Tenant

Advice for Tenants

Finding and moving into a new home is an exciting time and here at Fry and Kent we aim to make things go as smoothly as possible.

Our professional and friendly staff will help you to find the right property for your lifestyle and budget and then keep you informed of move-in dates and generally do our best to make sure everything goes to plan.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

I’ve found a property - what happens next?

You will be asked to come to the office to sign a ‘good faith form’ and pay an administration fee. You will then be asked to complete the referencing form in full and produce photographic identification (either full drivers licence or passport) and proof of residency (a utility bill dated within the last three months, or letter from your employer). The referencing form and identification will need to be returned to the office within 48 hours, either by hand, post, email or fax.

What documents will you need to see when I rent a property?

Please see above

How do I pay my rent?

By standing order or direct debit. Please be aware that it is your responsibility to authorise a standing order with your bank.

Who holds my deposit?

Your deposit will be registered with DPS (Deposit Protection Service) who will hold your deposit for the duration of the tenancy. On receipt of satisfactory approval of the check out of your property the deposit will be returned directly by the DPS.

How long does a rental agreement last?

A rental agreement (Assured Shorthold Tenancy) has a minimum period of six months but can be for longer or may be extended by mutual agreement.

What happens if I have a problem with my property?

Contact us by phone, email or fax as soon as possible. Please see notes below and downloadable forms for further information.

Already a tenant? Need help?

• Want to report a problem? Print off the problem reporting form in the download area
• Out of hours emergency?  Please call....

Things you need to know as one of our Tenants

Cleaning:
The property must be returned to us having being professionally cleaned. We can provide this service, please contact 02392 822300 for further information.

Redecorating/altering property:
Most Landlords will be happy to accommodate modest personal choices of colour however in all instances permission must be sought and confirmation received in writing from us. We reserve the right to inspect and photograph the decorations and it may well be that the Landlord asks you to restore the walls to their original colour and condition at the end of the tenancy.

Property Maintenance – common problems:
It is the responsibility and contractual obligation of the tenant to ensure and report on the condition and fabric of the house and you will be liable if you fail to do so. Ensuring the property does not deteriorate during the tenancy covers a wide range of issues the most common ones being:

Blocked Drains:
Please be careful what you place down toilets and drains as you will be billed if a blocked drain or toilet is deemed to be your fault.

Guttering:
If water is spilling over the top of the guttering around the property it is likely the gutters need clearing please so please call us.

Condensation/moisture:
Please use the extractor fan or open a window to ventilate if there is steam inside the property as you will be liable for damage caused by excess steam. If you are drying washing indoors again please ventilate the property as it may cause damage if you don’t.

Gardening:
Unless otherwise stated please do not forget to maintain gardens and outside spaces. If you need help with this call us and we will arrange for quotes from a contractor.

Not Sure?
If you’re not sure whether any problems are your or the landlord’s responsibility then please call us or contact us by filling out one of our forms then you’ll be covered. We’ll come and inspect and make recommendations – and we won’t bill you for that! We want your rental to be enjoyable and trouble free.

How do I Serve Notice to end my tenancy agreement?
Please download the Serving Notice form from our download area. It must be submitted by hand or sent by recorded delivery to our Property Management office at 12 Marmion Road, Southsea, Hampshire, PO5 3BA.

When to Serve Notice
Notice must be served on the anniversary date of your agreement. This is the day/(date) of commencement of your Tenancy Agreement (Assured Shorthold Tenancy)If you are not sure how much notice you need to give please contact us.

Check out Procedure:
Once you have confirmed a move out date we will expect all the keys you hold to be returned to us by close of business on the last day of your tenancy. We will have arranged a formal check out of the property and this will take place within 24/48hrs following the end of your tenancy at which you can be present as may the landlord and our checkout clerk.