Lettings and Property Management Agent Based in Canterbury Providing Advice for Landlords, Tenants and Students. 01227 765008 Enquiries@iconnltd.co.uk
Make a moving checklist
Mar 23rd
Sam Macdonald, Lettings Negotiator for iConn Property Management writes:
Moving home??
Make a checklist to ensure that it all goes smoothly! Check out this link:
If you are looking for a property, or are seeking advice, feel free to contact us.
Landlords Tax Allowance of £1500 on Energy Saving Improvements
Mar 18th
Vicky Cranthorne M.A.R.L.A, Office Manager for iConn Property Management writes:
If you are a landlord and make energy saving improvements to your property, you could reduce the tax you pay. You can do this by claiming the ‘Landlord’s Energy Saving Allowance’ (LESA). LESA is a tax allowance (not a cash payment) that allows you to claim up to £1,500 against tax every year.
This allowance can be claimed for properties you rent out in the UK and abroad. You can claim LESA for the costs of buying and installing certain energy saving products for properties you rent out, but only for what you actually spend.
Check out the full details on the government website….
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/HomeAndCommunity/Privaterenting/RentingOutYourProperty/DG_175186
Questions from Landlords – FAQ
Mar 3rd
Iris O’Connell M.A.R.L.A, Managing Director for iConn Property Management writes:
What Insurances do I need?
iConn Property Management are members of ARLA and are happy to answer any questions you may have regarding lettings, property management, insurances or guarantees. As a Landlord you will require adequate buildings Insurance, contents Insurance for all fixtures and fittings and any items that you leave in the property for the tenants use and Public Liability cover. Tenants are responsible for insuring their own contents they bring to the property. iConn can provide free quotations for all Insurance policies. iConn is an appointed representative of Homelet and are able to advice you on all the different insurances available to landlords and provide competitive quotes. You can also find answers to other frequently asked questions on the link below.
iConn Property Management Has Relocated!!
Feb 26th
iConn Property Management are pleased to announce their move to larger and more prestigious premises in Canterbury.
iConn has an extensive portfolio of professional and student properties. We offer competitive services to all Landlords who are looking to let their properties now or in the future. If you would like further details on the services that iConn provides or require a free market appraisal then please contact us.
Lee Court, 26a Castle Street,
Canterbury, CT1 2PU
01227 765008
Got a Question…?? Just ask!
Feb 16th
iConn Property Management are proud to be a regulated member of
The Association of Residential Letting Agents (ARLA).
We believe that it is extremely important for all landlords and tenants to have the facility to be able to ask questions and gain free advice.
This is why iConn Property Management are offering free advice for anyone who needs it, whether you are a current tenant or landlords of ours, or even if you aren’t!
Please share your questions by replying to this blog, and we will endeavour to answer you as soon as possible, alternatively email us on enquiries@iconnltd.co.uk
Take advantage of our free advisory service and get all your questions answered today.
Student Houses in Canterbury for July 2011- June 2012
Feb 8th
Vicky Cranthorne M.A.R.L.A, Office Manager for iConn Property Management writes:
The student accommodation for the next academic year is going faster than expected! Having started with over 80 Properties to Let – we are down to our final 10! and we are inundated with enquiries!!
For students that are still to secure their accommodation for next year then we would advise to speed up before its all gone! Follow the link to see our available properties:
http://www.iconnproperties.co.uk/search.php?searchtype=student
If you are a landlord who is still looking to find tenants for your property then why not take advantage of the high demand we are receiving and give us a call.
iConn offers 4 different levels of service to our clients so you can choose the best one to suit you. For more details please follow the link below:
http://www.iconnproperties.co.uk/landlord_information.php
Should you rent for life…???
Feb 3rd
Sam Macdonald, Lettings Negotiator for iConn Property Management writes:
As the difficulty of getting yourself onto the property ladder is increasing these days, we thought we would introduce you to this interesting article…
SHOULD YOU RENT FOR LIFE??
Click below for more info.
http://money.uk.msn.com/msn-local/articles.aspx?cp-documentid=156007292
LANDLORDS! Be aware of your legal obligations.
