Here you can find answers to some of the most frequently asked questions. You are welcome to contact us if you have additional questions.
Before you move in
How do you find new tenants?
In most cases, the new tenant finds us. Many new tenants find us via word-of-mouth from housemates. We also advertise empty rooms on our website, on SpareRoom and on our FaceBook page.
What is referencing?
Referencing will basically confirm that you are who you say you are, and that all of the information you have provided to us is correct.
It also checks your financial and criminal background and will talk to a few people you have nominated, e.g. your manager at work or your previous landlords.
Everyone will have a reference check before they move in so you can rest assured that all of your housemates are who they say they are and have been thoroughly checked.
Who does the referencing?
A large national referencing specialist which is also an insurance company.
What is the cost of referencing?
There is no cost to you for the referencing.
What happens to the information I provide during referencing?
The referencing company will contact you for your approval to do the reference checks and will inform you of their processes for keeping your information. They will then provide us with a report stating your suitability to rent.
What happens if I fail during referencing?
If you think that you may fail referencing, you should discuss this with us before agreeing to and paying for referencing.
If you fail referencing, you will be offered the opportunity to provide a Guarantor who will guarantee to pay your rent should you default with payments. The Guarantor will then also have to go through and pass referencing.
However, if you fail due to having provided inaccurate information (e.g. employment, criminal record) then we will notify you of this and we are unable to provide you with a room.
Which bills are included in rent? What do I have to pay?
We pay all shared costs, including electricity, gas, heating, water, TV licence for TVs in the shared areas, gardening, weekly cleaner (shared areas), window cleaning, and all repairs and maintenance.
Any expenses that are not shared are your responsibility. Your personal daily living (food, cleaning of your own room and personal bathroom, laundry, personal content’s insurance, etc.) are at your own cost.
We provide washing machine and tumble dryer; however, using these is at your expense.
We normally pay Council Tax (being a shared cost). However, Councils occasionally calculate Council Tax on a per-room basis to be paid directly by the tenant in which case this becomes your responsibility. In these cases, we will deduct the cost of your Council Tax in the rent you pay so that your monthly payment remains the same.
If anything is damaged and you are at fault, then you will have to pay for repair or replacement.
Is there a written rental contract?
Yes, we use a standard Assured Shorthold Tenancy (AST) Agreement. We will review this with you and we will both sign this before you move in.
Is rent paid weekly or monthly?
Rent is normally paid monthly on the day you signed the AST (see above). However, we can adjust the day of the month when your rent is due. If you prefer you can also pay your rent weekly.
Rent is always paid in advance.
How much is deposit?
Deposit is one month’s rent and must be paid before you can move in.
Is the deposit secure?
Yes, your deposit is lodged with the Governments Deposit Protection Scheme (DPS) and can only be released when you have moved out and only after you and we have both authorised its release.
Is there furniture in my room?
Yes, your room will have a bed, a chest of drawers, a wardrobe, and a bedside table. Larger rooms may also have some chairs and a coffee table and/or a computer desk.
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How do you find new tenants?
In most cases, the new tenant finds us. Many new tenants find us via word-of-mouth from housemates. We also advertise empty rooms on our website, on SpareRoom and on our FaceBook page.
What is referencing?
Referencing will basically confirm that you are who you say you are, and that all of the information you have provided to us is correct.
It also checks your financial and criminal background and will talk to a few people you have nominated, e.g. your manager at work or your previous landlords.
Everyone will have a reference check before they move in so you can rest assured that all of your housemates are who they say they are and have been thoroughly checked.
Who does the referencing?
A large national referencing specialist which is also an insurance company.
What is the cost of referencing?
There is no cost to you for the referencing.
What happens to the information I provide during referencing?
The referencing company will contact you for your approval to do the reference checks and will inform you of their processes for keeping your information. They will then provide us with a report stating your suitability to rent.
What happens if I fail during referencing?
If you think that you may fail referencing, you should discuss this with us before agreeing to and paying for referencing.
If you fail referencing, you will be offered the opportunity to provide a Guarantor who will guarantee to pay your rent should you default with payments. The Guarantor will then also have to go through and pass referencing.
However, if you fail due to having provided inaccurate information (e.g. employment, criminal record) then we will notify you of this and we are unable to provide you with a room.
Which bills are included in rent? What do I have to pay?
We pay all shared costs, including electricity, gas, heating, water, TV licence for TVs in the shared areas, gardening, weekly cleaner (shared areas), window cleaning, and all repairs and maintenance.
Any expenses that are not shared are your responsibility. Your personal daily living (food, cleaning of your own room and personal bathroom, laundry, personal content’s insurance, etc.) are at your own cost.
We provide washing machine and tumble dryer; however, using these is at your expense.
We normally pay Council Tax (being a shared cost). However, Councils occasionally calculate Council Tax on a per-room basis to be paid directly by the tenant in which case this becomes your responsibility. In these cases, we will deduct the cost of your Council Tax in the rent you pay so that your monthly payment remains the same.
