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Penworks House is situated next door to Aston University and a short walk from Birmingham City University, Penworks House is just on the edge of the city centre. Offering a range of en suite and studio rooms, it features a stylish social space with pool and ping-pong tables, onsite laundry and a spacious, quiet study room.
The rooms that you pick include private bathroom, free WiFi and bills included in the price, and regular social events are organised in the building to ensure that there's always a friendly atmosphere.
Apartment facilities
Community Facilities
Configurations
Tenancies
Our standard en suite rooms are fitted with everything you need for a comfortable base in Birmingham.
Our Bronze En Suite rooms are approx 13 sq m and feature neutral and contemporary decor with stylish furniture, a small double bed and desk with study chair. Youll share a fitted kitchen space and communal living area kitted out with a TV and plenty of room for lounging.
Tenancies
For those looking for space, Silver level gives you extra without compromising on stylish, modern decor and finish.
Our Silver En Suite rooms offer an affordable, 13 sqm living space in our modern, loft-apartment style building without breaking the bank. The essentials for student life are included, such as a private shower and bathroom, a well-fitted communal kitchen and communal living room with a TV.
Tenancies
Situated on floors 1-8 of Penworks House, our Gold En Suite rooms offer stylish, contemporary dcor
Our Gold En Suite rooms provide stylish neutral contemporary furniture and a comfortable 13 sq m of space. You'll have your own small double bed, private shower, toilet and sink as well as a communal kitchen and living area with a TV.
Enjoy modern and stylish, spacious comfort in the heart of Birmingham city centre with all the essential features.
Our Silver Plus rooms feature neutral contemporary furniture and your own private shower, toilet and sink with great views into Birmingham. Youll also have a well-equipped communal kitchen, a communal space with a TV, areas to socialise in and free WiFi.
Tenancies
Situated on many levels of Penworks House, our Gold En Suite Plus rooms offer stylish, contemporary dcor with a little extra space.
Our Gold En Suite Plus rooms provide stylish neutral contemporary furniture and a generous 15 sq m of space on floors 1-7. You'll have your own small double bed, private shower, toilet and sink as well as a communal kitchen and living area with a TV.
Tenancies
Our premium en suites in the building, these self-contained rooms are perfect for those looking for a spacious home, kitted out with neutral decor and great facilities.
Our extra roomy Platinum En Suites give you 13 sq m of space and includes a modern, dark wood interior, small double bed, desk and study chair and private en suite bathroom. Youll also enjoy the use of a shared kitchen and a communal TV area.
Tenancies
basic
Situated across varied floors of Penworks House, our Diamond En Suite rooms offer stylish, contemporary dcor with a little extra space.
Our Diamond En Suite rooms provide stylish neutral contemporary furniture and a generous 18 sq m of space on floors 1-7. You'll have your own small double bed, private shower, toilet and sink as well as a communal kitchen and living area with a TV.
Tenancies
Their Copper Studio is the only self-contained apartment at Penworks House. Offering around 17 sq m in area, the room features modern, dark wood interior, small double bed, a spacious study area with desk and chair, private bathroom and your own fitted kitchenette.
Modern and contemporary, this self-contained studio with its own private kitchen and bathroom is perfect for someone wanting extra privacy.
Our Studio is the only self-contained apartment at Penworks House. Offering around 18 sq m in area, the room features modern, dark wood interior, small double bed, a spacious study area with desk and chair, private bathroom and your own fitted kitchenette.
Booking Details
COVID-19 Cancellation Policy
As we have previously stated, we are very keen to ensure that the current circumstances do not deter students from booking their accommodation - or unsettle those who have already booked - for the 2020/21 academic year. We confirm that the protection under our current cancellation policy covers extenuating circumstances including being unable to travel and illness.
In these circumstances, students who have booked for the 2020/21 academic year - or may wish to book - are eligible to cancel their booking at any time, and iQ will also fully refund any fees paid. Any cancellation application would go through our usual channels and the policy and process are here. We hope this gives reassurance to those who have booked - or want to book - that they can do so without suffering any financial consequences, should the circumstances surrounding COVID-19 make them unable to travel in the future.
