Information for Renters

Welcome to my Information for Renters page where I have a detailed FAQ section.

Here are my answers to some of the most popular questions I receive from renters:

Who manages the properties?

I’m a self-managing landlord, which means I manage the properties myself. Renters can get in touch with me via the WhatsApp group that I set up for each property. I’m a responsible landlord and care about the maintenance of my properties, so they remain lovely places to live in.

Do you accept pets?

I’m a pet-friendly landlord and will accept most requests for pets, assuming that they’re appropriate for the property.

>> Read my Pet Policy

Who looks after the garden?

It’s the responsibility of the renters to look after the garden. This means mowing it at least once a fortnight in the summer, keeping the shrubs pruned and flower beds weeded. Please dig up weeds like thistles and dock if they make an appearance in the lawn.

If the lawn gets patchy, say after a dry period, you can revive it by raking the patch and sowing some grass seed. The grass should come back if you water where you’ve resown.

What should I do if a repair is needed?

Please let me know straight away via the WhatsApp group and I’ll arrange the repair.

What should I do if I accidentally cause damage to the property, for instance, I leave the bath running and there’s water damage

Please let me know straight away via the WhatsApp group and I’ll come and have a look to see what needs to happen. Please don’t leave it until the next maintenance visit. Things are usually easier to sort out straight away than if left.

What if I spot some mould in the property?

I take mould very seriously. Please let me know straight away via the WhatsApp group and I’ll come and have a look to see what needs to done to fix it. Sometimes it might be caused by something structural, for instance a roof leak. Other times it may be due to condensation from lack of ventilation. It’s important for me to take a look as soon as you notice it, as it’s the sort of thing that is best nipped in the bud.

What if I would like someone else to move into the property with me?

Renters aren’t allowed to sub-let. If you’d like someone else to move into the property, you’d need my permission. I’d need to meet them and might need to do referencing. I’ll accept reasonable requests.

How often do you normally visit the property?

I usually visit my rental properties once every six months for a maintenance check and general catch up. As the properties all date from around 1900, there’s usually something that needs doing, and I like to keep on top of repairs. I arrange a convenient time in advance via WhatsApp.

Who insures what?

I take out standard Landlord Insurance on the houses, which does not include insurance for tenants’ contents. This means that you need to take out contents insurance.

What if there’s an emergency at the property.

Please contact me straight away if there’s something like a water leak or if the boiler stops working. I live locally and can normally come round straightaway, or arrange for a tradesperson to come asap.

What is your approach to rent increases?

I review the rent once a year to take into account market conditions. In 2022 and 2023, I’ve been increasing rent by around wage inflation, not CPI inflation, as I think that’s fairer for renters. I didn’t increase rent during Covid.

What’s Maidstone like?

Maidstone’s a brilliant place to live. There are 4 grammar schools, lots of parks, the River Medway is lovely (esp near Allington Lock), countryside is within easy reach, the trains are under an hour to London. All of the properties are a short walk to the town centre and the train stations. The M20 is within easy reach, and with that London, the M25 or the Kent coast.

Which London stations do the Maidstone train stations go into?

Maidstone East has trains to Charing Cross, London Bridge, Waterloo East and Victoria.

Maidstone West has High Speed 1 trains to London St Pancras and Ebbsfleet during the rush hour. It’s also on the Medway Line between Strood and Tonbridge.

Do you have any properties available at the moment?

I rarely have properties available as my renters tend to stay in their properties for a long time. I don’t advertise the properties on this website as I like to respect the privacy of the people who live in the properties. If you’d like to contact me, you can do so via this Contact Form.