renting with ffields in kensington

Renting Property In Pimlico, Victoria, Westminster, Knightsbridge, Mayfair, Belgravia

Renting Property In Pimlico, Victoria,

Westminster, Knightsbridge, Mayfair, Belgravia

Transport

Kensington is crossed east-west by three main roads, the most important of which is the A4 or Cromwell Road which connects it to both central London and Heathrow Airport, as well as providing the main route out of the city from the district. To the north is the mostly-parallel Kensington Road (of which Kensington High Street forms a large part), linking central London and Hammersmith to the area. To the south is Fulham Road, which connects South Kensington with Fulham to the southwest. North-south connections are not as well-developed and there is no obvious single route through the area.

Kensington is well-served by public transport and is located in the central zone of the public transport network; three London Underground lines serve the district via stations at High St Kensington, Gloucester Road and South Kensington. All three are served by the Circle Line which connects them to London's railway terminals. The District Line also serves all three stations, albeit on different branches; it links the latter two to Westminster and the City. The Piccadilly Line also links South Kensington and Gloucester Road to the West End in about 10 minutes, and in the other direction to Heathrow Airport in about 40 minutes.

A number of local bus services link Kensington into the surrounding districts, and key bus hubs are Kensington High Street and South Kensington station. These bus services are scheduled to be improved in frequency and spread with the western extension of the London congestion charge area, which requires vehicles driving into or around Kensington to pay a daily fee of £8.

History

The manor of Kensington, Middlesex, was granted by William I of England to Geoffrey de Montbray or Mowbray, bishop of Coutances, one of his inner circle of advisors and one of the wealthiest men in post-Conquest England. He in turn granted the tenancy of Kensington to his vassal Aubrey de Vere I, who was holding the manor in 1086, according to Domesday Book. The bishop's heir, Robert de Mowbray, rebelled against William Rufus and his vast barony was declared forfeit. Aubrey de Vere I had his tenure converted to a tenancy in-chief, holding Kensington after 1095 directly of the crown. He granted land and church there to Abingdon Abbey at the deathbed request of his young eldest son, Geoffrey. As the Veres became the earls of Oxford, their estate at Kensington came to be known as Earls Court, while the Abingdon lands were called Abbots Kensington and the church St. Marys Abbots.

An Overview of Renting Residential Property

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Residential property ownership is the biggest capital outlay most people ever make. For people who have made this commitment and find themselves, for numerous reasons, in a position where their property is vacant for a period of time, or who have residential property and wish to have an income from it, then letting out their property can be, if managed correctly, a very useful source of income.

Our Renting Service

We aim to make sure that residential property letting maximises benefits to both parties in a worry free relationship.

As an independent lettings agency we can provide the type of personal service that this warrants.

We treat every property as if it were our own home, by amongst many other things:

• Matching suitable properties to tenants and vice-versa.

• Manoeuvre through complex legislation affecting property renting and letting.

• Deal immediately with any unforeseeable events which always occur - before, during and after occupation.

• Make regular visits to check on the state of the rental property.

• Negotiate terms of tenancy, ensuring any special requirements (e.g. pets) are agreed by all parties prior to rental contracts being signed

Above all, our rentals service is based around one principle:-

"We treat our tenants as if it were we ourselves renting a home, and our properties as if they were our own home"

Renting guide FAQ

What do I need to budget for apart from rent?

You'll probably need a deposit of between 4-6 weeks rent. You may also be asked to give a holding deposit once you confirm your wish to rent a certain property. This would normally be deducted from the first rental payment. You may also have to pay an administration charge.

Who pays for utilities - is it included in the rent?

Normally the tenant takes over the utilities on moving into the property. The only exception to this the water. Unless it metered a lot of letting agents advise their landlord clients to pay for this.

Who should fix items that need repairing in the property?

The landlord should fix any appliances that need repairing. However tenants are responsible for breakages. A tenant should report repairs as soon as they become aware

What privacy will I get?

No. Your privacy is respected. If you rent through an agent it is not usual that either the landlord or letting agent will try to gain access to the property outside pre agreed times. For example, the agent will want to inspect the property at least 2 times during the tenancy. They should give you reasonable notice of this. This area is normally covered in the tenancy agreement signed by you and agent.

Does it matter which letting agent I rent through?

Yes and no. To ensure you receive a professional service its best to choose an agent who is a member of ARLA. They ensure that the let is handled properly. An ARLA agent works to professional standards that work well for both landlord and tenant. For example, the tenant renting by an ARLA agent can expect that the landlord carry out safety checks e.g. gas, electricity etc. The correct tenancy agreement will be used, ensuring that responsibilities are clearly set down and privacy of the tenant is adequate. An ARLA agent will also have proper procedures for reporting and dealing with repairs.

How long is a let?

Most lets are for 12 months. However some letting agents are now offering shorter periods of between 6 and 3 months. Shorter lets are harder to find.

If I want to leave can I give notice at any time during the tenancy?

If you give notice earlier you'll be liable to pay the rent until the end of the tenancy. However, when drawing up agreements you could negotiate a break clause entitling you to give notice after 6 months. This would mean you'd be liable for the rent for the notice period of 2 months - releasing you from the remaining 4 months on a 12 month tenancy.

Can I stop paying rent if the landlord does not carry out repairs needed?

This is a dangerous tactic because you would be in breach of the tenancy agreement and the landlord could take you to court. However, it would be worth taking advice if an important repair needed such as a broken shower or washing machine is not dealt with. A tenant should not stop paying the rent they are satisfied that it is due to the landlord and not delay on the part of the agent or contractors. Some agents ask for repairs to be reported in writing - this avoids ambiguity.

When do I get my deposit back?

Usually after the property has been inspected at the end of the tenancy. If there are any damages the tenant and landlord will have to agree what sum is deductible. There is no set law on when deposits have to be returned. We encourage landlords to make the process as fair as possible by having a professional inventory carried out by us. A report is prepared at the beginning of the tenancy recording the condition of the property interior, and then again at the end of the tenancy.

What type of agreement is used? Can I add things I want agreed?

An assured shorthold tenancy is used for a 6 to 12 month let. This is normally a standard contract between landlord and tenant. If you agree that landlord will provide extras such as furnishings like a bed you should ask that a rider be attached to the agreement to this effect. The landlord is not obliged to carry out promises so the rider is advisable.

Who do I deal with - the letting agent or landlord?

The letting agent will deal with the property viewings, references, agreements and getting you moved in. From that point on contact depends on whether the landlord pays ffields to manage their property. If the property is managed you will normally report any repairs or queries to ffields - otherwise you will deal with the landlord direct.

Renting Property In Pimlico, Victoria, Westminster, Knightsbridge, Mayfair, Belgravia

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Property Rentals in Pimlico, Victoria, Westminster,

Knightsbridge, Mayfair, Belgravia

Flat hunting basics

Determine accommodation needs

To plan your personal finance - the first question is with expert help to work out how much you can afford.

Searching for property can be daunting, so why not use our interactive agent to keep you up to date with changes in the market and fresh properties coming to the market.

Once you have found a property you may need help in agreeing all the terms to secure the deal. There may be a chain involved, or survey difficulties. We are there to help you through this stage. Liaison with your legal adviser will also be crucial.

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