Cancellation Policy
Period before you enter into the Tenancy Agreement - Failure to complete your application and enter into the Tenancy Agreement by the Deadline
iQ Student Accommodation reserves the right to not return the Booking Fee and cancel your booking on notice if:
(i) you notify us before the Deadline that you have decided not to enter into the Tenancy Agreement;
(ii) we take all reasonable steps to enter into the Tenancy Agreement before the Deadline and you fail to do so, for example, if you fail to complete your application or provide guarantor details and supporting documentation in good time;
(iii) you provide us with relevant false or misleading information; and/or
(iv) we are prohibited from entering to the Tenancy Agreement because of the Immigration Act 2014 (persons disqualified by immigration status). From the date of cancellation, you will not be liable for the contractual obligations laid out in the Tenancy Agreement, irrespective of whether you have signed it.
Period from and including when you have entered into the Tenancy Agreement
Cancellation by us
Failure to collect your key within timeframe
If you enter into the Tenancy Agreement, and you then fail to collect your key within 5 weeks of the Tenancy Start Date, iQ Student Accommodation reserves the right to: (a) cancel your booking and terminate the Tenancy Agreement and (b) re-let your room. In these circumstances any rent paid by you (including the Booking Fee allocated to the first payment of rent) will not be refunded to cover any losses incurred by us for empty unlet rooms. This provision takes precedence over any provisions in the Tenancy Agreement.
Provision of false or misleading information, persons disqualified by immigration status or failure to complete your application, provide guarantor details or supporting documentation in good time
We may also terminate your Tenancy Agreement for any of the reasons set out above, as set out in more detail in clause 2.4 of the Tenancy Agreement itself.
Cancellation by you
If you have entered into the Tenancy Agreement and you wish to cancel your booking, regardless of whether you have collected your keys, you will remain liable for the contractual obligations set out in the Tenancy Agreement and you may not cancel the booking unless you can provide proof that you fit any of the following criteria:
You notify us of your intention to cancel your booking prior to 1 August.
Your UK Visa application has been denied.
You have failed to obtain the required qualifications to get into your first University of choice.
Extenuating circumstances e.g. ill-health, family circumstances.
Where proof is provided in accordance with these terms and conditions and to our reasonable satisfaction, you will be entitled to cancel the booking and you will not be liable for the contractual obligations laid out in the Tenancy Agreement from the date of cancellation.
Evidence required where there is a cancellation by you
Notify us of your intention to cancel prior to 1 August
No further evidence is required beyond notifying us, but your Booking Fee will be retained as a cancellation fee.
Failure to get in to your first university of choice
Should you fail to gain the required qualifications and are not accepted into the University you stated as your first choice, you may cancel your Tenancy Agreement and we will refund your Booking Fee and any rent payments made so long as you provide the following information within the timescales mentioned below:
Written confirmation from you that you wish to cancel your reservation due to having failed to obtain the required grades for your first choice University; and
Supporting evidence from the University or UCAS.
This information must be provided to us within 72 hours of your exam results being published to be eligible for a Booking Fee refund. In these circumstances, your Booking Fee and rent payments will be returned in full within four weeks. If you fail to provide the information within 72 hours of your exam results being published, your Booking Fee will be retained as a cancellation fee.
Please note, if you are attending another University in a city where iQ Student Accommodation has a property, our team will be happy to support you in finding suitable accommodation. In this case, your Booking Fee and any rent payments made may be transferred over to your new booking.
Failure to obtain a UK Visa
If you fail to obtain a UK Visa before the start date of your tenancy, we will cancel your Tenancy Agreement and refund any rent payments made so long as you provide the following information:
Written confirmation from you that you wish to cancel your reservation; and
Supporting official evidence to show that the Visa was declined.
This supporting evidence should be supplied to iQ Student Accommodation within 72 hours of you receiving official confirmation. In these circumstances, any rent paid will be returned to you within 4 weeks but an amount equal to the Booking Fee will be retained as a cancellation fee.
