Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
We have complied a list of frequently asked questions - just click on the question to see the answer. If your query is still unanswered, please use our contact form to get in touch.
Pre-tenancy
1. I require accommodation for my next academic year, how early should I start looking at properties?
We advise students to start thinking about who they would like to live with, and where, around December time.
In December we update our website with all the properties that will be available to let for the next academic year and we start our viewings in January/ February each year.
See our 'Viewings' page
2. Can I put a deposit down on a property if none of my group have viewed it?
No. If none of your group have viewed the property you are not making an informed decision and we will not accept deposits.
3. How do I arrange viewings?
4. How many properties can I view all together?
We have to limit each group to viewing three or four properties. This is to be fair to all groups that have registered with us.
5. Can I view one or more properties this afternoon?
We are required to give the current tenants 24 hours notice before we visit a property. Viewings cannot be arranged with less than 24 hours notice unless another viewing, or an inspection, has been previously arranged with the tenants.
6. Do you do viewings on Saturdays and Sundays?
The bulk of our viewings take place on weekdays, however, staff permitting, we can conduct viewings on Saturdays.
7. Does every member of the group need to attend viewings?
It is very important that, wherever possible, all the members of your group attend the viewing appointments. Those groups where every member turns up for a viewing will be at a distinct advantage over those who do not.
8. If more than one group wish to take a particular house, how do you decide who to offer the property?
In order to be fair to all concerned, houses are offered to a particular group based on:
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The date that group registered on our website (i.e. those who registered the earliest are given priority)
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How many of the group turned up for the viewing (i.e. a group where every member has viewed the house is given priority over a group where only some have viewed the house)
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The number of existing Sinclair Properties tenants in the group. Please state if you are an existing tenant when you register, along with the first line of your address.
9. I have attended all my viewing appointments and emailed my preferences, how soon will I hear from Sinclair Properties?
Once we have received your email, we will call you within one week to let you know whether you have been successful.
10. How long is a tenancy agreement for?
The majority of our student tenancies are for a fixed period of 12 months.
11. When is the rent due?
Rent is collected four times per annum. Three of these coincide with student loan instalments. The first payment will be due before the tenancy commences.
12. Are all properties furnished?
Yes, all our properties are fully furnished and ready to move into.
13. In a property with two or more bedrooms, can more than one person live in the same room?
Unfortunately not. A four bedroom house, for example, could only be let to a group of four or less.
14. Do you have any houses where I can just rent one room?
Yes, we usually have a number of houses in which you can rent an individual room, whether you are an undergraduate or a postgraduate / masters student. The rent for an individual room includes bills such as gas, electric, water, sewerage, broadband and a TV licence.
15. Do your properties include bills in the rent?
Yes, all our student properties include gas, electric, water, sewerage, TV licence, broadband and contents insurance. For ease, you pay one amount which covers the rent including all bills.
16. Sinclair Properties advertises FREE Contents Insurance for student tenants. Can I have more information?
We have negotiated an exclusive partnership with ENDSLEIGH Insurance to provide FREE Contents Insurance to students in Sinclair houses where all tenants study full time.
To view the policy click here
To add additional items to your policy click here
17. Are pets allowed?
18. What is a guarantor?
A guarantor is someone (usually a parent or guardian) who agrees to be responsible for your rent if you fail to pay. We require all students to have a UK guarantor who earns in excess of £18,000 per annum.
19. I am an International student and my parents live abroad. I don’t know anyone in the UK that would be a suitable guarantor. What can I do?
Your university may be able to assist by acting as your guarantor if you meet their criteria. Alternatively, the rent can be paid in full before the start of the tenancy.
20. Are there any administration fees?
Unlike most other letting agents, the service we offer is totally FREE.
21. Do I need to pay a deposit?
Yes. We require a deposit of £350 per person for all properties with 2 bedrooms or larger, which will be protected with a tenancy deposit scheme. Your deposit will be returned at the end of your tenancy, subject to the house being left in a satisfactory condition. For 1 bed properties the deposit is higher.
22. What is a tenancy deposit scheme?
A tenancy deposit scheme guarantees that tenants will get their deposits back at the end of the tenancy, if they meet the terms of the tenancy agreement and do not damage the property.
23. How can I pay my deposit?
We accept cash, cheque, and debit card payments. You may also pay by credit card but there is a small fee of 1.75%.
During tenancy
1. What happens the day I move in?
Once you have received your keys and signed a receipt, you will be given a pack containing a DVD. This DVD will provide comprehensive advice on setting up utility accounts and the proceedure for reporting any maintenance issues.
2. What happens if something breaks down during my tenancy?
If any maintenance issues arise during your tenancy, please report them to us as soon as you can. You can submit a Maintenance Request online and it will go straight to our Maintenance Manager.
3. Can I put a lock on my bedroom door?
If your bedroom door is not fitted with a lock, and you would like one to be added, please contact us and we will liaise with the landlord. Please do not fit a lock without permission from Sinclair Properties.
4. What happens if I lose my keys?
If you lose your keys, please let us know as soon as possible. If keys to external doors are lost, we will have to change the locks for safety reasons, as stated in your tenancy agreement. The cost of fitting new locks will be passed onto the tenant.
5. Can I move out before the end of the tenancy?
You can move out of the property whenever you like, however the contract is for a fixed term so you are liable for the rent until the end of the tenancy.
6. My circumstances have changed and I am unable to make a rent payment. What can I do?
Call us for advice and speak with your guarantor to arrange an alternative method of payment.
7. What should I do at the end of my tenancy?
We will write to every property we manage several weeks before the end of the tenancy to give full instructions on key return and vacating the property.
Post tenancy
1. When can I expect to receive my deposit back?
We aim to return deposits within 30 working days of the end of the tenancy. In most cases, they will be returned a lot sooner. Delays may occur if the house is not left in a satisfactory condition.