Shared houses

Additional requirements for Students

We accept students at a number of properties.

Students will require a UK-based guarantor or will need to use a guarantor replacement service. The University of Northampton recommends Housing Hand but we will accept other reputable companies at our discretion.

Before moving in

Should you wish to apply for the property after your viewing then we will require a Holding Deposit.
After successful guarantor referencing and before moving in, you'll need to pay the Security Deposit and the balance of the first month's rent.

Holding Deposit

One week’s rent is held to reserve a property. If you later proceed to start renting the property, then this holding deposit is used as part of your first month's rent. Once received, we will start the referencing process which is carried out by an independent referencing company.

Please Note: The Holding Deposit will be withheld if any relevant person (including any guarantor(s)) withdraws from the tenancy, fail a Right-to-Rent check, provide materially significant false or misleading information, or fail to sign their tenancy agreement and/or Deed of Guarantee) within 15 calendar days (or other Deadline for Agreement as mutually agreed in writing).

If we choose not to proceed with your application then the Holding Deposit will be returned to you.

Referencing

During referencing your guarantor will be asked to provide ID and other documentation including proof of income and CCJs.

Contract and Deed of Guarantee

The Contract and Deed of Guarantee must be signed by the guarantor. The Deed of Guarantee must also be witnessed by someone unrelated to the guarantor.

Right to Rent checks

As required by English Law, all tenants will be required to pass Right to Rent checks. Depending on your nationality, we will require to view different documents and that may include a Home Office share code.

Security Deposit

The amount of Security Deposit varies between properties and rooms. This will need to be paid before you move in. This is held to cover towards any damages or defaults on the part of the tenant during the tenancy.

"Zero Deposit" schemes may be accommodated on an individual basis at our discretion.

Balance of the first month's rent

The Holding Deposit contributes towards the first month's rent payment.

Example:

After looking at a property with a rent of £520 per month and a Security Deposit of £200, you decide to proceed. You tell us there's nothing that will impact your referencing and place the Holding Deposit of £120 (which is the equivalent of one week's rent).
We then complete referencing, which shows the property is affordable and that we can progress.
You place the Security Deposit of £200 and the balance of the first month's rent of (£520-£120)=£400 before moving in.

Note that the total paid before moving in equals the Security Deposit plus the first month's rent.

Rent and payment terms

Tenancy start date depends on room availability.
Minimum tenancy agreement is 6 months.
Rent is due monthly based on the tenancy start date.
No discount for unoccupied summer months.

Example:

Room is listed at £540pcm.

Payment due each month £540.

(Lump sum advance payments will be accepted)

During your tenancy

Council Tax

Council Tax maybe included in your rent, please check. The Valuation Office Agency can reband the property to make individual rooms liable for Council Tax at any time. We have no control over this, and you will become liable to pay the Council Tax directly.

Students:

Council tax is not included in your rent. Full-time students are exempt from council tax if you provide the correct documentation. It is your responsibility to supply the correct house address to student services at enrolment and to pass the council tax exemption form to the landlord. If this is not done, you drop out or you are expelled from your course, you will be liable to pay council tax for the whole property.

Common area inspections

Common areas are checked at least weekly. The landlord does not need to give notice of this.

Room inspections

Rooms are inspected every 2-3 months. Tenants will be notified before this happens.

Guests

You’re welcome to have a guest stay, but they must not impact other tenants in the property and must adhere to licencing terms set by the local authority.

To support this, the general guidance is:

no more than 14 nights over a six-week period
if a guest is frequently staying over, then there’s an expectation that it works both ways - that tenants spend similar time elsewhere
guests do not make individual personal use of the laundry facilities or have post or deliveries made to the property

Parties

The properties are in residential areas and all parties are strictly forbidden. The landlord works with the University, Council and Police to resolve any complaints. Having a few friends around is fine, complaints from the neighbors is not.

Damage and smoking

Damage caused by tenants, where the damage causes a safety issue or interferes with the services of the house or is otherwise deemed necessary by the landlord, will be carried out and billed to the relevant tenant(s). This damage may be malicious or accidental, caused by a tenant or their guests.

Please note that smoking is not permitted at any of our properties; beyond being a fire risk, smoking causes substantial damage to the paintwork and furniture in rooms. Tenants who do not follow this rule but smoke in the property should be aware that the costs to repaint and replace furniture damaged through not following this rule can be upwards of £1000. We will always pursue costs for this through guarantors and court as needed.

Communal areas of HMOs and all landlord items must be kept in the same condition at all times, taking into account fair wear and tear.

If you are aware of any damages or are responsible for any damages (personally, or as a result of your guests) please let us know as soon as possible so we can arrange for cost-effective repairs and keep any costs to a minimum.

After your tenancy

Giving notice

All tenants are required to give notice to leave the tenancy agreement. Your tenancy agreement will state when this must be done.

Leaving the property

When you give notice to leave the property you will receive a letter with check-out information.

Damage

Houses and rooms must be returned in the same condition as they were handed across, taking account of fair wear and tear. All damage repair costs will be billed to the tenant.

Please check out our page on Fees that are applicable to all tenancy types.

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