Jan 14th
Vicky Cranthorne M.A.R.L.A, Office Manager for iConn Property Management writes:
This incident stresses the importance of landlord’s responsibilities to their tenants. Landlords sometimes feel that they are saving costs by not using a professionally qualified agent; however they are there to advise landlords and prevent being liable for this kind of thing.
Landlords!! Ensure that a CP12 Landlords Gas Safety Certificate is carried out by a qualified GasSafe engineer. This should be in place before your tenant moves in and checked on an annual basis.
We also advise that an electrical safety certificate is carried out by a qualified electrician; this should include an annual test of all portable appliances.
We would advise all tenants to only consider renting a property that is marketed through a regulated agent.
iConn Property Management are happy to advise any landlords or tenants on their legal obligations, duties and responsibilities.
Student Accomodation Fayres – Canterbury
Jan 12th
Sam Macdonald, Lettings Negotiator for iConn Property Management writes:
Some dates for your diaries:
Canterbury College are holding their accomodation fayre on Wednesday 19 January 2011, in Augustine House, from 13.00 to 17.00.
University of Kent are holding their accomodation fayre on Wednesday 27 January 2011 in the Darwin Conference Suite, 11am- 3pm.
The fayres are a great way to get all the advice you need on finding your property for the next academic year and to see a wide selection of houses available.
Hope to see you there!
Students! Don’t panic, do hurry.
Jan 7th
Vicky Cranthorne M.A.R.L.A, Office Manager for iConn Property Management writes:
Welcome back from your Christmas break! We hope you are refreshed and ready for the new year.
At this point, finding a new house for the next academic year may not be high on your list of priorities, but you really can’t afford to hang around! Last year students had to defer due to a lack of available student houses. Before your Christmas break, we had been marketing our student properties for two weeks, and 16 of them have already gone! You can view our current student property list here http://www.iconnproperties.co.uk/student_information.php
The benefit of Property Inspections to landlords.
Jan 5th
Iris O’Connell M.A.R.L.A, Managing Director for iConn Property Management writes:
Two reasons why Landlords benefit From Property Inspections:
It highlights any maintenance issues:
Being on top of your property maintenance saves you money in the long run.
The small things really do make a difference! A dripping radiator being fixed early will save from water damage which could cost hundreds of pounds repairing. Advising your tenant to keep the guttering and drains clear also reduces the risk of water leaks in the future.
It reduces tenancy breaches:
Tenants that are subletting or misusing the property can be a very expensive problem, court costs or refurbishments are not cheap!
By visiting the property you can check that your valued investment is being cared for correctly.
Property inspections demonstrate to the tenants that you are a responsible and serious landlord. The tenants will be more likely to report faults and adhere to their tenancy agreement.
iConn Property Management completes inspections of our managed properties every 3 months for professionals and every 2 months on student properties.
We can also supply one off inspection visits for any landlord.
Top Tips for Landlords!
Dec 31st
Vicky Cranthorne M.A.R.L.A, Office Manager for iConn Property Management writes:
To help you get the best out of your property investment, iConn Property Management have come up with a few ideas to get you on the road to success.
Set a bit of money aside each month
in case of any works/repairs that arise. This way, you won’t miss the money so much, and if there are no repairs that need doing during the year, you can buy yourself an extra little something at the end of the year!
Improve neighbourhood relations
and hire a monthly gardener. This will keep the local residents happy and your property will always look nice and tidy.
Look into updating furniture
this will make your property more appealing when it comes to re-marketing.
Save money
By spending a little more time and money on your property now will help reduce maintenance problems in the future.
Get ahead in the student market
Most tenants find it hard to keep on top of bills with all the essays they have to write! Include broadband in the monthly rental and make it more appealing to students.
Be pro-active
arrange for the roofs, gutters, drains to be checked regularly to avoid any major problems.
Get in the know
iConn Property Management are happy to advise you of any recent changes in laws and regulations, just give us a call and we will be happy to help!
