Archive for January, 2012
Student Lettings from iConn in Canterbury – Houses to Rent
Jan 30th
Posted by iConn Property Management in All Posts
Sam MacDonald, Lettings Negotiator for iConn Property Management writes:
We are right in the middle of our initial student property rush and properties are coming off the market at a record rate!!
The most popular properties seem to be the three bed houses and at the time of writing we only have two left!
If you are still looking for your ideal property then please call us on 01227 782040 or visit the website to see the available properties.
Click on the image below to see the available properties:
Warning to landlords Letting in Canterbury
Jan 24th
Posted by iConn Property Management in All Posts
Vicky Cranthorne M.A.R.L.A, Office Manager for iConn Property Management, Canterbury writes:
Landlords considering using a letting agent to manage their portfolio or to help them secure tenants should consider the agents qualifications and memberships with regulating bodies before instruction.
It is obviously important to choose an agent that offers you the service you are looking for within the budget you have, and to look into recommendations and testimonials but most importantly ensure that the agent is regulated as this will protect you and your monies.
If an agent is not regulated then there is a very high risk of money paid by your tenants in rental amounts or as deposits are unprotected. In the worst scenario this could mean the landlord picking up the bill if the agent or company hits any financial difficulties or decides to close.
iConn is a ARLA regulated agent, we are also members of the Property Ombudsman Lettings. Our client monies are held within a separate account and all our accounting practices are audited to ensure transparency and protection for our clients.
If you would like to discuss this in more detail please contact our office on 01227 765008; feel free to pop into our office for an informal chat if you wish at 26s Castle Street, Canterbury, CT1 2PU.
New Promotional Option from iConn – Letting agent in Canterbury
Jan 19th
Posted by iConn Property Management in Landlords Advice
Vicky Cranthorne, Office Manager at iConn Property Management writes:
We are always looking for new ways to corner the advertising market and ensure that your property is seen by as many prospective tenants as possible. We are in the process of setting up promotional videos for all our properties. This is something that no other agent in canterbury is offering at the moment and is of no extra cost to our current or new landlords.
Check out our new video for a sneak preview of what to expect…..
Maintenance Tips and Advice for Tenants
Jan 18th
Posted by iConn Property Management in All Posts
Sam Douglas, for iConn Property Management writes:
These tips listed in our welcome packs may come in useful for some of our tenants:
Washing Machines
Please clean your filter regularly on your washing machine, normally located on the front at the bottom of the machine. This is often the cause for the washing machine to stop working or stop draining properly. Also ensure you do not over fill the powder drawer.
Dryer
Please clean the filter regularly as failure to do so is likely to cause the tumble dryer to overheat and stop working.
If any other electrical appliances fail to function correctly, please call the office and we will organise for the appliance to be repaired, replaced or removed.
Light Bulbs and Shades
It is the responsibility of the tenants to replace light bulbs when they have blown and to replace any damaged shades when they leave.
Pictures and posters.
We appreciate that tenants may wish to put pictures and posters up, however please be aware that using substances like blu tac may cause damage to the wall covering or paint work. You are responsible for any repairs required when you leave.
Windows and Curtains
Please ensure that all windows are closed when the property is unattended. You can be sure that insurance companies will not pay out if windows are left open and you have been broken into when you have left the property unsecure.
Heat sensors and smoke detectors.
They are not to be removed, disconnected or the batteries taken out. If the batteries fail, you are responsible for replacing them. Please note that disconnecting or removing the batteries long term will invalidate any insurance taken out by yourselves or the landlord.
Pest Control
Any issue with infestation i.e. wasp nests, bees nest, mice etc are the responsibility of the tenant. The issue should be reported directly to the environmental department at Canterbury City Council. Please do not encourage any unwanted pets by leaving rubbish inside or outside the property long term. It can be costly for a contractor to be called out to sort such issues and on top of that, there are obvious health implications to consider. You will be charged if we have to send out a contractor.
Guttering & Drains
All guttering and drain maintenance for the property is again the responsibility of the tenants as laid out in the tenancy agreement.
Drains block very easily, most common causes are food and oil being put down the kitchen sink and hair from showers and baths. Last year we had numerous reports of blocked drains; all reports were caused by tenants and in all cases the tenants had to pay the bill as they were responsible for causing the problem.
Smoking.
Tenants are reminded that there is to be NO SMOKING inside of the property
Property Inspections
If iConn manages the property, your Landlord has instructed us to carry out periodic property inspections. The inspections are to ensure that the property is being looked after by yourself and for any maintenance repairs that may be required as part of your Landlord’s obligations. We will write to you in advance notifying you of any inspections that may be due, giving you the opportunity to be present whilst the inspection is being carried.
Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Linked in or Youtube
Jan 15th
Posted by iConn Property Management in All Posts
Iris O’Connell, Managing Director for iConn Property Management Canterbury writes:
Join the growing iConn Property Management group on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Link in to the team for the latest information on legislation, new properties on the market, offers and competitions and advice for all:
STUDENTS APPLYING FOR TENANCIES WITH ICONN FOR JULY 2012- JUNE 2013 HAVE THE CHANCE TO WIN A FREE ADMINISTRATION FEE BY JOINING THE FACEBOOK PAGE.
Approved Contractors – Contact details
Jan 10th
Posted by iConn Property Management in All Posts
Sam Douglas, for iConn Property Management writes:
We often receive calls from Landlords and tenants asking for local contractors to help them out with maintenance at their properties. I thought it may be useful to create a page of our approved contractors in case you ever needed to call on them.
Please see the relevant contractors’ link to find out further information about their company and the services they provide.