Students Advice
Advice for Canterbury Students looking to find accommodation, renting a property and your rights as a tenant.
Tenancy Agreement for 2012 Student Tenancies
Mar 26th
Posted by iConn Property Management in All Posts
Vicky Cranthorne M.A.R.L.A, Office Manager for iConn Property Management writes:
All student tenants for July 2012 to June 2013 can view a copy of the tenancy agreement which will be used for their tenancy by following the link below:
http://www.iconnproperties.co.uk/student_information.php
Access Codes are provided on tenants emails sent 26.03.12 but if you need them again please call our office.
Budget Announcement 2012 – How it Applies to Landlords & Tenants (Canterbury Letting Agent)
Mar 23rd
Posted by iConn Property Management in All Posts
Iris O’Connell, Managing Director for iConn Property Management writes:
ARLA has recently created this great article to help explain what this years budget announcements will mean to us; definately worth a read: ARLA Budget News
TDS Changes of Legislation – Timescale for Registering Deposits. (Canterbury Letting Agent)
Mar 20th
Posted by iConn Property Management in All Posts
Sam Douglas, Accounts Co-Ordinator for iConn Property Management writes:
The Localism Act comes into force on April 6th 2012 and makes an important change to the timescale for protecting deposits.
The timescale for registering deposits and serving Prescribed Information has increased from 14 to 30 days – but the 30 days is an absolute deadline.
Our prescribed information will be updated in our current tenancy agreements and terms of business and this change will only really affect tenancies created after the 6th April but current clients may wish to take note of these changes for any future tenancies.
Common Questions from Tenants (Canterbury Lettings)
Mar 14th
Posted by iConn Property Management in All Posts
Sam Macdonald, Lettings Negotiator for iConn Property Management writes:
ARLA (Association of Residential Letting Agents) supplies lots of answers to common questions which tenants might need to know.
This link takes tenants direct to their website: https://www.arla.co.uk/information/tenants/rights-of-access/
Here is one of the questions I spotted earlier which I thought would be useful to know:
What About Rights Of Access To The Property, What Are The Rules?
A landlord, or his agent, or someone authorised to act on his behalf has a right to view the property to assess its condition and to carry out necessary repairs or maintenance at reasonable times of the day. The law says that a landlord or agent must give a tenant at least 24 hours prior notice in writing (except in an emergency) of such a visit. Naturally, if the tenant agrees, on specific or odd occasions to allow access without the 24 hours prior written notice, that is acceptable. [A clause in the tenancy agreement which tries to diminish or over-ride a tenant's rights in this respect would be void and unenforceable.]
Reminder for Student Tenants for July 2012 (Canterbury Letting Agent)
Mar 7th
Posted by iConn Property Management in All Posts
Your guarantors should have received their documents by now.
The guarantor documents need to be signed and returned to our office by the 1st April 2012.
*Applicants those guarantors are based abroad – the forms have been emailed to your guarantor – please ensure they have received them ok and if not please call our office to update their details if a new email address is required.
They are very important as your tenancy can not proceed without a signed agreement in place; please speak with your guarantors to check they have received the documents safely and to remind them of the deadline date. (If your guarantor has already returned their agreement please ignore this message but you may want to check with your other housemates to make sure all theirs are back also)
Once all agreements are received for your tenancy we will issue your pre-start pack. This will invite you to come into the office to sign and complete your new tenancy.
Without all guarantor agreements being received we are unable to proceed to this point.
If you have any problems or questions in the meantime then please contact me either on the office number.
Last 15 Student Properties for July 2011 – June 2012 (Canterbury Lettings)
Feb 24th
Posted by iConn Property Management in All Posts
Vicky Cranthorne M.A.R.L.A, Office Manager for iConn Property Management writes:
It’s been a busy few weeks in the office and the rush for student properties in Canterbury has increased; We are now down to the last 15 student properties available. The smaller sized properties seem to have been the most popular this year; we have 1 one bedroom property left which is a spacious one bed cottage in a central location in Canterbury – ideal for single occupation or for a couple. We also have only 1 5 bed property left which is based close to Christchurch university – the landlord includes broadband in the rental which is a great benefit for the tenants. The interior is modern and the kitchen includes a dishwasher and a tumbledryer as well as the usual white goods.
