Budget Better, Live Smarter
Understanding Rent & Bills
Know what you’re paying for – clear, simple, and student-friendly. Whether you’re new to renting or heading into another year, getting to grips with how rent and bills work will make life much easier. We’ll guide you through what to expect, from setting up payments to knowing which costs are included, so you can avoid surprises, stay on top of your budget, and get the most out of your time in York.
Our promise to you: no hidden charges, clear contracts, fair treatment, and deposits kept safe — with ongoing support to give you peace of mind throughout your student journey.
Rent
- This is the fixed monthly amount you pay to live in the property.
- The rent is due on the same date each month (as agreed in your tenancy).
- You’ll pay rent by standing order from your bank, so it’s your responsibility to set this up.
- Most student contracts run for around 50 weeks – check your start and end dates carefully.
Tip: Even if you move in late or go home for the holidays, rent still applies during the tenancy period.
What’s Included in Rent?
This varies by property:
- Some properties are “bills included”, meaning:
o Gas
o Electricity
o Water
o Broadband / Wi-Fi
o Sometimes even TV licence - Other properties are “rent only”, and you’ll need to arrange bills yourself (individually or as a house group).
Each listing on our website clearly states whether bills are included – if you’re unsure, just ask us!
Important: If your bills are included, they’re based on fair usage. Excessive use (e.g. leaving heating on 24/7) may result in extra charges.
Deposits
Holding Deposit
- A holding deposit (usually 1 week’s rent) is paid to reserve a property whilst we complete referencing and prepare your tenancy agreement.
- Once your tenancy starts, this amount is deducted from your first month’s rent.
- You’ll only lose the holding deposit if you provide false information or pull out after signing.
Security Deposit (Damage Deposit)
- This is usually equivalent to one month’s rent + £100.
- It’s held in a government-approved protection scheme (TDS or equivalent) and returned to you at the end of your tenancy.
- Deductions may be made for:
– Unpaid rent
– Property damage beyond fair wear and tear
– Missing items or insufficient cleaning
We aim to be fair and transparent. You’ll receive a full checkout report and have the right to dispute any deductions through the deposit protection scheme.
Utility Bills
If your property isn’t bills-included, you’ll need to budget separately for:
The amount you’ll pay depends on usage, household size, and your chosen supplier. To make things easier, you can split bills with housemates using apps like Splitwise or a shared bank account, or use student bill-splitting services such as UniHomes or Glide.
Other Possible Costs
- Late rent charges (only if in your tenancy agreement)
- Key replacement fee ( if you lose your key and need a replacement)
- Call-out charges (for non-emergency maintenance caused by misuse)
That’s it — no hidden admin fees, no unfair mark-ups, just clear and transparent costs so you always know where you stand.
Need help in understanding fees?
Feel free to call us and speak to one of our friendly lettings team if you need any further advice on rental fees, deposits or bills.