FAQs
PRE-TENANCY
What are your office opening hours?
Our office is open from 9.00am – 4.30pm Monday – Friday.
When should we start looking for student accommodation?
At both universities in Sheffield students start looking for property from 1 November for the next academic year. This is a very busy time and usually by Christmas the majority of our properties have been taken.
How long in advance do we need to book if we want to look at some houses?
We need 24 hours to inform current tenants of viewings on properties, however with the existing tenants permission we may be able to show you if you book the same day. To arrange a viewing either just pop into the office on the corner of Collegiate Crescent and Ecclesall road or call us on 0114 266 99 00 or e-mail infor@claypenny.co.uk .
Do we meet you at the property or do we need to come to the office?
You will need to come to the office prior to the viewing and we will take you from here.
Do you do viewings on Saturdays?
Yes, we are open on Saturday’s from 10.30am – 4.30pm during November and December.
Are all properties furnished?
Yes, all properties come furnished including kitchen appliances.
In two or more bedroom properties, can more than one person live in the same room?
No, the price is per person in relation to the number of bedrooms in the house.
Do you have any houses where I can just rent one room?
Yes we have individuals rooms to let within shared student houses. In these you will have your own room, but will share communal facilities.
Do you offer properties with bills included?
No, utility bills are not included in the rental price, we have researched the all-inclusive packages and are of the opinion that all-inclusive rents charge a premium for the utilities provided. Having spoke to our past tenants they have informed us that the average charge per individual is between £5.50 and £6.50 per week, all inclusive rents are usually £12.00 in excess of normal rents and thus a house of 5 can save approximately £1500 over the course of the 12 month tenancy by buying the gas/electric/water/broadband and tv license themselves.
What is an Energy Performance Certificate?
An Energy Performance Certificate is a document that shows how efficient and how environmentally friendly a property is. All our properties have EPC’s and they are available to view upon request with one weeks notice.
Do I need a TV License?
Yes. However, the tenancy agreement provided are joint and several and thus only one television licence is required for the whole property.
Should I take out contents Insurance? Yes, you are responsible for ensuring your own personal possessions in the property. We recommend (Endsligh Student Insurance backed by the NUS) and can provide details for them if you so wish.
Are pets Allowed?
Unfortunately not.
Do you provide kitchen utensils or do we need to bring our own?
Our properties are fully furnished, however we do not provide such items as duvets, sheets, pillow sheets, crockery and utensils.
Is the internet installed?
All our properties have phone points to allow the occupiers to connect a wireless router should they so wish.
Do you offer a Summer discount?
If we are in the process of refurbishing a property we may be able to offer discount, however please contact the office for further details.
Can I bring my own furniture?
To ensure both health and safety regulations are maintained at all times we request that tenants do not bring their own furniture. All furnishings brought into the property must comply with the furniture and furnishings safety regulations. The tenant is responsible for the removal of any personal items at the end of the tenancy.
How long are the tenancy agreements for?
The tenancy agreements are for 12 months but this depends on whether the property is due to be refurbished.
Are there any administration fees?
Yes, but these are one off payments and should you chose to stay with Claypenny Properties a following year you will not have to pay another.
Do I need a deposit?
Yes, the deposit is registered with the deposit protection service. Please see www.depositprotection.com. Should you choose to remain in the property for a second year you will not be required to pay a second deposit.
What is the best way of paying the deposit?
You are able to pay the deposit by cash, credit or debit card at our office or via online transfer. Please contact our office for further details.
When should I pay the deposit?
You should pay the deposit at the time of signing the Contract.
What agreements do I need to sign?
You will need to sign a fix term short hold tenancy agreement. Once signed the contract is legally binding on all parties and you are liable for rental payments for the full period of the contact. Please speak to a member of our staff at our office should you require any further information regarding the agreement.
How do I ensure I get the keys?
Providing the deposit and first rent payments have been made by all tenants in the property the keys will be available for collection from our office on the first day of the tenancy.
TENANCY
What happens on the day I move in?
You will be able to collect your keys on the first day of your tenancy. Along with the keys is a welcome pack containing contact details and opening hours of our office. Information on security and refuse collection and utility suppliers as well as a property problem report form. Our staff are also hear to help any queries you have.
How do I notify your office of any problems with the property at the start of the tenancy?
Fill out the property problem report form which can be found in your welcome pack which you will receive when you collect your keys or e-mail us on info@claypenny.co.uk.
