Information for Professional Tenants

At Central Housing we pride ourselves on transparency and open honesty. We have no hidden charges at any point in the letting process and always aim to make letting a property a smooth, straightforward process

Many of our landlords opt for a fully serviced maintenance package using our own trades-people so tenants can be assured of a swift response and top quality workmanship when the need arises.

If you would like to rent one of our properties we will require references from two of the following:

  • Current or most recent landlord
  • Current or most recent employer
  • Accountant
  • Doctor
  • Bank or building society
  • A character reference

Unlike many of our competitors, Central Housing make no charge for simply reserving a property.

Once you are ready to confirm your tenancy we will ask for a deposit of one month's rent, a month's rent in advance, and an administration charge of £50.00 per adult tenant.

 Looking for Student Accommodation?

Looking for properties for the next academic year can be challenging and quite confusing, especially if this is your first time living out of halls or your family home. To make things easier for you, please read the below information which will guide you into renting a property. 

When searching for properties for the next academic year, we recommend that you view as many appropriate properties as possible by calling at the properties. All properties are ‘group’ lettings unless otherwise stated.

Please be aware current students are living in these properties. Should you not be able to obtain entry, leave a note through the letter box with your name and number asking for a convenient time to view the property.

Once you have chosen what property you would like to rent you can reserve it for up to 3 days only, free of charge. Thereafter, you must decide whether you would like to rent the property.

 
To help you decide whether to rent the property we recommend the following:

· Consult and get advice from parents

· Solicitors

· Advice and Welfare at the University of Warwick

· Read through the tenancy agreement thoroughly.  

We will be pleased to offer guidance when the time comes to make a final decision.

SEARCHING FOR THE RIGHT PROPERTY

We provide property lists for students searching for a property. When searching for the right property take the following into consideration:

·         The rent per month per tenant

·         The deposit, which is equivalent to one months rent per tenant

·         The location of the property

·         Contract length.

·         Many of our properties are 10 month contracts or 11 month contracts.

·         10 months start on the 1st September

·         11 months usually start on 1st August

·         The above dates may change depending upon term dates.

·         None of our properties include bills


 

RESERVING A PROPERTY

Once you have chosen which property you would like to reserve, please visit our office in person to reserve it. Please note this is the only way you can reserve a property. We do not accept reservation by phone call, email or through our website.

·         Upon reservation we will need all prospective tenants names, contact numbers & copies of N.U.S cards.

·         We will allocate you an appointment

·         The appointment we allocate you will be for the signing of the tenancy, unless you decide not to go for the property.

·         Please note if you fail to keep the appointment for signing of the tenancy agreement, then the property will be remarketed.

SIGNING OF THE TENANCY AGREEMENT

 

At your appointment all members of your group must be present. All members of the group are required to have read through a copy of the tenancy agreement prior to the appointment. A copy is available per group at the office.

The following will be required:

·         Personal details of all prospective tenants, which include N.U.S cards and proof of student status.

·         All tenants must have funds for the administration fee which is £45 per tenant and the deposit, which is equivalent to one months rent. Both are required at the appointment.

·         We do not accept card payment

·         Before signing the agreement, your group must select a lead tenant. The lead tenant will receive the full deposit on behalf of every tenant at the end of the tenancy and in the unlikely case of a deposit dispute, take the responsibility of resolving the situation.

·         You will be required to sign the joint tenancy agreement which you will have read before the appointment.

·         We require post-dated rent cheques from each tenant. Please ensure the group brings a chequebook each, cheques can be written on behalf of other tenants.

OR   

·         You can set up a standing order/direct debit. We will provide you with our bank details at your appointment. However, you must provide us with confirmation from your bank as soon as you have set this up.

FURNITURE

Generally, student properties are furnished with the following: bedrooms comprising of a bed, wardrobe, desk and chair. If there is a lounge it may have basic lounge furniture. The kitchen will comprise of a cooker and fridge freezer.

Everything else seen at the property will either belong to tenants or will have been left from previous tenants. When viewing these properties ask the tenants what belongs to them, such as the washing machine and microwave.

MOVING IN

After the signing of the tenancy agreement, Central Housing will not contact you unless there is a problem. 
You will be able to pick your keys up for the property from our office from the commencement date of the tenancy. This is stated on your tenancy agreement.

TENANT RESPONSIBILTIES

·         Upon moving in to the property, it is in your best interest if your landlord hasn't provided you with an inventory, to go round the property yourself and make your own signed by all tenants (take photographs if need be). 

·         The first tenant moving into a property must make a note of all metre readings. It is then your (all tenants) responsibility to ensure that accounts are open with relevant electrical and gas companies.

