Frequently Asked Questions
1. What do I need to do when my friends and I have selected our Student House?
You will each be asked to complete an Application Form which will give us your contact details, confirms the property you have selected and the friends you intend to share with.
2. What do I have to pay prior to the start of my tenancy?
When you complete the Application Form we will ask for a Holding Deposit from you and your friends with whom you will be sharing, the monetary equivalent of two weeks' rent. This will secure the property selected and is refundable within 30 days of commencement of the tenancy.
3. When can we view your properties?
When you've found what you're looking for, contact us and we'll try to find a mutually convenient time for you to view. It's preferable if you are all present.
4. What is the period of the tenancy?
The tenancy is for a 52 weeks period commencing 1st July and ending 30th June of the following year.
5. What is the Retainer?
The Retainer is the four weeks period from 1st of July when we carry out maintenance works to the property in advance of you being able to move in.
You are charged half of the usual rent for this period.
6. What type of Tenancy Agreement will we be signing?
We will issue you with an Assured Shorthold Tenancy Agreement, a sample document accompanies the Application Form.
This is signed by us, as Landlord, you as Tenant and your signature needs to be witnessed.
We also ask for a Guarantor Agreement to be completed; this is usually signed by either your parent or next of kin.
7. What is a Guarantor Agreement?
This is a legally binding document whereby the signatory agrees to fund the rent payments due from you in the event that your rent remains unpaid.
8. How is rent paid?
When we issue the Assured Shorthold Tenancy Agreement we ask for the following:-
Two postdated cheques as follows :-(25th June 2008) - A postdated cheque for the Retainer Period (half usual rent).
(28th July 2008) - A postdated cheque for the first month's rent.
From 1st September, the remaining rent is paid by Standing Order, in advance, on the last day of each prior calendar month to the end of the tenancy period.
9. What is a Standing Order?
A Standing Order is a form which we each complete with our respective bank account details.
This entitles your bank to make payment directly into our account on specified dates, for specified amounts.
We send the completed document to your bank for them to set this up.
You will, therefore, need a current bank account to enable you to pay via this method.
10. What about bills?
We pay the Water, Internet and Cable (preset channels) bills; you are responsible for the Gas and Electricity bills. As students you are exempt from Council Tax.
Details of the relevant Utility Provider will be given to you when you Check In to your new student home.
11. What if we need something fixing?
We will give you our contact details to enable you to notify us of any repairs necessary or in the event of an emergency.
We also provide a Tenant Helpline
12. What happens if one of my friends drop out?
Fingers crossed this will not happen, but occasionally it does. From experience, you may be able to find a replacement well before the tenancy starts. If not, there is the option for you and your remaining friends to pay a little extra for the vacant room.
13. What do I need to bring?
The main items of furniture and appliances are already in your home, but from experience we know students prefer to bring certain items with them.
You will, therefore, need to bring the following :-
- Bedding
- Cutlery
- Crockery
- Kettle
- Toaster
- Kitchen Utensils
14. What happens when we move in?
We will liaise with you in advance to agree a convenient Check In time and date.
At Check In we will give you a pack containing important information about your new home including Health & Safety matters.
You will also be asked to sign an Inventory and Schedule of Condition as a permanent record.
15. Do I need to take out insurance for my belongings?
It is vital, in our opinion, that you insure your belongings and our Tenancy Agreement stipulates this.
16. I am bringing a TV with me do I need a TV licence?
Yes, you will need to obtain a TV licence as an occupier of the property.
17. Can I bring my pet?
Unfortunately, we do not allow pets or animals in our student properties.
18. What happens when we leave?
At Check Out i.e. when your tenancy ends, we will review the Inventory and Schedule of Condition, agree any discrepancies and collect the keys.