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How do I lodge a complaint?
Parklane Properties is committed to improving the service we provide to our customers. Feedback is important, especially when your expectations have not been met.
If you would like to make a complaint, please view our complaints procedure here for details on how to lodge a complaint.
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Do Parklane Properties offer rental properties with bills included?
Yes. Most 4+ bedroom properties can be taken with bills included.
If you rent an individual room in a shared house, the bills are usually included. This often covers:
> gas
> water
> electricity
> sometimes council tax
Phone bills are not included. In some cases, internet may also be provided. Please contact Parklane Properties for full details about a specific property.
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Does Parklane Properties do credit checks?
Not usually. In general, Parklane Properties does not run credit checks on tenants or potential guarantors, as most application assessments are carried out in house.
If you cannot provide a guarantor, you may be able to use a third-party guarantor service such as UK Guarantor or Housing Hand.
In some cases, including some professional lets, you may be required to complete a credit check through a third-party referencing company.
Most tenants are also required to have a guarantor. A guarantor must usually be:
> a UK resident
> a homeowner
> fully employed
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Can my parents pay for my rent for me?
Yes. Anyone can pay rent on your behalf. However, the legal responsibility for the tenancy and rent remains with you.
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How far in advance do I need to book a property viewing?
Parklane Properties needs 24 hours’ notice to inform current tenants before a viewing takes place.
To arrange a viewing, you can:
> visit the office
> call 0113 230 4949
> email ls6@parklaneproperties.com
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Can I pay my rent when I receive my student loan?
Possibly. Parklane Properties is a private company and has no association with the Student Loans Company.
If you would like your rent payments to be collected in line with your student loan dates, you will need to provide:
> a copy of your student loan approval
> the dates your student loan will be paid
We will do our best to arrange rent collection in line with those dates. However, if your student loan is delayed or not approved, you must still ensure rent is paid in line with the terms of your signed Tenancy Agreement.
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Why do you take the rent out on the 22nd when it is not due until the 1st?
It is essential that we have cleared funds in our account by the 1st day of the due date. This period usually allows us to collect rental payments to reach our account in time.
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How do I pay rent to Parklane Properties?
Rent is paid by direct debit.
A direct debit is a pre-authorised payment that allows your bank to make rent payments automatically at regular intervals. Once this has been set up, your rent will be collected automatically.
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How often do we have to pay rent?
Rent is paid in regular instalments, in line with the terms of your Tenancy Agreement.
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Do Parklane Properties offer student halls-style accommodation in Leeds?
Yes. Parklane Properties has a large student complex called The Triangle.
At The Triangle, rooms can be rented:
> individually
> or as a complete apartment of 5 or 6 bedrooms
Details can be found on the Triangle website, www.triangle.parklaneproperties.com
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Can I rent just one room in a shared house?
Yes. Parklane Properties offers individual rooms to let within shared houses
You will have your own room and share communal facilities with the other tenants.
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In two or more bedroom properties, can more than one person live in the same room?
No. In properties with two or more bedrooms, the rent is charged per person based on the number of bedrooms in the house.
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Do we meet you at the property or do we need to come to the office for the viewing?
You can choose either option.
You may:
> come to the office and one of our negotiators will take you to the property
> or meet the negotiator directly at the property
We will ask which option you prefer when you book your viewing.
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Do you do property viewings on Saturdays?
Yes. Parklane Properties offers viewings on Saturdays from 10am to 5pm.
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What happens on the day I move into my rental property?
Details about what you need to do at the start of your tenancy will be available in your StuRents account.
You will also receive several emails before your tenancy begins with moving day information.
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Are Parklane Properties rental properties furnished?
Yes. All properties come furnished, including kitchen appliances.
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How do I report problems with the property at the start of my tenancy?
After the previous tenants return all keys, an inspector will visit the property to record its condition.
You will then be given an inventory and Schedule of Condition, which is a detailed list of all items in the property and their condition. You should:
> check that all listed items are present
> make sure they are in the condition described
> record any damage or issues
> return the inventory to the office within 14 days
This document will also be used when you move out, so it is important to complete and return it.
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How do I put utility bills in my name?
You should take a note of the:
> meter readings
> meter serial numbers
You must then contact the utility providers to register the gas, electricity and water in your name. Parklane Properties will also require a copy of this information
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Can I decorate my rented property?
Possibly. It may be possible to decorate certain rooms in some houses, but you must get written permission from the Manager at the office first.
Any decorating must be done properly and to a good standard. You must also make sure that paint or other materials do not damage carpets, furniture or other parts of the property.
