Students Renting With Alphabet City A personal service tailored to your needs Why rent through Alphabet City? Renting a property can be daunting, let us make the process easy for you
If we have a clear picture of what you want, we will be able show you properties that best match your needs, saving you valuable time and energy.
Visualise the property before you view by using our cutting edge, user friendly website which contains photographs, location maps, interactive floor plans, EPC’s and much more. www.alphabetcity.co.uk
Finding the right property can be as difficult as finding the right agent. At Alphabet City we combine quality property with a service that is second to none. Choosing the right property and the right agent will make all the difference, giving you peace of mind and ongoing support once you have moved into a property.
Alphabet City Website
Property Alerts As soon as a new property becomes available that matches your search criteria, you will receive a property alert via SMS and e-mail.
My Property Portfolio Sign up to my property portfolio and tailor your property search to exactly what you are looking for.
We are an ARLA, ARLA, licensed agent Every year, unlicensed agents cause unnecessary stress and hassle, and sometimes loss of money, by giving incorrect or misleading advice or by offering poor customer service. As a licensed agent you can be assured of receiving the highest level of service as we strive to exceed strict codes of professional conduct.
Benefits of My Property Portfolio
Your property requirements Let us know what you are looking for and let us do the rest . . . The key to a successful property search is information! As your agent we need to know what you are looking for, not just the straight forward details of the number of bedrooms and rental price, we need to know your likes and dislikes too.
Save your favorite properties and search criteria Arrange viewings E-mail our property consultants directly Share property details with your friends and family Property showcasing allows you to find out everything you need to know about a property at the click of a button
The Student’s Agent A personal service tailored to your needs
Alphabet City, City, the student’s choice Thousands of students choose Alphabet City as their local letting agent Alphabet City has successfully placed UK and international students over the years in prime location property within easy access of their university or higher education facilities. With ever increasing demand for quality student accommodation, in prime locations, let Alphabet City find you your perfect property.
Securing your property property
We come recommended . . .
You will be asked to pay between 3 – 6 months rent in advance plus the deposit. This will be payable during your tenancy on a quarterly or six monthly basis.
We have worked along with Queen Mary, University of London for over 20 years, successfully helping to place many local and international students at the university, and we come highly recommended.
Option 2 - Guarantor Required If you are unable to pay rent in advance you will be required to obtain a guarantor. Your guarantor will need to be earning a sufficient salary to cover your share of the rental. Our referencing company Maras, maybe able to obtain references from overseas.
To review our customer feedback visit www.alphabetcity.co.uk.
Renting as a student, what do I need to know? Before your property search begins
As a student or group looking for accommodation you will need to agree what your allocated budget is on either a weekly or monthly basis.
Confirm how many people will be moving into the property. Do you have any requirements for the property? If so you will need to inform your lettings consultant at the point of making an offer. As a student tenant you will have two options regarding payment during your tenancy: Option 1 - Pay rent in advance
Queen Mary, University of London, recommend Alphabet City as a local letting agent for student accommodation.
Alphabet City has close relationships with many local teaching universities and hospitals, ensuring students looking for accommodation are able to find quality properties within budget.
All advertised rental prices do not include bills, so factor this into your budget on a monthly basis.
Important If you are unable to proceed with either option you will not be able to proceed with the tenancy. Key information for students
All tenants are joint and severally liable on the Tenancy Agreement. If there is an amount of rental that remains unpaid, all tenants will be chased for the outstanding amount. Guarantors will be required to pay any outstanding rental amounts if the tenants default on the rental.
Viewings & Offers Professional, knowledgeable, knowledgeable, accredited
Property viewings viewings Make it a successful viewing Contact us to arrange an appointment to view a selection of properties that meet your criteria. Alphabet City will chauffer you to the property. A lettings consultant will accompany you on the viewing, and will be able to answer any questions that you may have.
Make an offer Secure your property before it’s gone Once you have chosen the property you wish to reserve don’t delay. If you like the property the chances are so will someone else. Inform your property consultant that you are interested in the property and that you wish to secure the property.
