Fee Information

We have produced this guide to inform tenants of the procedures and requirements relating to a typical tenancy. We aim to be as transparent as possible when disclosing our services, procedures and charges however please do speak to a Property Manager for an accurate assessment of your rental requirements. All fees listed are inclusive of VAT. 

Application and Referencing process - Assured Shorthold Tenancies

When you have found a suitable property to rent, all intended tenants will be asked to complete an application form. We may then take up references which may include a bank reference (for which your bank may charge a separate fee), credit reference, employer reference and previous landlord reference. You will also be asked to provide a copy of your driving licence and/or passport (a valid visa will be required if you are applying from a Non-EU country)

Deadline for Agreement

The ‘deadline for agreement’ (ie: the latest date on which referencing should be completed and agreement for all terms of the tenancy can be reached) is usually 15 days after the application has been received unless otherwise agreed.

Overseas Student Applicants

Please be aware that if you have no credit history within the UK we will be unable to complete a credit check. In this instance, you may be asked to pay rent in advance. You may also wish to use a UK-based rent guarantee service such as Housing Hand. Please speak to one of the Student team if you require any clarification. 

Tenancy Agreement

Before commencing the Tenancy, you will sign a Tenancy Agreement which sets out the obligations of both the Landlord and Tenant. OpenArch covers the cost of preparing this Tenancy Agreement. Once this Agreement has been executed, it is legally binding. Rooms are let on an individual basis but each tenant will be jointly and severally liable for the common areas.

Deposit

Before your Tenancy commences you are required to pay a security deposit, this deposit varies depending on the property however it will be a MAXIMUM of 5 weeks worth of rent. This deposit is held by us as stakeholders. It is held for the duration of the Tenancy against any damages and/or expenses arising during your tenancy for which you are liable. This deposit (for AST’s) is protected using a Government-authorised Deposit scheme. Within 30 days of paying your deposit, you will receive details outlining how your deposit is protected, including details of the relevant scheme and what to do if there is a dispute at the end of the tenancy. 

Student Rent Payments

Student rent is paid monthly. If you experience any financial difficulties during your tenancy please get in touch with us immediately. Further information can be provided upon enquiry.  

General Information

Once we have agreed on a date for the commencement of the Tenancy, we will provide you with details of the initial payment required and this must be received in cleared funds before the commencement date.

You will receive an inventory and schedule of the condition of the property, the furniture, fixtures and fittings on the first day of your Tenancy. This inventory will form the basis of any claims for damages at the end of the Tenancy so you must add any comments you wish to be included. If you fail to amend the inventory within 7 days from the start of your Tenancy, the inventory will be sealed and completed in the provided form.    

It is the tenant’s responsibility to pay council tax where due.

Fees and other charges

Please note that rent and deposit charges are separate from the fees outlined above and vary depending on each property. The fees shown above are the MAXIMUM fees that will be applied depending on your circumstances and the number of tenants.  If you have any queries please call the office and speak to one of the Residential Team. A draft copy of a Tenancy Agreement is available upon request should this be required.