For those who are still looking to secure their accomodation in Canterbury for next year I have listed the available properties below: (as of 24.02.12) You can also visit this following link to see the most up to date list http://www.iconnproperties.co.uk/search.php?town_postcode=&searchtype=student&search.x=16&search.y=11.
Water Saving Tips as Drought Warning is Issued (Canterbury Lettings)
Feb 3rd
Posted by iConn Property Management in All Posts
Sam Macdonald, Lettings Negotiator for iConn Property Management, Canterbury writes:
Drought warning
According to the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) Kent is suffering a drought.
For the last two winters the south east has seen lower than average rainfall, which means that water stocks in rivers, reservoirs and aquifers are at severely low levels.
Caroline Spelman, Environment Secretary said: “It is not just the responsibility of Government, water companies and businesses to act against drought. We are asking for the help of everyone by urging them to use less water and to start now.”
Water saving tips; before during and after a drought
- Before a drought arrives, it’s useful to get into good habits, such as using a bowl of water to peel and wash fruit and vegetables instead of a running tap, and reusing grey water to water the garden.
- Putting a ‘Hippo’ water-saving device or brick in your cistern also helps. Placing water butts under downpipes and considering many other ways of saving rainwater can drastically reduce consumption in the garden and help ensure you can keep watering even during a hosepipe ban.
- During a drought, saving water is even more important. The Environment Agency has lots of advice about saving water when the need arises. Simply turning the tap off when you brush your teeth can save up to five litres a minute! Don’t use any clean water for non-essential purposes like cleaning windows, for example. Hosepipe and sprinkler bans are only used when there’s a real need. Always follow the water company’s advice.
- After a drought, as the environment recovers, it is still important to continue to use water in a sensible fashion. Water conservation is good for the environment and for society at all times.
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:
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.
Advice for Tenants When Completing Viewings
Dec 28th
Posted by iConn Property Management in All Posts
Sam Macdonald, Lettings Negotiator for iConn Property Management writes:
As the student market has begun again, those who are looking to move or are venturing off campus for the first time may find this advise useful:
LOCATION Research the local area thoroughly. Consider local public transport, good local amenities, good schools and Universities, easy access to motorways, good doctors, dentist, bars and restaurants and most importantly good neighbours.
CONDITION OF THE PROPERTY When viewing take a check list with you and make sure you know what you are looking for and what requirements are. Look for a property that has been well maintained. Check the windows, decoration, condition of white goods, heating system and types of shower. Don’t forget to check the outside and the condition of the guttering and garden.
RENT LEVEL Make sure that you research the local rent levels for the type of property you are looking for. There are many ways to make comparables with other properties. Try looking at main property portals like Right Move or Property Live to compare other properties currently on the market and the level of rent they are being advertised for.
LETTING AGENT If you decide to rent through an agent rather than a private Landlord, make sure the Agent is a member of ARLA, has a good reputation, charges fair administration fees and has the facility to protect your deposit.
Have Yourself a Very Green Christmas!! :)
Dec 24th
Posted by iConn Property Management in All Posts
Vicky Cranthorne M.A.R.L.A, Office Manager for iConn Property Management writes:
The local council have released some useful information for recycling over the Christmas period so that we all have a green Christmas……
Green Christmas
This year, like every other, we want to make sure that you not only have a great Christmas, but get rid of your Christmas waste on the appropriate day in the appropriate way. So please take note of the following points:
Check your calendar for your collection dates - some of them may have changed
In bad weather conditions put your waste out on your usual day and leave it. We will collect it soon as we can.
Garden Waste won’t be collected between 23 December 2011 and 09 January 2012
Don’t forget we will collect your real Christmas tree for free – if you leave it out for collection on recycling day. Place it next to your clear sacks not in the garden waste bin.