Student Tenant Requirements As a student tenant you will be required to either obtain a guarantor or pay rent in advance to secure your tenancy. Our referencing company Maras maybe able to obtain references internationally. If you will be paying rent in advance you will need to pay between 3 – 6 months advance rental plus the deposit.
Required Details
You will need to provide the following details so an offer can be put forward to the landlord: • Full names of all applicants • Student details • Special requirements • Offer price • Preferred move in date You will be required to pay a Fee of Intent to secure the property which is the
equivalent of one week’s rental. Once the Fee of Intent has been paid no further viewings will be carried out at the property. You will be required to pay for references for each applicant moving into the property. . Note: The Fee of Intent is non refundable should you change your mind or not wish to proceed for any reason.
Agreed offer offer Your offer was accepted, congratulations! Once your offer has been agreed we will confirm the offer in writing to you via e-mail. You will also receive a web link to complete your references online with Maras (www.maras.co.uk) a leading professional referencing agency.
You can only proceed to the next stage if your references are acceptable.
Tenancy application procedure You will receive a web link to complete your online credit check application. You will need to provide the following information:
Full Name & Personal Details Your rental share Place of residence for the last 3 years If you are currently renting a property to provide your landlord’s details Bank details Personal reference details Next of kin details, in case of emergency Please contact your property consultant should you require any assistance completing your reference
Pre-Tenancy Move In The requirements
PrePre-move in checklist checklist Useful reminders
Pay Fee of Intent Pay referencing fee Complete online application If you require a guarantor, ensure that they have completed the reference form and provided two forms of ID to Alphabet City. (Passport & recent utility bill or bank statement) Arrange payment of the Move In balance due in CLEARED FUNDS ONLY Please make payment using one of the following methods:
If you require a guarantor, ensure that your guarantor has completed the relevant sections of the Tenancy Agreement, and submit them to Alphabet City prior to move in If you wish Hallmark to set up your utilities on your behalf, sign the authorisation page and submit it to Alphabet City Make an appointment with Alphabet City to finalise the move in paperwork and collect keys for your property.
Completion Time to enjoy your new home
Beneficiary Details
Alphabet City Ltd
You will need to arrange an appointment to come into our office to sign the Tenancy Agreement and all other relevant move in documents before you can collect the keys to your new home.
Account Name
Alphabet City Rental Account
When you come to sign the Tenancy Agreement you will need:
Account Number
10124745
Sort Code
20-77-67
IBAN
GB76 BARC 2077 6710 1247 45
Swift
BARCGB22
Reference
Property name
Bank Transfer
Bankers Bankers Draft Made Payable To
Alphabet City Ltd
Please allow 3-4 working days for a bank transfer to clear into our account. If you are making an international transfer, please allow 7 -10 working days for the payment to clear.
Read through the Tenancy Agreement in detail
Two forms of ID for yourself and your guarantor • Passport • Recent utility bill or bank statement Your bank details Your current contact details including • Mobile number • Work number • E-mail address If you haven’t already paid your move in balance you will need CLEARED FUNDS ONLY available *We recommend that you allow at least 30 minutes for completing the move in process. Once you have completed the move in paperwork you will receive a brochure containing all of your tenancy information. We recommend that you keep this information throughout your tenancy for your records.
During Your Tenancy A personal service that is second to none
During your your tenancy Everything you will need to know during your tenancy . . . Tenancy Agreements Tenancy Agreements used by Alphabet City are produced by Pain Smith Solicitors, so you can rest assured that they conform to all current legislation.
Tenancy agreement and your guarantor If you have a guarantor standing surety for you, they will need to sign the relevant sections of the Tenancy Agreement prior to you moving into the property. If this has not been completed prior to the move in date, you will not be allowed to move into the property. We can only accept the signed original documents from the guarantor.
