Ernest Place, Durham

Additional Fees: 

Instalment Fee – £100.00; if you select to pay your rent in monthly instalments, this fee will apply. It is payable in full, in advance of the start of your tenancy and if it is to be charged, it will be shown on your tenancy agreement.

Utility Fee – £195.00; where this is applicable, it is a one-off advance payment towards utility charges for the year. If it is to be charged, it will show on your tenancy agreement.

Arrears Charge – £25.00; if we need to write to you if your student account falls into an unauthorised arrears position, arrears charges and interest may be applied to your account. 

Administration Fee – £25.00 If we have to arrange for work to be carried out as a result of you not complying with the terms and conditions, then we shall charge an administration fee.

Rent Payment:

1 Instalment Option – Due 1st August

3 Instalment Option – Due 1st September
– Due 1st January
– Due 1st April

10 Installment Option
– Due 1st September for 10 months
– Due 1st June being the last payment date

Mode of Payment:
- Pay using a credit card (1.5% surcharge) online
- Pay via direct debit or bank transfer

Cooling Off Period

You have a 3 working day cooling off period. You may cancel your contract by giving us written notice by post or e-mail. The notice must reach us by the end of the 3rd working day after the day we confirm to you that your accommodation booking is concluded and before you collect your keys for your accommodation (check-in), whichever is the sooner. If you validly cancel during the cooling off period, we will reimburse the security deposit fee and any pre-paid accommodation fees.

Cancellations before you have moved in

Outside of the cooling off period outlined above, you may request to cancel your accommodation contract in writing. A Termination of Tenancy payment of £75.00 will apply which we will deduct from your security deposit. You will be required to find a replacement tenant, reasonably acceptable to Mansion Student, to take over your accommodation contract. Mansion Student will use reasonable endeavors to help you to find a replacement tenant but cannot guarantee that a replacement will be available. Mansion Student will assist in finding a replacement tenant, but this will only apply when all other rooms in the property are occupied*. Please note: You remain responsible for all rent due as defined in your accommodation contract until a replacement tenant has been found for your accommodation. Once the replacement tenant has completed all the required documentation and made any payments that are due, we will process the refund of your security deposit if applicable and refund any advance rent payments that may be due to you.

Cancellations after you have moved into the accommodation

The cooling off period ends once you have moved into the accommodation, even if you move into the accommodation within 3 working days of concluding your contract. A Termination of Tenancy payment of £75.00 will apply which we will deduct from your security deposit. You will be required to find a replacement tenant, reasonably acceptable to Mansion Student, to take over your accommodation contract. Mansion Student will use reasonable endeavors to help you to find a replacement tenant but cannot guarantee that a replacement tenant will be available. Mansion Student will assist in finding a replacement tenant, but this will only apply when all other rooms in the property are occupied*. Please note: You remain responsible for all rent due as defined in your accommodation contract until a replacement tenant has been found for your accommodation and all required documentation has been completed with the replacement tenant. Any security deposit refund or advance rent payment refunds due to you will be paid once the replacement tenant has completed all the required documentation.

Q.What will they do if there is a confirmed case of coronavirus at the property?
They are constantly reviewing the latest guidance and should a case of coronavirus be confirmed at the property, please be assured that the team will follow all relevant recommendations.

If a case is confirmed, they will organise a professional deep clean of any areas that the affected person may have come into contact with, as directed by the relevant authorities.

Where possible,they will relocate anyone that may be vulnerable due to an existing respiratory illness or immune system condition.

They will liaise with the relevant Universities to ensure that they are aware of any developments and will work with them to provide you with the best available help and advice.

Q.Recently returned from travelling?
The advice regarding coronavirus remains the same whether you have travelled or not. If you display any of the symptoms, please self-isolate for 7 days and follow the advice as detailed in ‘How to Prevent transmission of the virus’.

Q.Is there the option to end my tenancy early?
If you wish to end your tenancy due to health reasons, please email your request to [email protected] explaining the reasons why. Your request will be reviewed, and a response sent to you within 2 working days.

Q. Can I book a room without viewing?

Yes, however, on arrival should you wish to change your room, this would be subject to an additional administration cost and availability.

Q. Can I live with my friends?

As part of our online booking, you can reserve a whole flat for you and your friends as a Group Booking.

Q. What is the Security Deposit?

The Security Deposit is payable as part of our process to reserve a room. Once this fee is paid, no one else can book that room, provided that you sign and return your documentation within the required timescales. Failure to do this may result in your chosen room being released for resale.