Old trees can be taken to the Household Waste Recycling Centres and placed in the green garden waste containers for composting. Your local council may also be able to take your real Christmas tree for composting if they provide a kerbside green garden waste collection service.
Alternatively, why not buy a Christmas tree in a pot or with a root that can be planted in the garden for use the following year! Some companies now also hire real Christmas trees which are re-planted after Christmas!
Recycle your Christmas cards and non foil wrapping paper in the clear recycling sack, or look out for one of the high street charity schemes.
Flatten and secure your cardboard boxes for collection. These can be put out for collection next to your recycling sacks.
To clear space give unwanted clothes and toys to charity shops and clothing banks.
Recycle your glass bottles at the bottle banks and the Household Waste Recycling Centres
Think about what you buy and who you are buying for. We all like to put on the best Christmas Day spread for family and friends, but afterwards, without a bit of pre plannng, we can still be eating the brussel sprouts four days later!!
Make use of any left over food, visit http://www.lovefoodhatewaste.com/ for recipes and ideas.
Although our contractor can sort most plastics, many of them have a negative value and black plastic cannot be sorted at all, so please only give us your clear or opaque plastic bottles over the christmas period.
Remember you can take your unwanted plastic bags back to a major supermarket for recycling, they all now provide in-store banks.
If you are not sure about collections over the Christmas period, then please call Serco on 0800 031 9091.
Here’s hoping you have a very happy Christmas.
Advice on Condensation Problems
Dec 23rd
Posted by iConn Property Management in All Posts
Sam Douglas, Accounts Co-ordinator for iConn Property Management writes:
Double glazing and improved insulation means we have warmer houses, but unless a property is adequately ventilated, it can become damp. We ask all tenants to ensure that our properties are sufficiently ventilated by taking a few simple precautions stated below in order to avoid condensation and the build-up of damp.
BEDROOMS Open bedroom windows when you go to bed at night; a 10mm gap will do. If it really is too cold to do this, wipe the condensation off the windows first thing in the morning, but please do not put the cloth you used on the radiator to dry as this will create more condensation.
SHOWER/BATHROOM Ensure full use of extractor or ventilation fans. Where these are not provided, open a window after bathing or showering to give the steam and damp air a chance to escape. Wipe windows, walls and mirrors to remove condensation (a microfiber cloth is the most efficient means of doing this), and dry the shower tray or bath. Keep the door closed while the bathroom is in use to prevent the steam escaping to other parts of the house.
KITCHEN When cooking, cover pans. Use exactor or ventilation fans where provided. If you do not have an automatic kettle, take care to ensure it is not left boiling. These precautions will help to reduce steam and therefore moisture in the air. Keep the door closed while the kitchen is in use to prevent the steam escaping to other parts of the house.
LIVING AREAS Where there are chimneys, do not block them up. If a wall appears to be damp, do not put furniture right up against it; allow some circulation of air.
GENERAL Make sure that any ventilation bricks or openings in the building are not obstructed.
WINDOWS Keep glass as clear of condensation as you can. Wipe away any moisture that has formed using a soft cloth. Leave open any ”trickle” vents in double glazed units. Get into the habit of opening windows to keep moisture content in the air down and to air the property when you can.
LAUNDRY Avoid drying clothes on radiators. Tumble dryers should be vented to the outside, unless fitted with a condenser.
HEATING Provide a reasonable level of heating (no less than 10°C in an unused area, or 16C if in use); cold rooms are susceptible to condensation. Remember, the best way to heat a room and avoid condensation is to maintain a low level of warmth throughout the day rather than to turn the heating off while you are out and put it on at a high level when you return home.
PORTABLE HEATERS Portable gas and paraffin heaters can create a significant amount of damp and condensation within properties. Please do not use these types of heaters unless you have permission from your landlord or property manager.
