Sweetspot Student Homes

About SweetSpot

• Who are you?
  We're SweetSpot. Howdy!
• What is the difference between SweetSpot and University managed accommodation?
  Whilst working closely with university accommodation offices, SweetSpot is a private sector provider. As such your tenancy is normally governed by an assured short hold tenancy agreement (AST).
• What services do you offer?
  Coming soon we will offer services such as cleaning, laundry, storage and pastoral care. Availability of services depends on your property. Please contact us to find out more.

Finding a SweetSpot home

• Whereabouts are SweetSpot homes?
  Please see the property page for details of where SweetSpot homes are located. In general, we always try to buy homes near to the university and near to shops and amenities.
• What properties do you have available?
  Please see our property page
• How do I apply?

  

  If you prefer a fuller description, read on...

  First, search our properties for one you like and book a viewing on the website. When you book a viewing an account on the website is automatically created for you. You will receive an email with your login username & password for the website where you can access your personal dashboard.

  Then it’s just 4 simple steps:

  Step 1: Pay holding payment - If you attend the viewing and like the property, you can log in to the website using the unique password sent to your email, to make a holding payment and reserve the property temporarily while you and your friends arrange your details.

  You can make payments online through our secure payment system.

  Step 2: Get approved - In this step you can provide details of your guarantor for a credit check which is completed through our credit-checking agency, FCC Paragon. At this stage you make your security deposit and 1st month’s rent payments online. See Guarantors FAQ for more information.

  Step 3: Sign Tenancy agreement - When you and your housemates have completed the previous stages, and all necessary details have been received, a tenancy agreement will be generated for you. This will be sent to you online for review. You can sign your tenancy agreement online - no scanning needed, just a simple secure online process, making it quicker & easier for you.

  Step 4: Move in! - Prior to moving in you must ensure you have paid your security deposit and 1st month’s rent payments online. Then lastly and most importantly, you'll the get the keys and can move in to your new home!

• How quickly can we view?
  As quickly as you like! Please go to the properties page, choose the property you're interested in, and click on 'arrange a viewing'. Or if the available times slots are no good, please email us at hello@sweetspot.com or call us on 0800 910 1171.
• Can I choose who I live with?
  Of course!
• What can I do to make things smoother on moving day?
  To make things easier when you come to move in please ensure you have completed all the relevant documentation: i.e. paid your first rent instalment and security deposit, provided us with photographic ID and signed your tenancy agreement. Failure to complete and return the necessary documents will inevitably cause you and others delay. You will receive a notification prior to moving in detailing a time and date for you to move in. If the time is not suitable please contact your SweetSpot representative directly to arrange a more appropriate time. Please try to adhere to this to ensure that move in is quick and simple. We can arrange a van that can be used on your moving day- please let us know if you require us to arrange a quote for you for this.

What's in a SweetSpot home

• Will I be able to get online in my room?
  Yes. Every SweetSpot home has Wi-Fi broadband supplied and included in your rent.
• Will there be a telephone in my room?
  No, but a group telephone will be supplied for the house (calls are not included in your rent).
• What cooking equipment is supplied?
  No cooking equipment is supplied but all SweetSpot homes come with a fully fitted kitchen including an oven and hob, a kettle, a toaster, a fridge/freezer and microwave oven.
• Is bedding supplied?
  As a welcome gift to your new home we supply each bedroom with a duvet with cover and a pillow with case.
• Is a TV provided? Do I need a TV licence?
  No, TVs are not provided. If you do have a TV then you do need a licence. A licence is available from http://www.tvlicensing.co.uk/
• Is there a TV point in the property?
  Yes each SweetSpot home has a TV point.
• Where can I store my bike?
  Please check with your SweetSpot representative as this will depend on the property you decide on.

