Frequently asked questions
Here are some questions about our properties and living in Northampton.
Click on the question to see the answer
New tenants
When does my tenancy start and finish?
For the academic year 2011-2012 the tenancy starts on Sunday 10/07/2011 and ends on Saturday 14/07/2012.
How do I know my deposit is safe?
Your deposit is held by Dawson Properties Ltd and insured with mydeposits, a government-authorised tenancy deposit protection scheme. Details of how the scheme works is shown on mydeposits website.
Do I pay reduced rent for the summer?
Yes, there is a discount for the first 8 weeks of the tenancy as long as you are not living at the property. You can store your belongings at the property during this time at your own risk. The discount is for the summer period only and no other holiday periods.
Can I move in early?
Yes, you will need to let us know with plenty of notice if you plan to move in early (in case work is being done on the property) and full rent will be payable.
We are not on an inclusive contract, what do we do about utility bills?
At the start of the tenancy we will take the meter readings and notify the current suppliers. You can change suppliers during your tenancy but you must let us know. We will take meter readings on the last day of your tenancy and notify the utility companies.
When is our rubbish collected? What about recycling?
We will e-mail you details of rubbish and recycling information. Northampton Borough Council's website has details of collection days and what can be recycled.
Do I need a residents parking permit?
Some town centre streets fall within the council's Residents Parking Permit scheme. Even with a permit you can only park for 2 hours in a 2 hour bay, and 1 hour in a 1 hour bay. Visitors can obtain a Visitors permit but these only start at 10.00am. If they stay overnight you must move the car when parking restrictions start, usually at 8.00am. Normally parking restrictions finish at 6.00pm and start at 8.00am, so anyone can park overnight. They don't usually apply on a Sunday. All restrictions are clearly marked, so do read the sign when you park! The wardens always issue a large number of tickets to students when they come back because they don't read the signs!
How do I know that your houses are of a good standard?
All of our student houses are accredited under the Northampton Student Accreditation Scheme (NSAS), East Midlands Landlord Accreditation Scheme (EMLAS) and/or licensed as a HMO by Northampton Borough Council and generally greatly exceed the minimum standards laid down. For information about NSAS standards please click here or here for details about Houses in multiple occupation.
Existing tenants
How do we get the deposits returned?
At the end of the tenancy you must return the house keys to us. All rubbish and belongings must be removed from the house. The house and garden should be left clean and tidy, communal areas are the responsibility of all tenants equally. Should there be any damage or cleaning needed we will Email all the tenants and wait for agreement from the lead tenant. We will Email you a check-sheet of what is needed for your damage deposit to be returned a few weeks before the end of the tenancy. The deposits will be refunded by cheque to the address given to us when you signed up. If this address changes during the tenancy please let us know.
What do we do in an emergency?
Please refer to our "House information folder" – this is Emailed to the tenants at the beginning of the tenancy. It contains details of emergency procedures e.g. where the mains taps are located and details of contact details for emergencies and general repairs. Please keep a copy in your room.