REMEDIES Mildew may be removed from clothes by using a dry cleaning process. Remove and kill mould by wiping the affected area(s) with a fungicide which carries a Health and Safety Executive approval number, precisely following the manufactures instructions. Alternatively a mild bleach solution will have the desired effect, but do test on a small area first. Do not disturb mould by vacuuming or brushing as this can give rise to respiratory complaints.
Christmas Emergency Contact Information for iConn Property Management, Canterbury
Dec 22nd
Posted by iConn Property Management in All Posts
Happy Christmas from all at iConn Property Management, Canterbury!! :)
Dec 15th
Posted by iConn Property Management in All Posts
STUDENT LETTINGS LIST FOR 2012-2013 RELEASED by iConn Property Management
Dec 1st
Posted by iConn Property Management in All Posts
And so it begins….. We have released our available properties for next years academic term. For your ideal student property in Canterbury Don’t Delay and Take a Look Today!!!
Viewings are available and demand is expected to be high this year, so don’t miss out on the ideal property in the best location and book today!!
Full details and more photos are available on our website: http://www.iconnproperties.co.uk/search.php?town_postcode=&searchtype=student&search.x=16&search.y=11
You will also find all the student terms and documents on this page: http://www.iconnproperties.co.uk/student_information.php
Good Luck!
Tenancy Deposit Service
Nov 11th
Posted by iConn Property Management in All Posts
Vicky Cranthorne M.A.R.L.A, Office Manager for iConn Property Management writes:
Most landlords and tenants are aware of the change in legislation in April 2007 which requires landlords to hold their tenants deposits within a secured scheme. At iConn we use the Tenancy Deposit Scheme – (TDS).
Our tenants and landlords may find this website useful as it provides the guidelines and processes involved when using the TDS.
http://www.thedisputeservice.co.uk/landlords-faqs.html - For landlords
http://www.thedisputeservice.co.uk/tenants-faqs.html - For Tenants.
Winter Warmers For Your Property
Nov 7th
Posted by iConn Property Management in All Posts
Vicky Cranthorne M.A.R.L.A, Office Manager for iConn Property Management writes:
The Autumn season is my favorite time of year and as we head closer to Christmas and rumours of bad weather keep surfacing its time to prepare for the frost!
Always keep your heating or hot water on froststat or on low to avoid the pipes bursting in really cold weather.
Nows the time to clear all your guttering and drains of the leaves and debris which has collected through the year so they are in the best shape they can be for the rain fall.
Set timers on your heating controls so you can be more energy efficient and careful with your bills.
Get out your winter duvet or add an extra blanket to your bed to keep heating costs down and add linings on curtains or thicker fabric to keep the draughts out.
Stock up on some long life milk and other essentials so that if the snow falls you dont have to venture out!
Student Properties and Student Rentals for 2012 – Renewing Tenancies
Nov 4th
Posted by iConn Property Management in All Posts
Sam Macdonald, Lettings Negotiator for iConn Property Management writes:
For our current tenants, I’m afraid it’s already time to decide on your accommodation requirements for the next academic year.
We need to know whether or not you will be renewing your current tenancy for the forthcoming academic year 2012/2013, or if you intend to leave at the end of your current tenancy in June 2012. Please complete the enclosed form and return it to us at the above address no later than Friday 25th November 2011.
There was a substantial shortage of student accommodation this year due to the universities over subscribing and not being able to provide the amount of accommodation on campus as planned. Based on this expected demand for next year please consider your position wisely when deciding to either stay in your current property or vacate and look for alternative accommodation.
After all, why go through the upheaval of re applying and moving to a new property when you can just reapply and stay in your current property, you also have the added benefits of receiving a 50% discount off your administration fees and not having to find the funds for a new deposit.
Please find below your options:
OPTION ONE: You renew your current tenancy and stay in the same property.
By doing this you will benefit from the following: (This also applies to any tenant who will be staying on in the same property and finding new housemate(s) to share with. Please note any new housemate will pay the full administration fee)
*Half price administration fees (£50.00)
*No need to pay a new deposit.
