Everything you need to know about your child renting with us
For many parents, this is the first time your child has rented a property, and it can feel like a big step for the whole family. At The Student Living Co. we work with students every day, and we understand that parents want to know their child is in safe, capable hands.
This guide is written specifically for you. It covers everything from guarantors and deposits to what happens if something goes wrong, so you can feel confident your child is renting through an agency that takes its responsibilities seriously.
Who we are
The Student Living Co. is a specialist student lettings agency covering Nottingham and Derby. We are the student lettings brand of Tristrams Property Services Ltd, an established, fully regulated independent property agency based in Bramcote, Nottingham.
We have been letting and managing student homes since 2015, so we understand the student market inside out, from the rhythm of the academic year to exactly what makes a house work for a group of friends. That experience means fewer surprises, smoother tenancies and a team that has genuinely seen it all before.
Student lettings is our speciality, and our processes, our people and the way we communicate are built entirely around the needs of student tenants and the parents, guarantors and landlords who support them.
The Tenancy Agreement
Before your child moves in, they will sign a legally binding tenancy agreement up to a maximum of 6 months before the tenancy start date. This sets out the full terms of their tenancy, including the monthly rent and payment schedule, what the tenant is responsible for during the tenancy, the deposit amount and how it is protected, and how the tenancy can be brought to an end.
Under the Renters’ Rights Act, tenancies are now periodic rather than fixed term, meaning they roll on a monthly basis rather than running for a set twelve month period. Tenants can end the tenancy by giving the required notice, currently two months. We will always explain how this works in practice for a student group before your child signs.
Please note if they are signing up for a purpose built student block the terms can vary as they are exempt from the Act.
We send all documents digitally in advance so your child has plenty of time to read through everything before signing. We always encourage students to share their agreement with a parent before committing, and we’re happy to answer any questions you have.
Guarantors
Most student tenancies require a guarantor, usually a parent or guardian, who agrees to cover the rent if the tenant is unable to pay. As guarantor you will go through a short referencing process to confirm your identity and income. This is completed online and is straightforward.
To qualify as a guarantor you will need to be a UK resident, earn at least 40 times your child’s monthly rent per year, and have no CCJs or bankruptcies. For example, if your child’s share of the rent is £500 per month, you would need to earn at least £20,000 per year.
Your liability as guarantor runs for the duration of the tenancy. If your child needs to leave the property early, your liability continues until a suitable replacement tenant is found and approved.
Deposits
Your child will pay a deposit once they sign their tenancy agreement, typically equivalent to five weeks rent, however, maybe less. By law this must be protected in a government approved deposit protection scheme within 30 days of it being received. We use mydeposits. (Some of our let only landlords may take the deposit directly and use their approved scheme, which will be listed on the tenancy agreement)
This means your child’s deposit is held independently, not by us or the landlord. At the end of the tenancy, once any agreed deductions are settled, the deposit is returned directly to your child, usually within a few working days. You can find out more about mydeposits at mydeposits.co.uk.
How we manage properties
For properties we fully manage, we are the main point of contact for your child throughout their tenancy. If something breaks, they report it through our online system and we coordinate the repair. We carry out regular property inspections and keep both tenants and landlords informed throughout.
Our office is based in Bramcote, Nottingham and is open Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm and Saturday 9am to 2pm. Our team is always happy to speak to parents directly if you have concerns or questions at any point during the tenancy.
What happens if there is an issue at the property?
How an issue is handled depends on whether we manage the property or simply found the tenant.
For properties we manage, your child can report any maintenance issue through our online management system and we will arrange for it to be resolved, with emergency issues dealt with as a priority.
For properties where we only introduced the tenant, the landlord manages the tenancy directly, so maintenance and day to day issues should be reported to them rather than to us. Your child’s tenancy agreement will confirm who to contact. If your child is unsure, we are happy to point them in the right direction.
Whether or not we manage the property, if your child has a concern about their wellbeing or their living situation, please do not hesitate to get in touch. Even where we are not the managing agent, we will always do what we can to help or signpost you to the right support.
A Note From Us
We have housed thousands of students across Nottingham and Derby over the years, and we understand the trust that parents place in us when their child signs a tenancy agreement. We do not take that lightly. Our team is made up of people who genuinely care about doing the right thing, and we will always be honest with you, even when the answer isn’t what you were hoping to hear.
If you have any questions at any point, please get in touch. We are always happy to talk.