Question 1

How do I book a viewing?

Accepted Answer

To book a viewing at one of our private student houses, either call us on 07547051056 or email us(javascript:void(0))
 
We are still conducting face to face viewings but remote video viewings are also possible.

Question 2

How do I rent one of the properties?

Accepted Answer

If you wish to proceed following a viewing, you will be asked to complete a tenant application form and pay a £50 holding deposit. This is to reserve a property and will be deducted off the first months rent. Please Note: This will be withheld if any relevant person (including any guarantor(s) withdraw from the tenancy, fail a Right-to-Rent check, provide materially significant false or misleading information.
 
Once we recieve the application form and holding deposit.  We then run a reference check on your guarentor. If you do not have a UK based guarentor then we use the services of Your Guarentor(https://lim.yourguarantor.com/)
 
Once these are back satisfactory we will contact you to arrange to send the Tenancy Agreement, which is now signed electroncially.

Question 3

Why are references required?

Accepted Answer

We credit check all our tenants and guarentors - this is to help us ensure that you are a reliable tenant who pays on time and does not damage property.  And that your guarentor is able to pay should you defualt on a payment.

Question 4

How do I pay my rent?

Accepted Answer

Your Tenancy Agreement will detail the amount of rent and the dates on which it is due. We send a reminder text a week before the due dates. The monies are normally paid by direct bank transfer. 
Should you encounter any financial difficulties during the Tenancy you should contact us soon as possible.

Question 5

What costs are involved in renting?

Accepted Answer

There are no admin fees.
 
There are no interest payable on late payment of rent. (The indusry standard is to charge a daily percentage above the Bank of England Base rate on lates after 21 days - we do not do this) We link your payments in with your student finance dates)
 
There are no call out fees.  
 
Apart from your rent, you may also need to pay for utilitles, where not included in the rent.  These could include, electric, gas, and water.  We will provide you with the details of the current supplies at your sign up meeting. You will also need to consider if you need telephone, WIFI and TV. - We do not use package utility companies as thier fees are fare more above the average costs.
 
As full time students you do not have to pay council tax - but you must  register with the council.

Question 6

When can I collect my keys?

Accepted Answer

Keys are normally issued at the check in meeting - we will meet with the first person(s) who arrives at the house and show you round to explain where things are and how things work.
 
It is at this meeting that an inventory clerk will provide you with a full inventory to sign - part of this inventory is the keys.
 
Keep all keys that have been issued to you safe - including key fobs.  In the event of you losing any keys you will be responsible for the cost of replacements and if necessary the cost of the replacement of the relevant lock. For your own safety do not issue any keys to anyone other than those named on the Tenancy Agreement.

Question 7

How do I report a problem

Accepted Answer

We should be notified IMMEDIATLELY on 01227 908174 or 07547051056 of any problems. It is part of the tenancy agreement to let us know and part of ours to correct it.  Under no circumstances should you call in a third party to rectify a problem; we should always be your first point of call.
 
In an emergency the following numbers should be of help:
 
Gas - For gas emergencies and reporting leaks  0800 111 999
Electric - For power supply interruptions 0800 783 8866  
Water - For outside water leaks 08458 50 60 60
Police, Fire or Ambulance 999
N H S Direct - For information and advice on health matters 111

Question 8

Can I decorate my room?

Accepted Answer

No, you cannot decorate or alter the property without our written consent.  
 
However, you are allowed to move furniture within the house, as long as it is put back in the orginal position at the end of the tenancy.  Please do not drag the furniture - lift it - if you need assistance we are happy to help.
 
You are not allowed to use sellotape, white or blue tac on the walls, if you wish to hang pictures we are happy to fit picture hooks for you.
 
We provide cork boards in all the bedroooms for you to display photos and memorablia etc.

Question 9

How do I get my deposit back?

Accepted Answer

We will use the check in inventory to access the amount of deposit which be should returned, however, we are members of the Deposit Protection Scheme (DPS) This means that we are unable to make deductions from your deposit money without your consent. 
 
Monies which have been agreed to be returned to you will be paid directly from the scheme not from us.  
 
You must instigate the return of this money by logging onto the DPS website and following their instructions. Full details of the DPS will be provided at the sign up meeting.

