Tenant Information
Thinking of renting a property with WESP Student Properties?
Our houses are located within a popular area of Lincoln, close to the university and city centre. They offer a great alternative to living in halls of residence - taking advantage of independent living in small groups with your friends.
Utility accounts are taken care of for you and charges for gas and electricity*, water, broadband and a TV licence for the lounge are included in your rent (*weekly allowance applies).
The weekly rent for each person per house featured on the website and in the brochure excludes the initial advance rent payment of £70. This is paid as a Holding Deposit when you reserve the house and then becomes an advance rent payment when you sign the tenancy agreement.
An insurance policy for your possessions is also included in your rent.
Viewing and Booking a House
Simply tell us how many people are in your group and we will show you around our houses in the West End of Lincoln. When you’ve found the right house we will hold it for you for 1 working day during which time you will join us in our office to make the booking.
Letter of Intent and Holding Deposit
Along with an Application Form you will be asked to sign a Letter of Intent. This outlines the key details of the tenancy including the address, dates and payments.
A holding deposit of £70 will be due at that time, to enable the landlord to hold the property for you and turn away. We will the conduct various statutory checks such as on your Right to Rent. The payment can be made by debit card or bank transfer.
When you sign the Tenancy Agreement itself, at a later date, the holding deposit will become and advance rent payment.
Letter of Guarantee
Each application for tenancy must be supported by a Guarantor who is at least 25 years old, and who lives and works in the UK. The Guarantor will undertake to pay your rent and any other charges if you are unable to do so.
Full Time Student Status
You must be a full time student during the tenancy to apply with WESP. We will ask to see proof of this when you apply, such as a student ID card or letter accepting you on a course.
Council Tax
As a full time student you will qualify for council tax exemption if you satisfy one of the following requirements (www.lincoln.gov.uk):
- undertaking a full time course with at least 21 hours of study in term time per week attending 24 weeks a year at an educational establishment
- under the age of 20 and are studying for more than three months, at least 12 hours per week for any qualification up to A level, ONC or OND standard
- a student nurse on a course on any of parts one to six, or eight of the Nursing Register. You are not eligible for this discount if you are already on the Nursing Register whether studying or not.
- a student nurse studying on an academic courses at a university or on a Project 2000 course.
If you leave full time education or move to a part time course you must pay council tax monthly, via West End Student Properties Ltd. It is important that you notify our office immediately of any change in your circumstance. Failure to do so may result in a fine from the council.
Ending The Tenancy
Please be aware that your tenancy will be for a FIXED period. The procedure for returning keys and arranging a final inspection is provided elsewhere on our website under the heading Moving In/Out Guidance.
If you would like to leave the tenancy before the end of the fixed term, for whatever reason, you must find someone to replace you on the tenancy. This person (the 'assignee') must be a student in Lincoln and be supported by a Guarantor. You must also complete a Deed of Assignment to formalise the process of transferring your interest in the property. It is your responsibility to ensure the Deed is signed by you, any joint housemates, the new applicant and the landlord/agent. If any joint tenant is temporarily unavailable or unwilling to sign the Deed it will delay or potentially prevent the process of assignment. The Landlord or Agent reserves the right to withhold consent to an assignee.