FAQ's

Q. Do I have to fill in any forms?
A. Yes, we have an application form along with terms and conditions which all tenants must fill out. The application form can be found completed online or in the office. We will also send guarantor forms to your parents or other family members to fill out as part of the letting process.


Q. How much is the security deposit?
A. The security deposit is £100.00 more than the monthly rent per person. This will be registered with the DPS (or your landlord’s choice of deposit protection scheme). The deposit is refundable at the end of the tenancy as long as there are no damages or rent arrears. E.g your rent is £325.00 a month, your deposit would be £425.00. The security deposit needs to be paid within 2 weeks of paying the holding deposit.


Q. What do I have to pay to reserve a property?
A. We ask for a holding deposit of £100.00 per person to secure the property. This will become part of your first month’s rent.

Q. Minimum contract length? And am I committed to pay rent for a fixed length of time?
A. Most of our contracts are 12 months. We occasionally have some tenancies that are shorter. Yes, you are committed and legally required to pay rent until the contract ends.

Q. Who will maintain and manage the property?
A. If the property is managed by SUSU Lettings, you should contact us with all maintenance, management and rent issues. Details will be provided about the various ways of contacting us. If the landlord manages the property, you will be given their contact details when collecting your keys. You will be informed about which service you will have when you view the property.


Q. Who will pay for the utilities, services and TV Licence?
A. Unless stated otherwise, bills will be the responsibility of the tenant(s). There will be no council tax charge when a house is occupied ONLY by full time students. There are specific rules governing who is classed as a full-time student and tenants are advised to check this before choosing whom to live with.


Q. Will my belongings be covered by the Landlord’s insurance?
A. No, tenants must take out insurance for their own belongings. It is a good idea to look at insurance companies. We can also recommend companies if you ask. You should also check whether you are covered by your family’s home insurance too.

Q. Will my deposit be protected?
A. Yes, if SUSU Lettings is managing the property, it will be registered through the DPS (Deposit Protection service). If your landlord is managing the property, they will either register it through Mydeposits, the TDS or the DPS. Details about which scheme is being used will be provided in the tenancy agreement. Landlords must send proof to tenants about the registration of their deposits within 30 days of receiving the deposit.

Q. Will I get an inventory for the property?
A. Yes, if the property is managed by SUSU Lettings. A professional inventory will be completed. It will document the exact condition of the property with digital photos.

Q. Can I rent properties through you if I’m not a student?
A. The only non-students able to rent through SUSU Lettings are alumni and staff. There is a fee of £100.00 including V.A.T per person.

Q. When should I have a house by?
A. You should have a house sorted by the time your course starts. We would not advertise looking sooner than January to find a property.

Q. What happens if I need to drop out?
A. If you have not signed the tenancy agreement, the security deposit of £100.00 will be forfeited. If you have signed the tenancy agreement you will need to find a replacement for yourself.

Q. How can I find house mates?
A. There are Facebook groups to help with this. Search The University of Southampton and the housing groups. SUSU Lettings also has its own group to help with this.

Q. Are there any hidden charges?
A. All charges that are in the contract are stated in the terms of conditions that you will read before signing the tenancy agreement.

Q. How do I complain about my landlord?
A. If you are having problems with your landlord you can come and complain to SUSU Lettings. All complaints will be handled anonymously if preferred.

Q. Average bill costs?
A. Depending on the size of the property and how many people are living in there will depend on the price of the bills. Usually they are around £40 a month per person for gas, electric and water.

Q. How do I take meter readings?
A. You can find the readings on the electric and gas meters. These are usually located under the stairs.
Q. What safety certificates does the property require?
A. All properties are different. All properties require an EPC (Energy performance Certificate). Most will require an Electrical Safety certificate. If the property has gas it will need a gas safety certificate. If the property is a HMO it will require a licence from the council.

Q.Why do we pay rent in advance?
A. You are asked to pay in advance to make sure that the money is sitting in our account. The money needs to be in our accounts so that we can send it to the landlord in time.

Q. Emergency contact details for out of hours?
A. There is an emergency maintenance contractor on standby. If they are called out for a non-emergency you will be expected to pay a call out charge.