Why choose Hawthorn houses?
Hawthorn houses has an established track record of supplying a high standard of warm comfortable well equipped and furnished accommodation. We have 28yrs experience of catering for the needs of students. As a proactive family business we deal personally with all our tenants and do not use agents.
What type of contract do Hawthorn use?
Hawthorn houses use a standard UNIPOL Assured Short-hold Tenancy contract in all its properties, which are considered to be very fair to all parties. We always recommend that tenants read their contracts carefully and fully understand the terms.
Why do I need to have a Guarantor?
A guarantor (usually a parent or guardian) agrees to pay your rent if you are unable to. Due to a student’s age and employment status, we require a guarantor for all tenants. This is standard practice with student rental properties.
Why do I have to pay a deposit?
Deposits are a returnable sum held by the landlord for the duration of the contract and are payable on the signing of the contract. The items the deposit cover are stated in your contract. All deposits in shared houses are £200 per person but self contained properties may be higher. Overseas students without a UK Guarantor will pay 5 weeks rent as a deposit. Deposits are registered with the Tenancy Deposit Scheme and you will receive written confirmation of this by e mail
What happens if something breaks or is faulty in the property?
We like to get breakages fixed and any faults sorted asap. Tenants are required to inform us of any problems, breakages or faults as soon as they are discovered so that they can be dealt with promptly. Reports are required by e-mail, so we have an audit trail in writing, but tenants can also report problems by phone, or text particularly in an emergency.
Are Hawthorn houses energy efficient?
We are one of the few landlords to have installed solar panels in our properties. Hawthorn houses aims to make its houses as energy efficient as possible. Insulating the outside walls of our houses has been a priority over the past few yearsAll houses have double-glazing with LED light bulbs are installed throughout. We are now looking at installing air source heat pumps and hope to have the first installed by Sept 22
How long are your contracts?
Our tenancies run for 12 months: July 1st – June 30th or Sept1st –Aug 31st. Variations to these dates may occasionally occur if we have just purchased a property or one needs a major renovation.
Are Hawthorn houses safe?
Many of Hawthorn houses are HMO’s, and are compliant and all have been inspected and licensed. Gas tests are performed annually and electrical tests are performed every 5 years. Up to date certificates are available to view for all properties upon request.
How do I collect my keys?
Keys are available from 3pm on the first day of the tenancy. There will be a Hawthorn houses representative available to hand over the keys after 3pm on the first day. After this date, keys will either be sent by recorded post to the tenant’s home address or delivered to the house by arrangement.
What is insured by the landlord?
The landlord has insured the following:
– Material damage to the building: fire, lightening, flood and accidental damage (subject to exclusions).
– The landlord’s fittings and contents.
Exclusions apply when the property is unoccupied: please notify us if the house is going to be empty for 30 or more consecutive days.
Tenants are responsible for their own contents insurance . They are often covered under their parents household policies but this should be checked.
What happens if I lose my keys or they get stolen?
We will issue a new key. The cost of the replacement will be passed onto the tenant.
What happens at the end of the tenancy?
Tenancies end at 9am on the final date of the tenancy agreement. Houses need to be clean and clear of all tenants’ belongings and rubbish by this time. Tenants are expected to leave their property as they received it. We can arrange local cleaning companies that can help you. If the property is not clean and free of rubbish when we inspect it then a charge will be deducted from the student’s deposit.