FAQ

The Wilkins Building, UCL, by Steve Cadman (www.flickr.com/people/stevecadman)

Answers

What Is Included In The Rent?

All bills - council tax, electric, gas, water, tv and tv licence and the internet.

Are there fees for using Arrive Homes?

No - there are no fees or hidden charges. Compare this to some estate agents where there are many fees and charges incurred.

Do I Need To Pay A Deposit?

Yes you need to pay a deposit before you move into the property. This is always the equivalent of the monthly price of a room. For example, if your room is £600 per month then this is the deposit amount. The deposit is often referred to as a 'bond'.

What Is The Minimum Time I Can Be A Tenant For?

You must serve a qualifying period of 6 weeks when moving into a property. Then if you are still looking to leave you can offer 2 months notice after which you will be free to leave the property. However, if you arrive during the months of June and July we can offer summer placements up until the beginning of September.

Can I Arrange A Taxi From The Airport To The Property?

Yes this is possible. Please contact Arrive Homes for this. We use reliable and trusted taxi drivers who will pick you up at an agreed spot and take you to the property. Here you will meet a member of the Arrive Homes team or a designated member of the existing house share.

Can I Pre-Book And Reserve Rooms In Advance?

Yes this is possible and often recommended, particularly in busy times of year. While it is nice to have the peace of mind to view rooms/houses yourself, using the knowledge and expertise of the Arrive Homes team can guarantee you a place from the comfort of your computer/phone before you arrive in the United Kingdom.

How Are My Housemates Selected?

We only accept professionals into our houses. Most housemates are registered with teaching and professional type agencies in London. We accept those are actively looking for teaching work and registered with the agencies. As all of our properties are located close to public transport links this makes getting around the city much easier.

What Happens If I Need To Relocate Because Of My Job?

This is perfectly normal. You can either follow the notice period as explained or move at the earliest opportunity to an available Arrive Homes property that is closer to your place of work.

How Do I Pay My Rent?

Rent should be paid by standing order to Arrive Homes. This will due on the day of the month you moved into the property. For example, if you move in on the 15th of a calendar month, you rent is due on the 15th of every month. Account details are provided on your move in or previously via email.

What If I Am Late With My Rent?

Please make every effort to pay your rent on the agreed date. If in exceptional circumstances you have difficulty please contact a member of Arrive Homes management. If there is no communication a penalty charge would be incurred.

Can I use the deposit to pay for the last month's rent?

The deposit/bond must NOT be used to pay for the last month's rent. The idea of the deposit is to protect against any damages that may arise and to cover any possible unpaid rents owed.

How Are The Properties Kept Clean?

It is the responsibility of you as tenants to keep the house clean and tidy. We supply guidelines for each house to follow. Each house is recommended a cleaning service and are strongly advised to use it. Splitting the cost among housemates is a fair and cost effective method.

What Happens If People Do Not Keep The House Clean And Tidy?

Every effort should be made to address the situation. We recommend a cleaning rota. New tenants can replace existing tenants. Please speak respectfully to those who are not contributing to the ethos of the houseshare face to face rather than to others. If there is no resolution please speak to Arrive Homes management.

What If I Want To Leave The Property?

You must email: contact@arrivehomes.co.uk or phil@arrivehomes@co.uk with your move out date and giving a reason for your departure. Once this email has been received the 2 month notice period takes effect.

How Is My Deposit Refunded?

Your deposit is refunded via online bank transfer. Please email a member of Arrive Homes management at least one day before departure with your bank details.

When Can I Expect My Deposit To Be Repaid?

Your deposit will be refunded between up 7- 10 working days after your departure via online transfer. Please avoid closing down UK bank accounts until this has happened.

What Happens With Maintenance Of The Gardens (If Applicable)?

As tenants you are entirely responsible for the maintenance of the garden in the house. This involves cutting the grass and trimming any hedges if applicable. If you do not want to do any gardening, Arrive Homes can organise a gardener which will be paid for by people in the house share.

How Do I Report House Maintenance Issues?

Please contact 07948 824440 at the first instance (during working hours) or email contact@arrivehomes.co.uk stating the issue/problem.

What If I Want Family And Friends To Stay?

We recognise that people coming from overseas will want to stay in the property when they come to visit. If anyone is considering staying longer than 5 working days Arrive Homes must be contacted before any agreement is made. Please communicate with other housemates if people are staying!