Living in a SweetSpot home

• Who is responsible for cleaning my home?
  It is your own responsibility to clean your room. You are jointly responsible for cleaning your home. We suggest setting up a rota when you join to avoid some members of your household potentially 'free-riding' (cough). We do offer a cleaning service to some properties. Please see Services for more information. At the end of the tenancy, flats must be returned in good condition or additional charges may be levied. At the end of the contract, any cleaning required will be charged to you. So it's worth keeping it tidy!
• Where can I wash my clothes and bedding?
  Each SweetSpot property has a washing machine and sometimes even a dryer.
• Where can I smoke?
  Smoking is not permitted inside SweetSpot homes.
• Am I allowed candles?
  Candles are not permitted. This is as per the residence fire plan and as advised by local fire authorities.
• Can I personalise my room?
  You are responsible for ensuring that you leave your room and flat in the same condition that it was given to you. On arrival you will be met by a SweetSpot representative and an independent inventory clerk who will record the condition of your SweetSpot home and will make note of any changes upon departure. Generally speaking, blu-tac, white-tac or pins put into walls will require re-painting after you have left and you may be charged in line with the tenancy agreement. The management team will carry out room and property inspection during and at the end of your contract.
• Can I keep a fridge in my room?
  Fridges are not permitted in bedrooms. Arrangements are provided in the kitchen to store chilled foods. If you have a medical condition which requires you to have a fridge in your room evidence of this must be provided for the manager.
• Will I be able to park my car?
  Car parking depends on the property. Some properties require a car parking permit. A parking permit is obtained from the local council. You can use your a copy of your signed tenancy agreement as proof that you live at your address.
• Can I bring a Wok?
  Woks, frying pans and other cooking materials are permitted, however deep fat fryers and chip pans (the most likely causes of cooking-related fires) are not, as per the residence fire plan and as advised by local fire authorities.
• What about safety?
  All SweetSpot homes are in concordance with the HMO (Houses of Multiple Occupancy) legislation.
• What should I do if something goes wrong?
  Please contact your local representative. For details please log-in to the SweetSpot Dashboard (coming soon!)
• Is there any kind of pastoral care?
  We will have a team of staff to help students with any issues which arise. We have representatives for each home on call to assist students with any problems or issues they might have during what may be their first experience away from home. Additionally, we plan to have senior students who can help with a number of issues such as students who are finding it hard to mix, feeling homesick or just having trouble finding their way round. Senior students have access to our management team 24-hours a day. Please check details of the SweetSpot home of your choice to see what security arrangements are in place.
• Do I need to move out over the Xmas and Easter holidays?
  No! Of course not! Your room is your room.

Legal and Financial

• How does the SweetSpot loyalty scheme work?
  When you first pay your holding payment to secure your new home, you will receive a voucher code. This voucher code can then be given to a friend  who would like to live in another SweetSpot property. If they choose another SweetSpot home and successfully move into the home, they can use the voucher code when paying their first month’s rent. The voucher entitles your friend, their housemates, you and your housemates to £50 off a month’s rent. This scheme is one way of saying thanks for choosing a SweetSpot home. If you forget your voucher scheme, you can always find it again from the "Your Account" section of your dashboard.
• Can I terminate my contract before the agreed date?
  It is possible to terminate your contract if you can find a suitable successor for your room. Until a replacement has been found and has paid in full you will remain responsible for any payments due under your contract. Please contact the management team before you terminate your contract to agree a suitable successor for your room.
• Can I change my contract after I have signed it?
  Changes can be made to the contract after it has been signed. Any requests for changes to the contract must be made in writing to the residence in question. Any changes to the contract (such as changes in room standard, contract length or payment plan) will be subject to management discretion.
• Why do I need a guarantor? Who should my guarantor be? Why must my guarantor be based in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland or Wales?
  A guarantor should be a friend or family member (usually a parent) that is willing to guarantee the rent payments on your behalf. This is standard practice with student rental properties due to your employment status. A guarantor is someone who agrees to sign a guarantee agreement which guarantee's your obligations in the tenancy agreement. The guarantor should be in full time employment or have a work contract in place for the duration of your tenancy. If your guarantor does not have full time employment or a work contract, for example they may be retired, savings statements may be requested to show their ability to guarantee you. Your guarantor should be based in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland or Wales as the property laws are different outside of different countries. It is not possible to have a guarantor based elsewhere. If you cannot provide a suitable guarantor, you will need to ensure your rent is paid with cleared funds, in full, prior to the start of your contract.
• Do I need to pay council tax?
  As a student you are exempt from paying council tax. Your university will provide you with an exemption form at enrolment. Please give this to your SweetSpot representative who will help you. Failure to do this could mean that you will be liable for council tax.
• When will I get my deposit back?
  You will get your deposit back within 10 working days following the end of your contract. Any damages will be deducted from your deposit. It is your responsibility to return your room in the same condition as you moved in to it. All deposits taken by SweetSpot are insured under the Tenancy Deposit Scheme.
• Can I pay with foreign currency or travellers cheques?
  SweetSpot cannot accept foreign currency of travellers cheques as payment. We advise that the safest and simplest way to make payment is by a bank transfer, direct debit or standing order at the start of your contract.
• Will my bank charge me to make a bank transfer?
  Your bank may charge you a fee to make a bank transfer into our account. It is your responsibility to pay this. Please ensure that you transfer enough money to cover both the rent and the transfer fee.
• What do I do about insurance?
  SweetSpot pays for the insurance of the building itself and the contents which it owns . You must pay for and arrange contents insurance for your personal belongings.
• How do I make an insurance claim?
  To make a claim you will need to contact your chosen insurance company direct.