*A Free Gift from iConn when you collect your keys for the new academic year.
*A Welcome box delivered to your property.
*Plus you will be entered into the Renewal Raffle with a chance to win:
**A 6 month subscription to Blockbuster worth £25.00.
**A Dominos Pizza Voucher worth £20.00.
**A Food Hamper worth £15.00.
OPTION TWO: You do not renew your tenancy for your current property but instead rent
One of our other student properties. By doing this you will benefit from the following:
*Half price administration fees (£50.00)
*A Welcome box delivered to your property.
Please be aware that you will have to pay a £400.00 deposit to secure a new property.
OPTION THREE: You do not renew your current tenancy and you do not rent another property through iConn Property Management.
We will be sad to see you go BUT we do not charge for future referencing of our tenants, so that is one benefit for you.
Some further points for consideration:
If we have not received your confirmation by November 25th, it will be assumed that you are not re-applying for a 2012/13 tenancy and your property will be included on our student property list as available for viewings for the next academic year.
If you do decide not to renew your tenancy, we will not be able to offer you the ability to stay on if you are unsuccessful in finding alternative accommodation due to the high demand and low supply of properties for next year. We are expecting to let all our student properties without delay from the start of our marketing period in December 2011.
If your property joins our availability list, your current tenancy agreement stipulates that viewings can and will be conducted by iConn after giving you 24 hours notice in writing or by telephone. Please advise us with reliable contact numbers to reach you on. Please note leaving you a voice mail message is deemed to be adequate notice. Please ensure that we have access to all rooms, including all bedrooms and that the property is kept in a clean and tidy order.
If you decide to stay in your current property please be aware that there will be an annual rental increase for the next tenancy term, the average being around £8.00 per person per month. The amount will be confirmed in the new year.
Utility Bills and Notification for Student Properties
Oct 11th
Posted by iConn Property Management in All Posts
Vicky Cranthorne M.A.R.L.A, Office Manager for iConn Property Management writes:
Some advice for student tenants regarding their utility bills and what to do when things are not right;
SENARIO ONE: If we are the managing agent for your property.
We have notified the utility companies on your behalf. When you first move into your property you are provided with an inventory which contains meter readings which were taken at the beginning of the tenancy. These meter readings are provided to all the utility suppliers registered for your address via our office as your opening readings. Some utility companies will take a while to update there information but you should start to see bills arriving this month.
SENARIO TWO: If your Landlord provided you with your inventory and completes your maintenance.
You need to confirm with your Landlord if they have notified the utilities on your behalf, if they do not then you will need to call the utility companies yourself and set up your new accounts. Use the start date on your tenancy agreement as your opening account date and provide them with meter readings. These should be on the inventory provided by your landlord but if not then call your landlord direct to confirm them and what companies are the suppliers.
SENARIO THREE: If your bills are included in your rental price.
You need do nothing further as the accounts for the property will remain in the landlords name.
ADVICE FOR ALL:
If post arrives that is not addressed to you then please either drop it into our office or back in the post box with “Return to sender – Not at this address” on the envelope. This is normally due to a cross over of information being received by the companies and by returning to the sender it should stop them from writing to the address again.
If the post is in the correct names but the dates or readings are wrong you will need to call the company and confirm your details with them. Use the date on your tenancy agreement as your start date (even if you did not occupy for summer months your tenancy started on this date and so you are responsible from the tenancy start date) then provide them with your meter reading from your inventory as your opening reading. You may want to provide them with a more recent meter reading at the same time. This is advisable as most companies base their bills on “Estimated” usage and if you have not been in the property they may be overcharging you, by providing a recent reading they will only generate the bill for your exact usage. Once you have confirmed these details with them they will then amend your details and resend you the correct bill.
Water bills – these are normally calculated at a set cost for the year regardless of occupation or usage. You should receive two bills for your water supply, one is the water IN and one is for the water OUT. You can arrange with them to pay on a yearly, quarterly or monthly basis dependent on your preference but again the account will be from the start date of your tenancy. Some properties may be on water meters and the companies will come and read these every few months and will adjust your payment schedule accordingly.