If anything is damaged and you are at fault, then you will have to pay for repair or replacement.
Is there a written rental contract?
Yes, we use a standard Assured Shorthold Tenancy (AST) Agreement. We will review this with you and we will both sign this before you move in.
Is rent paid weekly or monthly?
Rent is normally paid monthly on the day you signed the AST (see above). However, we can adjust the day of the month when your rent is due. If you prefer you can also pay your rent weekly.
Rent is always paid in advance.
How much is deposit?
Deposit is one month’s rent and must be paid before you can move in.
Is the deposit secure?
Yes, your deposit is lodged with the Governments Deposit Protection Scheme (DPS) and can only be released when you have moved out and only after you and we have both authorised its release.
Is there furniture in my room?
Yes, your room will have a bed, a chest of drawers, a wardrobe, and a bedside table. Larger rooms may also have some chairs and a coffee table and/or a computer desk.
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Moving in
Who decides when I can move in
Both you and us will discuss and agree on your move in date.
What time of day can I get the keys for my new room
Normally by midday but we can usually accommodate other times of day if that suits you better.
We will meet you at the house and hand you the key. We will also show you around and introduce you to any of the other housemates who may be at home.
Where can I keep my stuff?
You should keep all of your belongings in your room; there is plenty of storage space in all bedrooms.
All houses also have limited shared storage space mainly for bikes, suitcases and other items which it may not be possible to keep in your room. You share this space with the other housemates.
How will you record the status of furniture in my room?
On checking in, both yourself and us will check and agree to the condition of all furniture in your room and of the room itself; this will be registered on a ‘Room Inventory Sheet’ and signed by both.
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Who decides when I can move in
Both you and us will discuss and agree on your move in date.
What time of day can I get the keys for my new room
Normally by midday but we can usually accommodate other times of day if that suits you better.
We will meet you at the house and hand you the key. We will also show you around and introduce you to any of the other housemates who may be at home.
Where can I keep my stuff?
You should keep all of your belongings in your room; there is plenty of storage space in all bedrooms.
All houses also have limited shared storage space mainly for bikes, suitcases and other items which it may not be possible to keep in your room. You share this space with the other housemates.
How will you record the status of furniture in my room?
On checking in, both yourself and us will check and agree to the condition of all furniture in your room and of the room itself; this will be registered on a ‘Room Inventory Sheet’ and signed by both.
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Living in the house
Who cleans the house?
Our cleaners will clean all shared areas (hallway, kitchen, lounge, etc.) each week. The cleaners also clean the shared bathrooms (where two or more people share a bathroom).
However, it is your responsibility to clean your own room and en-suite bathroom, to keep the house in good order, to clean the fridges/freezers, cooker and ovens, your personal cupboards in the kitchen etc., and to do your own washing up.
Who are the other people in the house?
You will share the house with 4 or more housemates. We rely on you getting together every now and again to agree matters of shared interest, e.g. who buys washing tablets for the dishwasher or new lightbulbs.
Can anyone get into my room when I’m not there?
None of your housemates can get into your room as their keys won’t unlock your door.
In order to check that all facilities in the house are in good working order we conduct quarterly maintenance checks of the whole house including bedrooms and en-suite bathrooms. We will always inform you in advance of these checks and you are welcome to be present.
If any work is required we will discuss a suitable date and time with you for our Maintenance Team to access your room and of course you can be present if you wish.
However, in case of an emergency (a water leakage or fire, for instance) we will enter your room to check it. We will always try and contact you before doing so, and we will always let you know afterwards.
Can I park my car? Is it secure?
Yes, you can park your car; either dedicated off-street car parking or free parking on the streets just outside the house.
The car parking areas are no more (or less) secure than the area in general; there are no locked garages available.
Is there washing facilities?
Yes, every house has a washing machine and a tumble dryer. The machines are coin-operated; washing and tumble drying costs £1.00 per hour each.
The outside area has a rotary for drying of clothes, and there is a small clothes rack for drying delicate fabrics in your bathroom. Laundry must never be left in the shared area or on radiators as this causes mould problems.
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Who cleans the house?
Our cleaners will clean all shared areas (hallway, kitchen, lounge, etc.) each week. The cleaners also clean the shared bathrooms (where two or more people share a bathroom).
However, it is your responsibility to clean your own room and en-suite bathroom, to keep the house in good order, to clean the fridges/freezers, cooker and ovens, your personal cupboards in the kitchen etc., and to do your own washing up.
Who are the other people in the house?
You will share the house with 4 or more housemates. We rely on you getting together every now and again to agree matters of shared interest, e.g. who buys washing tablets for the dishwasher or new lightbulbs.
Can anyone get into my room when I’m not there?
None of your housemates can get into your room as their keys won’t unlock your door.
