Houghall Court Unite,
Durham

What is the deposit, and why is it required?

The deposit (if stated in your Booking Details) is held as security for your obligations under the Tenancy Agreement.

How and when can the deposit be used?

• The deposit may be used at any time during the tenancy (with notice) to cover:

  • Unpaid rent or charges, or

  • Costs incurred on your behalf.

What happens to my deposit at the end of the tenancy?

• You may attend a check-out inspection to agree on any deductions.

• The deposit will be refunded:

  • To the original payer, or

  • To you if repayment to that person is not possible.

• Deductions may apply for:

  • Outstanding rent or charges,

  • Damage or cleaning required.

Can my deposit be used for other bookings?

Yes. Any deposit paid to a company within The Unite Group plc may be used to settle outstanding debts on any booking with any group company, across any academic year.

Can I use my deposit to pay rent?

No. The deposit cannot be offset against rent or any other payments due.

Is my deposit protected?

Yes. Your deposit will be held in an approved Tenancy Deposit Scheme, and confirmation will be provided within the required timeframe.

What is Advanced Rent?

Advanced Rent (if stated in your Booking Details) is a prepayment of rent applied toward your tenancy.

Is paying the Advanced Rent mandatory?

Yes. Payment of Advanced Rent is a condition for completing the Tenancy Agreement.

 Failure to pay allows us to:

• Terminate the agreement immediately, without penalty,

• Notify you if this right is exercised.

How is Advanced Rent applied?

• It is deducted from your first rent instalment.

• Your first instalment = total amount due minus Advanced Rent paid.

What are my payment obligations?

• You must pay all rent and charges in full on the dates stated in your Booking Details.

• No reminders will be sent.

• You cannot offset any amounts against rent or other sums due.

How are my payments allocated if I owe money?

If you owe money to us or any Unite Group plc company:

• Payments will be applied to the oldest outstanding debt first, including debts from previous tenancies.

What if someone else pays on my behalf?

• They act as your agent, and

• You remain fully responsible for all payments.

Refund rules:

• General payments → returned to you only after the tenancy ends.

• Deposit → returned to the original payer (or to you if not possible).

What happens if I pay late?

If rent is more than 14 days overdue:

• Interest will be charged at 3% above the Bank of England base rate,

• Calculated daily from the due date until full payment is made.

What actions can be taken if I fall into arrears?

We may:

• Suspend internet access,

• Stop accepting parcels and mail,

• Refer your account to a debt collection agency,

• Access the flat’s common areas.

Can a booking be cancelled shortly after it is made? 

Yes. A seven-day cooling-off period applies following the booking confirmation, as long as the keys have not been collected. During this time, a full refund of the deposit and advance rent is available. Specific rules may differ for tenancies located in Wales.

What happens if the cooling-off period has passed? 

The tenant is responsible for all rent payments unless a replacement student (who meets the provider's eligibility criteria) is found or a new lease is signed.

How do replacement tenants affect the contract?

If before the start date, the provider may choose to accept the replacement, re-list the room, or use a waiting list. The original tenant is released seven days after this occurs. However, if it’s after the start date, the tenant is released once the new occupant's lease begins. If the room is already moved into, a £50 cleaning and prep fee is deducted.

What if a first-year student misses their university grades? 

Under the "No Place No Pay" policy, first-year students can be released if they fail to meet entry requirements or if they switch universities after exceeding their grades. Formal proof (UCAS confirmation or a rejection letter) must be provided within seven days of result publication to receive a full refund.

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.