Tenants

Students@Cardens handle in the region of 100 student houses and apartments, varying in size from two bedroom to eight bedroom and all situated within a mile of the Streatham Campus.

Our accommodation list is released in mid to late December, and we ask that viewing appointments are made through ourselves.

The following is a list of the most frequently asked questions by tenants. Please call or email us for further information.

Do I really have to choose a property for next academic year in January or February? Can't I wait until the summer?

Most students look for next year's accommodation at the beginning of the year. This is when all agencies release their letting lists. If you want a better choice of property this is when you should be looking. If you wait until the summer you will be left with a minimal and poor choice of accommodation.

What do I need to do to reserve a property?

The whole group must complete application forms. We ask for a parental/guardian to act as guarantor.

We also ask for an application fee and holding deposit from each person. The application fee is £80 (incl. VAT) per person. This is non refundable.

When do I have to pay the first month's rent and deposit?

The deposit is payable upon signing the tenancy agreement, normally prior to the Easter break. The first months rent is payable by standing order on the first day of the tenancy. Deposits can be paid by cash, cheque or debit card.

What happens if somebody drops out after we have decided on a property?

If for some reason one of your group is not able to continue with a tenancy, this does not mean that we cannot proceed. You would have to find a replacement. If a tenancy agreement has already been signed everybody is still contractually bound by the terms of the agreement until another agreement has been signed. Once a replacement has been found, and referenced, they can be added to the agreement and the other person removed.

However, if the group has not signed an agreement when this occurs then the remaining members of the group can sign and add the final person at a later date but you must realise that if you sign an agreement and a final person cannot be found by the time the tenancy starts you are bound by the terms.

Any new 'replacement' tenants would have to pay the application fee and holding deposit.

What type of Tenancy Agreement will we sign?

The agreement will be an assured shorthold agreement where you agree to live as a group of anywhere between 2 and eight sharing as a family dwelling not as individuals in multiple occupancy.

When will we sign our Tenancy Agreement?

The Tenancy Agreement should be signed a month after application.

Does the Tenancy have to be for a year?

No, Cardens tenancies generally run for 46 weeks, although there are exceptions to this.. On occasion by agreement with the Landlord some tenancies are shorter and some are 11 months.

What about insurance?

The owner insures the property and his/her contents but we advise all tenants to have their own insurance policy for their own possessions. You will not be allowed locks on individual doors.

What about repairs? For example, what if the central heating breaks down?

The owner is responsible for internal and external repairs. The tenant only pays if the breakdown or repair is due to negligence or misuse (i.e. blocked drains etc).

What about emergencies?

In the majority of cases where we are the managing agents, we are on 24-hour call. In other cases where your Landlord manages the property, you will be been given all his/her contact details when you collect your keys.

How and when do we pay our rent?

Your rent must be paid either monthly or termly either directly to Students@Cardens or directly to your Landlord, in cases where the landlord manages the tenancy.. Payment should be made by standing order or direct debit.