Question 10

What is a joint Assured Shorthold Tenancy agreement (AST)?

Accepted Answer

A joint Assured Shorthold Tenancy agreement. This is a legal document which lists out the contractual terms and conditions by which you are entrusted with the property.  
 
The Joint Tenancy agreement means you are all responsible for the payment of the rent and the condition of the property.  
 
The document contains both the full details of your responsibilities and also our responsibilities as Landlords.  It will give the address of the property, the names of the Tenants who have been granted the Tenancy, the rent that is due, how to pay your rent, the amount of deposit that you have paid, the start date of the agreement and the duration of the Tenancy.

Question 11

Do I have to pay council tax?

Accepted Answer

As you are all full-time students in a private student home, you will be exempt from council tax. But ONLY if you send an exemption certificate to Canterbury City Council to prove your student status.  APPLY HERE (https://www.canterbury.gov.uk/council-tax/apply-student-council-tax-exemption-or-discount/#:~:text=If%20you%20are%20a%20full,nurses%20and%20foreign%20language%20assistants))

You no longer qualify as a full-time student if you complete, abandon your course or if the University no longer allows you to attend.
 
Also be aware if you are a final year student. If you stay in the property after your registration ends you become liable for council tax.  Check your student ID card for the end date of your academic registration.

Question 12

Do I need a TV licence?

Accepted Answer

If you intend to watch TV, even on your laptop, you will need a TV licence. This can be arranged on-line at www.tvlicensing.co.uk 
 
Since you have signed a joint tenancy agreement you will only need one TV licence to cover all the TV receivers in the house. So it's a good idea to share the cost. If you don't have a licence between you, whoever is found watching TV when an Enforcement Officer comes to visit is the one who risks prosecution and a fine of up to £1,000 (not including legal costs). It could be you, whether you own the TV or not.
 
If you move out for the summer months, you can ask for a refund on the licence for that time. As long as your licence is still valid for at least three full calendar months and you dont need it again before it expires.

Question 13

How do I end my lease early?

Accepted Answer

Firstly you need to notify us ASAP and we will consider releasing your from the agreement, on the understanding that a new tenant is found to replace you or that your fellow housemates take over your share of the rent.

Question 14

Can I stay longer than the agreed term of my tenancy?

Accepted Answer

Providing you have a good payment record with us, we normally give you the option to extend your tenancy period for another year. We do however insist on a new tennacy agreement being signed.

Question 15

Are utilities included in the rent?

Accepted Answer

Please see individual posting for details of each house.

Question 16

How is Wilson Park Properties different to other landlords and agents

Accepted Answer

We are not agents. We are direct private landlords and own all our student homes. Which means we care and you have direct contact with us.
1. We adjust rents to coincide with student finance dates (does not apply to the first quarter) and as such DO NOT charge interest on late payments.
2. We DO NOT limit your summer access. We see this as your home - and as contracts run from 1st July  - you can move in from the 1st July.
3. We respect the academic timetables and aim to minimise disruption; synchronising all renovations with student holidays. Most repairs are carried out in July - so that months rent is HALF price.
4. We DO NOT charge call out fees.

Question 17

What forms do I need to complete?

Accepted Answer

Once you have decided to make an application you will be asked to complete a Tenant Application form.  You will then be emailed an online Referencing Form to complete.
 
Once the references have come back ok, you will be asked to sign a Joint Assured Shorthold Tenancy Agreement. This is a legal document which lists out the contractual terms and conditions by which you are entrusted with the property.  
 
At check in; you will be asked to sign an Inventory form, this lists all the contents of the house and the condition of the items - this form is used to determine what deposit you will get back at the end of your tenancy.

Question 18

How are you COVID compliant?

Accepted Answer

All viewings are conducted in PPE - we will open all the doors for you, so you do not have to touch anything.
 
It has long been our standard practice to steam clean the house before new tenants arrive, we will be continuing with this and adding in a 3 days move in delay if possible.

Question 19

What if I do not have a guarantor?

Accepted Answer

You can either pay 6 months rent upfront of use the services of Your. Guarentor.com (https://lim.yourguarantor.com/)

Wilson Park
PROPERTIES

Private Student Accommodation Canterbury

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