The Railyard, Cambridge

When you complete your booking, you are agreeing to submit a Holding Deposit payment for your application. On acceptance of the tenancy offer the Holding Deposit will be deducted from the 1st rent payment and the rent account will be adjusted to reflect this.
When you accept your offer you are also agreeing to authorise all future card payments under your tenancy agreement.

You may submit such payments using a credit card or debit card. All credit/debit card holders are subject to validation checks and authorisation by the card issuer. If the issuer of the card refuses to authorise payment we will not accept your booking and we will not be responsible for any delay or non-availability in relation to the room. We are not obliged to inform you of the reason for the refusal. We are not responsible for the card issuer or bank charging you or the card-holder as a result of our processing of the credit/debit card payments in accordance with your booking.

We hate to see you cancel your booking but we understand that factors may arise that lead to you having to cancel.

Cancellation policy (An ‘Academic year’ covers the period 1st September to 31st August)

• For bookings made between 1^st October – 31st July for the forthcoming academic year commencing 1^st September, you can cancel your booking in writing or by sending us an email within the 48 hours ‘cooling off period’ of accepting and completing your tenancy online.
• For bookings made after 1st August for the forthcoming academic year, there is no cooling off period and you cannot cancel your booking. (please see our re-letting policy)
• For bookings made during and for the current academic year (from 1st September to 31st August), you cannot cancel your booking once you have accepted the tenancy offer (either manually or digitally online)
• Please note that once you have received your key and checked in to your accommodation you cannot cancel your booking and you will be legally bound by the terms and conditions of the accepted Tenancy Agreement and will be liable to pay all the amounts due.
• If you do need to cancel you will need to follow our re-letting policy or meet the requirements of our No place, No Pay policy.
• In instances where a holding deposit has been paid and the tenant fails to manually or digitally complete the booking, or declines the tenancy offer, we reserve the right to retain the holding deposit in lieu of costs incurred.

Once you have booked and completed your tenancy agreement, you will be legally bound by the terms stipulated in the agreement.

After cooling-off period has expired

If the 48-hour cooling-off period has expired there are some scenarios where you may be able to cancel your booking if you meet the necessary requirements. These are:

No Place, No Pay Policy

If your offer of a place at your preferred/current University/Higher Education Institution is withdrawn by the University/Higher Education Institution as a result of you not achieving their required entry grades or passing your end of year exams, you may be eligible to be released from the tenancy agreement.

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 University in a different city 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:

• • a written rejection letter from your chosen university /college or UCAS or a screen shot 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.

These document(s) must be received by us within 7 calendar days from the date your results are published or by 1st September (which ever date is the sooner). Please email the documentation to [email protected]. On receipt of the required documentation, it will be verified and, provided we are satisfied, we will cancel your agreement and refund your holding deposit in full

No Visa

If you cannot get a visa to study at a UK University (either on campus or online remote study) and you can provide written evidence that your visa and university application has been refused, we will release you from your tenancy agreement and make a full refund.

Evidence must be provided within one week of notifying us that you are unable to obtain a visa.

If the Tenancy has already commenced, and you have NOT collected your keys, you will be charged for the period from the ‘Tenancy Start Date’ to the date you provide the evidence that you have not been granted a VISA and/or do not have a place at a UK University.

If the tenancy has started and / or you have moved into the accommodation prior to your Visa application being declined you will be responsible for the rent until we can find another tenant to rent your room  (please see our Re-letting policy)

Q. Do I need to be a student?

Only full-time students can live at The Railyard. You may be asked to provide proof of your student status and it is very important that you notify us immediately if this changes.

Q. Will I need to pay a deposit?

Yes, a deposit is required and will be held with the Deposit Protection Scheme. The deposit will be refundable at the end of your tenancy providing the property is left clean, damage free and in the same condition as at the start of your tenancy and that you have provided a copy of your Council Tax Exemption Certificate or your Registration Certificate. The deposit only becomes refundable at the end of the agreed tenancy, so if the main agreement is not completed we will consider the deposit as payment in lieu of expenses incurred. However, first-year applicants with a conditional offer of a place (dependent on grades) will be refunded the deposit if they can show written confirmation from the University that they have not been successful in securing a place.

Q. Do I need a Guarantor?

Yes, a Parent or legal Guardian resident in the UK must stand as Guarantor. The Guarantor is legally bound to pay any debts accrued during the tenancy if the tenant refuses to pay. 

Q. What if I fail my end of year exams/A Levels and the University does not offer me a place for September?

If you provide written evidence from the University, within SEVEN days of your results being published and no later than 1st September (which ever date is the sooner), that you do not have a place we will release you from the contract without penalty and refund the deposit paid. 

Q. What if I cannot get a Visa to study in the UK?

Provided, you have NOT collected the keys, and that you have evidence in writing that your application has been refused we will release you from the tenancy and refund the deposit. If the Tenancy has already commenced, and you have NOT collected your keys, you will be charged for the period from the ‘Tenancy Start Date’ to the date you provide us with evidence that you have not been granted a VISA. If you have moved into the accommodation prior to your Visa application being declined you will be responsible for the rent until we can find a student to rent your room.

