Something has broken, what should we do?
Full information regarding what to do in the event of accidents or incidents can be found at the login area. Information boards are also located in each property.
Damage has been caused to our property, what should we do?
Full information regarding what to do in the event of accidents or incidents can be found at the login area. Information boards are also located in each property.
I am moving from another Accomco property, do the pre move-in requirements apply to me?
Only points 1&2 apply. The remainder of your documents remain valid from previous years.
Do I need to pay the deposit and rent as one lump-sum in August?
No, but there's nothing to stop you doing that.
I have a problem with my course / have decided to live in Tasmania / fallen out with my housemates etc
Subject to the proviso that you have already entered into an agreement to let properties from us, if you have any problems we will do our best to help so please contact us at the earliest opportunity.
How far is it to the nearest...
All of our properties are very conveniently located for all the facilities a typical student will require. If you take a look at the individual property pages, we have listed the distance in metres to typical points of interest including university, local pubs, Uni-Link bus stops, shops etc. You can also take a look at our properties on a map.
What about insurance?
Accomco insures the fabric of our properties as well as the furniture and fittings that we provide. It is very important to note that Accomco does not provide contents insurance of any kind. It is very important to note that it is your responsibility to take out sufficient insurance to protect your personal possessions whilst they remain at an Accomco property.
A holding deposit is a sum of money lodged with Accomco by prospective occupiers enabling us to take further action in the knowledge that the group is serious and fully committed to taking-on the property in the following academic year.
The amount varies between houses, being one third of the property deposit. It is payable as one sum and is non-refundable if occupiers do not take the property for reasons under their control. On move in, the holding deposit automatically becomes one third of the property deposit.
A Property deposit is a sum of money lodged with Accomco and protected under the myDeposits insurance backed scheme. The amount varies between houses but is a maximum of six weeks rent. It is designed to deter occupiers from causing damage to properties and to incentivise an orderly end to periods of occupation.
Deductions may only be made in accordance with the terms of the Licence agreement.Â
Finally, it it very important to note that property deposits do not cover your last month's rent.
When will my property deposit be returned?
Property deposits, minus any deductions, will be returned to a single account via BACS within 14 days of the contract end-date. You must provide us with the account details for where you would like the monies returned.
Typically, you will be reminded of your obligations under the Licence Agreement in early August, after which a property inspection will take place prior to the completion of the contractual period. You will then be given an opportunity to rectify any discrepancies. If these remain on the day following the end of your contractual period, they will be rectified at your cost.
What is a Licence to Occupy?
All Accomco properties are offered under a Licence to Occupy on either an all-inclusive, or semi-inclusive basis. This is a contract for the occupation of serviced accommodation, which does not form a tenancy. As part of the contract, our team will provide services, where necessary using their own set of keys. All of our Licences are initiated for a fixed period of 12 months.
Who is the Lead Occupier?
The 'Lead Occupier' generally remains the person who first contacted us. They are the first person we will call if we need to speak to you regarding the property and they will also sign to acknowledge your deposit has been protected. It is important to note that they have no greater or lesser responsibility for the property than any other occupier - all occupiers are jointly and severally responsible for complying with the terms of the Licence.
What does "Joint and Several Liability" mean?
In simple terms this means that all occupiers and their guarantors are equally liable for complying with the terms of the Licence to Occupy. This means that, for example, if an occupier was to unexpectedly stop paying their share of rent, it would be the responsibility of the remaining occupiers to make up the shortfall. Likewise, any damages or rental shortfalls would be shared equally between occupiers if deductions were required from the deposit.
What is the Guarantor's Agreement for?
A completed guarantors agreement, signed by a UK based guarantor, is required for each student occupier. It provides Accomco with security in the event that an occupier does not pay their rent by allowing us to claim it from your guarantor, if necessary by the use of court proceedings. If you do not have access to a UK based individual willing to be your guarantor, there are alternatives which we can discuss.
Which Deposit Protection scheme do you use?
Accomco uses the myDeposits insurance-backed scheme. Under this scheme, Accomco will retain your deposit but pay a premium to myDeposits.
