Gateway Apartments Edinburgh

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. 

Tenancy Agreement 

The tenancy agreement is a legal contract between the tenant and property. The tenancy agreement is for a fixed term and the student (and guarantor) are liable for the full term of that agreement unless and until express written release is granted. 

The usual Termination of Student Tenancy Policy applies for all cancellation requests that are not EXPLICITLY related to the COVID-19 (Corona virus) outbreak. 

Initial Cancellation Period -A student can cancel a tenancy agreement for up to 14 days after the date the booking is confirmed (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 (£50 to £250). £20 will be deducted from the refunded amount to cover any international bank charges for deposit refunds made to non-UK banks. 

Outside Initial Cancellation Period- If a student wishes to cancel outside of the Initial Cancellation Period, and the cancellation reason is EXPLICITLY related to COVID-19, then the following applies: 

• 20-21 Course which is reliant on IELTS/Pre-sessional If the student is a prospective first year Undergraduate or Postgraduate student and the offer of a place at the University or Higher Education Institute in the UK is subject to completing and passing an IELTS (or equivalent) in the UK or in the student’s country of origin, and this is unable to be completed because the IELTS (or equivalent) is withdrawn entirely, the student may be eligible to be released from this agreement. 

The student must provide written evidence that the course is no longer taking place at all within 3 days of being notified and we will release the student from the contract without penalty and refund the deposit paid.

The student must provide written evidence that the course start date has been delayed within 3 days of being notified and we may then adjust the contract accordingly. 

• Travel Ban If the student is unable to travel to or enter the UK due to a restriction on leaving their country of origin, or a restriction on entering the UK which means they cannot arrive in time to start their course, the student may be eligible to be released from this agreement, subject to evidence being provided of a formal travel ban being in place. 

There must be a specific government ban in place at the start date of the student’s course that prevents the student coming to, or entering the UK in time to start their course, and there must be no realistic prospect of a delayed course start date. 

• 20-21 Flexible Start *SOME PROPERTIES ARE EXCLUDED FROM THE 2020-21 FLEXIBLE START POLICY, THIS IS ONLY APPLICABLE AT PROPERTIES AS DISPLAYED

If the course start date in the UK is formally delayed by the University or Higher Education Institute, the student may be eligible for a reduction in the 20-21 tenancy length, and start the tenancy later.
The student must provide either written evidence that the course start date has been delayed within 3 days of being notified by the education institute, or this must be publicly available and formally announced by the University, the contract may be adjusted accordingly.
If a tenancy agreement is adjusted, the reduction in tenancy length will be by a maximum of the length of the formal delay to teaching unless specifically stated otherwise. Some properties may have a maximum length of delay.

Regular Policy

You can cancel your booking up to 14 days after you accept your offer or pay your deposit (the Initial Cancellation Period) providing you have not already moved into the property and we will refund your security deposit in full.

If you are outside the 14-days cool off period, you may cancel, but are required to find a replacement tenant. Until a suitable replacement is found, you may not be released from the tenancy agreement and are liable to pay the rent.

If you do not meet the grades of the university you initially applied to OR fail to receive a VISA, you may be released from the contract and receive a refund of your deposit provided you provide the documents as a proof of this within 2 working days of the results. In case of University rejection, evidence can be a written rejection letter from the University/College/UCAS, or a screenshot of the customer’s UCAS status along with the results, etc. In case of VISA rejection, evidence can be a copy of the letter from the Home Office or other official Visa issuing body as well as a letter from the university, sponsor or institution where they were supposed to be studying. It must clearly show the student’s full name, address and date of issue.

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. 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 within the booking form with us.

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 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 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 installments)

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 1Gbps 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 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 the 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 a 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.