The Toybox, Birmingham

Updates to Policy

Please note that if a university lease or nomination agreement is in place, then the cancellation policy of the relevant university will take precedence over this policy, and the clauses within the agreement apply. 

Regular Policy

You can cancel your tenancy agreement for up to 14 days after the date of your booking (the Initial Cancellation Period). For bookings made from 1st August to 30th September ahead of the academic year the booking is for, the Initial Cancellation Period reduces to 7 days. We will refund the full security deposit.

Please note, £20 will be deducted from the refunded amount to cover any international bank charges for deposit refunds made to non-UK banks.

If you cancel your booking after the Initial Cancellation Period, you remain liable for the weekly rent (for each and every week or part week) until you are able to find another tenant that is acceptable to Homes for Students and we are able to re-let the room. The replacement tenant must be over the age of 18 and have the necessary student status (it is your responsibility to find another tenant and provide them with the correction information). If you find a suitable replacement tenant and the room is re-let we will refund your deposit, less any appropriate charges, as well as a deduction of £50 for the variation of the contract.

If you’re still waiting for your exam results and you’re not sure whether your place at university is confirmed, don’t worry, you can still apply.

If you are a prospective first year Postgraduate student and your offer of a place at your preferred University or Higher Education Institute is withdrawn by the University or Higher Education Institute because you do not achieve the required entry grades, you may be eligible to be released from this agreement.

You must provide written evidence from the University that you do not have a place within 3 days of your results being published (and no later than 28th August, whichever date is sooner) and we will release you from the contract without penalty and refund the deposit paid.

You may also be eligible to be released from this agreement if you are a prospective first year Undergraduate student and you choose to go to a different University because you have exceeded your expected grades. To apply to be released from this agreement in the circumstances referred to above, you will need to supply us with a copy of:

These document(s) must be received by us within 3 calendar days from the date your results are published. On receipt of the required documentation it will be verified and, provided we are satisfied, we will cancel your agreement and refund your deposit in full.

• a written or email confirmation that you wish to cancel your reservation, stating full name and full details of the property booked;

• a written rejection letter from your chosen university/college or UCAS, a screenshot of your UCAS status which confirms that the required results were not achieved, or a copy of the proof of acceptance of your new university by UCAS adjustment

Contact a Unilodgers specialist for more information.

Q. Can I live here?

You must be a full-time student, and be 18 years or older to live in the property. You can book with this property whether you have a conditional or unconditional offer. However, please be aware of the cancellation policy prior to booking should your place at university not yet be confirmed.

Q. Are pets allowed?

No, pets are not permitted in the buildings.

Q. What are your contract lengths?

Each of the properties offer different contract lengths and room types.

Q. Can I choose who I live with?

If you are applying to live with friends, please ensure that you enlist the details of friends that you would like to live with in the booking form with us, we will then contact them and make the arrangements for you!

Q. Can I choose my room?

Rooms are allotted on first cum first served basis.

Q. Can I request to move rooms during my tenancy?

You would need to make a formal request to the accommodation team of the property you are residing at. If you request to move rooms during your tenancy please note there is a room move admin fee of £50.00, you would also be issued with new documents confirming the details of the room move.

A room move would be impacted by the availability at the time of the request and if there is a waiting list for the requested room or flat type.

Should your requested room move result in moving to more expensive accommodation then yourself and the Guarantor shall be liable to pay the higher rent from the date the Tenant is given access to the more expensive accommodation.

Q. Do you provide summer accommodation?

Yes, the summer accommodation of the same provider usually opens around March.

Q. Do I have to move out in the holidays?

No, your room is yours for the full contract period! You won’t have to move out in the holidays, so you won’t have to remove your belongings every term.

Q. How do I book a viewing?

You can book a viewing of any selected property by sending us an email.

Q. How do I cancel or re-arrange my viewing?

By dropping us an email for the same.

Q. Can I book a room without a viewing?

Absolutely. However, we would always recommend booking a viewing wherever possible.

