Tenancy Page

Summary of Key Terms

The Tenancy is let on a ‘Joint and Several’ basis, which means that the persons comprising ‘The Tenant’ are jointly responsible for the Tenancy Agreement; (i.e. letting is not room-by-room basis).

The Tenancy is for a fixed Term of 12 months.

The rent excludes all bills (gas, electricity, water, communications, TV licence, etc.) which are arranged and paid for by the Tenant. [Note: Students in full-time education are exempt from Council Tax, but must be registered as such with the Local Council].

The Tenancy Agreement has a strict no-smoking policy.

The Tenant cannot sub-let, part with or share the apartment with others.

At the end-of-tenancy, The Tenant must restore the apartment to the same clean condition as received. 

Letting Procedure

Once the let to you is mutually agreed (subject to formalising the Tenancy Agreement), The Tenant confirms by email their wish to proceed and pays one week’s rent by bank transfer as a Holding Deposit. The Landlord will then stop any further viewings.

Each person comprising The Tenant provides:

  • Their full name and permanent address (not a rental address, but can be parent’s address) which the Landlord will enter on the Tenancy Agreement.
  • A copy of their Passport (or ID Card) and copy of their Student Confirmation Letter from NFTS (Note: This is a requirement put on Landlords by the UK Government for ‘right-to-rent’)

The Landlord then sends the Tenancy Agreement [TA] by email to The Tenant for review and signature. The Tenant has 15 calendar days to review in case of any questions and return the signed TA.

Protocol for signing the Tenancy Agreement [TA]:

  1. Print 2 x originals of the TA on single-sided white paper:
  • put your initials on each page in the same place on both originals using blue biro
  • sign the last page of the TA using blue biro in the presence of a witness who must sign at the same time in your presence. [Note: the witness must not be a family member or another student, but a professional person that knows you (e.g. member of staff at your place of work/study or neighbour)

2. Send both originals to the Landlord by courier (from overseas) or by 1st class recorded delivery mail (from within UK) to the Landlords address on the TA.

3. Landlord then initials each page and signs both originals in the presence of a witness.

4. Landlord then marks the originals as no.1 and no.2 and returns original no.1 to the Tenant (in PDF format by email). The original will be handed-over personally.

5. Tenant pays the balance of deposit (i.e. Deposit amount stated in the TA less the 1 week’s Holding Deposit) within 1 week of the email attaching the signed TA. [Note: If transferring from a bank outside UK, then allow 5 working days for the transfer].

Guarantors

Having a Guarantor enables a person comprising The Tenant to pay their rent on a monthly basis. 

If you cannot provide a Guarantor, then you pay 3-months’ rent in advance and likewise in subsequent due dates (i.e. April, July and October).

A Guarantor must be a UK National and home owner in England or Wales. The Landlord provides a Guarantor Form for completion.

Living in the Apartment

You will receive the apartment in a clean condition and must restore the apartment to the same clean condition at the end-of-tenancy.

During the tenancy, you are expected to look after the apartment (keep it in good condition) and notify the Landlord of any repairs necessary.

Rent

The 1st months’ rent is due in the Landlord’s bank account at least one week before the Commencement Date (day-one). If you have no Guarantor, then 3 month’s rent will need to be paid by then (see Guarantors). [Note: If transferring from a bank outside UK, then allow 5 working days for the transfer].

Deposits

The Landlord will place the Deposit with the Deposit Protection Service (DPS), which is a government regulated service, in accordance with UK legislation. 

The Landlord and the Tenant must conform to the procedures of the DPS for return of the Deposit at completion of the Tenancy. For more information, refer to: https://www.depositprotection.com/im-a-tenant/.

Furnishings

The apartments are well equipped and fully furnished to a good standard. 

The Landlord will present the ‘Inventory & Schedule of Condition’ [ISC] on day-one of the tenancy for review with The Tenant. This document itemises all the fixtures, fittings, furnishings and equipment provided in the apartment, along with a statement of their condition. Items are categorised for convenience as:

  • VGC (Very Good Condition) means new or nearly new condition without obvious defects, wear or stains, unless as stated by exception herein
  • GC (Good Condition) means some evidence of minor wear, tear and stains
  • AVC (Average Condition) means evidence of wear, tear and stains

The Tenant will initial and sign the ISC after review in a similar way as the Tenancy Agreement.

Check-In

The Landlord will meet with The Tenant on day-one of the tenancy to:

  • Hand-over the keys 
  • Read the utility meters 
  • Review the ‘Inventory & Schedule of Condition’ 
  • Explain health & safety aspects and equipment
  • Go through the check-in list for familiarisation with the apartment
  • Provide the file with operating instructions for appliances (washing machine, oven, etc.)

Check-Out

The Tenant is required to restore the Premises to the clean condition according to the ‘Inventory & Schedule of Condition’ and remove all their possessions and belongings.

The Landlord and the Tenant will meet on the last day of the tenancy to:

  • Check the inventory of all the items listed on the ‘Inventory & Schedule of Condition’ along with their condition
  • Read the utility meters 
  • Hand-over the keys