For tenants – A renters guide
Dec 30th
Sam Macdonald, Lettings Negotiator for iConn Property Management writes:
Primelocation offer a great guide on their website which provides some good tips for tenants when viewing houses to rent – check it out:
http://www.primelocation.com/guides/renting/a-renters-guide-advice-for-tenants/
A Fish Called Goggles
Dec 24th
Once upon a time there was a nameless fish who swam around a small glass bowl dreaming of a better existence…
He dreamed of moving to a high spec fish tank with all the mod cons where he could show off his swimming skills including the backwards vertical shimmy which was his speciality.
His owners also dreamed of moving home and when they did….they forgot to take the nameless fish with them. 
This made the fish very very sad. He sank to the bottom of his glass bowl but never gave up hope that his dreams may be fulfilled.
When a member of iConn Property Management came to his empty house and discovered this nameless unhappy fish….his life was transformed!
iConn brought the fish into their office and their hearts!
After lots of “ahhhhh”s and “oooooo”s the staff at iConn made it their mission to restore happiness into this little fishy’s life.
They gave him a name Goggles and life began to get better. Goggles was cleaned and fed and fussed over and cared for until his owners reclaimed him…
But they never did…
iConn then decided to do what they do best and hunted for a new home for Goggles, they worked hard to meet all of his requirements as they wanted the best for their new team member and finally the day arrived for The big Move….
Goggles packed up his things….put a sign in his old home and made the leap into fresh waters…
His new home was huge! With a red coral reef to hide in and brush off his old scales. He had a colourful reef house which he could swim through and brightly coloured red and black stone floor, the ultimate in luxury. He gorged himself on dinners of frozen thread worms and specially designed fish capsules.
His dreams had come true…He repaid the team at iConn by showing off his swimming skills and always coming to greet them when they go to his tank.
He performs regularly for children and provides a great distraction so that parents can do what they need to in the office.
He really is a valued member of the iConn team.
And so that concludes the story of a fish called Goggles….who lived happily ever after….
Thanks to iConn Property Management! 
Christmas Wishes from iConn :)
Dec 16th
iConn would like to wish you a very Happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year.
The team has grown this year and to add variety to our Christmas Message the Men of the office challenged the Ladies to a “Dance off” Elf Style.
The two finished articles are attached and I’m sure you’ll agree the Ladies pip the Gentlemen to the post with their more classical Christmas message!
As usual iConn Property Management will be making a donation to Cancer Research.
We hope you enjoy our cards!
Best Wishes
Iris O’Connell, Vicky Cranthorne, Sam Douglas, Sam Macdonald,
Paul Lang, Nathan Tough and John O’Connell
The Ladies
The Gentlemen
AST Threshold: Increase to £100k
Sep 22nd
Iris O’Connell M.A.R.L.A, Managing Director for iConn Property Management writes:
From the 1st October 2010, the maximum rent for an assured or assured shorthold will be increased from £25,000 to £100,000 per annum. The change relates to England only at this stage.
The effect of this change is to bring additional tenancies into tenancy deposit protection (TDP) regulation. Tenancies created on or after 1 October where the annual rent is £100,000 or less, will be assured shorthold tenancies (in most cases) within the terms of the Housing Act, 1988. Clearly TDP will apply.
If a Landlord renews by granting a new tenancy on or after 1 October 2010, the position is clear. The deposit will need to be protected within 14 days of the grant and prescribed information served in accordance with scheme rules. Such a grant has the effect of surrendering the existing tenancy and a new tenancy has been granted (this is called a surrender and re-grant by operation of law. In this scenario, the deposit has technically been repaid to the tenant under the old tenancy and the landlord receives a new deposit under the new tenancy (even though no actual money changes hands)
Government intends the new threshold to apply to existing tenancies and landlords may decide to play it safe and protect such a deposit now or after 1st October. Most deposit schemes will accept and register the deposit even if it falls outside of the scheme rules; they will even accept any deposit even for non ASTSs. You will need to confirm this with your intended scheme.
