Fontessa House, Chester

Do I have to be a student to live at this property?

To take out a tenancy with us you need to be eligible for council tax exemption. This applies to all full-time students and some part-time students. If youre unsure, your university or college should be able to let you know.

Do I pay a deposit?

You will be required to pay a damage deposit of 250 and a Utility Deposit of 50.

Can I smoke?

Smoking is not permitted in any area within this premises, this includes bedrooms, stairways and external courtyard areas.

Can I bring a pet?

No pets of any type are permitted at this property.

Where can I do my Laundry?

A laundry is provided with washers and dryers on site.

Do I need to take out contents insurance?

No, you do not. Contents insurance is automatically included with your rent. When you arrive well provide you with details of the policy.

What happens once I have reported maintenance?

You will be given a copy of the maintenance slip that will be passed to our caretaker. The caretaker will attend to make the necessary repairs as soon as possible. Occasionally, it will not always be possible to complete the repair on the first visit and a subsequent visit may be necessary. Repairs are responded to on a priority basis, please be aware that it may not be possible to attend to your problem the same day you report it, especially at busy times of the year.

Can I cancel my contract before I move in?

If you cancel your contract before the contract begins you will be subject to our cancellation terms and charges. Cancellations will only be accepted upon receipt of a completed cancellation form. Contact the Cambridge office to request a form.

Can I connect to the internet?

Absolutely. A super fast internet connection is available in every bedroom. But just so you know, broadband arrangements do vary in some halls.

Can I have guests to stay?

Overnight guests are permitted provided your flatmates agree. All overnight guests must be signed in at reception for safety, security and so that staff know who is on site in the event of an emergency. You must accompany your guests at all times whilst they are on site and you are responsible for their behaviour.

Who is responsible for cleaning my flat?

It is the residents own responsibility to clean their rooms and they share responsibility for the communal area of the flat. Management staff will conduct monthly inspections and you are expected to ensure that your room and flat is clean on these days. Failure to meet the required cleanliness standards will result in external cleaning contractors being brought in, the cost of which will be passed onto the resident(s). At the end of the tenancy the bedroom and flat must be returned in a good, clean condition to avoid cleaning charges, again it is the responsibility of all residents to ensure the kitchen and lounge are clean. The block stairways are regularly cleaned by the the property staff.

What about security?

24-hour security with CCTV, electronic access control and a member of staff on site are available.

Do I need to move out during the holidays?

Your contract is for a fixed length of time so your room is yours throughout that period. That means that you dont have the hassle of moving your belongings out during the Christmas or Easter vacations, and you can choose to stay in your property over these holidays if you want. Its usually possible to book additional accommodation over the summer period if you want to stay then too. But we advise booking early to ensure rooms are available.

Will I be able to change rooms after I have arrived?

It is not usually possible to change rooms after you have arrived. All rooms are allocated on a 42 or 50-week contract and unless another resident also requests a room swap we would be unable to change your room.

Do you have staff at your properties?

Every student home has a team of trained staff on site to respond to meet your needs. Their job is to make your experience as enjoyable as possible. On-site management offices are open Monday to Friday and will answer any questions, respond to any issues, offer advice and ensure a friendly face is there to greet you every day.

What happens on move in day?

You will be welcomed on arrival in the Building you are booked into by a member of this property's staff. We will issue you with a welcome pack which contains all the information you need to live at this property and you will be directed to your room.

What happens if I have a maintenance problem?

Every student home has a dedicated caretaker team to respond to and solve your maintenance issues. We respond to every issue quickly and, if possible, will complete the repair during the first visit. Of course, this isnt always possible and there are times when parts need to be ordered or external contractors arranged. When this happens, well keep you updated on the progress.

What does fully-furnished kitchen mean?

Flats come kitted out with all your cooking appliances: cooker, hob, kettle, toaster and microwave and some sites also provide cutlery, crockery and cooking utensils.

What Broadband packages are there?

A broadband connection is provided to every room at this property which requires a 50 connection fee prior to moving in.

Is there telephone in my flat?

No, there is no telephone provided in the rooms. You can use a mobile phone or make calls via the internet using our Wi-Fi.    

What cooking equipment is provided in my flat?

All flats come with a cooker, hob, fridge/freezer and microwave provided. We do not supply toasters, kettles or any cutlery or crockery. You could buy kitchen items after you arrive and share the cost with your housemates.

What does being a guarantor mean?

All students who wish to take up our rent instalment plan are required to provide a UK guarantor (excludes the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands).

By agreeing to be a guarantor, you are signing a legal document stating that you agree to pay the rent and guarantee the behaviour of the resident if they default. Please do not sign this agreement if you do not wish to take on this responsibility.

Any student who does not have a UK guarantor will be required to pay the full years rent upon application.

Where can I store my bike?

There is an internal bike store in each of the three buildings and storage is at the owners risk. No bikes may be stored within the flats.

What should I do if I am having financial problems?

If you are having financial difficulties, you should contact a member of the management immediately. Failure to do so could result in interest charges being added to your account if you fail to pay on the due dates as well as legal proceedings being started against you and, where applicable, your guarantor. Management staff can usually advise you of where to go to get additional financial help which will assist you in meeting your financial obligations.

What if I change my bank account or card details?

Please notify a member of management staff immediately with any new details to ensure your rent is taken on the due date and to avoid any unnecessary charges.

What if I dont pay?

If you dont pay your rent daily interest may be added to the amount you owe to us. Your guarantor will be contacted and will be asked to pay the amount that you owe. Legal proceedings will commence against any resident who fails to pay the rent due. These proceeding will also include action against the residents guarantor.

Do I need to pay council tax?

Provided you are a student in full-time education you will be exempt from Council Tax.