All posts by vikki Bond Hmo Letting Agent

We pride ourselves on good service.  We receive many recommendations and referrals for both properties and rooms all over the North East.   Tenants relocating always ask if we have other branches across the country.  Which is always lovely.  However we are only in the North East. 

We would like to thank everyone who has referred a friend , work colleague to our services.

Makes us recognise the hard work and service towards providing homes and accommodation to our workers, professionals and NHS across the North East.

We have two review platforms,  which we love reading your reviews and comments.  We had a review of this and were very pleased with the results showing we were maintaining brilliant statistics for satisfaction.

Don’t forget to review through our Google Reviews.

Any questions, help with finding the perfect place. Please do not hesitate to reach out.  The difference with Rooms to Let . Is we like to ensure the place you are booking is the correct place for what you need.  Its not about numbers and how many we let this month.  Its about how many tenants found their perfect accommodation for their individual requirements.  This is important.  When your happy – we are.

Always a friendly advisor to hand for any questions 

Most Cities are now battling a pandemic of un wanted pests.  Sunderland being the hot spot for pest control problems.

Please as tenants you can play a active part in keeping your homes and spaces pest free.  For your own health and safety.

Some pests can make you very sick and spread disease. 

• Keep the property clean and tidy at all times.  Every tenant is responsible for this role
• Empty bins everyday.  When you go to bed on a night the waste should all be outside
• Do not put food waste in the internal bins
• Do not store pans of food everywhere not in sealed containers
• Keep your spaces clean, tidy and don’t have food not sealed correctly
• Check any boxes you are bringing from food shops. They are the worst for pests and its been known for someone to bring in Mice from a box of fruit. Literally carrying pests into the house.
• Yard areas clean, tidy and rubbish disposed of correctly
• No plates with food, or open food lying around in rooms
• If you work in an area with pests, before you enter our house, spray your clothing and remove your shoes.
• Suitcases, shoes should be sprayed if you have been on vacation. Before re entering the house to avoid bringing in any eggs ( bedbugs- cockroaches)

If you see or suspect any pests please report to management ASAP.  We have pest control to deal with this .

All properties with communal spaces are checked every week.

Tenants of single let properties are responsible for maintaining their space and will be responsible for paying for their pest control measures.

Prevention is best practice 

Any tenants not playing an active part in keeping the properties in good order will be liable for pest control bills.

Lets keep our properties in good order , clean – tidy and pest free

Please ensure all drains , sinks and toilets are used and maintained correctly to avoid problems and un necessary charges during your tenancy.

You will be billed for blockages , as part of your responsibilities in the tenancy agreement you signed.  More information on this is in the guide and in your tenancy agreement.

DRAINS:

• Fat, oil, grease, Gee should never be poured into drainage.  It should be added to suitable container and disposed of in the waste.
• Rice , food items should never be poured into drains

SINKS:

• Fat , oil, grease, gee should never be poured into sinks.  This will go hard in the pipes and cause blockages and water to run slow from the property. This is an expensive fix as all pipes will need replacement because they cant be easily cleaned out.
• Food, rice, noodles does not get washed into sinks.  These also clog up the pipework

TOILETS:

• Wipes , sanitary wear, condoms, items not suitable for flushing should not be put into toilets.
• Food should not be flushed.  We had a lady trying to flush away a wasted casserole down her en-suite.  Disgusting !

SHOWERS :

• Clean your shower regular and pour Mr muscle powerful sink and plug un blocker to rid it of soap and hair. To keep it running ok
• If your shower is not flowing please attend to it , don’t ignore for it to run through someone’s ceiling.
• Don’t run anything down the shower that should be
• Showers are for getting clean in not for toilet use.

Please remember by flushing or washing these items into the drainage , does not mean they are gone and disappeared.  It just means at some point during your tenancy you will be faced with in  convenience of something not working correctly and a bill for the fix.

Any Abuse of the amenities will be billed to the tenant.  Act responsible at all times 

The Kitchen Rules

Please respect Our Kitchen and keep this space clean, tidy, hygienic for all to use.

Keeping Clean

Please clean up all areas after every use. Keep the room well ventilated when cooking foods with a strong odour.

Fat & Oils

Do NOT pour fat, oils, food or rice into the sink area. These must go into outside waste bins. Costs for un blocking any pipework will be billed to all tenants.

