If you decide that you would like to reserve a room or house after viewing it, then we ask for a holding deposit of around £50 per person. We will take it off the market and forward to you a draft tenancy agreement which we will expect to sign within ten days or so. If we subsequently decide not to accept you as tenants (if, for example, we take up references and these are unsatisfactory) then we will return the money to you. If you decide not to take the house then we will retain the money. If we proceed to sign the tenancy agreement (as normally happens) then the £50 will become part of your damage deposit, so you will need to find £250 to top up the deposit to £300.
topWe would prefer that you view a room before reserving it, but appreciate that this is sometimes difficult for international students. We are therefore willing to reserve a room unseen until your arrival for a holding deposit of £150. As soon as you have paid it then the room is reserved in your name and will not be offered to anyone else. Your reservation will last until you arrive (normally in September). Assuming that you want to take theroom then the holding deposit becomes part of your damage deposit, leaving a further £150 to pay (plus, of course, your first month's rent). If you decide that you don't want the room then we retain the £150 to compensate us for the missed opportunity of letting it to other students.
topIt is essential that you know that your landlord (any landlord) is genuine before sending any money. A good place to start is with your Student Union's advice centre to see if they have a list of reputable landlords (we are on the list at Warwick University). Also check if your landlord is a member of a recognised body such as the National Landlords Association (we are) and confirm their membership with that organisation. Although we don't publish our membership number on the web, but will be pleased to supply it to you upon request.
topOf course, just contact us and we will forward you a draft agreement
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