Q. How long does a viewing take?

Usually up to 30 minutes. However, the sales team are always happy to spend as much time as is needed assisting you with your booking.

Q. What will I be shown on my viewing?

All communal areas and room types requested (dependent upon availability).

Q. I'm in a different country, how do I view a property?

All the properties of the provider have access to Skype option, so you can view a property from wherever you want. Just drop us an email the date & time that suits you and we would arrange a viewing for you.

Q. What do I do if I’m a first-year student and I’m still waiting for my exam results?

If you’re still waiting for your exam results and you’re not sure whether your place at university is confirmed, don’t worry! You can still apply. You just need to ensure that if you do not get your place at university, you let us know on your chosen property in writing a maximum of 3 days after the A Level results day, to cancel your booking. You must provide a UCAS letter to verify your change in circumstances. In this instance, you will receive a full refund of your deposit. If you don’t let us know within 3 days, your tenancy agreement will remain in place, and you will be liable for the rent on your room for the entire contract period.

Q. What do you need from me to book a room?

Register with us.

Tell us your preferences and then select your chosen room

Complete all of your personal information and pay your deposit

Accept your tenancy agreement

Provide a UK guarantor (Only if you’re requesting to pay by instalments)

Q. Can I book if I’m under 18?

The bookings from students who are under 18 are accepted only if they will turn 18 in the first term of the academic year. Unfortunately, for health and safety reasons, applications from students who won’t turn 18 in their first term are not accepted.

Q. What is included in my rent?

All utility bills are included in your rent such as gas, electricity and water and unlimited wifi*. However, your TV license is not included and this is the sole responsibility of the resident as this is not classed as a utility. 

Q. Can I  pay my rent from overseas?

You can pay your rent either online, or by bank transfer depending on your chosen property. Please note that if you make your payment using a credit card or an overseas debit card, you will be required to pay a surcharge of 1.5%.

Q. Can I pay my rent weekly?

The largest instalment plan with this provider is 10, the total contract value is divided into 10 equal amounts and this is paid across 10 months.

Q. What do I need to provide to be a guarantor?

Please note to be a guarantor you must be in full time employment or a homeowner and lived in the UK (England or Wales) for more than 5 years.

You can provide:

A copy of proof of identity (with photograph) such as:

• Passport
• Driving License
• ID Badge

A copy of proof of address (less than 3 months old) such as: Utility bill statement (i.e. Electricity, Water, Telephone)

• Bank statement
• Council tax bill for current year

Q. Can I move in before I pay my rent?

Students who are up to date with their rental schedule are only allowed to move in early.

Q. What do I do if my student loan hasn’t arrived yet?

A deferred rent payment option is available for students paying their rent instalments with student finance.

Please note the following steps in order to request a deferred rent instalment plan if you are student who has rebooked to live in a Homes for Students property.

In order to defer your 1st, 2nd and 3rd rent payments you will be required to do the following:

1. Provide evidence of your student loan finance schedule, showing when you will receive your 1st payment, please forward this by email to the property you will be living at in September.
2. Make a payment of 2 weeks rent, 14 days prior to your contract starting, the date of your tenancy can be found on your tenancy agreement.
3. The 2 week rent payment will be deducted from the 1st instalment and the remaining balance will need to be paid in line with the date your student finance will be paid.
4. You will also need to advise if you wish to defer the date of the 2nd and 3rd rent payments in line with your student finance, this request also needs to go to your property team.

There is no additional charge for the deferred payment plan for rebooking student

Q. Do I need a guarantor?

If you wish to pay your rent in three instalments, you will need a guarantor. Your guarantor must be a homeowner or in full-time employment.

Q. What happens to my deposit?

Your deposit is placed into a Deposit Protection Scheme, where it is held safely throughout the academic year.

Q. When do I get my deposit back?

Your deposit will be returned to you after your tenancy agreement has ended and your room has been inspected. The amount returned to you will depend on any outstanding charges and any damages found in your room or the communal areas in your flat. Please see your tenancy agreement for more information. The deposit can take up to 30 days to get credited.