What bills are included with the rent?
All bills are included with the rent i.e. gas, electricity, broadband, water and sewerage. However, to help save the planet, there is a limit of £15 per student per month (£180 per student per year) for the energy bills (gas and electricity), which is considered to be normal usage. At the end of the year each student receives a copy of the energy bills and any surplus money is refunded. Conversely, if the energy bills exceed this limit then the excess is deducted from the deposits. Most students prefer the inclusive rent arrangement, since it avoids surprise bills during the year and the hassle of getting the individual contributions together and paying the bills. However, if the tenants prefer, then the gas and electricity can be paid for directly, in which case the rent exclusive of gas and electricity would be £15 per month less.
How much is the rent and how/when is this paid?
The fully inclusive rent for 2008/9 is between £290 and £310 per month per person (£67-£72 per week)depending on the property and room size. Click here to see details of rent for each room. Rent is normally paid monthly in advance by Bank Standing Order so, for example, the rent for September would be paid on the first of September.
Do you offer a reduced rent for the summer months?
Yes, for students away on vacation during July and August only half rent is payable. These two half rents can be paid together on 1st August i.e. no rent for July then 11 full rent payments from 1st August through to 1st June 2009.
Do I need to pay a booking fee and/or deposit and when must this be paid?
The deposit is £350 per person. This is returned in full at the end of the contract unless there is outstanding rent, bills or damage other than general wear and tear. If you sign up before June 2008 and don't want to pay the full deposit at that time then you can just pay a booking fee of £150. The booking fee is non-refundable but would be accepted as part of the deposit to be paid by the end of June 2008.
What kind of contract do I need to sign?
It will be a joint assured shorthold tenancy agreement which is a standard agreement for letting a property for a fixed term. The agreement is normally for 12 months from 1st July.
Do all the doors on the bedrooms all have locks?
Yes
Can I have a double bed?
With a few exceptions only single beds are provided, although many of the rooms could easily accommodate a double bed. If a student particularly wants to provide his/her own double bed then this would be considered, however, in fairness to the others we would object to partners or guests staying for extended periods.
Will my room have an Internet connection?
Every bedroom has a wired Internet connection and broadband fees are included with the rent.
Will my room have a TV point?
Every bedroom has a TV point.
Will I need to buy a TV licence?
Only one TV licence will be required for the house, so the cost could be shared.
Can I bring my bike or my car?
There are bike stands at all the properties. Beaufort Road has a double garage for secure car/cycle parking. At Thornleigh Road there is a bicycle shed in the rear garden. At all properties there is free unrestricted on-street parking.
Can I smoke in the house?
No. In fairness to the other students, the houses are non-smoking and we give preference to non-smoking students.