FAQ
Tenant FAQ
We know that renting a property can come with plenty of questions — and we’re here to make sure you get clear, honest answers.
Below you’ll find answers to some of the most common questions that we are asked.
Can’t find the answer you’re looking for? No problem — we’re always happy to help. Get in touch with our friendly team and we’ll talk you through anything you’d like to know.
How do I report maintenance issues?
You can report any maintenance issues by contacting us on 01480 731750, emailing enquiries@squire-property.co.uk or by sending an enquiry through the contact page of our website. We will discuss the problem with your Landlord, seeking instruction to rectify. One of our trusted tradesmen will be in touch to arrange a suitable time to carry out the repair, or assess the problem.
If you have an emergency maintenance issue outside of office hours, please call 07999825853. Please note that this number is for emergencies only (urgent issues that cannot wait until our office opening hours).
Do I have to allow access to my property?
The tenancy agreement states that tenants should allow reasonable access when requested.
We may need to enter your property for a number of reasons: To carry out necessary safety checks, carry out routine maintenance, perform an inspection etc. We will contact you to arrange access or provide a minimum of 24 hours notice (except in case of emergency), if we need to enter the property. If a visit is not suitable, we will endeavour to arrange an appointment at a more convenient time.
What if I am unable to pay my rent?
Please contact us as soon you think there may be a problem and we will do our best to help. Please don't ignore the problem, or be afraid to speak to us. We can't help if we don't know what is going on. We will speak with your Landlord and make a suitable payment plan where appropriate. Depending on your circumstances, you may be entitled to financial support visit www.gov.uk or www.citizensadvice.org.uk for more information. If you are struggling with debt visit www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk
Can I keep pets?
You will need to gain written consent to keep a pet at the property. Please submit a request in writing and we will seek consent from your Landlord. If granted, we will issue a new fixed term tenancy or add an addendum to the existing one. A fee of £50.00 (Including VAT) will apply for requesting to alter the terms of your agreement.
If you have pets and are looking for a property to rent, ensure that pets are allowed before you view or apply.
Keeping pets without consent may result in notice being served, to end the tenancy at the end of your fixed term.
Can I redecorate?
We want you to feel at home in your rented property, but written permission must be sought before undertaking any redecoration or alterations. If permission is granted, decorating should be carried out to a professional standard and in some circumstances, you may be asked to return the decor to the original colour at the end of the tenancy. Please submit any request in writing.
Can I hang pictures, shelves or televisions?
Please seek written permission if hanging your items means making holes, or causing damage to the walls. If permission is granted, you may be asked to fill any holes and redecorate the wall in its entirety, to a professional standard at the end of the tenancy.
Do I need my own insurance?
Yes - You must arrange suitable contents insurance to cover your own belongings. The Landlord is only responsible for Buildings Insurance, and is not responsible for any damage to tenants items. If would like an insurance quote, please visit the insurance tab on our website, where we can introduce you to LetAlliance.
How does the tenancy end?
The tenancy does not just expire at the end of your fixed term agreement. The tenancy turns into a contractual periodic tenancy, meaning that it automatically continues on a "rolling" basis. If you wish to end the tenancy, you will need to give one months notice in writing, which will start from the day that we receive it. If you want to leave at the end of your fixed term, you will need to give your notice 1 month before the expiry date.
When we have received notice that you wish to end the tenancy, we will confirm this in writing, and send you details of what is expected when handing the property back. Towards the end of your notice period, we will contact you to arrange an appointment to inspect the property and collect the keys.
If you need to leave your property but are in a fixed term tenancy, you will still be liable to pay the rent and utility charges for the remainder of your agreement, but we may be able to release you from this liability, by finding a new tenant to replace you. Your tenancy will end on the day that they move in, but a charge (up to £100 including VAT) may apply to cover our costs incurred with re-letting the property earlier than anticipated.
If the Landlord wants their property back, they will instruct us to serve you with 2 months written notice. We will inform you by telephone and deliver the notice to the property.
A notice of possession may also be served for breaches of the tenancy agreement, or non-payment of rent.
Can someone be added, or removed from the tenancy?
If one of the named tenants wants to leave the tenancy, a new agreement will need to be drawn up and further referencing checks may need to be carried out, to ensure affordability for the remaining party. All original tenants remain jointly and severally liable for the terms of the tenancy agreement, until a new one is signed.
If you would like to add somebody to your tenancy, referencing checks will be carried out for all parties, and a new tenancy agreement will be drawn up in joint names.
A fee of £50 (including VAT) will be charged for any amendments to the tenancy agreement.