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What is an Energy Performance Certificate?
An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is a document that shows how energy efficient and environmentally friendly a property is.
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What should I do if something breaks down in my property?
Tenants are responsible for small repairs and the day-to-day running of the property. However, where a tenant cannot resolve the issue, Hive Property Services has been instructed to assist.
To report a problem, visit the Parklane Properties website and click Maintenance Request. Hive will:
> assess the issue by priority
> email you to confirm the job has been booked
> send a further email confirming when a tradesperson will attend
Parklane Properties can provide the contractor with keys, so you do not need to be present if that is not convenient.
If you have an emergency maintenance issue outside office hours, call Hive on 0113 224 4610.
Please note that you may be charged for call-outs that are:
> the tenant’s responsibility
> considered unnecessary
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Do I need a TV licence?
It is your responsibility to purchase a TV licence should you need it. Here is everything you need to know about a TV licence.
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Who is responsible for changing light bulbs in my property?
Changing light bulbs is the tenant’s responsibility. You should also make sure all light bulbs are working when you leave the property.
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Should I take out contents insurance?
Yes. You are responsible for insuring your personal possessions while living in the property.
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Who is responsible for tending to my garden?
The garden is the tenant’s responsibility.
This includes:
> cutting the grass
> maintaining hedges
> weeding
> keeping the garden tidy
If the garden is not maintained to a satisfactory standard, Hive has been instructed to carry out this work and charge the tenant for the service.
Hive carries out a gardening round every 4 to 6 weeks during the growing season, which is generally from April to the end of October.
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Are pets allowed?
If you would like to keep a pet, the request will be referred to the landlord so it can be reasonably considered.
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Can I put a lock on my bedroom door?
Parklane Properties understands the need for privacy, but locks on internal doors can create a range of issues.
If a lock is added, it may be removed and the tenant may be charged for:
> removing the lock
> repairing any damage caused to the door
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Do you provide kitchen utensils or do we need to bring our own?
No. Although our properties are fully furnished, we do not provide items such as:
> kitchen utensils
> bedding
You will need to bring these with you when you move in.
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My neighbours are playing loud music all night and keeping me awake. What can I do?
Tenants are expected to show respect and consideration for neighbours and other residents at all times.
They should not play loud music or use abusive language or behaviour. Parklane Properties can speak to the tenants involved, but if the problem continues, you can also seek advice from Leeds City Council Environmental Health noise service.
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Is the internet installed?
This varies from property to property. Please contact Parklane Properties to check what is included at a specific address.
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Can I leave the contract earlier?
If your circumstances have changed and you need to leave the tenancy early, please contact a member of the lettings team to discuss your situation.
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Do you offer a Summer discount?
Generally, no. However, this depends on the individual property. Please ask during the viewing if a summer discount is available.
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What happens if I fall into arrears?
If you are having difficulty paying your rent, do not ignore the problem.
The sooner you let us know about any extenuating circumstances, the sooner we can try to work with you. Please contact your Property Consultant to discuss the situation.
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Can I bring my own furniture?
Usually no. To ensure health and safety regulations are maintained, tenants are asked not to bring their own furniture or electrical goods into the property.
Any furniture or furnishings brought into the property must comply with the Furniture and Furnishings Safety Regulations, and electrical goods should have been PAT tested.
The tenant is responsible for removing any personal items at the end of the tenancy.
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Can I deduct my deposit from my last rent payment?
No. The rent and deposit are separate payments.
Your final rent instalment must be paid in full by direct debit.
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How long are Parklane Properties tenancy agreements?
Tenancy agreement lengths vary depending on the property and your requirements.
Please contact a member of the lettings team to discuss the available terms and the details of your tenancy agreement.
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Can final utility bills be taken from the deposit?
No. If the utility bills are in the tenants’ names, it is the tenants’ responsibility to make sure the final utility bills are settled in full.
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Are there any administration fees when renting with Parklane Properties?
Parklane Properties does not charge tenancy signing fees or upfront administration fees for letting properties.
However, in some cases, a reasonable charge may apply to cover actual costs incurred by the landlord or the agency. These may include:
1. Lost keys or lock-outs
If the tenant asks the landlord or agent to attend because they have lost keys or access, or are locked out, there may be a charge of up to £35 including VAT or the actual cost of the out-of-hours service invoice.
2. Alarm reset
If a tenant requests an alarm reset, and the issue is not the fault of the landlord or anyone acting for the landlord, there may be a charge of up to £50 or the actual out-of-hours call-out invoice cost.
