Guide to Renting with 55Rent

Tenant Guidance | Student Accommodation in St Andrews

Thank you for considering 55 Rent.

We specialise in high-quality student accommodation in St Andrews and manage a portfolio of over 50 properties.

Many of our properties were originally furnished as holiday accommodation and are equipped to a higher standard than a typical student rental. Our aim is to provide comfortable, well-equipped homes that are ready for you to move into.

This guide explains how the letting process works and what you can expect when renting a property through 55 Rent.

>>>>>>>Make Panel>>>>>>>>At a glance

Register your interest through our website, look out for properties advertised between January and April, and view with your group. Properties are not first come, first served — your tenancy is secured once the agreement is signed and the deposit is received.

1. Register Your Interest

You can register your interest in renting with 55 Rent at any time by completing the “Tenants Register Here” form on our website.

By registering, you'll provide us with information about your group and your accommodation requirements. This allows us to contact suitable applicants when properties become available.

>>>>>>>Make Panel>>>>>>>>Important

Registering your interest does not reserve a property, guarantee a viewing or guarantee that you will be offered a tenancy.

2. When Are Properties Advertised?

Most properties for the following academic year are advertised between January and April, once we have a clearer understanding of:

  • Which tenants will be leaving
  • Which properties landlords intend to make available
  • Planned maintenance or refurbishment works
  • Summer availability

Some properties become available earlier or later depending on individual circumstances.

All available properties are advertised on our website and will have a price shown against them.

3. Property Viewings

Where possible, we arrange viewings for shortlisted groups.

Several groups may be invited to view the same property before any decision is made.

Following the viewings, we carefully review all applications before selecting the group we believe is the best fit for the property.

Viewing a property does not automatically guarantee that your group will be offered the tenancy.

4. How We Select Tenants

Demand for student accommodation in St Andrews is extremely high.

Properties are not allocated on a first come, first served basis.

We carefully consider each application using the information provided, references and the overall suitability of the group for the property.

Unfortunately, we are unable to offer every property to every group that registers or attends a viewing.

5. If Your Group Is Successful

If your application is successful, we'll ask you to provide the following using an online form:

  • Accommodation references (where required)
  • A photograph or scan of each student's University of St Andrews matriculation card to confirm student status
  • Guarantor information for each tenant
  • Any additional information required to prepare the tenancy agreement

We'll then prepare the tenancy agreement for signature by both the tenants and the landlord.

6. Securing Your Property

Once the tenancy agreement has been signed, we'll request a tenancy deposit equivalent to one month's rent.

Your tenancy is secured once we have received:

  • A fully signed tenancy agreement
  • The tenancy deposit

Your deposit will then be protected in accordance with Scottish tenancy deposit legislation.

7. What's Included?

Every 55 Rent property is fully furnished and ready for occupation.

Each property includes:

  • Beds
  • Mattresses
  • Mattress protectors
  • Sofas and dining furniture
  • Kitchen appliances
  • Pots and pans
  • Crockery and cutlery
  • Glassware
  • Vacuum cleaner
  • Basic cleaning equipment

Please note that tenants are responsible for providing their own:

  • Duvets
  • Pillows
  • Bed linen
  • Towels
  • Personal household items

8. Utilities

Wi-Fi

Wi-Fi arrangements vary between properties.

Depending on the landlord, one of the following will apply:

  • Wi-Fi is included within the monthly rent.
  • Wi-Fi is provided by the landlord for an additional monthly charge.
  • Tenants are responsible for arranging and paying for their own broadband service.

The arrangements for your property will be confirmed before your tenancy begins.

Gas & Electricity

Unless advised otherwise, tenants are responsible for opening and managing their own gas and electricity accounts.

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Before your tenancy starts, we'll provide opening meter readings to help you set up your account with your chosen supplier.

Utility bills are the responsibility of the tenants and should be paid throughout the tenancy.

Before the end of your tenancy, you should:

  • Take final meter readings.
  • Notify your utility suppliers that you're moving out.
  • Pay any outstanding balances.
  • Close your utility accounts.

>>>>>>>Make Panel>>>>>>>>Important

Before your tenancy deposit can be released through the tenancy deposit scheme, we may ask you to provide evidence that your utility accounts have been settled where applicable.

9. Council Tax

Most full-time students studying at the University of St Andrews are exempt from paying Council Tax.

You'll normally need to apply for your student exemption directly with Fife Council.

Further information and the application process can be found on the Fife Council website.

10. Tenancy Start Dates

Tenancy start dates vary depending on the property.

This depends on:

  • Existing tenancy end dates
  • Property preparation and maintenance
  • The landlord's plans for the property during the summer

Some tenancies begin in June or July for example, while others start during August or September.

The tenancy start date will always be shown in the property advertisement.

11. Before You Move In

Before your tenancy begins, we'll send you information about:

  • Key collection
  • Inventory and check-in
  • Utility arrangements
  • Moving into your property
  • Reporting maintenance
  • Your digital Tenant Information Pack

12. During Your Tenancy

If you need to contact us:

  • General enquiries — enquiries@55rent.co.uk
  • Maintenance — please use our online maintenance reporting form: Please report here

Using the correct contact method helps us deal with your enquiry as quickly as possible.

13. Tenant Information Centre

Throughout your tenancy, you'll find a range of helpful guides in the 55 Rent Tenant Information Centre, including:

  • Tenant Handbook
  • Utilities Guide
  • Council Tax Guide
  • Fire Safety Guide
  • Legionella Guide
  • Mould & Condensation Guide
  • Carbon Monoxide Guide
  • Emergency & Useful Contacts

We recommend taking a few minutes to familiarise yourself with these guides before moving into your property.

14. Welcome to 55 Rent

Moving to St Andrews is an exciting experience, and we're committed to making the process as straightforward as possible.

From your first enquiry through to the end of your tenancy, our team will be here to support you and help you enjoy your time in one of our properties.

 

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