Q. What am I responsible for?

As the Tenant, you are responsible for the rent for the full duration of the ‘term’ as set out in the tenancy agreement, whether or not you reside on the property. NB: Where there has been any breach of the Tenancy Agreement by a student; such as where fees have not been paid in line with the agreement or where any student causes a nuisance or annoyance to fellow students or refuses to follow the reasonable direction of the management, the Landlord or their agents reserve the right to seek eviction of that tenant. This is without prejudice to any obligations which the tenant may be under through the agreement. We will also notify the relevant University who may take action under its Disciplinary Code in accordance with the Student Charter and its Code of Conduct. If you’re unfamiliar with the law and your legal obligations in relation to the tenancy, you should seek advice from a Solicitor, Accommodations Officer or Citizens Advice Bureau. When you sign the tenancy agreement we assume you are fully aware of your legal obligations. 

Q. What does my rent include?

Your rent is inclusive of utilities i.e. light, heat and water, as well as internet and contents insurance.

Q. How will I pay my rent?

Rental is paid termly, in advance, by debit or credit card. Tenancy agreements cannot be completed by the Landlord until your payment card details have been provided. This information is needed to complete your online booking and can be given by yourself or by your guarantor. Students who can’t provide a Guarantor who permanently resides in the UK, are required to pay their rent in advance in September, October and December. If you’re awaiting a student loan and can’t meet payments as scheduled you should contact us at least 48 hours (Monday to Friday) before the payment is due. You will be liable for all bank and administration charges incurred by the Landlord for failed payments and will be expected to reimburse the Landlord for these charges upon demand.

Q. Where do I get a Council Tax Exemption Certificate or Registration Certificate?

This is usually given to you when you enrol at University, or you can apply to your Students Services/Registrations office.

Q. How long will the tenancy be for?

All Studios are let on an Assured Shorthold Tenancy for a minimum period of 51 weeks. The length of the tenancy will be set out in the Tenancy Agreement. For tenancy lengths in shared apartments please contact Leeds University direct.

Q. When can I move in?

You can move in on or after the ‘Tenancy Start Date’ as specified in your tenancy agreement. We will write to you near to the time with more information about collecting your keys and our Reception opening hours.

Q. When do I have to move out?

You have to vacate your accommodation by 11 am on the ‘Tenancy End Date’ as specified in your agreement. 

Q. What if I want to terminate my agreement and move out?

If you wish to terminate your tenancy, we must be notified in writing and you must complete our Re Let Form. You will remain responsible for the rent until a new tenant is found or until the end of the tenancy (whichever is sooner). We will aim to find a new tenant who is both acceptable to us and who is prepared to meet the financial and legal requirements of the tenancy agreement at the current prevailing rent. We can’t always guarantee finding another tenant, as obviously this becomes more difficult as the academic year progresses, however, you are able to suggest a replacement to us. Please note that you will also need to cover all administration charges incurred in reassigning the tenancy. 

Q. What do I need to bring?

All our shared apartments and Studios will be furnished but bedding and personal linen (sheets, duvets, pillows, towels etc.) is not provided. ‘Double’ size bedding is suitable for beds in all rooms. In a shared apartment there is a TV in the lounge area and all Studios have Smart TV. All kitchens include microwave, kettle, toaster, fridge and freezer. Irons, ironing boards and vacuum cleaners are available. Kitchen utensils (crockery, cutlery, pans, etc.) are not provided. You will not be allowed to bring your own fridges, tumble dryers, portable heaters or other large electrical appliances. Chip pans and deep fat fryers are forbidden, as is the use of candles.

Q. Can I store my belongings in my room, over the summer or after my tenancy has ended?

You must take all your possessions with you when you leave at the end of your tenancy, even if you are returning to the same room for another year after the holidays. We do not accept any responsibility for anything you leave behind and you may be charged for removal and disposal.

Q. My Partner and I are both Students; can we share a room or Studio?

At The Railyard there a small number of studios available for double occupancy at an additional charge of 25%.

Q. Is there the Internet?

Superfast Internet (and WIFI) is included in your rent. In the unlikely event it’s not fast enough you can upgrade. Find out more about our internet and wifi here.

Q. Do I need insurance?

Contents insurance is included as part of your rental and is provided by Endsleigh Insurance. 

Q. Do I need a TV Licence?

Yes, you will need a TV Licence. Anyone in the UK watching or recording television as it’s being broadcast or simulcast on any device – including mobiles, laptops and PCs – must, by law, be covered by a valid TV licence. Buying a TV Licence is your own responsibility and is not included in your rent.

Q. Can I have visitors?

Unless otherwise stated, bedrooms are for single occupation only. Occasional overnight visitors will be allowed, at the discretion of the management, provided that no disturbance or inconvenience is caused to other occupants. You will be held fully responsible for the actions and behaviour of your visitors.

Q. Can children stay/live with me?

Children cannot stay over or live in the property.

Q. Can I bring a pet?

Sorry, no pets are allowed.

Q. Is there Car Parking?

Unfortunately, there is no car parking available on site.

Q. Is there a Cycle Store?

Yes, our accommodation has ample storage for bicycles.