Bins/ Waste

Kitchen waste bins must be emptied to outside waste, every other day. Mess made to bin tops, walls and floor attended to straight away. Please keep the bin area clean and hygienic for your own health and well-being.

Respect

Respect your housemates and each other’s personal space.  Also factor In cross contamination in fridges when storing your food items, make sure they have adequate containers.

Regular Checks

Always check your storage spaces regular for spoiled foods or foods past expiry dates.

Storage

All food should be stored correctly in adequate storage containers. Do not leave food exposed or put pans with food inside into the cupboards. Failure to store your food correctly will attract pests.

Damages:

Do not put hot pans on benches or the floor.  You will damage the kitchen.  Any damages to this area through neglect and dis-respect will be billed to all tenants.

Cleaning

This area has regular cleaning and is monitored frequently. Please leave the area and wait in your room, whilst our cleaning team are attending to the clean.

Any Issues with this area, please report through our COHO app or report through to management ASAP.  If you know or have seen anyone making a mess the area you can report confidentially through to management. Mis-use of this space affects all tenants.

Thank you Management

[email protected]

Its important to follow Fire safety advice whilst staying with us.  Within your tenancy documents you will find a guide to fire safety and your responsibilities as a tenant not to hinder the fire safety within the property.  This applies to all properties not just shared accommodation.

On check in please read this guide and ensure you are fully aware of the procedures that keep you and the house mates or your family friends safe from fire risk.

Communal Areas :

• Don’t block the fire routes with boxes, bikes, shoes, items that could prevent you or anyone else escaping a fire.
• Don’t leave open fire doors, these must remain closed as they keep the high risk fire areas cut off from spreading a potential fire around the property.
• Don’t leave pans or cooking appliances un attended.
• Don’t leave washing machines – dryers un attended.
• Don’t leave Vapes, mobiles or anything else on charge.
• Don’t cover detectors or alarms or hinder the fire protection in any way.
• If you use a fire blanket or extinguisher you must report the incident to property management ASAP.
• Do not abuse these safety items, they are for real fire emergencies.
• If you see a fire that cant be easily dealt with, shout and raise the alarm to others in the house.  Please leave the house and call 999. ( advice on fire signs in the property)
• Do not store boxes or flammable items in the property / cupboards or under stairs
• No smoking or vaping permitted in the house

Rooms :

• Do not keep cooking appliances in your room
• Do not keep fridges / freezers in the room
• Do not have candles in the room
• Do not have trailing overloaded electric extensions in your room
• No Smoking in Rooms – Includes Vapes
• Do not hinder the smoke detection in your room
• Please make your self aware of the fire safety rules
• Report any faults with alarms, batteries and closures to management
• No electric heaters in rooms
• Do not hang hangers on the fire door, this will make the door not close properly and prevent the fire door working.

Your property:

• Do not hinder the alarms in the property
• Make sure you don’t remove the alarms in place
• Don’t remove your carbon monoxide alarm
• Keep on top of testing the alarms (every 3 months)
• Make sure batteries are working  (press the check button regular)
• Know your escape plan in case of fire
• Don’t leave pans un attended
• Don’t leave charging devices unattended
• Report any issues with electrics no matter how small
• Candles should not be un attended
• If your in the Garden With BBQ- Fire pit. Ensure you have it set up away from the property and have sand / water at hand in-case the fire gets out of control
• Be fire safe aware at all times.

We can organise a bedding starter pack .  Everything you need to set up your bed.  Suitable quilt, pillows and bedding. Including  Towels for bathing.  All new and ready for your check in.

As well as this we have a kitchen pack. Items to get you started.

Cleaning kit.  Everything you need to keep your space clean and tidy.

Please see price of packages.

What is condensation?

Condensation is the appearance of water on cold surfaces. It occurs where moist air comes into contact with air, or a surface, which is at a lower temperature.
Water produced from condensation is generally noticeable where it forms on non-absorbent surfaces (i.e. windows or tiles) but it can form on any surface and it may not be noticed until mould growth or rotting of material occurs.

Why does it matter?

Condensation can make the property less pleasant to live in and cause damage to a property. To avoid unnecessary costs, it is important that you take steps to limit condensation build-up.

How can you reduce condensation?

