FAQs
I have seen a property I like on your website and would like to view it, what should I do?
If you would like to view one of our properties you can submit your details on the ‘contact us’ page and we will then make an appointment with you to view the property. Alternatively you can call either Sarah on 07807 307 211 or Matthew on 07590 270 105 to arrange a viewing. Out of courtesy to our current tenants we like to give them at least 24 hours notice of a viewing therefore we would ask that you try to give us as much notice as possible to arrange an appointment.
If I have viewed a property and want to go ahead and sign up for a tenancy with you what should I do?
Once you have let us know that you want to sign up for a tenancy we will arrange to meet you and collect a reservation deposit of £100 per person (a copy of the property reservation form can be found in the 'tenancy info' section of our website) and we will ask you to complete a tenant's details form (also in tenancy info). The reservation fee becomes part of your tenancy deposit when you sign the tenancy agreement which should happen within one week of reserving the property.
I have never rented a property before and would like to read the terms and conditions of the agreement before I sign up – can I do this?
It is really important that you read and understand the terms and conditions of the tenancy agreement before signing it. A copy can be found on the ‘tenancy info’ section of our website so that you can read it at your leisure or alternatively we can email or post you a copy if you prefer.
What sort of tenancy agreement will I be signing?
All of our tenancies are Assured Shorthold Tenancies or ASTs. They are for a fixed term of 12 months although it is possible to sign a new agreement for a further year should you wish to stay in your house for another year. Our tenancies are all joint tenancies so you will all sign the same tenancy agreement.
Do you require me to have a guarantor?
Yes - we ask all of our tenants to provide a UK based guarantor. This is someone who will guarantee to pay your share of the rental should you be unable to do so, usually a parent or close relative. This protects the tenants as well as us. Unlike some other landlords or agents we only ask for a guarantor for your share of the rental, not for the whole of the rental for all tenants. If you are unable to provide a UK based guarantor, for example because you are an international student, please contact us for advice as we can usually find an alternative solution that suits both parties.
Some friends of mine had to pay an agency fee to sign the agreement – do you charge these fees?
We own and manage all of our properties ourselves therefore we do not charge any agency fees; nor do we think it fair or appropriate that you should have to pay agency fees to other landlords or letting agents.
How much deposit do you take?
We take a deposit of £325 in total. The deposit is refundable at the end of the tenancy providing the house is left in the same condition it was in when you moved in and you have not generated any additional charges.
Do you protect my deposit in one of the government approved schemes?
In line with current legislation we protect all deposits with 'The Dispute Service' in the government approved Tenancy Deposit Scheme. The scheme that we use is run by Unipol, Nottingham.
How do I find out about getting keys to the property etc...?
About six weeks before the start of your tenancy we will send you detailed information about all sorts of things you need to know such as parking permit information, getting your keys, utility meter readings etc... This should cover everything to make the move into your new property as straightforward as possible but as at all times before or during your tenancy you can always get in touch to ask any questions you may have.
Are you accredited with Unipol?
Yes! We are a member of the Unipol Dash Code which means that we conform to all the requirements of the code and in the vast majority of cases exceed these requirements. All our properties are also fully licensed where applicable with Nottingham City Council.
What dates will my tenancy start and finish on?
All of our tenancies start on 1st August 2012 and finish on 31st July 2013.
How do you collect the rent?
Rent is paid in four instalments, with the first falling due on 14th July 2012 and the three subsequent payments on a termly basis. For the academic year 2012/2013 these will be 1st October 2012, 4th January 2013 and 8th April 2013. We can offer you the choice of paying by cheque, in which case we will ask you to supply us with four post-dated cheques when you sign the agreement; or by standing order in which case we will send you a mandate to complete and return to us. If paying by standing order please remember that this is not the same as a direct debit i.e. you remain in control of the payments not us. You therefore are responsible for ensuring that the payments are set up correctly with your bank and any amendments to the payments must be done by yourself.
What additional charges will I have to pay?
You will need to budget for your gas and electricity, water rates and any internet/telephone/television packages you sign up for as these are not included in your rental payments. We currently advise our tenants to budget around £6 - £8 per person per week to cover all of the above bills however obviously each set of tenants' usage varies considerably.
Will I need to buy a television license?
Yes, you must buy a television license if you intend to watch television, however as you will be on a joint tenancy you only need one license to cover the whole property, not one each.
Do I have to pay Council Tax?
As a student you are exempt from Council Tax and we will send all the necessary information to the Council to ensure you are not charged. If at any time during the tenancy one or more of you ceases to be a student then council tax will become payable and will be the responsibility of the tenants as per the tenancy agreement.
My parents have some questions about the tenancy and how it works, is there anyone they can speak to?
If you or your parents have any questions at any time you can either email these to us at enquiries@buxtonproperties.net or ring Sarah on 07807 307 211 or Matthew on 07590 270 105 . We are always happy to help with any questions you may have either before or during your tenancy and we understand that this can sometimes be a worrying time for parents and students alike.
If I were to sign the tenancy agreement, could I leave or be released from the tenancy agreement at any point?
In short, no! Notice may not be given. On signing any Assured Shorthold Tenancy Contract, you must understand that you have entered into a legally binding agreement for the duration of the agreed term. In cases where you find a new tenant for your room, with the agreement of all your co-tenants and the agreement and approval of Buxton Properties; and providing that you have met all your obligations under the terms of your tenancy agreement and have paid all rents which may be due, you may then be released from your tenancy agreement. For further details of the terms that would apply in such a situation please see the tenancy agreement or contact the office for further advice.