Frequently Asked Questions
You can always get in touch to learn more about SweetSpot or to get help with any of our services, but before you do, you might find what you are looking for here in the FAQ.
- Who are you?
- What properties do you have available?
- What services do you offer?
- How quickly can we view?
- What should I do if something goes wrong?
- Can I change my contract after I have signed it?
- Can I terminate my contract before the agreed date?
- Can I choose who I live with?
- Will I be able to park my car on site?
- Will I be able to get online in my room?
- Will there be a telephone in my room?
- Is there any kind of pastoral care?
- Where can I smoke?
- Am I allowed candles?
- Can I bring a Wok?
- What cooking equipment is supplied?
- Is bedding supplied?
- Is there a TV point in the bedroom or lounge?
- Whereabouts are SweetSpot homes?
- What about safety?
- What can I do to make things smoother on moving day?
- Where can I store my bike?
- Do I need to move out over the Christmas and Easter holidays?
- Do I need to pay council tax?
- What is the difference between SweetSpot and University managed accommodation?
- Will my bank charge me to make a bank transfer?
- What do I do about insurance?
- How do I make an insurance claim?
- Where can I wash my clothes and bedding?
- Is a TV provided? Do I need a TV licence?
- Can I personalise my room?
- Can I keep a fridge in my room?
- Who is responsible for cleaning my flat?
- When will I get my deposit back?
- Can I pay with foreign currency or travellers cheques?
- Why must my guarantor be based in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland or Wales?
Who are you?
We're SweetSpot. Howdy!
back to the questions.What properties do you have available?
Please see our property page
back to the questions.What services do you offer?
We offer services such as cleaning, laundry, storage and pastoral care. Availability of services depends on your property. Please contact us to find out more.
back to the questions.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'.
back to the questions.What should I do if something goes wrong?
Please contact your local representative. For details please log-in to the SweetSpot Dashboard (coming soon!)
back to the questions.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.
back to the questions.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.
back to the questions.Can I choose who I live with?
Of course!
back to the questions.Will I be able to park my car?
Car parking depends on the property. Some properties require a car parking permit. Please log-in to the SweetSpot Dashboard for more information.
back to the questions.Will I be able to get online in my room?
Yes. Every SweetSpot home has broadband supplied and included in your rent.
back to the questions.Will there be a telephone in my room?
No, but a group telephone will be supplied for the house (bills are not included in your rent). Please contact your SweetSpot representative if you would like a telephone in your room.
back to the questions.Is there any kind of pastoral care?
We 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.
back to the questions.Where can I smoke?
Smoking is not permitted inside SweetSpot homes.
back to the questions.Am I allowed candles?
Candles are not permitted. This is as per the residence fire plan and as advised by local fire authorities.
back to the questions.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.
back to the questions.What cooking equipment is supplied?
No cooking equipment is supplied but all SweetSpot homes come with a kettle, toaster and microwave oven.
back to the questions.Is bedding supplied?
Bedding is not supplied. One set of pillow and duvet covers are supplied.
back to the questions.Is there a TV point in the bedroom or lounge?
Please check out the property-specific pages on the SweetSpot Dashboard for more information.
back to the questions.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.
back to the questions.What about safety?
All SweetSpot homes have alarms and fire systems in concordance with the HMO (Houses of Multiple Occupancy) legislation.
back to the questions.Where can I store my bike?
All SweetSpot homes come with a secure bike shed.
back to the questions.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 month's rent and provided us with photographic ID and signed copies of both of your tenancy agreements.
Failure to complete and return the necessary documents will inevitably cause you and others delay.
You will receive a letter prior to move-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 have a van that can be used on your moving day. Please arrange this with your SweetSpot representative. We will book you a slot, staggered with other SweetSpot members to minimise queuing and inconvenience.
back to the questions.Do I need to move out over the Xmas and Easter holidays?
No! Of course not! Your room is your room.
back to the questions.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.
back to the questions.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).
back to the questions.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.
back to the questions.What do I do about insurance?
SweetSpot pays for the insurance of the building itself. You must pay for contents insurance. Your SweetSpot representative can help you set this up.
back to the questions.How do I make an insurance claim?
To make a claim you will need to contact the insurance company direct, details are available from reception.
back to the questions.Where can I wash my clothes and bedding?
Each SweetSpot property has a laundry with washing machines and dryers.
back to the questions.Is a TV provided? Do I need a TV licence?
No, TVs are not provided but can be rented. Please contact your SweetSpot representative for more information. If you do have a TV then you do need a licence.
back to the questions.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 our standard schedule of charges. The management team will carry out room and property inspections at the end of your contract.
back to the questions.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.
back to the questions.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!
back to the questions.When will I get my deposit back?
You will get your deposit back within 28 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.
back to the questions.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 direct debit or standing order at the start of your contract.
back to the questions.Why must my guarantor be based in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland or Wales?
As the property laws are different outside of these 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.
back to the questions.