What is the "Prescribed Information"?
This is information regarding the deposit protection scheme employed by Accomco, which we are obliged to make available to you. You will have the opportunity to read this information prior to signing your Licence to Occupy by using the login area of this website. Upon signing, you confirm that you have had such an opportunity.
I have paid my holding deposit, what must I do before the first of September?
Before the beginning of the rental year, you will need to complete the various requirements listed on your holding deposit receipt, sent to you earlier in the year. If you do not, you will risk losing your holding deposit. These are as follows:
1) Pay the remainder of the property deposit (as one sum)
2) Pay the first month's rent (as one sum)
3) Provide proof of good conduct during previous occupation for all occupiers
4) Provide proof of student status for all occupiers (a photocopy of your student card will be fine)
5) Provide proof of all occupiers' Right to Rent (for example by share code, or presentation of a suitable documentation)
5) Provide a completed guarantor's form, available from the downloads section of our website
You can pick up the keys, by arrangement, any time on or after 1st September. Only one representative from your group needs to do this.
We will be on hand on the 1st September move-in day to help you. If you want to move in later than this, please let us know as special arrangements will need to be made.
I want to move in later in September, is that OK?
Yes, you can move in at any time on or after 1st September - you must however start paying from the beginning of that month! You must also let us know as a group what your plans are before the end of August.
When do we sign the Licence to Occupy?
All occupiers will be sent the Licence to Occupy for electronic signature in late August, just prior to the start of the contractual period. Licences will be sent to each occupier in turn and, once all occupiers have signed, a completed copy will be emailed to everyone. A pro forma copy of the Licence, identical in all details save for those that apply to specific properties, is available to download from the login area.
How much should we budget for utilities in a semi-inclusive property?
This of course depends on the size of the property and how frugal you are in their use! It also depends on how much providers are charging for their services and your selection of the most cost effective provider. As a general rule, a three bedroom house could expect to spend around £150.00 pcm on energy bills (Ofgem, 2025).
Do I have to pay Council Tax?
Full time students do not have to pay council tax. The fact that all occupiers are full-time students is confirmed with Southampton City Council each September. However, it is your responsibility to obtain the necessary exemption form from your university and provide it to the Council. We will provide your details to the Council at their request, so if you don't provide them the exemption form, they will chase you personally.
Can I bring my car to Southampton?
Southampton is not a particularly car-friendly city. On-street parking is regulated by permit throughout the city itself and a system of one-way streets and pedestrianised areas often means it's quicker to walk or take the bus. If you insist on bringing a car, some of our properties offer off-street parking at no charge (see the property page for details). Where this is not available, you will need to contact Southampton City Council to apply for a permit; the first is generally free.
Where can I find your Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs)?
EPCs, which include some detail regarding the energy efficiency of a given property, can be downloaded in full from individual property pages. They are also available to tenants via the login area and a hard copy is displayed in all properties on the information board.
How do I work out the monthly rent?
On our website, rents are shown per week (pw) and per calendar month (pcm). To convert between the two, use the following simple calculation:
Rent per month equals Rent per week multiplied by 52 (weeks in a year), divided by 12 (months in a year)
What about utilities at the property?
Accomco offers serviced accommodation on either a semi-inclusive, or all-inclusive basis.
'Semi-inclusive' properties include property management, a monthly cleaning service, garden maintenance, window cleaning, fibre broadband and water bills. 'All-inclusive’ properties include all of these, plus a TV licence, energy bills and a weekly cleaning service (excluding holidays). All utilities are provided on a ‘reasonable use’ basis, with further detail provided in your Licence to Occupy.
Occupiers of semi-inclusive properties only need to concern themselves with energy bills and a TV Licence (should you require one). Preceding occupants will have been informed to let their current suppliers know that they are moving out at the end of August, so it's simply a case of letting your chosen supplier know you will be moving in at the beginning of September.
As you probably know, you can pick whichever gas and electricity supplier you like .
Finally, even if you have no inclination to change suppliers, it is a very good idea to inform them of the 'opening' meter readings, where applicable, as soon as you move in.
