Viridian Studios, Kingston Upon Thames

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the UK or in the student’s country of origin, and this is unable to be completed because the IELTS (or equivalent) is withdrawn entirely, the student may be eligible to be released from this agreement.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. Who can live here?

Any full-time student (minimum 16 hours per week) enrolled in a university or college, who is 18 years of age or older on the date they submit the application form.

Q. What is the contract length?

We offer a variety of contract lengths from short term summer and semester stays and longer academic year stays. Some semester stays may be available so please inquire with our bookings team.

Q. What is included in the room rate?

All utility bills (water, lights, and electricity), 100Mb internet access, 24-hour security, contents insurance and gym access at specific sites only.

Q. Can I choose my room in the building?

Normally rooms are allocated on a first come first served basis. You can specify any special requests at the time of your booking and we will do our best to accommodate you in that room.

Q. Is there somewhere to store my bike?

Yes, all residences have secure bike storage available free to residents.

Q. Do you have extra storage for suitcases?

If students need to arrive earlier than the check-in time on their contract start date, it is fine to leave suitcases with the Reception team until it's time to check-in. However, there is no storage space at any of the residences, and any luggage is left at your own risk.

Q. What furniture is in my room?

Our rooms are all standardised and have the same high-quality furniture throughout.

Q. What are the guest policies?

Residences are your home so you are allowed to have friends and family visit you when you want, we just ask that you respect your fellow residents and sign your guests in and out of the buildings so we know who is in the building in case of an emergency.

Q. Is there a curfew?

No, you can come and go as you please. 24-hour security will be available to welcome you at the front door.

Q. Can I smoke in my room?

No. You may smoke outside in designated smoking areas.

Q. Will I have a phone in-room?

Phones are not provided in-room, however, Ask4 have provided VOIP telecoms which is available using your laptop and allows residents to call home at discounted rates.

Q. Will I have a TV in-room?

No, however flat screen TV’s are provided in all communal areas and IPTV is available to stream on your laptop.

Q. Will my room is cleaned?

We have a housekeeping team on-site, they will clean all communal areas in the residence. This does not include your room, however, you can arrange a room clean with them directly at additional cost.

Q. What if something in my room breaks?

We have a maintenance team on-site, they maintain the residence and make sure that it is always in the best order for students living in the building. Should you have a problem with anything in your room; say your fridge stops working or a lightbulb needs replacing, they will fix it as soon as possible for you. Maintenance issues can be reported online through your student portal.

Q. Are there accessible facilities throughout the buildings?

All of our residences feature accessible rooms alongside wheelchair and mobility access throughout.

Q. Is there a laundry?

Yes. We have enlisted the help of laundry specialists Circuit to manage our laundry facilities within the residence.

Q. Is the use of the Gym included in my rent?

Yes. We have a fully kitted out gym and fitness suite in some of our residences. This is free for students to use and open 24hrs a day.

Q. What about my Post?

Our front desk and security staff will take collections for you and sort your mail. Each resident has a secure mailbox which they share with around 4/5 students living in the building.

Q. What hours can I use the courtyard?

The courtyard is open from 10am-10pm and is a smoke-free zone.

Q. Do you provide bedding?

No. It is up to students to purchase their own bedding.

Q. Can I move in early?

Yes, if your room is available. The additional charge will be at the current room rate per week and early move-ins are on a week, not daily basis. Please check with our team as to whether your room is available to secure an early arrival.

Q. What do I need to bring?

Provided your checklist is complete and the required rent payment is received, you will only need to provide an ID at Reception when you arrive at check-in

Q. What documents are required for me to check-in?

We require a copy of your passport, visa, photo and proof of address.

These documents must be uploaded to the Student Portal within 10 days of receiving your accommodation offer. Failure to do this will mean that your check-in could be severely delayed and could possibly result in you not being able to check in.

Q. What if I want to live in a different residence to the one I have booked?

Should a resident book with us at one of our residence and then want to move to another residence, this will be possible provided there are rooms available.

Q. Do I need a television licence?

Yes, if you watch television in your bedroom. All homes in the UK require a television licence and your room is treated as a home under the licensing authority's definition. There is a large screen television with Sky in the Social Hub which has a television licence associated with it. However, for IPTV provided by Ask4 and viewed in your room, you will need a licence.

Q. What other charges can I expect?

You will have to pay for laundry, phone calls, your TV license, upgrade of insurance or internet packages, and any items purchased from the vending machine.

Q. Can I pay by Bank Transfer?

It is possible to pay by bank transfer, however, please be aware that it can take up to 5 working days to reach us and the payment must be showing in your account before you would be able to check-in to the residence.