The Rental Process
Administration
The property is rented either to 5 students or professionals on a single Assured Shorthold Tenancy Agreement, or on a room by room basis to 5 individuals. Once a group or individual is happy to commence, the contract is reviewed, signed and witnessed. This, along with payment of the full deposit, and other legally required checks, secures the tenancy. Room allocation is agreed at this time so everyone can relax about when they move in. The first rental instalment will be payable prior to the start of the tenancy. Keys are sent out to each tenant to allow plenty of time for them to move in. Tenants are asked to review the inventory when they move in as a priority, as this cannot always be done together with the Landlord.
Prices 2024-2025
Please contact the owner for details.
Other Administration Checks
Under current legislation, it is necessary to obtain evidence from each potential new tenant of their right to live in the UK. A valid Passport is usually sufficient for this purpose. In addition, for insurance purposes, it is also necessary to obtain a short reference letter and a guarantor letter in support of each tenant. Finally, it is necessary for tenants to approve a Privacy Statement and permit the appropriate sharing of thier personal data in line with GDPR legislation.
A deposit is payable be each tenant to secure the property. This deposit will be placed with the Deposit Protection Service within 14 days of receipt by the Landlord. At the end of the tenancy, the deposit is returned to the tenant with any deductions first being agreed by both the tenant and the Landlord.
The inventory is carefully prepared by the Landord prior to the start of the letting. This will be found at the property for review by the tenants at the start of the tenancy. Any omissions or errors must be reported to ensure all parties agree the document is a fair record of the condition of the property.
The Services
All bills are included in the rent (Apart from Council Tax). Council Tax exemption must be applied for in liaison with the Landlord and the tenants are liable for any charges that may become due (unless they are renting on an individual basis). The property is supported by local key holding trusted trades people to ensure that most plumbing, electrical or drainage problems that may arise from time to time can be sorted out quickly and safely. The tenants are responsible for arranging and paying for personal insurance.
Safety Issues
A Gas Safety check and Portable Appliance testing is undertaken annually and certificates are always available for inspection. Interlinked smoke, heat and Co detectors are present, along with a fire blanket in the kitchen. Fire regulation compliant furniture is used throughout the property. All bedroom doors are lockable with thumb turn interior fixtures. Fire doors provide a 30 minute protected escape route and the cellar is fully fire lined for further protection. The house comes with a compliant Periodic Electric Installation Report and is fully approved as an HMO property by Portsmouth City Council.
The Deposit
The Inventory
The Landlords
Sally and Andrew Savage are ex-students of Portsmouth Polytechnic and have 5 rental properties in Portsmouth, this one for over 38 years! They have let the house successfully during this time with the philosophy that if the Landlord is fair, maintains the house properly and treats the tenants with respect, they will do likewise. They do not live locally but are easily contactable and visit each property regularly during the year, in line with HMO licence requirements. They also have a local builder, maintenance company, heating engineer, electrician and roofer who are available to attend to small problems that may occur from time to time.
The Contract
Each tenant must sign an Assured Shorthold Tenancy Agreement covering all aspects of the let. A signed and witnessed copy is retained by both the Tenants and the Landlord. The contract has been verbally approved previously by Portsmouth University Student Housing and a draft copy is available for review on request.