It is also security against any damage to the accommodation or unpaid rent. The Security Deposit is secured in our chosen government recognized scheme; the Deposit Protection Service (DPS) or Letting Protection Service (LPS) – for properties in Scotland only, until the end of your period of stay with us. The amount paid is returned to you via the DPS/LPS at the end of the tenancy subject to any outstanding rent or damage charges.
Booking Fee; where this is applicable, is not treated as a Security Deposit and is non-refundable.

Q. I am a part-time student – can I live in the property?

Part-time students can live at the student accommodation providing they have student status. Part-time students may not qualify for Council Tax exemption and will, therefore, be liable to pay their own council tax charges. We strongly recommend that you check your position with your University or College before you make a booking with us, as you may find yourself liable to Council Tax payments if your course does not qualify you.

Q. What is ANUK?

The property operates to conform with the ANUK National Code of Standards for Student Accommodation which is designed to regulate and bring large student landlords into line to deliver a distinct set of standards to students. Accreditation schemes are voluntary schemes that good landlords join to demonstrate that they provide good quality accommodation.

The National Code of Standards is fully supported by NUS who are a key stakeholder and have representation on the management and complaints procedures of the Code. The Code will act as a student accommodation quality guide and it is recommended that if you have a choice, always rent from a landlord who has joined the Code.

Q. What are the advantages of living in a building covered by the National Code of Standards?

• Best practice in day to day management is supported and recognized;
• Your contract is clearly written, stating what you are paying for and how much your rent is, with reasonable terms and no hidden costs; Your accommodation is fully prepared for you when you arrive to take up residence;
• Your accommodation meets with a set of nationally recognized standards in respect of service provision, furniture and fittings;
• All repairs and maintenance are carried out within agreed timescales
• Your building will meet with the required health and safety standards
• If a deposit is charged, it will be lodged in an appropriate Deposit Scheme and it will be returned to you promptly at the end of the year or you will be given a clear explanation of why a deduction has been made;
• You will be given information to explain what management routines are followed in the buildings;
• A set and accountable procedure for dealing with any disputes or complaints will be in operation.

Q. Can I move in before the start date?

This may be possible at some locations, but you should speak to the Hospitality Team at your chosen location in the first instance to discuss your requirements.

Q. Can I extend my contract length?

This may be possible at some locations, but you should speak to the Hospitality Team at your chosen location in the first instance to discuss your requirements.

Q. Can I shorten my contract length or pull out of my contract?

No, unless you are able to find a replacement tenant, as defined in the Terms and Conditions of your Accommodation Contract.

Your contract is a legally binding document and you should make sure that you read the terms, understand them and are willing to comply with them throughout your stay. Ask for help from someone more experienced if there is anything you are not sure about or contact us with any queries.

Q. What happens to my contract if I leave University for any reason?

You must notify us immediately if your student status changes or you leave University. You will still be responsible for the rent until you or we find a replacement tenant for your Accommodation. We shall assist you in this once all our other Accommodation is taken.

Q. What is a Guarantor?

A guarantor is a person who is willing to pay your rent if you are unable to do so.

Q. Who can be a Guarantor?
A guarantor must be a UK resident, over the age of 25 and financially independent. They can be a family member, other relative or friend provided that they meet the above qualifying criteria.

Q. What does a Guarantor need to do?
A guarantor will be required to sign a copy of your Offer and understand their liabilities in this regard. If you have chosen to use a guarantor, your booking with us will not be complete until they have signed the necessary documentation and we have confirmed that your booking with us is complete.

Q. Can visitors park on site?

Yes. Visitors can park on site if your accommodation has a car park and subject to availability. This should be arranged in advance with your Hospitality Team.

Q. What is a Hospitality Team?

Every  Student property has been assigned to a dedicated team of staff who are experienced and trained in the day-to-day operation and management of student accommodation. Our priority is the well-being and safety of all our student residents and this team, called our Hospitality Team, will advise students on a wide range of issues such as dealing with homesickness and flat conflicts.

The team normally consists of a Hospitality Manager, Hospitality Assistant, Facilities Assistant and a Housekeeper. Together they will look after you for the duration of your stay and will be introduced to you on your arrival at your chosen location.

Students living in the accommodation are encouraged to apply for positions of Student Wardens and the successful applicants are trained by the Hospitality teams to enable them to provide additional out of hours support to student residents.

