FAQs
These are some of the Frequently Asked Questions that Dove Properties receive:
How do we set up a viewing of a property?
Simply select the properties you are interested in from our website and then either Telephone us on 0114 2660 660, Text us on 07818 595 051, Email us on info@doveproperties.co.uk , or use the "Viewing Enquiry Form" on our website. Suggest days and times when all your group are all available, and we will set up a viewing appointment. One of the Dove Properties team will meet you at the property and show you around and answer any questions you may have. We ask that you do not just go round to the property and knock on the door without an appointment. We like to do professional conducted viewings and make sure our existing tenants have had notice that we are coming. Where possible we prefer to show your whole group around the properties in just one visit so as to minimise disruption to current tenants.
What if we want to renew our contract for a further year?
We always give our current tenants first refusal on the property. We will write to you in October asking you if you wish to stay on for another year. If you do wish to stay on, please get in touch in good time so we can reserve the property for you.
What is the contract that we sign?
Virtually all of our Student Accommodation properties in Sheffield are available on 12 month contracts. The Contract will be a "Joint and Several Assured Shorthold Tenancy Agreement" from the 1st July to 30th June. It means that you are all jointly liable for all the rent for all the property i.e. you rent the whole property from us as a group, not on a room by room basis.
How do we pay the rent?
We usually take the rent every quarter and will take postdated rent cheques for these dates. These are:
20th June
1st October (or 8th if you rely on the student loan to pay your rent)
1st January (or 15th if you rely on the student loan to pay your rent)
1st April (or 20th if you rely on the student loan to pay your rent)
Are Utility Bills included in the rent?
No, Utility bills are not normally included in the rental price (unless otherwis specified). As tenants, you are responsible for the payment of Gas, Electricity and Water. We generally advise that tenants should budget between £5.00 and £10.00 per person per week for their bills. You will also be responsible for the cost of any Telephone and Internet for the property.
Do we need to pay Council Tax?
Full time students are exempt from paying Council Tax. However if you have recently left University or are not a full time student you will be required to pay Council Tax. If this is the case please visit http://www.sheffield.gov.uk/council-tax and follow the instructions.
How much is the deposit?
The vast majority of deposits are for £200 pounds per person, payable by cheque, cash or debit/credit card.
Are there any other costs involved?
For Student properties there is also a small non-refundable administration fee of £55 per person to cover our costs in setting up the tenancy. For "Professionals" the administration fee is £95 per person due to the extra referencing and credit checking involved.
Is my deposit protected under Tenancy Deposit Protection Legislation?
Yes, your deposit is held in a separate "ring fenced" account and is protected under government "Tenancy Deposit" regulations with www.mydeposits.co.uk
Do the properties have a Gas safety certificate?
Yes all properties have a current Gas Safety Certificate. They are checked annually.
Does the Property have a HMO licence?
Under new Government regulations which came into effect in 2006, all properties inhabited by 5 or more occupants, which have 3 or more habitable storeys must now be "licenced" with the local council. Dove Properties have applied for a licence for all our "licensable" properties (which meet these criteria) and these are currently being processed by Sheffield City Council. Copies of licenses are available upon request from our office once issued by Sheffield City Council.
Does the property have an Energy Performance Certificate?
Yes, new government regulations mean that, as of October 2008, every property must have an Energy Performance Certificate. They are available to view on request from our office.
Do we need Contents Insurance?
Most tenants find that insuring their personal belongings is a sensible option but is not mandatory requirement. Please speak to us to obtain a very competitive quote for the whole household.
Will we need a T.V. License for the property?
Yes you will. On a "Joint Contract" however you will only need just one license per property. These can be purchased online at www.tvlicensing.co.uk
Do we need a "Parking Permit" for our car?
Sheffield City Council have recently made the majority of student areas into "Parking Permit Only" zones. A number of permits are usually allocated to residents. To check if your property falls into a permit zone, and how many permits you are allowed, please contact Sheffield City Council Parking Services on 0114 273 5469 or visit their website http://www.sheffield.gov.uk/roads-and-transport/parking/permit-parking
Weve seen a house we really like - how do we sign for it?
Please make sure all of your group have considered the implications of signing for a property, taking advice where necessary. If you decide that you wish to go ahead, please get in touch. with us as quickly as possible so we can take it off the market and reserve it for you whilst we deal with the contractual arrangements. We will make an appointment for your group to come to the office to sign the contract. At that time we will take the deposit, the post dated rent cheques and the administration fee from all tenants
We have signed for a property - when can we pick up our keys?
Keys are available for collection, by appointment, Monday to Friday 9.00am - 4.30pm
If we sign for a property, what do we do if one of our group want to leave the contract - can we be released from it?
Legally this is not possible. Contracts are legally binding for the full duration of the contract, so you should all be sure of your plans before you sign for a property. Should you wish to leave the property before the end of the contract, we will only release you from your commitment if you can find a suitable replacement tenant who can take on your contractual responsibilities until the end of the contract. This person must be acceptable to us and we must have written consent from the rest of your housemates agreeing to the change in tenant.
Please be sure of your future plans and who you want to live with before you sign for a property.