PainSmith Solicitors, Who Are They? PainSmith Solicitors only practice in the complex field of Landlord and Tenant law. Working solely in this area they have practical experience and knowledge of the field that is unmatched elsewhere in the legal sector. Widely acknowledged as leaders in the field, PainSmith are accredited to the Law Society, Lexcel and are Investors in People accredited and therefore demonstrate the highest standards in practice and client management. Assured Shorthold Tenancy Agreement Alphabet City will produce the Tenancy Agreement prior to move in and will e-mail a copy for you to read over in advance. A copy will be forward to all tenant(s) and /or guarantor(s) relating to the contract. A standard tenancy agreement is for 12 months with a break clause at 6 months, with a 2 month notice period. Should you require alternative arrangements, please speak to your lettings consultant who will be happy to assist with your personal requirements.
What are Deposits? Deposits are a sum of money, normally equal to 4 to 6 weeks rent, paid to your landlord as a bond, to ensure that you meet your obligations set out in the tenancy agreement. It will be returned at the end of tenancy subject to the following:
Items Chargeable to the Deposit
Rent arrears and other outstanding bills relating to the property Professional cleaning costs, necessary to return the property to a pre-let standard (N.B. costs reflect professional and NOT domestic cleaning rates) To replace damaged items of furniture or dĂŠcor, and to make good where necessary Cost of rubbish removal Cost of replacing locks and/or keys if the keys are not returned promptly
Alphabet City provides a Termination of Tenancy Guide for tenants, that outlines the move out procedure at the end of your tenancy. Follow it to ensure that the transition between the end of your tenancy and subsequent return of deposit is dealt with speedily.
During Your Tenancy A personal service that is second to none
Tenancy Deposit Schemes What is the Tenancy Deposit Scheme? The scheme is a consumer protection measure to prevent landlords wrongly withholding part or all of a tenant’s deposit. It helps to resolve deposit disputes and acts as an intermediary to settle the deposit issues raised. Further information can be found on the Government website: www.direct.gov.uk/en/TenancyDeposit/
Tenancy Deposit Schemes available Please find below the Tenancy Deposit Schemes available, please refer to the individual websites for further information. The Tenancy Dispute Scheme www.thedisputeservice.co.uk Deposit Protection www.depositprotection.com Tenancy Deposit Solutions
Tenancy Deposit Scheme Registration Alphabet City will register your deposit if we manage your tenancy. If Alphabet City does not manage the tenancy, your landlord will be responsible for registering your deposit with the appropriate tenancy deposit scheme. Deposits will be registered once you have moved into the property. You will receive a copy of your Tenancy Deposit Scheme certificate which is proof that your deposit has been registered. The certificate will contain a unique registration ID which you will be able to use online to view your certificate on the company website.
Inventory In general an inventory will be provided by an independent inventory clerk. The inventory will include details of all furniture, fixtures and fittings and the decorative order of the property as well as stating the condition, and cleanliness of the property. A copy of the report along with photos taken prior to move in will be forwarded to the tenant(s) and landlord for their records. A copy of the CD containing the photos can be obtained from Alphabet City at a charge of £5.00.
www.mydeposits.co.uk
All Tenancy Agreements are drawn up to reflect the individual Tenancy Deposit Scheme chosen by your landlord. Please refer to your Tenancy Agreement to check with whom your deposit is registered.
•
It is essential that you retain a copy of the inventory report for the duration of your tenancy
•
The inventory report forms the basis of your return of deposit
•
An independent clerk is used so an impartial decision can be made on the condition of the property
During Your Tenancy A personal service that is second to none
Your responsibility responsibility and the Inventory
Please find below details of recommended professional cleaning companies
Impressive Cleaning Once you have received a copy of the inventory you have 7 working days to respond in writing should you not agree with anything mentioned in the inventory report. These comments will be forwarded to the inventory clerk and the comments will be put on file and read in conjunction with the check out report at the end of the tenancy during the inventory check out. If Alphabet City does not manage the tenancy you will need to forward your comments directly to your landlord.
Cleaning All our managed property is cleaned to a professional standard before you move in. Please ensure that the property is handed back to the same professionally cleaned standard at the end of your tenancy, as stated on your inventory check in report. Fair wear and tear is taken into consideration.