Do I get an inventory when I move in?
When the first person collects the keys they will be given an inventory and schedule of condition which is a detailed list of all items and their condition throughout the property. You should check that all items listed on the inventory are present and are in the condition described on the inventory. Record any damages and make sure that everybody in the property signs the inventory. We will use this inventory when you vacate your home at the end of the tenancy so it is important to make sure that it is returned to us.
How often do we have to pay rent?
The payment dates for the rent are stated as a payment schedule on the front of the tenancy agreement. Generally the payment dates are as follows;
1st July (one month)
1st August (one month)
1st September (one month)
1st October (three months)
1st January (three months)
1st April (three months)
How do I pay the rent?
Rent is payable by direct debit. A direct debit is a preauthorised payment under which an account holder authorises a bank to pay a fixed amount such as a rent payment or variable amounts (such as those called for in bills or invoices) directly to a landlord, for example, at regular intervals. Your rent will be collected automatically once this has been set up
Can my parents pay for my rent?
Yes.
How do I go about registering the utility bills in my name?
Take a note of the meter readings and serial numbers and contact the utility provider to register the gas, electric and water in your name. We will also require a copy of this information.
Can I decorate?
No, decoration must be carried out by our own contractors.
What happens if something breaks down?
Please contact our office either by telephone 0114 266 99 00 or e-mail us on info@claypenny.co.uk or call in the office and fill out a property problem report form.
Who is responsible for changing light bulbs in my property? This is the tenants responsibility and you should make sure all light bulbs are working when you leave the property.
Can I leave the contract earlier?
On an Assured Short hold Tenancy Agreement, you're legally bound until the end of your tenancy period. We can however consider ending your tenancy if you have a replacement. This individual will need to meet all of our criteria and be able to provide full guarantor details prior to the process being complete. Should it be necessary for us to carry out viewings on the property there is an administration fee of £25.00 per viewing.
What happens if I fall into arrears?
If you have problems paying your rent please don’t hope the problem will go away and ignore it. It is very important that you communicate with us on a regular basis. Please contact our office as soon as you are aware that there may be any issue.
Can the final utility bills be paid out of the deposit?
No. If the bills are in the names of the tenants, it is the tenants responsibility to ensure the final utility bills are settled in full.
What should I do with the keys at the end of the tenancy?
You should return the keys to our office no later than 12 noon on the last day of your tenancy. If the keys aren’t returned, the new tenants will not be able to move in, so it is of major importance to return all keys within the allowed timescale. If a housemate is leaving early then please collect their keys before they depart. If your keys are not returned, you may be charged for the locks to be changed, or you may even have to pay to house the new tenants in a hotel until all keys have been returned – a hassle and expense that can be avoided with planning.
POST-TENANCY
How do I get my deposit back?
Please make sure that all tenants have cleared their account with no outstanding rent payments or charges; this will help to ensure your deposits are dealt with more promptly. All utility companies i.e. gas, electric, water need to be contacted with meter readings and forwarding addresses prior to vacating the property. Make sure the date of the meter readings/billing corresponds to the end of your tenancy, as these details are imperative for the return of your deposit.
You will need to provide proof of payment of your final utility bills (gas, electric, water), complete with meter readings before your deposit can be processed at the end of your tenancy. This will all be explained in bullet points in your ‘Notice to Quit’ letter. Once we have all your final bills and proof of payment the landlord will then be able to contact the lead tenant to discuss your deposit.
Will I get my full deposit back/?
We want to re-imburse your deposit in full so please make sure the property is returned to us in a condition that is clean, lettable and without damage, exceeding wear & tear. Cleaning and removal charges are the most common deductions made against deposits. Some housemates may depart early, leaving the remaining tenants to clean and clear the rest of the house. This can lead to a rushed job and monies being deducted for additional cleaning to bring the property back up to standard. What ever you do, don’t have your moving out party the night before, it could be very costly!!!
How can I ensure I receive all my post after the tenancy has ended?
You need to ensure that all your forwarding addresses are provided to all necessary sources e.g banks, insurance, credit card, utility companies. You don’t want new tenants knowing all of your personal details so the easiest way to do this is through Royal Mail's 'Home Redirections Service' (www.royalmail.com) to forward mail from your old address to your new one. You will not be able to re-enter the property once your tenancy has ended so make sure this is done a few weeks in advance.
