Renting as a Student in Canterbury

Moving into your new student house is an exciting step. Many have said that the years they spent in a shared student house were the best years of their lives, with the ability to make lifelong friends and memories.

Canterbury is an amazing City boasting three Universities, Canterbury Christchurch University, University of Kent and the University for the Creative Arts and this means that during term times there are over 40,000 students out and about and a large proportion of those are looking for accommodation from November onwards.

We have properties throughout Canterbury ranging from 1 to 6 bedrooms to suit various budgets. Some of our properties have double bedrooms, gardens, off road parking.

Renting for the first time can sometimes be a stressful experience, but we aim to make this as stress-free as possible.

Before you move in, consider your initial outgoings:

Security Deposit - £300.00 per person
Holding Deposit - £50.00 per person
Your first month's rent

Once you have moved in, consider your ongoing costs:

Your monthly rental payments
Council Tax although check as Students in Full Time Courses will be exempt
Broadband and phone bills
Utility Bills if they are not included in your Tenancy Agreement
Television License
Groceries

1 - Research!

Researching the area means that you can make the most of the city you are moving to. You can discover new restaurants, bars and experiences. Research the best broadband packages available to students and discuss with your housemates the one you wish to go for. That way you can have it all set up for when you arrive.

2 - Get Organised!

Organising what you are going to bring into your home will alleviate unnecessary stress. You can plan what items you will need in your room to ease your University experience, and what homeware you will need to get you on your feet from the very first day.

3 - Reach Out!

If you are an individual tenant joining a house, reach out to your new housemates. By making friends you will be able to ensure that your experience is the best it can be. Don't forget to join your University clubs, this is a great way to meet a lot of people.

Holding Deposit (per tenancy): £50.00 per tenant.

This is to reserve a property. Please Note: This will be withheld if any relevant person (including any guarantor(s)) withdraw from the tenancy, fail a Right- to-Rent check, provide materially significant false or misleading information, or fail to sign their tenancy agreement within 15 calendar days (or other Deadline for Agreement as mutually agreed in writing). Upon completion of the application process, the Holding Deposit will collectively contribute to the first month's rent.

Security Deposit (per tenancy. Rent under £50,000 per year): Five weeks' rent. However, for students we charge £300.00 per tenant.

This covers damages or defaults on the part of the tenant during the tenancy. The Security Deposit will be registered collectively with the DPS.

Unpaid Rent:

Interest at 3% above the Bank of England Base Rate from Rent Due Date until paid in order to pursue non-payment of rent. Please Note: This will not be levied until the rent is more than 14 days in arrears.

Lost Key(s) or other Security Device(s):

Tenants are liable to the actual cost of replacing any lost key(s) or other security device(s). If the loss results in locks needing to be changed, the actual costs of a locksmith, new lock and replacement keys for the tenant, landlord any other persons requiring keys will be charged to the tenant.

Lead Tenant:

If you are renting a property as a group, the tenant who completes the first application, will be nominated as the Lead Tenant. The Lead Tenant will be the main point of contact for the duration of the tenancy and manage the return of the Security Deposit.

Variation of Contract (Tenant's Request): £50.00 (inc. VAT) per agreed variation.

To cover the costs associated with taking landlord's instructions as well as the preparation and execution of new legal documents.

Change of Sharer (Tenant's Request): £50.00 (inc. VAT) per replacement tenant or any reasonable costs incurred if higher.

To cover the costs associated with taking landlord's instructions, new tenant referencing and Right-to-Rent checks, deposit registration as well as the preparation and execution of new legal documents.

Early Termination (Tenant's Request):

Should the tenant wish to leave their contract early, they shall be liable for all rent due under the tenancy until the start date of the replacement tenancy. These costs will be no more than the maximum amount of rent outstanding on the tenancy.

If you any questions about our fees, please ask a member of staff.