Tenants FAQ
THIS IS HOW WE DO IT
DO YOU REFERENCE AND CREDIT CHECK? HOW MUCH DOES THIS COST?
Yes, on application we will reference you with your employer and current/previous landlords/agencies. We will also credit check your affordability for the room.
Yes, the deposit is equal to 1 months rent. So it depends on the size of the room you take. However, insurance backed deposits schemes are available to reduce this up front cost and we are happy to discuss this option
DO THE BEDROOMS HAVE LOCKS ON?
All of our bedrooms have locks on. We know it can be daunting moving into a new household, and want to make the move as easy as possible for you.
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN I WANT TO LEAVE?
Once you are out of your initial 6 month contract all you need to do is give us 1 calendar months notice. We will advertise your room and give you a minimum of 24 hours notice that someone is coming to view your room.
WHAT’S YOUR MINIMUM CONTRACT LENGTH?
We normally ask for a minimum of 6 months, which then rolls month by month after your initial fixed term. If you have a short contract term at work we can arrange for a shorter contract length to suit.
Our customers (as we like to think of you) are predominately working professionals in their 20’s and 30’s. There may on occasion be a mature student or post graduate in the house.
ARE THERE ANY OTHER FEES OR CHARGES?
No fees or charges.
DO YOU HAVE ANY ROOMS FOR COUPLES?
Currently not, we don’t want to overcrowd the house and want to make sure there are enough bathroom facilities to support you. Rooms are for single occupancy only.
None of our properties allow pets, this is for the comfort of all of the other house-mates.
WHICH BILLS ARE INCLUDED?
All of them! That’s gas, electricity, water, council tax, broadband and TV licence.
We even throw in a fortnightly cleaner of communal areas free of charge 🙂 and on occasion the gardener may pay a visit. The gas and electricity are included up to a combined cost of £200 per calendar month for the whole household. There is no reason you should go over this even in the deepest darkest winters, but if you did it would be calculated monthly and split evenly between the people living there.
HOW DO I PAY THE RENT?
Rent needs to be paid via a standing order, set up to reach our account on the 1st of every month.
HOW DO I MAKE AN APPOINTMENT TO BOOK A VIEWING?
Contact us on 0208 058 9255 to arrange a viewing. A phone call or text is fine. Please be aware we must give our current tenants 24 hours notice, so don’t expect a viewing the same day that you ring up.
Yes! We only put in the biggest fiber optic broadband packages available in our properties as we know how important internet is to everyone.
CAN MY FRIEND OR FAMILY MEMBER COME TO STAY WITH ME?
Of course. But no more than 2 nights per week unless previously agreed with Geda Property Services. And it’s always polite to mention it to your other house-mates – how would you feel bumping into a stranger in the middle of the night..
IS THERE PARKING AT YOUR PROPERTIES?
Some have drives for multiple cars, most you can park on the street and the odd one may have restricted parking hours. The advert for the property will describe in more detail.
DO YOU OFFER REFERRAL BONUSES?
Yes, if you find someone to rent one of our rooms, once they have moved in we will pay you £50. Of course they need to pass all the usual checks and you don’t even need to be one of our tenants any more!
No, but all of our properties are non smoking inside, which includes hanging out of the window! You can of course smoke in the garden with the back door closed behind you.
No, we would recommend one of the big supermarket stores as being most competitive in price. We do supply a mattress protector which must remain in place.
WHAT FURNITURE IS PROVIDED IN THE BEDROOM?
You will have one double (or single) bed frame and mattress, a mattress protector, a chest of drawers, a wardrobe (or tallboy) and a bedside table. Some rooms also have a desk and chair. All rooms have curtains and a lock.
DO I NEED TO BRING KITCHEN EQUIPMENT?
All properties have the basic equipment: plates, bowls, cutlery, sharp knives, chopping boards, pots and pans, mugs and glasses. However if your thinking of being on the next series of the Great British Bake Off you may want to add to the collection 🙂
IS THERE A WASHING MACHINE, FRIDGE/FREEZER ETC?
All properties have one washing machine, if there are 4 tenants you will have at least one tall fridge freezer (often another fridge), if there are 5 tenants you will have two tall fridge freezers to allow for a shelf each. Some properties also have the luxury of a dishwasher and tumble drier, but not all. Check the advert for more detail, and these items will be pointed out on the viewing.
MY JOB HAS FINISHED EARLIER THAN I THOUGHT; CAN I LEAVE MY CONTRACT EARLY?
In this situation we try to help as much as possible. We will advertise the room for the day after you vacate and try to get someone to take over from you as soon as possible. You will of course be liable for rent until the day that someone takes over, or the end date of your contract, whichever is soonest.
WHO DEALS WITH MAINTENANCE ISSUES?
We do. But we depend on your cooperation on this. Please tell us as soon as you think there is an issues with anything in the house, no matter how big or small and we will organise the repairs. If it is a structural problem or general wear and tear the landlord will pay for it, but if someone has broken something, by accident or not, they will have to pay for it. We are always very fair and will listen to everyone’s explanation first.
Yes, all houses are fitted with large (normally flat-screen) TVs in the lounge/communal area. They all have free-view boxes to allow you to watch your favourite programmes. 🙂
CAN I USE JOB SEEKERS ALLOWANCE OR HOUSING BENEFIT TO PAY THE RENT?
No, I’m afraid this isn’t allowed. You need to be in full time employment or be a mature/post graduate student. We will ask for confirmation from your employer or university.
IS THERE A LANDLINE PHONE IN THE HOUSE?
No, we don’t see the need for them, as everybody uses their mobiles.