Not subject to VAT
Vale and Mercer Ltd accepts residential sales instructions on a selective basis. Please contact us to discuss your requirements.
Fees to Tenants
Under the Tenant Fees Act 2019, most charges to tenants are prohibited by law. Vale and Mercer Ltd only collects the following permitted payments.
Holding Deposit
A maximum of one week's rent, payable to reserve a property whilst referencing is completed. Once the tenancy begins, this is applied to your first month's rent or tenancy deposit. The holding deposit will be refunded in full within 7 days in all circumstances other than where you withdraw your application, fail a Right to Rent check, or provide false or misleading information.
Tenancy Deposit
| Annual Rent | Maximum Deposit |
|---|---|
| £50,000 or below | 5 weeks' rent |
| Over £50,000 | 6 weeks' rent |
Permitted Charges
| Charge | When It Applies | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Late rent | Rent 14+ days overdue | 3% above Bank of England base rate |
| Lost keys / security device | If you lose keys or a fob | Actual cost of replacement |
| Tenancy variation | If you request a change, e.g. adding a new flatmate | £50 |
Ending your tenancy. All assured tenancies are now periodic — there is no fixed term. You may end your tenancy at any time by giving at least two months' written notice. Rent remains payable to the end of your notice period. We do not charge any fee for ending a tenancy.
All other fees including referencing, credit checks, administration, check-out, and renewal fees are prohibited under the Tenant Fees Act 2019. Vale and Mercer Ltd does not charge tenants for any of these.
Regulatory and Compliance
Redress Scheme
Vale and Mercer Ltd is a member of the Property Redress Scheme (PRS). Membership No: PRS058796. If we are unable to resolve your complaint internally, you may refer it to the PRS free of charge.
Client Money Protection
Vale and Mercer Ltd holds client money in a dedicated client account separate from business funds. We are a member of an approved Client Money Protection scheme under the Client Money Protection Schemes for Property Agents Regulations 2018.
Anti-Money Laundering
Vale and Mercer Ltd is registered with HMRC for anti-money laundering supervision under the Money Laundering Regulations 2017. We conduct identity, ownership and sanctions checks as required by law on all landlords and tenants.
Vale and Mercer Ltd. Company No: 17212434. Registered in England and Wales.