You ask, we answer
We are often ask the same question by our tenants and also by applicants. We have compiled here the most frequently asked questions that we have had over the years.
DO YOU RENT TO STUDENTS?
Yes, we rent to potgrad students.
DO I NEED TO HAVE A GUARANTOR TO RENT FROM YOU?
It will all depend on whether or not you have an income that is at least 3 times the rent. If this is the case, then we do not require a guarantor.
However, if you are a postgrad student or you are in between jobs, for example, we will ask for a guarantor.
The guarantor needs to be in the UK and be a home owner.
We are currently looking into a option for tenants who don’t have a suitable guarantor or none. We will update soon.
WHAT IS THE HOLDING DEPOSIT?
The holding deposit is part of the full deposit. It corresponds to the equivalent to one week rent. It is used to reserve the room.
Basically, by paying the holding deposit, the applicant confirms his/her intention to rent the room or the house/property.
On our side, we will do all the due diligence to vet the applicant. If the applicant does not pass vetting, then the holding deposit is lost. Otherwise, when all is good (most of the time), we apply the holding deposit to the final deposit.
I HAVE PAID THE HOLDING DEPOSIT BUT MY CIRCUMSTANCES HAVE CHANGE, WHAT HAPPEN THEN?
If you have applied for a property/room and paid the holding deposit, then we have stopped advertising the room and all the viewings.
If you decide not to go ahead, then you loose your holding deposit.
IS THERE AN ALTERNATIVE TO THE DEPOSIT?
Yes, we have an alternative. We will update this answer soon as we are currently organizing that option with a third party.
CAN I PAY IN CASH?
No, all payments need to be by bank transfer.
DO YOU HAVE ROOMS FOR COUPLES?
No, all our rooms are for single occupancy.
This point is specially important because we need to make sure that we are in compliance to HMO regulations and the terms of the license for licensed HMOs.
MY CIRCUMSTANCES HAVE CHANGED AND I NEEDS TO LEAVE BEFORE THE END OF MY TENANCY, IS THIS POSSIBLE?
We undersatand that there are many ways in which plans change and we try to be as flexible as possible. However, you are liable for the rent for the duration of the fixed term, whether you are in the room/house or not.
If you need to leave before the end of the fixed term of your tenancy, then you need to find a replacement tenant for your room/house. We will also help by advertising the room/house.
As soon as the replacement tenant moves in, you will be free of your tenancy obligation.
The replacement tenant will need to be vetted and the tenancy approved beforehand.
Note that there is a £50 fee for tenancy change.
I HAVE LOST MY HOUSE KEYS. CAN YOU COME OPEN THE DOOR FOR ME?
If you loose your house keys, you need to come to the office to get a spare one.
You will be charged for the key copy.
If you loose your key out-of-hours, then there will be an additional out-of-hours service fee of £50
I HAVE A PET, CAN I RENT ONE OF YOUR ROOMS?
No, we do not allow pets in our HMOs.
The main reason for that is that we cannot guarantee that any of the other current or future tenants will not be alergic to the pet.
I HAVE A PET, CAN I RENT A HOUSE FROM YOU?
Yes, in some of our houses we allow pets. However, the rent is slighly higher and we request the tenant to have and maintain a pet insurance.
WHAT ARE YOUR CRITERIA TO RENT TO PROFESSIONALS?
To rent to professionals we perform among others the following checks:
1.-Right to rent: Copy of photo ID. If you are not a UK national, we will aslo ask for the shared code to check your right to rent.
2.-Proof of income of at least 3 times the rent+bills : We will need copy of your last 3 payslips
3.-Affordability checks: We will need the last 3 bank statements.
4.-Landlord reference checks: Contact information of your current landlord.
5.-Credit checks will also be done
If all checks are positive, then we will offer you a tenacy contract.
WHAT ARE YOUR CRITERIA TO RENT TO A STUDENT?
To rent to postgrad students we perform among others the following checks:
1.-Right to rent: Copy of photo ID. If you are not a UK national, we will aslo ask for the shared code to check your right to rent.
2.-Proof of studies: We will need copy of the acceptance letter fromt he University
3.-Guarantor form: We will need a guarantor form filled and signed by the UK guarantor as well as copy of his/her ID
4.-Landlord reference checks: Contact information of your current landlord.
5.-Credit checks will also be done
If all checks are positive, then we will offer you a tenacy contract.