Q. What about safety and security?

All our locations operate secure key or fob access systems, to gain entry into the building, flats and bedrooms. All properties are equipped with CCTV monitoring equipment and some properties have gated grounds and car parks.

Q. Can I smoke?

You are not allowed to smoke in any Student property, including your individual bedrooms, except for designated smoking areas. Your Hospitality Team can advise you where these are at your location.

Q. Do I need a TV License?

The property provides a TV license where they have also provided a TV in the shared area of the accommodation. We provide TV’s in all bedrooms at Ernest Place, Durham, but you will require a TV Licence if you watch or record any live TV on any channel, or download or watch BBC programmes on demand (including catch up TV) on BBC iPlayer. This applies to any other TV (including a smart TV), laptop, tablet, mobile phone, games console, digital box, DVD/VHS recorder or anything else. It also applies however you’re receiving the programmes, whether via an aerial, satellite, cable or streaming through the internet.

Q. Do I need to pay Council Tax?

If you are a full-time student studying on a qualifying course, then you are likely to be council tax exempt for the length of your stay with us. However, we strongly recommend that you check with your University and/or local council as to the exact requirements. You will be required to provide the property with your University Student Number within a few days of your enrolment at University or College. You may also be required to provide a Council Tax Exemption Certificate.

Q. Where do I do my washing?

We provide either a washer/dryer in your flat or coin-operated laundry facilities within your building.

Q. What about Insurance – do I need any?

The property does not provide insurance for a student’s personal possessions. You should make your own arrangements to ensure that you have adequate cover for your stay as a student at our accommodation. Please don’t forget to insure high-price items such as laptops, iPad, and bicycles.

Q. Do I need to move out over the Christmas and Easter Holidays?

No. Over the holidays, you will have complete access to your room.

Q. Can I bring a pet?

Pets of any description are not permitted within any of our properties. However, if you need to bring a guide dog, then these arrangements will need to be made with the Hospitality Team in advance.

Q. Can I move in without paying my first rent instalment?

No. All rent and any other payments due on or before your check-in date must be paid. The only time this will not apply is if you have requested and received confirmation that your request to defer your rent payment date has been approved.

Q. E-Check-in?

We offer an online check-in service and all students who have booked with us will be notified by email when E-check-in is open.

Arrival-

Please note: Our check-in is not 24-hours and you should always check with your Hospitality Team prior to your arrival to ensure that you can gain access to your accommodation.

Q. Can I move in early?

This may be possible at some location but you should speak to the Hospitality Team at your chosen location in the first instance to discuss your requirements.

Q. What do I need to bring with me on arrival?

Please ensure that all documentation requested by us has been fully signed and returned to us. Ensure that all payments due have been made and that you have provided a copy of your student loan schedule where applicable.

Failure to complete and return the necessary documents or payments will inevitably cause you and others delay at Check-in.

Q. Can I move rooms?

Should you wish to move rooms you must contact the Hospitality Team. They will wherever possible try and accommodate your requirements. If you have signed your tenancy agreement, a charge of £75.00 will apply and must be paid prior to moving rooms. Please bear in mind that not all requests can be granted.

Q. Do I need to move out over Christmas and Easter Holidays?

No. Over the holidays you will have complete access to your room.

Q. 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. You will be asked to fill in and return a ‘Check-in Inspection Record’, to record the condition of your room within 48 hours of moving in. You must ensure that any personalisation of your room does not result in any damages or you may incur repair charges. The Hospitality Team will carry out room and flat inspections at the end of your contract and we would advise you to make an appointment for inspection well in advance.

Q. 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 Hospitality Manager.

Q. Can I bring my own washing machine/tumble dryer?

No. Laundry facilities are provided at every location.

Q. Who is responsible for cleaning my flat?

It is a student’s own responsibility to clean their room and they are jointly responsible for cleaning their flat. The stairs and hallways outside the flats (communal areas) are cleaned on a regular basis by company cleaners. Some residences can offer an additional cleaning service for an agreed fee. At the end of the tenancy, flats must be returned in good condition or additional charges may be levied.

Q. Can we have a party?

Yes, but we ask that you keep the noise to a minimum and be considerate to your neighbours.

Q. Can I have guests to stay?

We do have restrictions and you should refer to your Accommodation Contact and Terms and Conditions.

Q. Are there spare rooms for visitors to stay in?

No. However, the Hospitality Team will gladly assist with numbers for local hotels.