Produce Less Moisture , Some normal daily activities produce a lot of moist air very quickly. To minimise the amount of moist air, which leads to the formation of condensation, you need to:

• Cover pans when cooking and don’t leave kettles boiling longer than necessary.
• Avoid using paraffin and portable bottle gas heaters.
• Dry washing outdoors. If it’s raining, use a clothes airer in the bathroom with the door
closed and the window or fan open.
• Do not dry washing directly on room radiators as this produces more water vapour and
cools the room at the same time. Ask yourself “Where will all the water vapour from the
drying clothes go?”
• Run the cold water first when filling a bath as it prevents steam production.
Ventilate to Remove Moisture to the Outside
Your home can be ventilated without creating draughts by:
• Keeping a small window open a little, or opening a window ventilator when the room is in
use.
• Opening the kitchen or bathroom windows to let steam and moisture out.
• Use an extractor fan, they only use 1/5th the power of a 100watt bulb.
• Ventilate your bedroom by leaving a window slightly open at night.
• Closing the kitchen and bathroom doors when the rooms are in use to stop the warm moist
air producing condensation in other cooler rooms.
• Don’t clutter wardrobes and cupboards; it could stop the air circulating.
• Don’t block ventilators, air bricks and chimneys.
• Dry your windows & windowsills every morning
• Don’t push beds and sofas against outside walls which are always colder and attract
condensation. Make sure there is a 9 inch (225cm) gap. Bedding can get damp if air
cannot circulate around it.

Heat your Home

Keep the heat on low all day in very cold weather, condensation is less likely to form in warm
houses.

We are proud to be members of Property Mark – ARLA Membership :

ARLA Property-mark membership ensures maximum protection for clients;

offering
Client Money Protection, Professional Indemnity insurance, membership of an
independent redress scheme and being subject to Propertymark Conduct
and Membership Rules and Disciplinary Procedures.

Did you read the guide when you signed your agreements ?

Packed full of load of useful guides and information.

You can access this in the  App at any time during the tenancy .

 Join our rewards scheme . Live in affordable, safe, secure accommodation,  We are Property Mark Accredited.

We also provide apartments, studios and long term family homes in the North East for the next stage of stage of living ..

Rooms to Let North East Ltd

Procedure for Complaints Handling

As a firm accredited by safeagent, at Rooms to let North East we want you to be fully satisfied with our service. Sometimes things don’t go to plan and when something does go wrong, we need you to tell us about it. This will help us to improve our standards.

If you have a complaint, our staff who you usually deal with will try to resolve it that day, so please tell them in the first instance.

Should they need some time to look into the matter, they will explain why and tell you how long it will take. If you’re not happy with the response you receive from the team, you can get in touch through our formal complaints procedure below.

Please put your formal complaint in writing either by email or letter, including as much detail as possible.

You can ask someone to help you put your complaint in writing if you wish. If you cannot put your complaint in writing, please contact us so we can document your complaint for you.

When contacting us, please tell us:

• your name and contact details
• confirmation of what your relationship is to the property
• the full address of the tenancy property, if you have those details
• the aspect of our service you are complaining about;
• how you would like us to put matters right.

We will then respond in line with the timeframes set out below. You can get in touch in two different ways – either by post:

Rooms to Let Ne,  Maingate, Kingsway, Team Valley, NE11 0BE

or by email:   [email protected]  email to reach the initial point of contact]

What will happen next?

• We will send you a letter acknowledging receipt of your complaint within three working days, enclosing a copy of this procedure.
• We will investigate your complaint. A formal written outcome of our investigation will be sent to you within 10 working days of sending the acknowledgement letter. If there is a reason why we need more time than this we will tell you why.
• If, at this stage, you are still not satisfied with the outcome, you should contact us again and we will arrange for a separate review to take place by a more senior member of staff.
• We will write to you within 10 working days of receiving your request for a review, confirming our final viewpoint on the matter. If we need more time than this we will tell you why. If you still remain dissatisfied, you can then contact PRS or Property Mark to request an independent review:

Home Page (theprs.co.uk)     PRS   telephone 03333219418     email [email protected]

https://www.propertymark.co.uk/ Property Mark –

Please note the following:

You will need to submit your complaint to The PRS within 12 months of receiving our final viewpoint letter, including any evidence to support your case.

The PRS requires that all complaints are addressed through this in-house complaints procedure, before being submitted to them for their independent review.

