Question 1

Where do I start finding a property to rent?

Accepted Answer

Our team are dedicated to finding our tenants a property to suit their needs. We advertise and update a database of properties available to rent, with an easy search facility so you can filter your criteria to find the perfect property. If you are a student, it’s never too early to start looking for a property for the start of the academic year. Contact us if you see a property you want to view. We have had experience of students signing up in October to secure the perfect house for the following September. So get in early!

Question 2

How do I arrange a viewing?

Accepted Answer

Our viewings are arranged at a time to suit you; we offer very flexible viewing times and are happy to accommodate evenings or weekends. The viewings may be conducted by one of the team at Select or by the Landlord. We aim to offer comprehensive advice about the property and our service and answer any questions you may have.

Question 3

Now I’ve found the property I want, how do I secure it?

Accepted Answer

Contact Select as soon as you can, arrange a mutually convenient time to sign a tenancy agreement and pay the agreed deposit. We will then lodge your deposit within a deposit protection scheme, and send out your guarantor forms. It really is that simple.

Question 4

Do I need a guarantor?

Accepted Answer

In most cases yes, a guarantor is an individual, often a close relative, who undertakes to assume the financial liabilities of the tenant including paying the rent in the event that they fail to do so. Where a guarantor enters into an agreement he or she normally agrees to meet the full obligations under the tenancy agreement on the tenant's behalf. This may include rent arrears, damage to the property, or other liabilities and obligations arising from the tenant's failure to comply with the lease covenants.

Question 5

If I am organising my own bills – what do I need to do?

Accepted Answer

The utility firms will need you as a tenant to setup your account with them directly and to contact them again when you leave, taking care to provide meter readings.

Question 6

How and when do I pay my rent?

Accepted Answer

Rent is paid in advance, by a standing order mandate or transfer. Generally for student rentals, rent is usually paid in 4 instalments – June, September, January and April (to coincide with Student Loan payments.) Payment details will be confirmed upon signing the tenancy agreement.
 
If you are experiencing problems with rental payments, please contact us. Arrears letters will be issued if rent remains outstanding beyond 5 days after it was due. Interest will be charged until payment is met.

Question 7

When is my deposit returned to me?

Accepted Answer

The deposit will be held by Select Student Accommodation in a client account, the deposit and the tenancy details will be registered with the ‘MyDeposit’ deposit protection scheme and a certificate/unique number will be issued to show registration to the scheme, this will then be provided to both Landlord and Tenant.

Once Select Student Accommodation has received instructions from the Landlord regarding the deposit, the money will be returned to your account. The return of your deposit is subject to you vacating the property, the property being checked, and if the landlord requests it, the property being cleaned to a satisfactory standard. This usually takes no more than 28 days.