Extenuating circumstances
If you are no longer able to attend University and/or live away from home due to extenuating circumstances, such as ill health or family issues, please contact us in order to discuss the matter.
Cancellation by you no special circumstances
Where the reason for cancellation is not one of the three matters listed above, you will remain liable for the full contractual rent, unless and until a replacement tenant is found for your accommodation. You are responsible for finding an eligible replacement tenant, although site staff will assist where possible.
If you wish to cancel the booking and a replacement tenant is found, subject to our agreement, you will be released from the contractual obligations set out in the Tenancy Agreement and any overpaid rent money will be refunded to you, less an amount equal to your Booking Fee as a cancellation fee. Please note that all tenancies commence on a Saturday; therefore the relevant site team will confirm your official release date from your contractual obligations under the Tenancy Agreement.
If you cancel the booking, but you enter into a new tenancy agreement with iQ Student Accommodation in respect of a different room within the same academic year, you will be required to pay to us an administration fee of 50.
Any decision made to release you from the terms of the Tenancy Agreement outside of these criteria is made by iQ Student Accommodation, at its sole discretion, on an individual case by case basis.
Payment Details
Payment can be made by either credit or debit card or by international bank transfer, via our partner Western Union.
For card payments, well need the long card number, expiry date and security code. We accept Visa, Visa Debit, Mastercard and Maestro.
For international bank transfer, youll be sent a link to the Western Union payment site when we're ready to collect your payment - the transfer is normally complete within three to four business days.
Whichever payment option you choose we will contact you to collect payment details prior to your first instalment being due.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I book if I'm under 18?
We require that all tenants living at one of our buildings in England and Wales are over the age of 18 at the time of moving in. You may book if you are 17, but only if you will have turned 18 before you move in.
Exceptions to this rule are available at sites in Scotland and in selected cases through prior arrangement with a university or institution. If in doubt, please contact your preferred iQ site and the team will be able to advise you.
Can I bring a TV?
If you want to bring a TV, check that your room has a TV point and dont bring one larger than 21. You cant mount your TV on the wall, so make sure its free-standing. While all TVs provided by iQ in communal areas accessed by all residents are covered by a TV Licence, you will need to buy your own licence if you bring your own TV or if there is one already in your room or shared kitchen & living area. If youre unsure, please check with your site team.
For details of licensing requirements regarding catch-up TV and online streaming, please refer to your resident handbook, ask your site team or contact TV Licensing.
Can I bring my bike?
Yes most iQ sites have a secure bike store that is free to use for all iQ residents. You will need to register and tag your bike with our team when you arrive.
Can I bring my car?
Some of our sites have limited parking, including in some cases disabled parking bays. However, as our locations are generally close to universities and local amenities, a car shouldn't really be necessary. If you do want to arrange parking, speak to your site team as soon as possible - any spaces available are likely to be reserved very quickly.
Can I bring pets?
No, pets are not allowed at iQ so please do not bring any animals of any sort. This is with the exception of assistance dogs, by prior arrangement.
Can I choose where my room is in the building?
Yes, you can specify where you would like your room to be from those which are still available at the time you book.
Can I choose who I live with in a shared flat?
Our online booking system will show the gender of those who have already booked a room in your chosen flat, if this information is available.
If you want to make a group booking with people you already know, our group booking procedure will help you do this.
Can I have overnight guests?
Yes. It's your home so you can have guests staying over occasionally, but we would ask you to respect your fellow residents and let your site team know. You are responsible for the behaviour of any guests you bring to your iQ site.
Can I make a group booking?
Yes. If youd like to share with friends, you can find and select rooms in the same flat on our booking portal. Alternatively, please speak to a member of the site team and they will be happy to help you.
Can I move in early?
Yes, we can often arrange this. Please contact your iQ site directly to see if they have availability.
Can I move out early?
You can move out whenever you are ready but the contract you have with iQ is a Fixed Term Tenancy Agreement and you will still need to pay the full rent until the end of the agreement. In exceptional circumstances, the Operations Manager may decide to grant an early release from the tenancy.
