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 Matthew on 07590 270 105 or Sarah on 07807 307 211 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 fee 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 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?
When we sign up new tenants we want the process to be as open and transparent as possible therefore we would always encourage you to carefully read the agreement before you sign it. A copy can be found on the ‘tenancy info’ section of our website so that you can read it at your leisure before signing anything.
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?
Where required we protect your deposit in the government approved scheme ‘My Deposits’. We will be able to advise you when signing whether your particular tenancy requires this protection.
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 2010 and finish on 31st July 2011.
How do you collect the rent?
Rent is paid in four instalments, with the first falling due on 14th July 2010 and the three subsequent payments on a termly basis. For the academic year 2010/2011 these will be 1st October 2010, 10th January 2011 and 1st April 2011. 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.
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.
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 Matthew on 07590 270 105 or Sarah on 07807 307 211. 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 Contract 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 contract. For further details of the terms that would apply in such a situation please see the tenancy agreement.