Frequently Asked Questions

Demand is very high in Sheffield. For shared houses and apartments, many students start looking and signing contracts for the next academic year between November and February. For studios or single-room bookings in apartments, the search often begins a little later, but starting early (e.g., from January/February onwards) is highly recommended for the best selection.

We offer four main types:

• • Studios: Private self-contained living for one or two people (dual occupancy may incur a small additional fee).

• • Apartments: Typically 1 or 2-bedroom units, providing private living spaces.

• • Shared Apartments: Fully furnished “Clusters” suitable for groups of 4 – 8+ students.

• • Shared Houses: Fully furnished properties suitable for groups of 3 to 10+ students.

You can arrange a viewing by:

• • Call our office directly on 0114 272 2400

• • Emailing us with your property reference/preferences at residential@westonelettings.co.uk

• • Using the “Request a Viewing” feature on each property listing on this website. We aim to give current tenants at least 24 hours’ notice. For shared houses, we encourage the whole group to view at the same time, where possible. We also offer virtual tours/video walk-throughs for many of our properties.

We offer both ‘Rent Only’ and ‘All-Inclusive’ packages.

• • Rent Only: Rent is the only cost you pay to us; tenants are responsible for setting up and paying for Gas, Electricity, Water, Wi-Fi, and a TV Licence.

• • Bills Included: Rent includes a generous allowance for Gas, Electricity, Water, Wi-Fi, and a TV Licence (where applicable). Please check the specific property details and the Fair Usage Policy.

To secure a property, you will typically need to:

1. Confirm your interest with our office.
2. Pay a Holding Deposit (usually equivalent to one week’s rent) to take the property off the market. This amount is usually deducted from your first rent payment or deposit.
3. Complete the necessary application paperwork within an agreed timeframe.

Yes, for most student tenancies where rent is paid in instalments, a UK-based Guarantor (usually a parent or guardian) is required. The Guarantor is legally responsible for paying the rent and any damages if you fail to do so. If you cannot provide a UK Guarantor, alternative arrangements (e.g., paying a higher amount of rent upfront or via a third-party Guarantor service) may be an option.

The security deposit is usually no more than the equivalent of five weeks’ rent per person. It is paid before the tenancy starts and is held as security against unpaid rent or property damage. Your deposit will be protected in a Government-approved Deposit Services (DPS), as required by law. You will receive the prescribed information confirming this protection.

The standard contract length for student accommodation is 52 weeks, typically running from July 1st to June 30th the following year, in line with the Sheffield academic calendar. Shorter terms may occasionally be available for studios/apartments; please enquire.

You will be signing an Assured Shorthold Tenancy (AST) Agreement. For shared houses, this is usually a Joint and Several Tenancy Agreement, meaning all tenants are jointly and individually responsible for the entire rent and any damages to the property.

You will need to provide:

• Photographic ID (e.g., Passport or Driving Licence).
• Student ID/Proof of student status (or a University acceptance letter).
• Completed Guarantor Form (if paying in instalments).
• Proof of ‘Right to Rent’ (for all tenants, as legally required).

All maintenance issues must be reported as soon as possible via our designated reporting system. For urgent or emergency repairs (e.g., gas leak, total loss of power/water), please call our emergency line immediately.

Full-time students are exempt from paying Council Tax. You must, however, register your exemption with Sheffield City Council by providing them with a Council Tax Exemption Certificate, which you can typically download from your University portal (e.g., MUSE for UoS or the Hallam equivalent). If any tenants are not full-time students, the property may become liable for Council Tax.

During office hours, contact the office immediately. We will arrange access. Outside of office hours, you will need to contact our designated emergency locksmith/out-of-hours service. Note: A charge may apply for out-of-hours callouts or lost keys.

Your tenancy agreement is a legally binding contract for the full fixed term. You are liable for the rent until the contract end date. If you wish to leave early, you must find a suitable replacement tenant to take over your contractual obligations, subject to our approval and a reasonable administration fee.

No. Tenants are not permitted to decorate or make any alterations (e.g., painting, putting up shelves, or using strong adhesives/blue tack on walls) without express written permission from the landlord/agent.

Most student areas in Sheffield operate a Residential Parking Permit Zone. Parking is often limited. You should check the specific property advertisement and then contact Sheffield City Council Parking Services to confirm if you are eligible for a permit and how to apply.

Yes, visitors are generally allowed, provided they do not infringe upon the rights or peace of other tenants or neighbours. We typically limit visitors’ overnight stays to a few consecutive nights (e.g., 2-3 nights) to prevent them from becoming illegal sub-tenants.

You must report a loss immediately to the office. We will arrange a replacement, for which there will be a charge covering the cost of replacement keys/fobs and the administrative time.

Your tenancy agreement will specify the exact time and date, but most student tenancies in Sheffield end at 10:00 AM or 12:00 PM (noon) on June 30th (or the contract end date). It is crucial to vacate by this time to allow for cleaning and preparation for the next tenants.

To ensure a smooth move-out and the maximum deposit return, you must:

• • Professionally clean the property, including all kitchen appliances, bathrooms, and communal areas (check your contract/inventory for the required standard).

• • Remove all personal belongings and rubbish (including food from the fridges/freezers).

• • If applicable, Take final meter readings (Gas, Electricity, Water) and notify your utility suppliers and the council of your move-out date.

• • Return all sets of keys/fobs to the office by the agreed deadline.

After you move out, we will carry out a final inspection based on the original inventory and check-in report. We will then notify the Deposit Protection Service (DPS) of any proposed deductions (e.g., for cleaning, damage, or unpaid rent/bills). If there are no deductions, the full amount will be released back to you. We aim to initiate the return process within 10 working days of the tenancy end date.

If you and the landlord cannot agree on the amount to be deducted, you have the right to raise a dispute with the Deposit Protection Service (DPS) the deposit is registered with. They offer a free, impartial adjudication service to resolve disputes.

The property must be returned to the same standard of cleanliness as when you moved in, factoring in fair wear and tear. While you can clean it yourself, to meet the professional standard required in the contract, many tenants choose to hire a professional cleaning service. If the standard is insufficient, we will arrange a clean and deduct the cost from the deposit.

You are responsible for setting up mail redirection with the Royal Mail well in advance. We cannot forward mail for you. Any mail received after you vacate will be marked as “Return to Sender.”

If you were on an ‘Bills-Included’ package, we will handle the final bills. However, we will check the final usage against the agreed Fair Usage Policy. If consumption significantly exceeds the allowance, an excess charge may be deducted from the deposit, as outlined in your contract.