FAQs
WHAT TYPE OF PROPERTIES DO YOU DEAL WITH?
All types – but normally properties with a minimum of 2 bedrooms. They can be with or without a garden or parking and the property doesn’t have to be in good condition but nice enough for tenants to move in. If you’re unsure whether your property fits the bill, why not contact us to find out more.
DOES THE PROPERTY NEED TO BE FURNISHED?
Not necessarily. We take on fully furnished, part-furnished, and completely unfurnished properties. If you have previously rented to undergraduate students, the furniture may not be the type we normally use, and would ask you to remove it. Our customers are professionals and postgraduate students who expect a higher standard of living than most undergraduate students. This would be reflected in the offer we make you.
WHAT ARE YOUR FEES?
We don’t take fees from landlords. Nor do we charge tenant finder fees or the usual sky-high management fees. We make our profit from the difference between what the customer pays us and what we pay you.
I HAVE SOME FRIENDS WHICH ARE ALSO LANDLORDS – COULD YOU HELP THEM TOO?
Yes we could. When you recommend a friend we pay you a referral bonus of £200 per property that we take on.
HOW QUICKLY CAN YOU TAKE A PROPERTY ON?
Once we have visited your property, within 24 hours we will make you a fair offer based on market conditions in your area. The price we agree to will be the price we pay for the duration of the contract, regardless of what happens to the market. If the property is vacant, we could be signing contracts and preparing the property for letting.
HOW DO I RECEIVE RENTAL PAYMENTS?
We will set up a monthly standing order direct to your bank account for the agreed rent. The transfer will be made on the same day every month for the duration of the contract.
DO YOU TAKE ON MULTIPLE HOUSES FROM ONE PERSON?
Yes that’s not a problem. We can take on one or 20 houses from you, provided they meet our criteria.
Landlords
Tenants
DO YOU REFERENCE AND CREDIT CHECK?
Yes we do, on application we will check your references with your employer and current/previous landlords/agencies. We will also do a credit check.
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN I WANT TO LEAVE?
Once you are out of your initial grace period contract all you need to do is give us one calendar month’s notice. We will advertise your room/house and give you a minimum of 24-hours notice that someone is coming to view your room/house.
ARE THERE ANY OTHER FEES OR CHARGES?
No.
HOW DO I PAY THE RENT?
Rent is paid via a standing order, set up to reach our account on the 1st of every month.
IS THE BROADBAND VERY FAST?
Yes. We only put in the biggest fibre optic broadband packages available in our properties as we know how important Internet access is to everyone.
IS THERE PARKING AT YOUR PROPERTIES?
Some have drives for multiple cars; most you can park on the street and the odd one may have restricted parking hours. Our advertisement for each property will give details.
WHAT FURNITURE IS PROVIDED IN THE BEDROOM?
You will have one double (or single) bed frame and mattress, a mattress protector, a chest of drawers, a wardrobe (or tallboy), and a bedside table. Some rooms also have a desk and chair. All rooms have curtains and a lock.
IS THERE WASHING MACHINE, FRIDGE/FREEZER ETC?
All properties have one washing machine and fridge.
WHO DEALS WITH MAINTENANCE ISSUES?
We do. But we depend on your cooperation on this. Please tell us as soon as you think there is an issue with anything in the house, no matter how big or small and we will organise the repairs. If it is a structural problem or general wear and tear the landlord will pay for it, but if someone has broken something – by accident or not – they will have to pay for it. We are always very fair and will listen to everyone’s explanation first.
DO I NEED TO PAY A DEPOSIT?
Yes, the deposit is equal to one month’s rent.
WHAT'S YOUR MINIMUM CONTRACT LENGTH?
We normally ask for a minimum of six months, which then rolls month-by-month after your initial fixed term. If you have a short contract term at work we can arrange for a shorter contract length to suit
WHICH BILLS ARE INCLUDED?
All of them. That’s gas, electricity, water, council tax, broadband and TV licence.
HOW DO I MAKE AN APPOINTMENT TO BOOK VIEWING?
Contact us on +447866452492 to arrange a viewing. Please be aware we must give our current tenants 24-hours notice, so don’t expect a viewing the same day that you ring up.
CAN MY FRIEND OR FAMILY MEMBER COME TO STAY WITH ME?
Of course. But no more than two nights per week unless previously agreed with us. And it’s always polite to mention it in advance to your other house-mates – how would you feel bumping into a stranger in the middle of the night.
DO YOU OFFER REFERRAL BONUSES?
Yes, if you find someone to rent one of our rooms, once they have passed all the usual checks and moved in we will pay you £25, even if you are no longer one of our tenants.
DO I NEED TO BRING KITCHEN EQUIPMENT?
All properties have the basic equipment: plates, bowls, cutlery, sharp knives, chopping boards, pots and pans, mugs, and glasses. However, if you’re thinking of competing in the next series of The Great British Bake Off you may want to add to the collection…
MY JOB HAS FINISHED EARLIER THAN I THOUGHT; CAN I LEAVE MY CONTRACT EARLY?
In this situation we try to help as much as possible. We will advertise the room for the day after you vacate and try to get someone to take over from you as soon as possible. You will of course be liable for rent until the day that someone takes over, or the end date of your contract, whichever is soonest.