FAQs

The Renting Process

When do students start looking for rental houses?

In Bristol bigger groups start looking in November and the best houses are usually booked up by the end of December each year.

What if we want the house but don't have enough people?

We normally rent the house to a group of people who already know each other. However we can advise on how to find extra tenants if you do not have enough in your group.

How do I secure the booking for the house after the viewing?

This can be tricky as many people are looking at the same time of year. It is really only when you have paid the initial holding deposit of £300 each, so normally this is done within 24 hours of a viewing. Over the last couple of years the houses have normally gone to the first people that have viewed them. They all provided the holding deposit very quickly.

Do you use an agency?

No, we do all the administration, contracts and inventory/condition reports. This means you save a considerable amount of money as we do not charge for these services. Agencies charge for each part of the renting and leaving process, and it mounts up to a substantial amount. The service we provide is as good as any letting agent.

Is there a proper Contract?

We use a standard Assured Shorthold Tenancy Agreement which is provided by the National Landlords Association. We add a few extra clauses which are relevant to the individual properties. You will get a copy of all of this information well before you are asked to sign the contract.

Deposits

What is a holding deposit?

After viewing we ask for a £300 per person, non refundable deposit to secure your reservation. When this is paid the house will not be offered to anyone else. This deposit is non refundable until you move in, when it becomes part of the overall deposit for the tenancy. We, as Landlords, need to be sure you plan to go through with the tenancy and you need to be sure that your reservation is secure.

How much is the Tenancy Deposit?

This is £600 per person in total. £300 is paid as the non refundable holding deposit. Then the other £300 is paid a week before the start of the tenancy. Once you have moved in the whole deposit is protected with the MyDeposits scheme. This Government approved schemes ensures deposits are dealt with in a fair and correct manner.

Will all of my deposit be returned?

The deposit is returned in full if the house is returned in the same condition as it was when the contract started. The cost of any additional cleaning, repairs or replacements will be deducted. Some allowance will be made for reasonable wear and tear.

When do I pay the Rent?

The first month’s rent is paid a week before you move in. Then you set up a Standing Order with your bank for the following 11 months. The rent is always paid in advance. The day the standing order goes out should be the same as the start date of the tenancy. So if the tenancy starts on 14th July the standing order should start on 14th of each following month.

The Houses

Where are the houses in relation to Uni?

The houses are located in the Horfield/Bishopston area of Bristol which is roughly halfway between UWE and the city centre. The UWE bus links run along Gloucester Rd and Filton Avenue and stops close by to each house.

Where are the nearest shops and bars?

There are numerous shops, bars and takeaways within a short walk of each house. It is a short bus ride into Bristol City centre for larger shopping centres and the city night life.

Utilities/Bills

Are bills included?

No, bills are not included. The tenants open their own agreements with utility providers and bills are shared evenly between all the tenants. We ask tenants to get our agreement if they wish to change from the current providers at each house.

Who does the meter readings?

We read and agree the readings at the beginning and end of the tenancy. This is done when the inventory is checked.

Who organises the WiFi and phone?

We ask tenants to organise and pay for their own WiFi and phone line each year. People’s requirements vary and there are many options. It is normally quicker and easier to use the same provider as the previous tenants. WiFi providers normally change the routers with each new customer and it can take weeks to organise, so think about it early.

Do we pay Council tax?

As students, you should not have to pay Council Tax but you do need to get in touch with the Council to agree your student exemption. It is the tenants’ responsibility to organise this. If Council Tax becomes payable because it is not sorted out properly then the tenants would be responsible for paying it. Some councils need a letter from the University confirming the student status, some can check student status automatically with the University. The Council will let you know what is required.

During the Tenancy

Is there an inventory check at the start?

We do a thorough inventory and condition report, which we check and agree with you at the start of the tenancy. This is used as a base line for when the tenancy ends and we do the final inspections. We take photos of any areas that require more detail to be noted.

What if somebody leaves during the tenancy?

The leaving tenant is responsible for the rent for the year unless they find a replacement. Any replacement has to be acceptable to the remaining tenants and the landlords, and everyone has to sign a special Deed of Assignment. There would be some administration costs in making this happen. Normally the leaving tenant covers these costs.

What if I want to stay longer than a year?

This can be arranged, but only if you want to renew the tenancy for a further full year. We cannot extend the tenancy for a shorter period. You will need to let us know before the process of re-letting the property begins, which is normally around November for the following July. You do not have to have exactly the same group of tenants. It is fine to substitute some of the tenants if you want to.

Will there be inspections?

Yes, we will inspect the property quarterly to check for any maintenance issues, and to confirm that the house is being kept reasonably tidy. Tenants normally make a big effort to have the house fairly tidy before these inspections. This does help to spot if there are any maintenance issues.

Can I move the furniture?

You can move things within reason, but you are responsible for any damage so please be careful.

Can I put up posters on the walls?

We ask tenants not to use drawing pins, Blu Tack or similar products on the walls as it is unsightly for future tenants, and can damage the walls. We provide a large notice board which can be used for posters and many people attach photos carefully to the wardrobe. There are several picture hooks for hanging pictures and photos in each bedroom and we can provide more on request.

Will the Landlord just walk in?

This should not happen. We try to always give notice of any visit the day before. If a visit causes a problem, you can ring and discuss if there is an alternative time for the visit. In emergencies we may have to visit immediately, to deal with a maintenance problem. We have a small number of tradesmen who fix problems, the same procedures will apply to them. Sometimes we will ask for someone to be available to let the tradesman in as this is often the quickest way to get a problem resolved.

What about electrical safety?

You are responsible for the safety of any electrical equipment that you bring to the property. We monitor the safety of the building and equipment we supply.

Who mows the lawn and looks after the garden?

The contract clearly states that the tenant is responsible for keeping the garden tidy and well maintained. We provide a lawn mower for houses that have a lawn. We may, however, occasionally visit the house to do some work in the garden to help to reduce the work for the tenants.

End of Tenancy

What happens about cleaning at the end of the tenancy?

You are fully responsible to leave the house in the same condition as you received it in. We will advise you well before about what level of cleaning is provided. If further cleaning is required after you leave then this will be charged for by way of deduction from your deposit. Some tenants choose to hire a professional cleaning company to do this final clean. There are many in Bristol and the rates are competitive. We do expect a high standard of cleaning at changeover.

Who does the final Inventory/Condition Report?

We carry out an inventory check and do a thorough check for any damage or extra cleaning requirements around the last day of the tenancy. You are welcome to attend this but are not obliged to. We then produce a report if there are any shortfalls that need dealing with. Normally this is all reasonable and agreed by the tenants. If there is any dispute then you can pursue any concerns with the MyDeposits scheme.

When do I get my deposit back?

We try to return all deposits within 10 days. If there is any dispute, and some of the deposit is to be withheld, then the balance of the deposit will still be returned within the 10 days.

What happens with final utility bills?

You will be responsible to inform all of your utility providers that you are leaving, give them final readings and to arrange for final bills to be paid. You will also need to let the Council know with regard to Council Tax.