When do I get my security deposit back?
At the end of the tenancy, it can usually take up to 4 weeks from the date the last person moved out for deposit to be returned. However, we endeavour to do this quicker, if possible. Unfortunately, it isn’t possible for us to provide an exact date of when the deposit will be returned but rest assured that we are doing our very best to get it returned to you as quick as possible.
We’ve paid 3 months advance rents, which months are these for?
If you do not have UK guarantors we would normally require 3 months advance rents upon contract signing. These 3 months are for the final 3 months of the contract. This means that if you have an 11 month tenancy, you will continue to pay for the first, second, and third month of the contract but you will no longer pay any rent for the 9th, 10th and 11th month as these have already been paid in advance.
Do I get my security deposit back at the end of the tenancy?
At the end of the tenancy, a checkout inspection will be done to check that the house was left in the same condition as at the start of the tenancy. The inventory will be compared with the checkout inspection report. If everything is clean and left in the same condition then your deposit will be returned to you in full.
If the house needs to be cleaned or there are any damages, we will obtain quotes and will send the costs to you. The cost can then be deducted from your deposit or you can pay it separately so that your deposit can be returned in full.
Where will my security deposit be protected?
The tenancy protection scheme we use is, MyDeposits, which is one out of the three government approved UK schemes. You can check out their website by clicking here.
How big are the beds/mattresses?
A double room would have a standard UK double bed and mattress which measures 137 x 190 cm.
A single room would have a standard UK single bed and mattress, which is 91 x 190 cm.
Who do I pay the rent to?
The rent will be paid to the Property Manager. You will be provided with information on the bank details and how to pay the rent.
Do I have to pay Council Tax?
If you are a student, we can apply for Council Tax exemption for you so you don’t need to pay Council Tax. You will need to provide us with your student status letter which you can request from the Student Services Team at Senate House, University of Warwick or online by clicking here.
Apart from the holding fee, what other fees do I need to pay?
Upon signing the contract, you will be required to pay the rest of the first month rent (or first 3-6 months if you do not have UK guarantors), and the security deposit (5 weeks rent).
Do I have to pay any agency fees?
No, there are absolutely no agency fees to pay.
How do I pay the rent?
Rent is paid monthly by bank transfer or standing order. However if you do not have UK guarantors you will be required to make an advance payment of 3-6 months when you sign the contract, then the rest will be paid monthly when you have moved in.
The rent payment dates will be specified on your contract.
Can I see a copy of the contract?
The contract will be based on a standard OpenRent contract. You can download a sample of it by clicking here.
When do I sign the contract?
You can sign the contract within two weeks after the holding fee is paid or before you move into the house (whichever is sooner). Occasionally when references are required for UK guarantors, it could take a little longer but no more than 3 weeks.
I still need to find other housemates. Can I pay the holding fee only for my room?
Because the houses are rented as a whole we would require the holding fee for the whole house to reserve the property for you.
Is the holding fee refundable?
After you sign the contract, the holding fee will be put towards your first month rent payment. In the event that you are no longer able to move in to the house, we can help you to find a replacement tenant and the new tenant could reimburse your holding fee in place of theirs.
How do I reserve a house that I like?
If you have found a house that you would love to rent, congratulations! You can proceed to reserve it. Please drop as an email or use the form on the Contact Us page to let us know which house it is that you’d like to reserve. You will then be requested to pay the holding fee to reserve the house. The holding fee is equal to one week rent.
As our houses are in a very good standard and location there may be other groups who are also interested in the house. We are unfortunately unable to reserve a house for you until we’ve received the holding fee.
After reserving the property, you can proceed to sign the contract. This normally takes less than two weeks. The contract will be sent to you electronically and you can also sign it electronically.
How will we know if we have reached the limit of the fair usage policy?
The meter readings at the end of the tenancy will be compared to the readings taken at the start of the tenancy.
The fair usage policy is significantly greater than the average usage of the previous tenants so for as long as you aren’t wasteful of energy (i.e. leaving the heating on high and windows open during the summer) then you are very unlikely to go above the limit. In fact, none of our previous tenants have gone beyond it.
We will also take readings during the house inspections and advice you when the readings show that your usage is above average for that time of the year.
What bills are included with the rent?
The rent includes all bills:
Gas (heating) – fair usage policy applies
Electricity – fair usage policy applies
Water
WiFi broadband (fibre broadband)
Garden maintenance
Who do I report any issues to?
During your stay at the house you will be provided with the contact details of the Property Manager and can also report any issues by email to info@happy-rooms.co.uk
What appliances are available in the kitchen?
All kitchens would include a fridge freezer, cooker, oven, and microwave as standard. Some kitchens would also have a dishwasher. Most houses have a washer dryer or a separate washing machine and dryer. Please check the description of the house to know exactly what appliances it includes.
Are there cutlery or dishes provided in the kitchen?
We don’t normally provide cutlery or dishes however sometimes previous tenants leave some kitchen belongings in the house. If you wouldn’t mind using those and would like us to keep them for you please let us know and we would happily do that.
Is the location and neighbourhood safe?
All our properties are located within walking distance of Warwick University so the neighbourhood is completely safe and secure. Most of the neighbouring houses are also student accommodation while the others are rented to families of staff who work at the University of Warwick. There is a quiet and peaceful atmosphere around the area even during the early hours of the morning or late at night.
Will you be doing inspections to ensure that everything in the house is ok?
We do routine inspections every 4-6 weeks to ensure that there are no problems with the house and to make sure that you and your housemates are living in a healthy and safe environment.