Union Student Living,
Leeds

Who requires a rental guarantor, and what are the qualifications?

A guarantor is required if an applicant earns less than 36 times the monthly rent, has under six months of employment history in their current role, or possesses no prior rental history. The guarantor must be a third party (e.g., a relative), reside or own property in the UK, and earn an annual income above £25,000.

Are guarantors subject to background checks?

Yes. Mandatory credit checks are executed for all prospective guarantors. Applicants must obtain explicit authorisation from their guarantor before submitting any personal data to the agency.

What upfront and ongoing fees are tenants responsible for?

Prior to move-in, tenants must pay a £150 holding deposit and/or a £600 security deposit. During the tenancy, occupants must cover utilities, Council Tax, communication services, and specific default fees, such as replacement costs for lost keys, interest charges on overdue rent, or administration costs for modifying the lease agreement.

How does the holding deposit work, and is it refundable?

The initial £150 payment secures the property and halts active marketing. Upon a successful lease signing, this amount is deducted from the total security deposit. The holding deposit is non-refundable if an applicant backs out, gives false details, fails legal Right to Rent checks, or delays the application process beyond the designated 15-day completion window.

What happens if the landlord cancels the booking or if the applicant is unprepared to sign?

If the applicant cannot sign the tenancy agreement or complete the necessary payments within the scheduled timeframe, the landlord may lease the property to another individual without issuing a refund. Conversely, if the landlord chooses to withdraw the listing, the holding deposit will be refunded in full, or an alternate property will be proposed based on current availability.

Under what conditions can a reservation be cancelled during the cooling-off period?

Cancellations are accepted under three specific circumstances, provided formal evidence is submitted within three days of the occurrence:

• A government-issued letter confirming a visa refusal.

• A certified medical practitioner's note stating health issues prevent relocation into the property.

• An official university rejection letter confirming a placement was not secured.

What are the financial outcomes if a reservation is cancelled within 15 days?

If the cancellation occurs within 15 days of reserving the property and meets the approved criteria for visa, medical, or university placement failures, a complete refund will be issued.

What happens to paid funds if a cancellation occurs after signing but before the move-in date?

If the cancellation happens between the signing of the tenancy agreement and five weeks before the contract starts, the holding deposit is retained. If the cancellation occurs within five weeks of the tenancy start date, all advance rent is retained unless an eligible replacement tenant is found to take over the agreement.

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.