3. Re-advertising or re-letting the property
If the tenant asks the landlord or agent to re-advertise or re-let the property, or part of it, the tenant will be liable for:
> £15 including VAT per viewing
> £150 including VAT for website and portal marketing
> £50 including VAT for administration
4. Lost or damaged keys, access cards or fobs
Replacement keys, access cards or fobs will be charged at £35 including VAT.
5. Late payment interest and court costs
The landlord or agent reserves the right to charge interest at 3% per annum above the Bank of England base rate on any rent or other money lawfully due that is more than 14 days overdue. This interest may be charged before and after any Court Judgment. If it becomes necessary to submit a claim to the County Court, additional costs to cover preparation, recovery and court fees may also be added.
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What should I do with the keys at the end of the tenancy?
You must return the keys to the Parklane Properties office no later than 12 noon on the last day of your tenancy.
If the keys are not returned, the new tenants may not be able to move in. If a housemate is leaving early, please collect their keys before they leave.
If keys are not returned, you may be charged for:
> replacement locks
> and, in serious cases, the cost of housing the new tenants in a hotel until all keys are returned
This can be avoided with good planning.
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Do I need to pay a deposit?
Yes. A deposit is a returnable sum, subject to any agreed deductions for cleaning, damage or other charges. The amount depends on the individual property.
If you continue your contract with Parklane Properties in the same property, the deposit does not usually need to be paid again.
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How do I pay the deposit?
The deposit is paid online as part of the tenancy application process through StuRents.
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When should I pay the deposit?
You should pay the deposit at the time of signing the Contract.
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How do I get my deposit back at the end of the tenancy?
After your tenancy ends, Parklane Properties will send you a deposit statement and ask you to confirm your bank details so the refund can be processed.
For additional guidance, you can also visit the Unipol website and read 'A guide to moving in and out of properties' which includes useful advice on how to get your deposit back.
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Will I get my full deposit back?
Parklane Properties wants to return your deposit in full wherever possible.
To help with this, the property should be returned in a condition that is:
clean
lettable
free from damage beyond normal wear and tear
Cleaning and rubbish removal are the most common reasons for deposit deductions.
This can become more of an issue if some housemates leave early and the remaining tenants have to clean and clear the property quickly. A rushed move-out can lead to extra cleaning charges.
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When can I expect to receive my deposit?
The deposit will be returned after:
> the tenancy has ended
> the keys have been returned
> any deductions the landlord is entitled to make have been agreed
Payment of the deposit, or any balance of it, is usually made within 10 working days of the landlord and tenant agreeing how the deposit will be allocated.
Please refer to your Tenancy Agreement for full details.
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Who protects my deposit?
The deposit is safeguarded by mydeposits, which is administered by:
Tenancy Deposit Solutions Ltd
1st Floor, Premiere House
Elstree Way
Borehamwood
Hertfordshire
WD6 1JH
Phone: 0333 321 9401
Website: www.mydeposits.co.uk
Email: info@mydeposits.co.uk
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How is my deposit refunded?
Once the deposit return process has been completed, the deposit will be paid directly into your bank account. Please make sure you provide your bank details.
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How do I make sure I receive my post after my tenancy ends?
You should update your forwarding address with all relevant organisations, including:
banks
insurance providers
credit card companies
utility providers
To make this easier, you can use Royal Mail’s Home Redirection Service to forward mail from your old address to your new address.
You will not be able to re-enter the property once your tenancy has ended, so it is best to set this up a few weeks in advance.
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What if I cannot provide a guarantor?
If you do not have anyone who can act as a guarantor, please speak to a member of the lettings team and we will discuss whether any alternative arrangements can be made.
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I am an international student and cannot provide a guarantor. What can I do?
If you are an international student and your parents live abroad, please speak to a member of the lettings team to discuss alternative arrangements.
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What agreements do I need to sign?
You will need to sign a Tenancy Agreement.
Once signed, the contract is legally binding on all parties, and you will be liable for rental payments for the full period of the agreement. Please contact the lettings team if you would like more information before signing.
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How do I make sure I can collect my keys on move-in day?
Before keys can be issued, each tenant must complete the application process on StuRents. This includes:
completing the application
providing any required guarantor information and supporting documents
completing a direct debit mandate
paying the deposit
paying the rent
If you are part of a joint tenancy agreement, this must be completed for all tenants before keys can be issued.
Once everything is complete, we can issue your keys on the day your tenancy starts.
