See below a list of our most frequently asked questions. Here, you can find further information about our houses, the process of securing and signing a house, moving in, etc. If you can't find the answer you're looking for, please don't hesitate to contact us directly with any questions.
How do I choose a house?
Have a browse through the houses on our website and if any of the homes take your liking let us know and we can give you more information or arrange a viewing. If you are unsure what you are looking for yet or would like to know which homes fit your preferences, we can introduce a selection of our homes and take you to see them. We are more than happy to answer any questions and provide you with a desirable home.
How do I book a viewing?
Contact us on 07425 119777 or 01509 558445. Alternatively email us office@ecocarestudent.co.uk or fill in our Book A Viewing form or send us a WhatsApp message.
How do I secure a house?
With a holding deposit payment.
What is a holding deposit?
A holding deposit equivalent to one week’s rent is paid to secure the property and to take it off the market whilst references and other checks are carried out during the application process. We suggest only paying the holding deposit if you are committed to enter into a tenancy agreement as you stand to lose the holding deposit if you change your mind and withdraw your application. If a tenancy agreement is entered into, the holding deposit typically goes towards the first payment of rent.
Is the holding deposit different to the deposit?
Yes. A holding deposit is paid to secure the house whilst your application is being processed whereas a (security or tenancy) deposit covers shortfalls of any of the tenant’s liabilities arising from the tenancy agreement such as for damages or the property is returned in an unsatisfactory condition, or any monies owed to the landlord.
Do you charge any fees?
No, we do not charge letting fees or any hidden fees.
Can I secure a house if I am not in the UK?
It is possible to secure a house if you are not in the UK. We strongly recommend viewing the property before securing, if you are unable to attend a viewing in-person we offer virtual viewings or pre-recorded walk-through property tours.
What kind of tenancy agreement will I be signing?
Houses are let as a whole and a group of students sign one tenancy agreement with joint and several liability. This means that all the students collectively are liable for the property’s full rent. To offer some protection we require a UK-based guarantor for each person.
When will the tenancy start?
Our tenancies generally start towards the end of June or in July.
Do you provide contents insurance for our personal possessions?
No, we do not provide contents insurance aganist theft or damages for the students' personal possessions.
Are you DASH accredited?
Yes, we are DASH (Decent and Safe Homes) East Midlands accredited:
"DASH Landlord Accreditation is a scheme which recognises and acknowledges private sector landlords with good standards in the condition and management of their properties and their relationship with their tenants."
Is there a deposit to be paid?
Yes, it is usually paid when the tenancy agreement is signed or at the start of the tenancy. It is refundable at the end of the tenancy.
How is the deposit stored?
We store and protect the deposit with the government approved Deposit Protection Service (DPS). On a joint tenancy the deposit is protected as a collective sum of the deposits of everyone on the joint tenancy agreement.
When do I get my deposit back?
Your deposit is returned at the end of your tenancy. How long the process takes and how much is returned is subject to any charges made due to damages, cleaning charges, removal costs or unpaid rent etc., and disputes.
If the house is available to let, prices are displayed and advertised as monthly rent per person. There is a toggle option at the top of the page to see the equivalent weekly rent per person.
What does your inclusive rental package include?
The rent only includes the water, gas, electricity and standard broadband internet bills within a fair usage allowance.
As a student do I pay council tax?
Only full-time students are exempt from paying council tax. You will need to provide evidence of your student status and a council tax certificate during the application process. Council tax is not included in the rent. If there is a period during your tenancy not covered by your full-time student status you will be liable to pay council tax for that period. Part-time students are not exempt.
When do I get my keys?
Keys are available from the start date of your tenancy - you will receive a move-in email with the details.
Will I be charged for the replacement of keys and/or locks if I lose my keys?
Yes.
What should I do if I lose my keys?
Contact us as soon as possible for a replacement. If the locks need to be changed, you will be charged the cost of the new lock and costs of any associated new keys.
What should I do if I find a maintenance problem?
Get in touch with us as soon as possible. Ring, message or Whatsapp us on 07425 119777 or email office@ecocarestudent.co.uk; we aim to resolve issues as soon as we can.
Does the property get cleaned before we move in?
Yes.
