How much will utility bills cost?

The cost of gas, electricity and water vary depending on the energy efficiency of the house and how much you use. Your EPC will provide an average cost but bear in mind that if you are at home more than the average, then the cost is likely to be higher. The cost of broadband, TV license and TV packages vary depending on the service you choose. 

There are number of companies who will help you plan and split the cost of bills between you such as Glide, Split the Bills and Huddle – if you need a bit more certainty, you may want to consider this option. 

How do I reserve a house?

If you want to reserve a house, please email ([email protected]) or telephone (01227 713 913) to tell us which house you would like to reserve and the names and email addresses of everyone in your group. We will then send you an application form. After you have completed this, we will send you a draft tenancy agreement and ask you to pay holding deposit. We will hold the house for you for 5 days while you and your guarantor complete the paperwork. 

When do I have to pay the deposit? 

Deposit are normally payable on or before signing the tenancy agreement. If, for any reason, you are unable to do so, please discuss this with the office staff. 

Does my deposit get returned? If so, when? 

Any deposit you pay is returnable after the end of the tenancy and within 10 days of you and your landlord agreeing any deductions. 

How long does the referencing process take? 

Provided you and your guarantor are able to complete all the required documentation upon receipt, this should take no more than 5 days. Delays occur when the referencing company is awaiting completion of forms or the supply of relevant documents. 

Who can be my guarantor? 

Your guarantor agrees to pay any monies owing for the tenancy in the unlikely event that you do not. Therefore, your guarantor should be based in the UK, in full time employment (unless they can evidence savings), usually a home owner and with a clear credit history, all of which will be assessed by an external credit referencing agency. 

Can I store my belongings in the property over the summer? 

Your tenancy agreement prohibits you from storing possessions in the property until your actual move in date because of the increased risk of theft created by possessions in a vacant property. You will not normally be able to move in during the first 7 or 14 days of the tenancy in consideration for the discount offered. 

When is the first instalment of rent due? 

Rent is normally due quarterly in advance. The first quarter’s rent is due one month in advance of the start date of the tenancy. If you are unable to pay quarterly or foresee problems in being able to pay on the due date, please discuss this with the office staff. 

Am I responsible for my housemates’ rent, cleaning and condition of their bedrooms? 

Normally houses are booked by a group of friends on a joint and severally liable tenancy agreement. This means that everyone on the tenancy agreement is both jointly and individually responsible for ensuring all the terms of the tenancy agreement are met. For instance, if one housemate does not pay the rent or causes damage, any one or all other joint tenants can be asked to pay the unpaid rent or repair the damage. Trusting those you reserve your house with is therefore very important. 

If you are not part of a group and reserve just one bedroom (where the landlord permits), then you are responsible for your share of the rent only. You will however be jointly and severally liable with the other tenants in the event of damages if no one tenant admits or accepts responsibility. 

Do I have to pay for maintenance? 

Maintenance which arises through fair wear and tear or because of a defect to the property is your landlord’s responsibility. Any damage to the property arising from misuse or through failure to report an issue in good time (resulting in greater damage), is the tenants’ responsibility. As long as you treat the property well and report any defects as soon as they become apparent, you will not need to worry.