Advice on Gas Safety for Landlords – Useful Link
Sep 22nd
Sam Douglas, Accounts Co-ordinator for iConn Property Management writes:
Health and Safety Executive (HSE) deals with health and safety in the workplace and their work also includes guidance on gas safety. HSE offers advice for Landlords and letting Agents on how to comply with the law, information about gas safety checks, maintenance etc; including useful links to other information and websites.
www.hse.gov.uk/gas/landlords/index.htm
M Jordan – Landlord with iConn Property Management
Jun 18th
iConn have managed our two City Centre flats for the past few years and have always found suitable tenants, who have been in a position to move in the day after the previous tenants have vacated. This has proved to be invaluable and we would thoroughly recommend their services. In particular both Vicky and Sam have been fantastic!
J & L Charteris – Landlord with iConn Property Management
Jun 18th
We have always been happy with the prompt and efficient service we have to date received from iConn. Over the past 5 years we have always been found good tenants, the management team have dealt with problems quickly and efficiently and we have no hesitation in recommending them to other landlords.
T.Rigby – Landlord with iConn Property Management
Jun 18th
Thanks to the iConn Property Management staff I have successfully rented out my furnished house in Canterbury continuously for the last fifteen years while residing in Thailand. The service hitherto received has been extremely satisfactory and my house has been well maintained and its condition regularly monitored.
P.Gayford – Landlord with iConn Property Management
Jun 16th
My house in Canterbury has been fully managed by iConn (formerly Humberts) since Autumn 2007. They provide me with a professional and friendly service and have ensured student occupancy of the house throughout the period. They have visited the house regularly, bringing to my attention issues that they have picked up or which have been raised by the tenants. They have dealt with urgent issues quickly and efficiently whilst allowing less urgent issues to be completed during the quieter summer months.
I am pleased with the service that has been provided.
L.George – Tenant with iConn Property Management
Jun 16th
I would like to recommend iConn to all, as they are so sincere and helpful. I am extremely satisfied with their service to me. they gave a warm welcome and homely atmosphere whenever i approach them for service.
L & M Morelli – Landlord with iConn Property Management
Jun 15th
iConn have been managing our property now for 2 years and they have always been extremely efficient, conscientious and very price competitive in regards with renting out our property. In addition to this it is all managed in a friendly manner, in fact we forget about our property as we know it is in safe hands!
P. Rivers – Landlord with iConn Property Management
Jun 15th
I have been a client of iConn, and its predecessors, for a number of years and feel that they have provided me with a very satisfactory and professional service. whenever I phone my call is answered quickly and usually my enquiry is dealt with immediately. Otherwise calls have been returned. Rentals are processed in a timely manner and all maintenance needs have been dealt with to my satisfaction. In addition there have been very few occasions when my property has not been let. I have no hesitation whatsoever in commending the services of iConn.
C & C Sandy – Landlord with iConn Property Management
Jun 15th
iConn Property Management have looked after our property for many years now, carrying out full marketing and management on our behalf. We have always found them to be helpful, efficient and very professional and would gladly recommend them.
P.Whisson – Landlord with iConn Property Management
Jun 15th
iConn have been managing for me since 2006. They have found tenants who have looked after the property well. The transitions between tenancies have always been managed seamlessly. On all matters requiring my attention or permission iConn have communicated promptly and clearly, and I have always been highly satisfied with contractors they have recommended. Overall their service is excellent value for money.
T.Kenney – Landlord with iConn Property Management
Jun 15th
iConn Property Management staff have administered our Canterbury flat for ten years. Over that time we have developed great confidence in the efficiency and professionalism of the firm. iConn’s guidance and contacts were particularly helpful during the recent refurbishment of the property. Helpful, constructive and friendly it is always a pleasure to deal with their staff.
J Foster – Landlord with iConn Property Management
Jun 15th
Iris leads a team that clearly strives to provide a quality service, both for periodic marketing, managing the selection of potential occupiers and the day-to-day supervision of the tenant. The take-home message is peace of mind; after all the rented property is our very precious asset – nothing but the best will do in our view!
C Themistocleous – Landlord with iConn Property Management
Jun 15th
I would like to comment that in all aspects of dealing with my properties, such as marketing and management, I describe your services very satisfactory.