Portchester House,
London

What is required to secure a property after an offer is agreed in principle?

A £250 holding deposit is required to reserve the space while references and contracts are processed. This secures the room until a formal tenancy agreement is executed.

What are the deadlines and refund terms for the holding deposit?

The deposit is held for up to 15 days or a mutually agreed alternative deadline. If the provider pulls out or the contract is not finalised by the deadline, the deposit is refunded within 7 days.

How quickly must visa or qualification failures be reported for a refund?

To claim a refund due to a visa denial or missed university requirements, official proof must be submitted to the provider within 72 hours of the occurrence.

Under what circumstances will the holding deposit be forfeited?

The deposit is non-refundable if the applicant lacks a legal Right to rent under the Immigration Act, provides false or misleading information, cancels the reservation voluntarily, or fails to take necessary actions to complete the agreement.

How is the holding deposit applied once the tenancy begins?

The holding deposit is automatically credited toward the first month of rent upon signing the tenancy agreement. If an applicant disagrees with this, they must contact the provider to discuss options before paying.

What happens if a UK visa is denied or university entry requirements are missed?

For tenancy agreements signed before September 6, 2025, a full holding deposit refund is issued if an applicant cannot attend their London university due to visa rejection or academic failure. Immediate notification and official proof are required.

How long is the holding deposit retained, and when is it refundable?

The deposit is held for up to 15 calendar days or until an agreed alternative deadline. It is refunded within 7 days if the provider cancels the application or if a tenancy agreement is not finalised within the 15-day window or alternative deadline.

What information is required to receive a refund?

Refunds can only be processed once the student submits official bank documentation showing valid BIC, SWIFT, and IBAN details.

Can a room selection be changed after completing the reservation?

A room can be selected optionally during the reservation process, but no modifications are permitted once the booking is finalised.

Are returning residents charged a fee to rebook?

Current residents can renew their booking without paying any commission fees.

What are the property policies regarding pets, smoking, occupancy, and check-in?

Pets and smoking are strictly banned, though Emotional Support Animals (ESAs) may be accommodated based on individual property requirements. Rooms do not support double occupancy, and early check-ins are not permitted.

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.