Please note that the recommended cleaning companies are independent of Alphabet City
T
07957 161 698
W
www.impressivecleaning.co.uk
Shiners Cleaning T
020 8988 2810
W
www.shinersltd.co.uk
Safety regulations regulations Your safety is important to us. When we manage we ensure that all safety testing is carried out in line with latest legislation. Contractors are fully qualified, professional and trustworthy trades people. Prior to move in you will receive a copy of the appropriate certificates relating to the property, as follows: Safety Certificate
Frequency
Legislation
Gas Certificate
Annually
Legal Requirement
PAT Test
Annually
Recommended
NIC Certificate
Once every 5 years
Recommended, properties over 10 years old
EPC
Once every 10 years
Legal Requirement
During Your Tenancy A personal service that is second to none
EPC, Energy performance certificate The EPC provides an energy performance rating from 'A' (highly efficient) to 'G' (least efficient). Because ratings are standardised, you can easily compare the energy efficiency of one property to another. Ratings are influenced by type of property, its age, layout, construction, heating,
Utilities It is the tenant’s responsibility to set up all of your utilities at the property which will include: • • • • •
lighting and insulation. The typical rating for a property is D or E.
You should contact all relevant utility companies prior to move in and inform them of the following information: • • •
NOTE: Estimated running costs are based on assumptions about a property (i.e. the number of occupants and how long it is heated during the day). However, average fuel prices from the date the EPC was produced are used, and these could be up to ten years old. Actual running costs will vary depending on current fuel costs and tenant use. You will receive a copy of the EPC for the property prior to signing the Tenancy Agreement. Should you wish to review this prior to this point please refer to the marketing material for the property which will contain this information.
Gas Water Electricity Council Tax Telephone / Broadband (Should you require it)
All tenant(s) names as per the Tenancy Agreement The property address The date that you moved into the property as stated on your Tenancy Agreement
Take the hassle out of setting up your utilities – Find out how Let Alphabet City take the stress out of setting up your utilities at the property. We will ask you to complete a utility form with your details which we will pass on to a third party company called Hallmark. They will then process your details with Southern Electric for both the gas and electric as appropriate, and also register your details with other appropriate suppliers and your local authority for council tax. Please note that currently we cannot set up telephone accounts. Southern Electric are one of the top three energy providers in the country at any one time, and are able to offer competitive rates. Further discounts are available if paying by direct debit. You will receive a welcome pack 3-4 weeks after the transfer, and you are free to cancel your service at any time.
Protect Your Possessions Don’t expose yourself to unnecessary risk
Insurance It is in your best interest to protect any valuable items you may have in the property such as your laptop, I-Pod, digital camera and mobile phone etc against damage and theft. The landlord will have insurance to cover his possessions and property, but his insurance will not cover you or your possessions. Maras, an independent industry leading company who provide specialist products with solutions tailored to your requirements. For further information and a Free Quote please visit www.maras.co.uk Further information is available via our website www.alphabetcity.co.uk/insurance.
On completion of the questionnaire, you will be entered into the prize draw for a chance to win an I-Pod Shuffle to say Thank You from Alphabet City.
What our customers have to say . . You have been a great help during the previous years. My move is temporary so I will definitely contact you again. Thanks for all your help it was much appreciated. R. Squillante Thank You again for your very prompt and professional check in. I’ve been living in London for over 5 years, and your service thus far has been the best I have had from any estate agent in London. N. Stoop Once again it has been a pleasure to use Alphabet City’s services. M. Sayanda You guys have been a great property management group. Many thanks. Jessica
Help us to improve Alphabet City is always looking for suggestions on how we can improve our service to you. So if you have any suggestions or would like to tell us about your experience of dealing with Alphabet City we would love to hear from you. We will forward a short questionnaire out to you to complete once you have moved into the property.
Professional bodies Alphabet City is accredited by the following professional bodies, so you can be assured of receiving the highest level of service as we strive to maintain the strict codes of conduct.
Alphabet City, 49 West India Dock Road, Limehouse London E14 8HN www.alphabetcity.co.uk © Alphabet City Ltd 2011