What reference checks does The Portman Estate validate?
You will be sent a link to our referencing agent who will require financial information from you such as (but not limited to):
- Confirmation of employment
- Salary
- Bank account, savings and/or audited company accounts if you are self-employed
- Evidence of your previous address from your landlord or mortgage company, supported by utility bills
- Bankruptcy, CCJs, insolvency
- Current passport and visa
Your visa must be valid for the length of the proposed tenancy period.
What do we do if we want to change permitted occupiers during the lease term?
You are not permitted to change the tenants or occupiers without the consent of the landlord. The landlord will consider a request based on the ability for the proposed applicant’s ability to meet the financial commitment and on the basis that there is no breach of the terms of the tenancy.
The proposed applicant will be required to undertake a full reference and details of their employment, visa status and prior address will have to be supplied.
How do I find out what Council Tax band my property is in?
For information on Council Tax banding, visit Westminster City Council's website here
How do I get Sky installed in my property?
If you are a residential tenant please check your television aerial sockets to find out if there is a provision for satellite. If so, all you need to do is contact Sky to set up your account and arrange delivery of your preferred Skybox and your viewing card. If you do not have a satellite socket then you will need to contact our approved contractors to have satellite services installed at your own cost.
Long leaseholders and commercial tenants should contact our approved contractors to have satellite services installed at your own cost.
Solarcom – 0845 6891199
I would like access to Portman/ Bryanston/ Montagu/ Manchester Square Garden, am I eligible, and how do I obtain a key?
As a tenant living or working on the Estate you may be permitted to use one of these beautiful gardens.
Registration, conditions and fees apply.
For Portman Square and Bryanston Square please contact Westbourne Block Management on 020 3626 0094
For Montagu Square please email the garden clerk
For Manchester Square please email the garden clerk
I would like some extra keys for my property, what do I need to do?
Our keys are registered and can only be cut at specified locksmiths with the Estate’s written approval.
If you are the named tenant or leaseholder on the agreement you can contact our Service Desk to request additional keys. In most cases our keys will be Bramah and will have a unique code printed on the back. When calling the Service Desk it is always helpful to have the code ready.
Our Service Desk Operators will prepare a letter of authority usually within 48 hours, which can be collected from our reception upon presentation of photo identification.
The letter can then be taken to Bramah Locksmiths who are located nearby where your keys can be cut and paid for while you wait. The additional keys will need to be returned at the end of your tenancy.
Service Desk
Telephone: 020 7563 1750
Email: service.desk@portmanestate.co.uk
What should I do if I’ve lost the keys to my property?
If you have lost your keys for the safety and security of your property and your neighbours, you must contact our Service Desk as soon as possible. They will arrange for a lock change which will be chargeable. We also suggest that you contact your own contents insurers as some policies cover the cost of lost or stolen keys.
Service Desk
T: 020 7563 1750
E: Service.Desk@portmanestate.co.uk
Can I store my belongings in the common parts?
Personal items must remain within your unit to keep the common parts safe for you, your co-occupiers and anyone else working in or visiting the property.
In certain instances it may be necessary for us to remove items without warning. We would appreciate your co-operation in keeping the common parts clear of personal effects.
Where can I find information on your gas safety inspections?
I am a student, will The Portman Estate rent to me?
The Estate does let properties to students. You will have to provide evidence of the course and college at which you are studying and you must have a valid visa for the duration of your tenancy period. If you are a registered student, there may be a limit on the type of tenancy and tenancy length we can permit to you. We recommend that you speak with the Residential Asset Management Team to discuss prior to submitting an offer form.
What should I do if I want to renew my tenancy for another term?
Our Residential Asset Management team will contact you two months before the end of the tenancy to establish your intentions for renewal.
Should you wish to renew the tenancy we will conduct a brief inspection of the property and put forward a proposal for the new lease term.
Can you recommended a professional cleaning company?
The Estate uses three contractors for cleaning who may be able to assist you with your own cleaning needs. They are the following:
Montagu Property Services
Greenzone
Accelerate Cleaning
Other cleaning companies online will also be able to provide you with quotations for services within your flat.
Are tenants allowed to keep pets?
The Estate does not generally permit pets in our properties. However, please contact the Residential Asset Management team on 0207 563 1494 to discuss your requirements.
