New rules. No need to worry.
The Renters' Rights Act has changed how student tenancies work, and we know it's caused a lot of worry. You don't need to: we have it covered. Here's everything, in plain English.
How to reserve.
Four steps, from first enquiry to your keys.
- Join the waiting listWe take enquiries all year round. If our viewing window isn't open yet, you go on our waiting list, and we invite you to choose a viewing a week before we open viewings to everyone.
- View, then reserveFound the one? Reserve it. If you reserve before 1 February, before tenancy agreements can be sent, we take a holding fee of £150 to secure it. It's the same flat fee for every room and every home.
- Sign within 72 hoursTenancy agreements go out digitally from 1 February, ready to e-sign. You have 72 hours to read yours and send it back, and once it's signed your booking is confirmed.
- Your £150 comes back off the rentIf you paid a holding fee, it's credited against your first rent payment. If the agreement isn't signed and returned, the holding fee isn't refundable and the room goes back on the market.
What it means for you.
A rolling tenancy
Under the Renters' Rights Act, every tenancy is now an assured periodic tenancy. In plain English, it's a rolling contract rather than one with a fixed end date.
Two months' notice if you want to leave
If you decide to move out, you give us two months' notice.
A clear end date for the academic year
Before your tenancy starts we'll give you a Ground 4A notice. It lets us set an end date for your tenancy, so your home can be ready for the next year's students.
Your own agreement, not a joint one
In our shared apartments, every room has its own rental agreement. You're not tied to anyone else's.
Payments that fit your loan
Rent is set up as monthly payments. If you'd rather pay in line with your student loan, just ask and we'll arrange it.
Joint tenancies: decide together
If you're on a joint tenancy agreement and you hand in notice, it applies to every tenant on it. So make sure you're all in agreement before notice is given.
Your deposit, protected
Your deposit isn't payable until 7 days before your check in date, and it's lodged with the TDS deposit protection scheme.
We're members of the NRLA, the National Residential Landlords Association, so we stay on top of the rules for you.We love welcoming new faces, and seeing our tenants stay with us year after year. We know you by your first name, and you know us by ours. If you decide to join us, we can't wait to have you on board.
Scarlett & HelenRenting questions.
What's included in the rent?
All your bills (electricity, water and gas), superspeed WiFi, Netflix, a TV licence for the TV in your living space and a monthly cleaner, plus a hotel grade mattress and your own desk space in every room. There are barbecues and outdoor furniture, and a communal garden where a home doesn't have its own.
How do I reserve a room?
Book a viewing, then reserve. If you reserve before 1 February, before tenancy agreements can be sent, we take a £150 holding fee to secure your room. It's the same flat fee for every room and home.
When do I sign my tenancy agreement?
Tenancy agreements go out digitally from 1 February, with e-signature. You have 72 hours to review and return yours, and your booking is confirmed once it's signed.
Do I always pay a holding fee?
No. The £150 holding fee only applies if you reserve before 1 February, before tenancy agreements can be sent. If you pay one, it's credited against your first rent payment. If the agreement isn't then signed and returned, the holding fee isn't refundable and the room becomes available to others.
What kind of tenancy will I have?
An assured periodic tenancy, which is a rolling contract, as the Renters' Rights Act now requires. You give two months' notice if you want to leave, and before your tenancy starts we issue a Ground 4A notice, which sets an end date so the home can be ready for the next academic year.
Is my tenancy joint with my flatmates?
No. In our shared apartments every room has its own rental agreement.
Can I pay in line with my student loan?
Yes. Rent is normally paid monthly, but if you'd like your payments to line up with your student loan, ask us and we'll arrange it.
Do I need to pay a deposit?
Yes, but not until 7 days before your check in date. Once paid, it's lodged with the TDS deposit protection scheme.
What if I'm on a joint tenancy and want to leave?
Notice on a joint tenancy applies to every tenant on it, so make sure you're all in agreement before notice is given.
Can I live with my partner?
Yes, in Pug Pad and Mutt Mansion A, B and C. In Mutt Mansion A it's the same rent for two. In Mutt Mansion B and C and Pug Pad, dual occupancy adds £10 a week to the advertised rent, a nominal charge to cover the extra bills.
Be first through the door.
We're fully reserved for 2027-28, but things do change. Join the waiting list and you'll be the first we contact. Or ask us anything: you'll be talking to the family who own the homes.
- Call 07368 290 374, Monday to Friday 8am to 6pm, Saturday 8am to 2pm
- Email hello@thedoghouseliving.com
- Or message us on WhatsApp