Frequently asked
questions
Answers to all of our frequently asked
questions can be found below.
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What tenancy lengths do you provide?
We provide 2 different tenancy lengths - standard year (generally 50 weeks starting in July) and academic year (generally 40 weeks starting in September).
I’ve viewed a property and love it, what next?
If you have seen a property and want to take it, click on the “Take it” tab on the property details and complete the form. We will contact you to confirm if the property is available and with details of what happens next.
What type of tenancy agreement will I be asked to sign?
The tenancy agreement is an Assured Shorthold Tenancy agreement. Under the terms of it you are all jointly and equally liable for the rent and any damage caused to the property.
What is a Guarantor?
A guarantor is someone who will pay your rent if you cannot. The guarantor is normally a parent/guardian and they will be asked to sign a legally binding agreement. For those that are unable to provide a guarantor, we work with a company called Housing Hand who can provide guarantor services on your behalf.
What deposits & fees do I have to pay?
We do not charge fees or deposits.
What's included in the rent?
All of our rents include water and super fast broadband. Gas and electricity can be added for an extra cost. Further information can be found on the individual property details.
When can I move in?
Your tenancy start date is written in your tenancy agreement. You can move in any time after this date.
Can I have pets?
Unfortunately pets are not allowed in any of our properties.
Can I smoke in the property?
We operate a no smoking policy in all of our properties. If you wish to smoke, please do so outside and dispose of your rubbish responsibly.
Is there any parking?
Some of our properties come with off road parking (see property details for further info). Winchester operates permit parking in a large number of areas of the City. Please check with us and we can let you know if you will need a permit.
How do I pay my rent?
Your rent is due on the 1st of each month by direct debit if you are on a standard contract or in 3 termly payments if you are on our academic year contract. If you want to change the date you pay or would like to pay in instalments, please contact us and we will do our best to help you.
Do I need a TV licence?
Yes. Further information can be found on the TV licensing website
Do I need insurance?
You will need to provide your own insurance for your contents. Sometimes your parent’s insurance may cover you away from home so it’s definitely worth checking.
Do I have to pay Council Tax?
No. As a full time student you will be exempt from Council Tax. Each person needs to send off their Certificate of full time education to the Council in order to claim the exemption.
How do I report that something is broken?
If you have a general maintenance request you just need to send us an email or message via your tenant app and one of our lovely maintenance team will pop over and fix it for you. Emergency numbers are posted in each property should you need them.
Can I have a lock on my bedroom door?
Unfortunately we do not allow locks on bedroom doors under any circumstances.
I don't want to live in my house any more, what can I do?
The agreement you sign does not have a break clause. This means that you are liable for the rent for the entire year. We may be able to release you from the agreement early if you find someone to replace you (this is entirely at our discretion). If you decide that you want to move out, please let us know as soon as possible so that we can help you.
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What type of tenancy agreement will the tenant be asked to sign?
The tenancy agreement is an Assured Shorthold Tenancy agreement. Under the terms of it all parties are jointly and equally liable for the rent and any damage caused to the property. Copies of sample documents can be found on the Important Info page if you would like to read these before your son/daughter signs them. If you would like copies of the signed documents please let us know and we can send these to you.
What deposits & fees are there to pay?
We do not charge fees or deposits.
What’s included in the rent?
All of our rents include water and super fast broadband. Gas and electricity can be added for an extra cost. Further information can be found on the individual property details.
When does the tenancy start?
The tenancy start date is written in the tenancy agreement and tenants can move in any time after this date.
Is insurance provided?
We insure the building but each tenant is responsible for insuring their own contents. It may also be worth checking your own policy to see if this covers your children while they are away from home.
Do they have to pay Council Tax?
No. Full time students are exempt from Council Tax. Each person needs to send off their Certificate of full time education to the Council in order to claim the exemption.
What if something breaks?
General maintenance requests should be emailed to us or sent via the tenant app and one of our lovely maintenance team will pop over and fix the problem. Emergency numbers are posted in each property should they be needed.
What happens if the tenant wants to move out?
The tenancy agreement does not have a break clause. This means that the tenants are liable for the rent for the entire year. We may be able to release your son/daughter from the agreement early if they find someone to replace them (this is entirely at our discretion). Please contact us as soon as possible should this be the case.