Ask Bill
We are concerned that unlimited use of gas and electricity is harmful to the environment - how do you defend this?
We are very concerned about this too - our utility partner Glide only offers us electricity from The Good-energy Company who are the only company offering electricity from 100% renewable sources - they insist that before they take on one of our properties that we fit reflectors behind radiators, upgrade the loft insulations and fit energy efficient light bulbs. They monitor the use carefully and send gentle reminders to anyone out of line. In addition we are slowly but surely replacing gas systems to new intelligent electrical systems but to reduce our impact on the climate in the short term , we are offsetting the carbon emissions from our gas usage with Climate Care.
Climate Care is an organisation that reduces greenhouse gas emissions on behalf of companies and individuals by running projects across the world. As well as cutting greenhouse gases, the projects help to improve people’s standards of living and protect wildlife habitats. To find out more about Climate Care and its projects, see www.climatecare.org.
Some of us want to go Bill Free and others in our house don't what can we do?
Most houses are let jointly and severally so its all or nothing I am afraid. We are happy to let the house with you paying the bills or with us doing so but there is no half way house. A few properties let rooms on an individual basis- you could send your friends there!
Surely it is unfair to charge a flat rate to all tenants as some will use more than others?
To an extent this is true - there will always be a degree of cross subsidisation but you will find it very difficult to guarantee that all your bills are paid every week for the price of a round of drinks! Doing it this way cuts down on in house friction and happier houses get more work done!
What does the 24 hour call out insurance cover?
There is a full explanation in the terms and conditions page - but in brief it is anything that stop the house functioning or could cause damage to the fabric of the house. Total loss or heating- water leak broken locks etc. if you have two toilets and one is broken its bad luck if they are both broken it's an emergency. We feel that with a scheme run by Endsleigh insurance we can get repairs done much quicker than via your landlord, who will of course still take on non urgent repairs!
We are first years and want to secure our accomodation for next year as soon as possible when can we sign up?
Our main letting period is January to March some agents let properties to first years in October and November. We are responsible student landlords we recognise that you are eager to secure your home for next year but would caution you against rushing into agreements too early. The number one rule is know your housemates! We don't want to have to get involved with substituting house mates a few weeks into your contract. Choose your housemates as wisely as you choose your house and you will not go far wrong! You are welcome to view at any time and we can discuss any proposal but we advocate caution.
We think that the bills package is a little high how do you arrive at this figure?
We are all experienced landlords and we are householders too. Our service utilities provider Glide have given us massive discounts on rates for gas, electricity as has Endsleigh our insurance partner - we are passing these savings on to you. Just think a tv licence cut four ways costs 61p per person per week, you forget with all of these cheap adverts for broadband you still have to have a BT phone line on top cut four ways this will be another 58p just for the line rental, the market is a wash with cheap looking broadband deals which are usually for 18 or 24 months and usage caps- it all adds up! We think we offer a great deal but you do not have to go bill free. You can take the chance, count the pennies and argue over the bills each quarter if you wish! We know it works and would urge you to go down the bill-free route!
How do I go about letting one of your properties- they look great?
Can our hotline number 08700 777 017 give the details of the house - the landlord will then contact you to show you round and if you are happy he can give you a lease which you can get checked out and then make and arrangement to sign up - pay your deposit and you are in!
We are already in one of your houses and want to stay a second year how do we sort that?
Contact us as early as you can to resign the lease- if you have lived together already we don't mind signing you up early but we will want the lease signing before taking it off the market.
Are all houses cleaned before we move in?
Absolutely- but remember we have a lot of houses to get around. We make sure departing tenants do not leave a mess behind but they are never that good at cleaning as thoroughly as our professional cleaners are. We aim to get all houses properly cleaned within a week or so of the hand over!