 

 

Main Terms of the Tenancy

 

1.        The Landlord lets the Premises for the above period to the Tenant. The Tenant agrees to take the Premises at the Rent specified for the duration of the Tenancy

2.        The Landlord and the Tenant agree to be bound by this document together with any amendments and additions (if any) set out in the ‘Special Tenancy Conditions’

3.        Upon the signing of this agreement the Tenant shall pay to the Landlord or the Agent the Deposit sum which shall be held by the Landlord/Agent.

4.        The Tenant shall pay the first month’s Rent in advance of the commencement date to the Landlord / Landlords Agent. Thereafter, payments shall be made at the beginning of each Rental Period at the times and in the manner specified

5.        The Tenancy shall include the Fixtures and Fittings in the Premises and does/does not include the use of the Landlord’s furniture and effects 

1.       Tenant’s Obligations

The Tenant agrees to:

 

1.1     Pay the Rent to the Landlord/Landlords Agent in the manner specified before or on the due date and will pay interest at the rate of 4 percent per year above the base rate from time to time of Bank of England on any unpaid Rent for more than seven days from the date due

1.2     Pay all charges when due based on the length of the tenancy for all gas, electricity, oil or solid fuel consumed on the Property (including all fixed and standing charges) and all charges for the telephone during the Term of this agreement to the relevant suppliers

1.3     Pay when due for such charges reflecting the length of the tenancy at the Premises for all water and sewerage charges, rates and assessments

1.4     Pay for the reconnection of water, gas, electricity or telephone if the disconnection results from any act or omission of the Tenant

1.5     Pay when due the Council Tax or similar Tax payable to the local authorities in respect of the Property for the Term of this agreement unless the tenancy is lawfully terminated

1.6     In addition to any other payments which may be payable under the Terms of this agreement the Tenant shall pay:

 

1.6.1£40 for any cheque/payment presented to the Landlord/Agents bank but returned, refused or re-presented by the bank for any reason

1.6.2£20 per key where lost or not returned at the end of the tenancy

1.6.3£25 for the loan of any keys outside normal office hours of the Landlords Agent

1.6.4Such fees mentioned will be deducted from the tenancy deposit at the end of the Tenancy if not already paid

 

1.7     Keep the interior of the Premises during the period of the tenancy in as good and clean state of repair condition and decoration as the Premises are in the commencement of the Term and make good all damage and breakages to the interior of the Premises which may occur during the Term (fair wear and tear excepted)

1.8     Not damage the Premises or make any alteration or addition to the Premises

1.9     Not paint or decorate any part of the Premises without the written permission and prior consent of the Landlord

1.10  Permit the Landlord and/or his Agent and/or his employees, after giving 24 hours written Notice to enter the Property (save in the case of emergency):

 

1.10.1 To inspect and view the Premises and the Landlord’s furniture and effects (if any) therein

1.10.2 To carry out works of maintenance or repair to the Premises or neighbouring premises which the Landlord may consider  

             necessary (such consideration requires the Landlord to act reasonably in determining what repairs are necessary)

1.11.3 To show prospective purchasers the Property at all times during the Term and to erect a board to indicate that the Property is for sale

 

1.11  Allow prospective tenants to view the property during the course of the tenancy with 24 hours notice or permit the Landlord and/or his Agent and/or his employees to enter with 24 hours notice

1.12  Keep any garden at the Premises in a neat and tidy condition free from weeds and cut the lawn fortnightly. Do not cause any obstruction to the drains gutters and pipes of the Premises and keep the windows clean

1.13  Not assign sublet or part with possession of the whole or any part of the Premises without the prior written consent of the Landlord (not to be unreasonably withheld)

1.14  Not allow any lodger or paying guest to stay in the property without the prior written consent of the Landlord (not to be unreasonably withheld)

1.15  To use the property for the sole purpose of a single private dwelling house. Any trade profession or business is prohibited from being carried out on the Premises

1.16  Not permit to be done or do anything on the Premises which may cause nuisance, annoyance or inconvenience to the occupiers of other neighbouring Premises

1.17  Not permit or suffer to be done on the Premises anything which may render the Landlord’s insurance of the Property void or voidable (i.e. no longer providing cover) or increase the rate of premium for such insurance

1.18  Not fix or permit to be fixed any advertisement, notice board or poster for any commercial purpose to the exterior or the windows of the Premises

1.19  Not keep any cats or dogs on the property. Not keep any other pet, animal, bird, reptile, fish, insects or the like on the Property, without the Landlord’s consent (not to be unreasonably withheld)

1.20  Return possession of the Premises at the end of the tenancy in the same good clean state and condition as they were at the commencement of the tenancy and make good, pay for the repair of, or replace all such items of the fixtures, fittings, furniture and effects as shall be broken, lost, damaged or destroyed during the tenancy (reasonable wear and tear accepted)