Please note that you should always book a move out inspection to confirm the condition of your room before you leave iQ. This will ensure arrangements are made relating to the return of your deposit.
For full information regarding moving out policies and procedures for your iQ site, please speak to the site team.
Can I smoke in my room?
No, all iQ accommodation is non-smoking. You may smoke outside in designated smoking areas. Please do not smoke anywhere near other residents windows, as the unwelcome smell of smoke can drift into their rooms.
Can I store my stuff with you over the holidays?
Yes, we can arrange temporary storage for possessions you dont want to take home with you. Just ask your Reception team for details.
Alternatively, you can use the Pinglocker app for storage and relocation services they provide nationwide.
Can I sublet my room to someone else?
No. So please dont try.
If you do find yourself needing to move out for any reason, your site team can advise you on making arrangements to find a replacement tenant.
Can I swap my room?
It may be possible to swap or change your room once you have moved in, subject to availability. A room change fee will apply. To find out if its possible for you to change room, please speak to the accommodation manager at your site.
Do I have to be home by a certain time each night?
No, its up to you when you come in. If returning late at night, please respect your fellow residents and keep noise to a minimum.
Do I need to clean my accommodation when I move out?
Yes, please make sure your accommodation is clean to avoid any cleaning charges. You can find a checklist of things to take care of here.
For our London residents, if you wish to save time you can use the Pinglocker app to arrange a room clean at an additional cost.
Do you have laundry facilities?
Yes, the vast majority of our sites have a laundry room where you can wash and dry your clothes. These are operated by an independent provider, Circuit Laundry. You will need to pay to use the machines via a top-up card or their mobile app.
For our London residents, Pinglocker provides convenient collection & delivery service for dry cleaning and laundry at an additional cost.
Do you provide bedding?
No, so please bring your own sheets, duvet, pillows, towels etc when you move in or you may prefer to buy them locally on arrival.
Alternatively, you can order a bedding pack online from Pinglocker (along with many other useful items), and it'll be ready and waiting for you when you move in.
Does iQ permit the use of drugs at its accommodation?
No, drugs are not permitted and prohibited items will be confiscated. The tenancy agreement gives iQ the right to confiscate substances, including legal highs without the consent of the resident.
How do I book?
Booking online is quick and easy it shouldn't take more than 10 minutes.
If you prefer, you can call us (its best to call the site you want to book at direct), or visit us at your chosen iQ location. You will need to pay a non-refundable booking fee to secure your booking (or holding deposit in Scotland), which can be paid by debit or credit card.
How do I cancel my booking?
A booking can be cancelled up to and including 31st July of the year when the student was due to move in. The booking fee is non-refundable.
After 31st July, if a student wishes to cancel a booking, they will remain liable for the contractual obligations laid out in the Tenancy Agreement, unless proof of one of the following can be supplied:
Their UK Visa application has been denied
They have failed to obtain the required qualifications to get into their university of choice
Extenuating circumstances e.g. ill-health, family circumstances
Evidence of a) or b) should be supplied to iQ Student Accommodation within 72 hours of receiving official confirmation.
Where the reason for cancellation cant be proved in line with the above, the student will remain liable for the full contractual rent, unless and until a replacement tenant is found. The student is responsible for finding an eligible replacement tenant, although site staff will assist where possible. If a replacement tenant is found, the student will be released from the contractual obligations laid out in the Tenancy Agreement and any rent money will be refunded. The booking fee will be retained.
Details of our cancellation policy for England and Wales can be found here
Details of our cancellation policy for Scotland can be found here
How do I get my post / mail?
Your post will be delivered to a lockable post box for your flat. Larger items or those that require a signature on delivery will be retained by Reception. You will be notified if Reception receive an item for you, and you should collect it as soon as possible.
How do I update my marketing preferences?
If you would like to hear from us by email, telephone or SMS please let us know by contacting the property with your preferred contact details.
How much does it cost to live at iQ?
Prices vary according to the site and type of accommodation you need please check the property page of your chosen site to see the current prices and any offers which may be running.