Council Tax – The Canterbury city council are notified through our office of all our student properties. They will sometimes write to the address with a yellow exemption slip for you to complete with your student details to confirm that you are entitled to the exemption. These forms are also in your welcome packs. This is standard procedure and once you have returned this to them they will send you a new bill with a zero balance to show that you are exempt. You must be aware that if your courses do not start till later in the year there is a chance they will charge you for the period between the start date of the tenancy and the course start date if necessary and if someone living in your property is not classed as a student then the exemption will not apply. They may be entitled to a reduction but the full exemption will not be allocated.
TV license, Telephone lines, Internet access, Sky or Digital Television Services – are not classed as utilities and you will need to set these type of accounts up directly with the companies you are choosing for supply.
At this time of year the utility companies do receive an excessive amount of notifications because of all the student tenancies in Canterbury which turn over in July and August. We do keep a record of the notification from our office as proof but, because of the large numbers of notification, the companies sometimes miss things or set up accounts incorrectly. It is no problem for us to re notify them for you but, if a bill is arriving in your name it is more advisable for you to call them direct, as once an account is set up the companies will sometimes not speak with us because of data protection. If bills are arriving in your name or some companies have your details but other do not it is evident that our notification has been sent and that some companies have not updated their details yet, so you may wish to call them to confirm your details or call us and we will re send the notification.
I hope this information is useful to you but obviously if you have any further queries then please do not hestiate to contact us and we can confirm the best way forward.
Telephone Landline Installations – Responsibility
Oct 10th
Posted by iConn Property Management in All Posts
Vicky Cranthorne M.A.R.L.A, Office Manager for iConn Property Management writes:
When viewing a property to rent if a telephone socket is visible or advertised as available then the landlord has a responsibility to ensure it is in working order. This means that the physical lines and wiring into the property is complete.
It is a tenants choice as to whether they wish to have a working lineduring their tenancy. If you do require a telephone line then it is your responsibility to pay for any set up fees that may be applicable to have a working line as this is your account set up fee.
Most telephone line providers have a general rule that if a line is not used for longer than a month they will disconnect it from the exchange and allocate the space to someone else. This means that if the previous tenants choose not to have a line, or used a different provider to the one you would like to use, there is a high chance that the provider will charge you to reconnect the line to the exchange.
As far as I am aware there are three main providers of telephone lines:
BT – charge up to £130.00 set up fee
Virgin – charges vary and they often have offers on for free installation dependent on package.
Talktalk – again charges vary dependent on package.
This website may be useful to those looking to shop around: http://www.homephonechoices.co.uk/partner-lp_landline-reconnect/landline-installation.html
A great idea is that if you decide to have a landline or your line was still connected when you moved in then please call us to provide us with the landline number, that way we can provide any new tenants with the number and provider so they can ensure the line is not disconnected before they move in. If you are viewing properties in the near future remember to ask the current tenants or the letting agent to see if you can do the same.
Letting Agents in Canterbury – About Us
Oct 2nd
Posted by iConn Property Management in All Posts
The iConn team – About us….
http://www.iconnproperties.co.uk/about_us.php
Iris O’Connell M.A.R.L.A – Managing Director
irisoconnell@iconnltd.co.uk
Your contact for new business and letting and tenancy advice.
Iris has 10 years experience within the lettings and property management field and is both ARLA (Association of Residential Lettings Agents) and APIP (Association of Professional Inventory Providers) qualified.
Vicky Cranthorne M.A.R.L.A – Lettings Negotiator / Office Manager
vickycranthorne@iconnltd.co.uk
Your contact for letting and tenancy queries
Vicky Cranthorne has 5 years experience within the lettings and property management field and is ARLA qualified and is currently studying for her AAT accountancy qualification. She oversees all lettings negotiating within the department and is responsible for the general day to day running of the office.
