Tenant Information
Billfreehomes is the only landlord offering superior homes run on renewable sources of power. Whilst the houses may vary in terms of the type and interior layout we have one clear objective - to offer you the best houses in the best locations all with a Bill Free Option. What is more we are founder members of Studenthomezone, the largest private landlords group in Durham City. If you cannot find want you are looking for here then go to www.studenthomezone.com
We give you a 24hour a day 365 day a year number that you can report any problems with the guarantee of a real live person at the other end and we can give you bill free living whilst you are residing in one of our houses.
Why Include bills?
Most of the larger housing providers include bills, as do the universities, so we thought that there must be something in it. Following a survey with over 100 tenants a staggering 85 % were in favour of inclusive living mainly because it reduced friction in houses and cut out any hassle in organising the utilities. We decided that Bill Free Living was the way to go and set up a deal whereby for £10.00 per person per week added onto your rent we can give you-
TV License - paid (with multichannel Television!) Unlimited Water Charges - paid! Broadband Internet - paid! Personal insurance up to £2500.00 - paid! Unlimited Gas Charges - paid! Unlimited Electricity Charges - paid! 24 hour emergency call out cover - paid!
We feel that by offering all of the pros the big corporate student housing providers do, whilst taking away the con that they are run by faceless people possibly hundreds of miles away, that we were giving prospective tenants everything they needed. Great properties- A Local Landlord - and No Bills.
You can read our full terms and conditions by clicking here.
Responsible Landlords
We will operate all of the houses within the scheme on a standard lease. You can view the standard lease agreements here:
We are a responsible student landlord, 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.
Safety is undoubtedly the top priority in any home. By law, all properties must have a current gas safety certificate (renewed annually); please ensure that you have seen this and are happy that it is up to date. It is good practice for each property also to have an electrical safety certificate (renewed every five years). Again, check that the property you are looking at has one, and ask to see it. We insist that all of our properties display these as a matter of course. All of our houses now have Energy performance certificates also - this is a legal requirement from October 2008 - if your house does not have one - ask why!
It is always prudent to ask the current tenants about your prospective landlords - and to check with the University accommodation office. We have no worries about you asking our tenants about us!
On Moving in
Once you have moved in, check that you have keys for any locking windows - these may be your escape route in the event of a fire. Check that fire blankets and extinguishers are in place, and in working order. Practice a fire drill and work out a strategy for safe evacuation. You will have a yellow folder in your house containing safety information plus other details on what to do in event of problems.
Modern smoke and heat sensors are very sensitive and may annoyingly go off whilst you are enjoying a Sunday joint or a joint on any other day of the week! However, they are provided to save your life, which they cannot do if disconnected or baffled. Do not tamper with them or remove them they are there for your safety.
Ensure that the house is always locked when unattended, and try to maintain good relations with neighbours as they will then keep an eye on the house when you are away. 90 % of all complaints to all Universities are from disgruntled neighbours, none of whom were ever young , got a little merry on home brew or played football in the street . Your life will be so much easier if you get on with everyone around you .... we know that sometimes this is difficult.
Owing to our high standards, our properties always let very quickly - but don't let the rush stop you from taking these steps before committing. Stay safe at all times.