To secure the room …

Once your happy with your chosen room.  it is quick and easy to secure your perfect place.

Things to consider

• You will need to pay the holding fee for the room to be held and secure for you whilst you complete the application.
• The amount you need to pay is outlined in our application process. Its 1 weeks rent.
• You will have 10 days to complete the application and upload your ids.
• The holding fee paid is deducted from the deposit due in the move in fees once approved.
• Once we accept and approve you , if you change your mind you will lose the holding fee.
  
• If we do not proceed , you will get the full holding fee back
• If you give fraudulent information or delay the process past 10 days . you will lose the holding fee.
• If you decide not to proceed once agreed, you will lose the holding fee.

1. We will require your full name, email and contact number to start the process

2. We will need to know the date you would like to check in / for the tenancy start

3. You will be invited to our management platform to complete your application with Rooms to Let .  Please fill in the application and upload required IDs.

4. You will need to complete your Reference with our Reference Company Canopy. You will receive the link direct to Canopy

You will need to pay a holding deposit of 1 weeks rent to the details below. As detailed in section one of the application form.

The holding deposit is not a extra fee, this amount is deducted from the final balance due before you check in.

Rooms to Let NE Ltd

Account 29933277

Sort code 50-00-00

You should reference your deposit with the reference given in stage one of the application process.  Once you have sent the holding fee.  Please acknowledge by pressing the button in Tab 1 – sent the holding fee.

Your manager will confirm this when received.

• Each part of the process , you will receive updates in the portal, so you can keep track of progress.
• For referencing to be a smooth process, best practice is to upload all the required ids and add your information.  Without missing vital information.
• The Holding fee holds and secures the room for you whilst you complete our application and  referencing.
• If you do not pay a holding fee , we cant stop another applicant from booking the space.

Move in Costs:

• 5 weeks rent as a deposit or £300 – as stated in the adverts / and in your application form
• 1 months rent before collection of keys
• The holding deposit you paid is deducted from your balance due before check in/ key collection

Below is a summary of items you should get ready for your application

• Passport
• Visa
• Bank statement
• Proof of address
• Share code- Right to rent
• Employment details
• Income details
• CAS letter
• Guarantor info – if needed
• Proof of student status and id
• Current or previous landlords
• The last 3 years of addresses

YOU MAY BE ASKED FOR A GUARANTOR :

Depending on your circumstances , you may be asked for a guarantor. In that case you will need to complete the Guarantors name, contact number and email into the reference application.

NO GUARANTOR ? – NO PROBLEM :

NO Guarantor ? No problem !

Any questions , please do not hesitate to contact your agent.

We estimate the confirmation and signing of contracts , takes place within 10days

Once successful ….

• You will be invited to our tenant portal  to review and sign your documents.  We will set up your account.
• Review and sign all contracts.
• You will automatically receive all these in an email once complete.
• You will need to pay the remainder of your deposit.
• Before collection of keys you will pay the rent due.  Deposit  – first months rent less the weeks rent already paid to secure.

You pay this too the details below.

Rooms to Let Ne Ltd

Sort code 50-00-00

Acc no.  29933277

YOUR DEPOSIT

The deposit paid is secured in the TDS deposit protection, You will receive  copy of the prescribed information and deposit certificate . These are also held in your tenancy app for you to access any time.  Along with your agreements.

We will then invite you to Rooms to Let North East – tenant Perks Scheme for you to get discounts on top brands whilst you stay with us. You will have access to your tenant portal and access to report maintenance . As well as added to our chat group.

Welcome to ROOMS TO LET North East

We hope you enjoy your stay….

Rooms to Let North East is a house share specialist agency – we provide many homes to working professionals, students, contractors and health care workers in the North East. Areas, Newcastle, Durham, Sunderland, Washington and Darlington.
We help each individual find the perfect room. Sharing homes with like minded people.
Many properties have made snappy 360 tours – you can view online – reducing the stress of searching for the perfect place
We have a friendly team – property manager, cleaners, maintenance and fire safety
All bills included – meaning one easy payment per month
Low deposits – Low move in costs
Free complimentary Wifi
House chat APP- Communicate easily with your housemates and keep updated

Join our app to keep a check on your tenancy and track your payments.

Join our rewards scheme .

Live in affordable, safe, secure accommodation.

We are A Property Mark Accredited Agency.