Rent is payable in instalments throughout the year, and includes utility bills, contents insurance and free WiFi. Access to most facilities on your site, including gyms and cinemas where available, is included.
How will I get to know people at iQ?
Our sites are home to an international community of students, often studying at a variety of different institutions, and its this diversity which can make living with us such a rewarding experience.
We organise regular social events where you can get to know your fellow residents. You will find posters on site telling you whats coming up soon or just ask at Reception.
I only have a conditional offer from my university. Can I still book at iQ?
Yes if you dont get the grades you need to be accepted by your chosen university then your booking fee will be refunded in full. We will need a letter from the university confirming the withdrawal of their offer to process the refund you should provide this within 72 hours of receiving official confirmation. Please note, this is the only circumstance in which a booking fee, or holding deposit in Scotland, is refundable.
It may also be possible to transfer your booking to another iQ location, subject to availability. Call the site team at the iQ location you originally booked with as soon as possible if you need to do this.
In the event of a fire, how can I trust that my accommodation is safe?
The safety and security of our residents is our number one priority. All of our sites are fully compliant with current safety standards. Our accommodation has fire alarm systems in place as well as fire prevention equipment, and we carry out regular testing and evacuation drills. Our buildings are also regularly audited by external, independent consultants.
iQ has a full-time, highly qualified, Health and Safety team who visit sites regularly. We also use accredited national providers to service and maintain life safety systems. Additionally, all sites have staff present 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
We are continually reviewing our programme of security, fire and safety standards. If you would like further information about our ongoing fire safety programme please read our fire safety update.
Is food and drink available on site?
Our sites dont have restaurants or cafeterias, but most sites provide vending machines where you can buy chocolate, crisps, drinks, ice cream and other snacks.
Is there internet access on site?
Yes, all our sites are equipped with WiFi, accessible throughout the building at no extra charge. This service is provided by our internet partners, ASK4. If you have any issues with connecting, you can find their contact details in the resident handbook you will receive on arrival.
What cant I bring?
Your resident handbook contains a list of prohibited items. This includes many items prohibited for fire safety reasons, such as candles, oil burners, gas appliances and fan heaters. Please see the full list below. If you need further guidance on whether an item is permitted or not, please ask your site team before you move in.
No weapons or drugs (including legal highs) are permitted under any circumstances.
We dont allow:
Candles, fireworks, Chinese lanterns, incense, incense burners, kerosene, petrol, LPG gas and LPG gas appliances, compressed gas and compressed gas appliances, rice cookers (unless CE marked), shisha pipes, gas burners, oil burners, tea lamps, halogen heaters, exposed element heaters, fan heaters, real Christmas trees, mains voltage Christmas lights, portable cooking stoves.
What do I need to bring?
You can see whats included in your room on the room details page for your iQ site. Among the things you will need, or may want, to bring are bedding, towels, toiletries, toilet paper, basic kitchen equipment, hangers, and a computer or laptop.
We have compiled a checklist of things you may want to bring - or buy when you arrive.
What happens if I cant afford my rent?
If you find yourself in financial difficulties, you should speak to your site team as soon possible. Likewise, if the dates your rent instalments are due do not align with the dates you receive your student loan, please let us know and we will try to come to a solution.
All residents are required to register a guarantor, who will be ultimately responsible for your rent if you do not make payment. The guarantor will need to provide identification and sign a Guarantors Agreement, confirming they agree to act as your guarantor.
What happens if my child needs to make a complaint?
We try to resolve any complaints internally, but understand there may be times when this is not possible. Our complaints procedure is detailed here.
What happens to my booking fee?
Your booking fee, or holding deposit, is non-refundable (except in the case that the conditional offer from your university is withdrawn). However, it will convert to a refundable damage deposit at the beginning of your tenancy. To find out more about how your deposit works, please ask your site team.
When are my instalments due?
Your rent is taken as four instalments spread out throughout the year to make the payments more manageable for you. Click below to find out more about our instalment structure.
Will my flat be cleaned?
You are responsible for keeping your own space clean. It's our responsibility to keep the common areas like the social spaces, reception and laundry clean.