1.21  Give to the landlord as soon as reasonably practicable the original of any letter, notice or other communication left, delivered or fixed to the Premises which is addressed to the Landlord or any other owner or which may affect the Landlord or his interest in the Premises

1.22  If the Tenant shall be absent from the Premises for the period of twenty four hours or more they shall turn off the mains water supply and the supply to the hot and cold water tank or leave the heating system on during their absence in cold periods

1.23  Not to keep any dangerous or inflammable goods, materials or substances in or on the Premises, apart from those required for general household use

1.24  Not to hang any posters, pictures or other items in the Premises using blu-tac, sellotape, nails, adhesive, or their equivalents without the Landlords written consent (not to be withheld unreasonably)

2.       Furniture

        (If the letting includes the use of furniture and effects)

 

2.1     The furniture and effects shall be identified in an Inventory signed by the Tenant

2.2     The Tenant will:

2.3     Ensure that damage and breakages to the furniture and effects are made good which may occur during the Term

2.4     Ensure all furniture and effects at the end of the tenancy are in the same position as they were in at the commencement date of the tenancy

2.5     Clean or pay for the cleaning of any soiled furniture, carpets, linen, blankets and curtains during the tenancy included in the letting

 

3.       Forfeiture

PROVIDED that if at any time:

 

3.1     The Rent or part of it shall remain unpaid for seven days from the due date whether legally demanded or not and/or

3.2     There shall be breach of any of the obligations on the part of the Tenant contained in this Agreement and/or

3.3     Any one or more of the grounds set out as Ground 8 and Grounds 10-15 (inclusive) and Ground 17 contained in Schedule 2 to the Housing Act 1988 (as amended) apply                     

3.4     A Notice is served under section 21 of the Housing Act 1988 (section 21 gives the Landlord a right to end an assured shorthold tenancy without any specific reason, though only after any fixed term has ended, or in operation of a break clause)

As to the giving of notices:

3.5     Any notice by or on behalf of the Landlord or the Tenant concerning this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be either left at or sent by 1st class post to the address for service

3.6     The address for service of any such notice on the Landlord shall be the address notified in writing to the Landlord by the Tenant from time to time for this purpose

3.7     The address for service of any such notice on the Tenant shall be the Premises

 

4.       Landlord’s obligations

The Landlord agrees with the Tenant:

 

4.1     To pay all assessments and outgoings in respect of the Premises (except those for which responsibility is assumed by the Tenant under this agreement)

4.2     The Landlord agrees to fulfil his repairing obligations contained within Section 11 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985. These are quoted below:

4.3     To keep in repair the structure and exterior of the dwelling-house (including drains, gutters and external pipes);

4.4     To keep in repair and proper working order the installations in the dwelling-house for the supply of water, gas and electricity and for sanitation (including basins, sinks, baths and sanitary conveniences, but not other fixtures, fittings and appliances for making use of the supply of water, gas or electricity); and

4.5     To keep in repair and proper working order the installations in the dwelling-house for space heating and heating water

4.6     To allow the Tenant quiet enjoyment of the Property during the tenancy without any unlawful interruption from the Landlord or any person lawfully claiming under or in trust for the Landlord

4.7     That the Landlord will not be responsible for any loss or inconvenience suffered as a result of a failure of supply or service to the Property, supplied by a third party, where such failure is not caused by an act or omission on the part of the Landlord

4.8     To confirm that all necessary consents have been obtained to enable the Landlord to enter this Agreement (whether from a Superior Landlord, lender, mortgagee, insurer, or others)

 

5.       Legal Notices

 

5.1     Section 47

Under section 47 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1987 the address of the Landlord is stated to be as on the first page of this agreement. The address for service of Notices is as in clause 5.2

5.2     Section 48

Until you are informed in writing to the contrary Notice is given pursuant to section 48(1) of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1987 that your Landlord’s address for the service of Notices (including Notices in proceedings) is as stated on the first page of this tenancy

 

6.       Deposit

 

6.1      For the purpose of the Deposit Protection scheme, the parties forming the Tenant declare that the Lead Tenant should represent all of them in any decisions regarding the Deposit and that the decision of the Lead Tenant will be binding on all the parties forming the Tenant in this Tenancy Agreement, subject to the terms of the appropriate tenancy deposit scheme

 

6.2     The Lead Tenant for the purposes of this tenancy will be:

6.3     If a deposit is paid it shall be repayable to the Lead Tenant only after the end of the Tenancy but the Landlord (who must act reasonably) may retain any sums required as compensation for loss caused by any breach of obligation by the Tenant

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