In order to check that all facilities in the house are in good working order we conduct quarterly maintenance checks of the whole house including bedrooms and en-suite bathrooms. We will always inform you in advance of these checks and you are welcome to be present.
If any work is required we will discuss a suitable date and time with you for our Maintenance Team to access your room and of course you can be present if you wish.
However, in case of an emergency (a water leakage or fire, for instance) we will enter your room to check it. We will always try and contact you before doing so, and we will always let you know afterwards.
Can I park my car? Is it secure?
Yes, you can park your car; either dedicated off-street car parking or free parking on the streets just outside the house.
The car parking areas are no more (or less) secure than the area in general; there are no locked garages available.
Is there washing facilities?
Yes, every house has a washing machine and a tumble dryer. The machines are coin-operated; washing and tumble drying costs £1.00 per hour each.
The outside area has a rotary for drying of clothes, and there is a small clothes rack for drying delicate fabrics in your bathroom. Laundry must never be left in the shared area or on radiators as this causes mould problems.
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Considering leaving?
What happens after 6 months?
Contracts (ASTs) are usually for a 6 months’ period.
Provided both you and we are happy for you to continue living in the house, your contract then becomes ‘monthly/periodic’. The same contract continues, your deposit will remain at the DPS, and you can stay in your room for as long as we both agree.
How do I let you know that I want to leave?
We ask that you give us at least 1 month’s written notice to leave.
During this last period we will advertise the room and with your permission will show your room to potential new tenants.
What if my circumstances change and I would like to leave earlier/later than agreed?
We will always try and accommodate your needs.
A later leaving date is normally possible provided 1) there isn’t another tenant waiting for the room, 2) you pay rent for any additional days, and 3) we have agreed to this.
If you want to leave earlier then you will be required to pay rent up until your scheduled leaving date.
What if I would like to leave before the end of my 6 month contract?
You are required to give at least 1 month’s written notice and pay your rent for that period. There is also an ‘early termination’ fee which will be discussed with you at check in.
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What happens after 6 months?
Contracts (ASTs) are usually for a 6 months’ period.
Provided both you and we are happy for you to continue living in the house, your contract then becomes ‘monthly/periodic’. The same contract continues, your deposit will remain at the DPS, and you can stay in your room for as long as we both agree.
How do I let you know that I want to leave?
We ask that you give us at least 1 month’s written notice to leave.
During this last period we will advertise the room and with your permission will show your room to potential new tenants.
What if my circumstances change and I would like to leave earlier/later than agreed?
We will always try and accommodate your needs.
A later leaving date is normally possible provided 1) there isn’t another tenant waiting for the room, 2) you pay rent for any additional days, and 3) we have agreed to this.
If you want to leave earlier then you will be required to pay rent up until your scheduled leaving date.
What if I would like to leave before the end of my 6 month contract?
You are required to give at least 1 month’s written notice and pay your rent for that period. There is also an ‘early termination’ fee which will be discussed with you at check in.
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On leaving day
What time of day can I hand back the keys?
Normally by midday but we can usually accommodate other times of day if that suits you better.
We will meet you at the house to receive your key. We will also check your room, your bathroom, and your storage areas in kitchen and elsewhere in the house with you and agree with you the process for returning your deposit.
What if something has been broken or is missing from my room?
We will check the condition of your room and all furniture in it and compare this with the ‘Room Inventory Sheet’ from when you moved in. We obviously allow for normal wear and tear; however, the cost of anything missing or any significant damage will be claimed back from your deposit.
Can I leave stuff in the house for later collection?
No, you must take all your belongings with you when you leave; someone else will move into your room very soon after you have left.
Can I have my mail redirected?
You could set up a re-direction with the post office or agree with one of your housemates that he/she can redirect your post to your new address.
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What time of day can I hand back the keys?
Normally by midday but we can usually accommodate other times of day if that suits you better.
We will meet you at the house to receive your key. We will also check your room, your bathroom, and your storage areas in kitchen and elsewhere in the house with you and agree with you the process for returning your deposit.
What if something has been broken or is missing from my room?
We will check the condition of your room and all furniture in it and compare this with the ‘Room Inventory Sheet’ from when you moved in. We obviously allow for normal wear and tear; however, the cost of anything missing or any significant damage will be claimed back from your deposit.
Can I leave stuff in the house for later collection?
No, you must take all your belongings with you when you leave; someone else will move into your room very soon after you have left.
Can I have my mail redirected?
You could set up a re-direction with the post office or agree with one of your housemates that he/she can redirect your post to your new address.
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Getting my deposit back
Will you keep some of my deposit?
Hopefully not!
We like to refund deposits in full which is why we will check you out and agree on if any costs are to be deducted. Costs may include damaged or missing items or professional cleaning.
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Will you keep some of my deposit?
Hopefully not!
We like to refund deposits in full which is why we will check you out and agree on if any costs are to be deducted. Costs may include damaged or missing items or professional cleaning.
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