Residential News

Caxtons has introduced a 'delayed payment' scheme for their student tenants in relation to accommodation deposits on tenancies commencing on 1st July 2016.

Duncan Reeves, Associate Director and Head of Residential & Student Lettings, Canterbury said "As demands on students' finances grow, we realise that when making advance payments for their coming year's accommodation with administration fees and deposits is a real stretch for many.

"With that in mind we decided to introduce a delayed deposit payment scheme for students whose tenancies commence on 1st July 2016.

Students will have until 1st June 2016 to find and pay for the deposit for their accommodation, which we hope will really ease their financial burden – if only a little bit."

Terms and conditions do apply and are shown on the pdf below.

Student Lettings T&Cs

For further information contact Caxtons Student Lettings on 01227 788088 and speak to one of the team.

Duncan Reeves

The following is a direct quote from the website of The Property Shop Ltd, estate agents based in Windmill Street Gravesend.

'Our company has built up a strong reputation for Letting and Selling property quickly, efficiently and at the best price. We pride ourselves on offering consummate levels of service to all sellers, buyers, landlords and tenants. You can trust that you won't find a better service anywhere else.'

The website is still live – even though the company has 'gone into liquidation because of poor company practice' – according to a report in the Daily Mail on Saturday 12 September.

Landlady Claire Deane had left on a 5-year sojourn in South America entrusting the letting and management of

her two bedroom terraced property in the hands of The Property Shop Ltd. She paid them £6000 in commission and trusted that they had made regular inspections. However, on her return the tenants, who should have moved out were still in situ, no rent had been paid for the month of August and the house and garden were in such a mess that Miss Deane fears she has lost £20,000 on the value of her once beautiful home.

Alan Stewart, director & head of Residential Lettings & Management at Caxtons Chartered Surveyors is frustrated that there is still a lack of statutory regulation. Earlier in the year another unregulated Kent based agent, Sweet Property Services, went to the wall, allegedly owing landlords thousands of pounds after rents were withheld, and leaving tenants concerned that their deposits were unprotected and irrecoverable.

Alan Stewart

Caxtons has residential lettings offices across Kent. Amelia Singer is Residential Lettings Manager of our Medway offices and says that she has a list of 'top tips' as long as her arm. However, top of her 'top tips for getting property let really fast' list are:

Photographs – make sure you check what you are including in the photo : Take care to present your property in the best possible light.

• Ensure that kitchen work surfaces are clean and clutter free (as far as possible)
• Tidy away slippers from under the bed or dressing gowns / clothes thrown over a chair in the bedroom, no knickers on the floor!
• Reception rooms should be clean and tidy – if there are any, cushions should look plumped up and tables should be clear of clutter

Loo lids should be firmly closed, sinks / baths / showers clean and fresh looking, towels should look neat and clean

Viewings – agents should get there well in advance of any potential tenant

Check the property and, if occupied, tidy (diplomatically) if necessary

If any remedial works need to be or will be done before the new tenant occupies, make sure you tell the viewers

If areas are in need of repair, painting or cleaning (possibly carpets / windows etc) make sure the potential tenants know that all will be done before anyone occupies

If gardens need tidying up make sure that the potential tenant knows this will be done before they move in

Amelia Singer