Sam Douglas – Accounts Coordinator
samdouglas@iconnltd.co.uk
Your contact for all account queries and general enquiries
Sam Douglas has 2.5 years experience within the lettings and property management field and oversees the daily accounts; she also specialises in the insurance side of the business and can provide policies such as Home & Contents, Landlords Rent and Legal Indemnities.
Sam Macdonald – Lettings Negotiator
sammacdonald@iconnltd.co.uk
Your contact for letting and tenancy queries
Sam Macdonald has 6 years experience within the lettings and property management field and specialises in letting negotiations and property marketing.
Student Properties or House Shares for 2011
Aug 26th
Posted by iConn Property Management in Students Advice
Tenants! Know the importance of contents insurance!
Jul 23rd
Posted by iConn Property Management in All Posts
Sam Macdonald, Lettings Negotiator for iConn Property Management writes:
Here’s a short article I came across.
It gives a great example of the difficulty you could find yourself in, as a result of not having any contents insurance in place for your tenancy.
http://www.accommodationforstudents.com/view_landlord_guides.asp?id=88
If you would like any advice about contents insurance, or details of where to get contents insurance, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Important safety information regarding BEKO Fridge Freezers
Jul 12th
Posted by iConn Property Management in All Posts
Sam Douglas, Accounts Co-ordinator for iConn Property Management writes:
Please check your Beko Fridge Freezer Now!
There has been a very small number of incidents, where the defrost timer on a certain production range of BEKO frost free refrigeration can fail, overheat, and cause a potential fire hazard.
VISIT THE BEKO WEBSITE TO FIND OUT MORE:
YOU CAN CHECK TO SEE IF YOUR APPLIANCE IS EFFECTED BY CLICKING ON THE LINK BELOW:
Reminder for Students 2011 – 2012
Apr 15th
Posted by iConn Property Management in All Posts
Sam Macdonald, Lettings Negotiator for iConn Property Management writes:
STUDENT TENANCIES FOR JULY 2011 – JUNE 2012
Just a reminder to let you know that all administration fees need to be paid
by the 1st May 2011 for your tenancy July 11 to June 12.
Payment of your fees can be made in the following ways:
- Cash can be paid in the office. 26A Castle Street, Canterbury, CT1 2PU
- Card Payments can be made over the phone. These are seen as instant payments but charges apply (1% of total for a debit card, 2% of total for a credit card)
- Bank transfers can be arrange using the details below but will need to be completed by Monday 26th April 2011
- Cheques can be posted but need to be received by Monday 26th April 2011
Please be aware that missed deadlines could result in the tenancy being deemed as lapsed and your property returned to the market with all monies being forfeit.
*************************************************
: Natwest, 11 The Parade, Canterbury, Kent CT1 2SQ
Show your support to RNIB!
Apr 12th
Posted by iConn Property Management in All Posts
iConn Property Management show thier support by collecting used stamps for RNIB,
a charity that supports the blind and partially sighted people.
If you would like to make a donation or find out more about how to show your support, click on the link below.
http://www.rnib.org.uk/getinvolved/fundraising/recycle/Pages/used_stamps.aspx
Summertime Cleaning Checklist
Apr 8th
Posted by iConn Property Management in All Posts
Sam Douglas, Account Co-ordinator for iConn Property Management writes:
Its that time of year again..!
Say goodbye to your winter clothes, freshen up your home and get ready for the summertime!
Here’s an interesting article to help you along your way…
Just click on the link below :
http://www.mrscleanusa.com/en/cleaning-tips/checklists/summer-chores.html
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Looking for a housemate?
Mar 30th
Posted by iConn Property Management in All Posts
Vicky Cranthorne M.A.R.L.A, Office Manager at iConn Property Management writes:
Tenants: If anyone is looking for single tenants to join their group for next year
or need a housemate then this website is a great place to start!
http://www.homesforstudents.co.uk/south-east/kent/student-accommodation-canterbury/listings/h