JSM Property Services
Frequently Asked Questions
- Do I have to pay Council Tax?
- Do you allow two people to live in one room?
- Do you only let to groups?
- Can I stay in the property for more than one academic year?
- Do you allow pets?
- Is each property registered with the University of Plymouth?
- Will I need a parking permit to park outside the house?
- Does the property comply with fire regulations?
- If required, does the property have a license?
- How long is the Tenancy Agreement for?
- How is the rent paid?
- What furniture is provided in each bedroom?
- Can I bring my own furniture?
- What kitchen equipment is provided?
- Do you provide bedding / towels?
- Do I need to insure my own belongings?
- How much is the deposit?
- When do I get my deposit back?
- Do I need a TV License?
- How are the bills paid?
- Is there Broadband at the property?
- Can I have friends to stay?
- Can I live in the property over the summer?
- Do you charge an Administration/Introduction fee? line divider
- What does "All Inclusive" include?
Q: Do I have to pay Council Tax?
A: If you are a full time student in full time education you will not have to pay Council Tax. If you are a professional tenant in full time employment then you will have to pay council tax. However, in most cases, a contribution for council tax will be allowed for in your rent. Each tenant will be notified of his/her obligation with regard to council tax.
Q: Do you allow two people to live in one room?
A: Yes, this can be arranged and the general rule is that one rent and a half is charged. There are specific rooms that are ideal for couples so please ask for availability.
Q: Do you only let to groups?
A: No, we let to individuals and groups and very much try to suit each person/group to the property. It is more important to us to put the right tenant into the right house rather than just letting the rooms.
Q: Can I stay in the property for more than one academic year?
A: Yes, assuming your rent is paid up to date and you have enjoyed a good relationship with us throughout the year then you will be given first refusal to renew your tenancy in the January following the start of your academic year.
Q: Do you allow pets?
A: No, Sorry!
Q: Is each property registered with the University of Plymouth?
A: Most of our properties are registered with the University of Plymouth.
Q: Will I need a parking permit to park outside the house?
A: If you live in a parking permit zone then the answer in yes. Parking permits cost £25 a year (as at January 2008). You will need to check, however, with the Parking Division (01752 304021 or email parking@plymouth.gov.uk)that you are able to apply for a permit because tenants that live in properties that are registered as HMO are not eligible to apply and you will therefore not be able to park outside the property. If parking is essential please check FIRST!
Q: Does the property comply with fire regulations?
A: Yes, every precaution necessary is taken to ensure the safety of our tenants.
Q: If required, does the property have a license?
A: Yes, all properties that require a license have been licensed.
Q: How long is the Tenancy Agreement for?
A: We currently offer University Students a 47 week tenancy commencing 1st September. If you would like a full 12 month tenancy this can be arranged. For Professional lets we offer either a 6 month or 12 month tenancy but can be flexible if a shorter or longer term is required so it is worth discussing your personal requirements.
Q: How is the rent paid?
A: Students are required to pay termly in advance. However we can accommodate any payment method to suit personal circumstances. Please discuss with us if termly does not suit your situation. Professional tenants are asked to pay monthly, via standing order.
Q: What furniture is provided in each bedroom?
A: Each bedroom is equipped with a double bed, desk, chair, wardrobe, chest of drawers, bin, lampshade and curtains as a minimum. Each bedroom door has its own lock and a front door and bedroom door key is provided.
Q: Can I bring my own furniture?
A: Yes, so long as it is agreed beforehand so that the unwanted items already in place can be removed in plenty of time.
Q: What kitchen equipment is provided?
A: From 2008 we have phased out supplying kitchen crockery and cutlery as most University students bring their own. Whatever is found in the kitchen upon your arrival does not form part of your inventory and will not be counted. Most kitchens in student properties will therefore be empty of crockery and cutlery. Professional lets are different and each kitchen will be equipped with a basic set of crockery, cutlery and pots and pans.
Q: Do you provide bedding/towels?
A: No - please ensure you bring this with you or if you are travelling from abroad these items can be purchased cheaply from local supermarkets.
Q: Do I need to insure my own belongings?
A: Yes, you will need to insure your own belongings.
Q: How much is the deposit?
A: For university students the deposit is £200 per tenant. For professional tenants the deposit is one month’s rent in advance. If a tenant pays a deposit and does not take up occupation of the property that deposit is non-refundable.
Q: When do I get my deposit back?
A: We aim to return deposits to departing tenants with 14 days of vacating the property. Delays only occur if the properties are not left as they should be and time is then taken to instruct cleaners etc.
Q: Do I need a TV License?
A: Unless it is allowed for in your rent you will need to purchase a TV Licence.
Q: How are the bills paid?
A: Unless it is agreed that you are to benefit from "all inclusive" rent, bills will either be paid monthly, quarterly or by key meter, the total being divided by the number of people in the house. You will be told of the system operating in your house prior to signing any agreement.
Q: Is there Broadband at the property? If not, can I install it?
A: All properties benefiting from all inclusive rent benefit from broadband in every bedroom. Most have been installed with a wired system but from May 2007 we started to roll out a wireless system across our portfolio for “all inclusive rent” properties. Those that do not benefit from “all inclusive” rent are free to choose their own provider although each bedroom is set up to take broadband in each room.
Q: Can I have friends to stay?
A: As long as the agreement of your colleagues is sought then no objection is made to having friends to stay every now and again. However, if friends staying becomes a nuisance or a permanent arrangement then further discussion would be necessary and payment would be expected.
Q: Can I live in the property over the summer?
A: This is something that can be discussed towards the end of the tenancy and in most cases the answer will be yes. However, on some occasions it will not be possible due to renovation or decoration and if this is the case plenty of notice will be given and an offer of alternative accommodation will be made. In some cases a reduction in rent is offered during the summer, depending on the property.
Q: Do you charge an Administration fee?
A: Yes we charge £75 per tenant which covers the cost of setting up the tenancy.
Q: Is my deposit entered into a Deposit Protection Scheme?
A: Yes, where applicable your deposit will be entered into a deposit protection scheme. Full information regarding this will be given to you as soon as the deposit is protected and the company we use is www.mydeposits.co.uk
Q: What does "All Inclusive" include?
A: All inclusive includes broadband, water rates, communal TV License and gas and electricity which is generously capped. For those tenants benefitting from our professional tenancy agreement the all inclusive element also includes council tax and the gas and electricity is not capped.
