Swanston House,
Belfast

How can I pay my rent?
You can pay your rent in annual, termly or monthly instalments through your Student Roost account or by card at your property. Monthly payments are 2% more expensive than paying in one or four instalments.

When is my first rent payment due?
Your first rent payment depends on your property and booking:

• England, Wales and Northern Ireland: If you book before 1 August, your first payment is due by 1 August. If you book after this date, it is due from the date of booking. The amount may take up to 24 hours to appear in your Student Roost account.

• Scotland: Your first payment is due on the first day of your tenancy.

• Returning residents: Your first payment is due in August or September, depending on when you booked. Check your Student Roost account for the exact date.

Will my rent be taken automatically by direct debit?
No. You need to make your payment through your Student Roost account or by card at your property. Bank transfers are only accepted in special circumstances.

Do I need to pay an Advance Rent Payment?
For properties outside Scotland, you will be prompted to make an Advance Rent Payment when booking. This is deducted from your final rent instalment, so it is not an additional charge. Advance Rent Payments do not apply to Scottish properties.

Do I need to pay a deposit?
For 2026/27 bookings, deposits apply to Scottish properties. For properties outside Scotland, you will instead be prompted to make an Advance Rent Payment when booking.

How is my deposit protected in Scotland?
For 2026/27 Scottish bookings, your deposit is protected through MyDeposits Scotland, a government-approved tenancy deposit protection scheme. You will receive confirmation of the protection and access to your MyDeposits Scotland account.

Make sure your email address and mobile number are up to date so you can receive important information from the scheme. Student Roost recommends using a personal email address rather than your university email address.

When will I get my Student Roost deposit back?
When you move out, you will complete a Departure Envelope and your room will be inspected for damage, cleaning costs or other charges. Deductions may be made for unpaid rent, repairs, cleaning or damage.

Once you and Student Roost agree on the refund amount, MyDeposits Scotland will normally return your deposit within five days. Deposits must be held in the scheme for at least 30 days before they can be released.

If you disagree with any deductions, you can use MyDeposits Scotland's free dispute resolution service.

How will I receive a refund from Student Roost?
Your refund method depends on how you originally paid:

• Card payment within the last five months: Refunded to the original card, usually within 3–5 days for UK cards or 7–10 days for international cards.

• Older card payments or bank transfers: Complete a refund form with your bank details.

• Payments made by an agent: Student Roost will refund you directly through the refund process.

Student Roost aims to process refunds within 28 days.

What happens if I overpay my rent?
Your overpayment will normally be applied to your next rent instalment. You can also request a refund.

What happens if I am due a refund after finding a replacement tenant?
Once your replacement tenant's booking is confirmed and has passed the applicable cooling-off period, you may be eligible for a refund of your booking fee or deposit and any rent overpaid. You will need to complete a refund request form.

What if my card has expired or I have closed my bank account?
If your original card has expired or your bank account has been closed, contact Student Roost. You may need to complete a refund form and provide alternative bank details.

If Student Roost has already processed the refund successfully, you will need to contact your bank to locate the funds.

Will I be charged if my refund is paid into an international bank account?
You may incur charges when receiving a refund into an international bank account. These depend on your bank's terms and fees.

Can I cancel my booking during the cooling-off period?
Yes. You can cancel your booking in writing by completing the cancellation form within 3 days of accepting your tenancy agreement. If you cancel within this period, you’ll receive a full refund of your deposit and any payments you’ve made.

For bookings made on or after 1 August 2026, the cooling-off period is reduced to 24 hours from the time you accept your tenancy agreement.

What happens if I collect my keys during the cooling-off period?
If you check in and collect your keys during the cooling-off period, it will end immediately. After this point, the standard cancellation terms will apply.

Can I cancel my tenancy after the cooling-off period?
You may be able to cancel if you meet one of the policy's Cancellation Criteria, including visa refusal, not achieving the required university grades, or qualifying exceptional circumstances.

If you don't meet these criteria, you'll remain liable for the rent for the full tenancy term unless Student Roost agrees to release you.

Can I find a replacement tenant if I want to cancel?
Yes. If you don't meet the Cancellation Criteria, you can find a suitable replacement tenant and request Student Roost's approval.

The replacement tenant must meet the required conditions, including being a student, meeting any room or flat requirements, having no outstanding rent arrears with Student Roost, and signing a tenancy agreement for the full remaining term.

Is there a fee for transferring my tenancy?
Yes. A £50 non-refundable tenancy takeover fee applies.

A tenancy takeover is only permitted until 31 May 2027. From 1 June 2027, an occupation takeover will no longer be possible.

Can I cancel if my visa application is refused?
Yes. Visa refusal is one of the Cancellation Criteria. You'll need to provide sufficient official evidence supporting your cancellation request.

Can I cancel if I don't achieve the required university grades?
Yes. If you don't achieve the required grades to study at university at the start of the 2026/27 academic year and therefore don't have student status, you may be eligible to cancel.

You'll need to provide sufficient supporting evidence, such as official documentation from UCAS or your university.

Can I cancel because of exceptional circumstances?
You may be eligible if you meet the exceptional circumstances requirements under the ANUK/Unipol National Code. These may include serious medical circumstances or bereavement.

You'll need to provide sufficient supporting evidence with your cancellation request.

How do I submit a cancellation request?
Complete the relevant cancellation form and provide all required supporting evidence. Student Roost will review your request and either confirm its decision or ask for further information.

What happens to my deposit if I cancel?
If you haven't moved in, your damage deposit will be returned following your release from the tenancy.

If you've already moved in, deductions may be made for unpaid rent up to your approved cancellation date and costs relating to the condition of your room or flat.

Does finishing my exams early allow me to cancel my tenancy?
No. Finishing your academic year or examination period early does not qualify as a valid reason for release. You'll remain liable for rent for the full tenancy period stated in your tenancy 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.