Elmstead Place,
Colchester

Do I need to pay a deposit to secure my room?
Yes. A £150 holding deposit is required at the time of booking. Once your tenancy begins, this amount converts into your security deposit.

Is the deposit refundable?
Yes. Your security deposit is refundable at the end of your tenancy, subject to a final inspection and provided there are no outstanding rent arrears or damages to the room or communal areas.

How is my deposit protected?
Your deposit is protected by an approved tenancy deposit scheme. Deposits are registered with the Tenancy Deposit Scheme (TDS) in England and Wales and MyDeposits Scotland in Scotland.

When will I receive my deposit refund?
After the final inspection, your deposit will be returned within 10 working days, provided there are no deductions for unpaid rent or damages.

Can I pay my rent in instalments?
Yes. You can either pay your rent in full or in 4 instalments. Payment amounts and due dates will be confirmed in your booking confirmation email.

Do I need a guarantor to pay in instalments?
Yes. Students choosing the 4-instalment payment option must provide a qualified UK guarantor.

What if I don't have a UK guarantor?
If you cannot provide a UK guarantor, you may be able to use a third-party guarantor service such as Housing Hand, subject to their terms and approval.

Do I need a guarantor if I pay my rent in full?
No. A guarantor is only required if you choose to pay your rent in instalments.

What payment methods are accepted?
Rent payments can be made via Recurring Card Payment, Direct Debit, or Bank Transfer through the resident portal.

Can I pay by cash or cheque?
No. Cash and cheque payments are not accepted.

How can I change my payment method?
If you would like to change your payment method, please contact the accommodation team for assistance.

Can I cancel my booking?
Yes. You can cancel within 14 days of signing your first tenancy agreement for the 2026/27 academic year (the cooling-off period), provided your tenancy has not started and you have not collected your keys. Any advance rent and rent payments made will be refunded.

What happens if I cancel after the cooling-off period?
You can request to cancel at any time, but you will remain responsible for paying rent until a suitable replacement tenant is found and their 14-day cooling-off period has ended. Finding a replacement tenant is your responsibility.

Can I cancel if my visa application is rejected?
Yes. You may be released from your tenancy if you submit a cancellation request within 3 days of receiving your visa refusal and provide a copy of the official visa rejection letter. If your tenancy has already started, you remain liable for rent until the required documents are received.

Can I cancel if I do not get into university?
Yes, if you are a prospective first-year undergraduate student. You must submit your cancellation request before 22 August 2026 and provide evidence of your unsuccessful university application, such as a UCAS or university rejection letter. Any advance rent and rent payments made will be refunded.

Can my booking be cancelled due to Anti-Money Laundering (AML) checks?
Yes. All bookings are subject to AML checks. If a booking fails these checks, the property may cancel the booking and refund any payments made.

The above cancellation policy is a synopsis of the property’s cancellation policy. There could be a few changes incorporated from time to time. Hence, we recommend you review the full Accommodation Contract for a comprehensive understanding of their cancellation policies.