Host Student Apartments – Birmingham FAQs

Making a Booking and Terms & Conditions:

Where does Host have accommodation?
We are based in university cities across the UK and Europe. To view our UK locations check out the locations page on the website.

Can I view a room before I make a booking?
To find out when we have viewings please contact the relevant management office. You can do this for Host Student Apartments by telephoning 0121 285 6140 or
emailing host.birmingham@host-students.com or you can walk-in if you are passing by the site.

Do you have summer accommodation?
We have rooms available throughout the summer months for students and non-students. Please contact us to get further information and make a booking.

How do I make a booking?
You can make an application online. To make an online application simply click on the online booking link on our website. If you choose to pay in instalments you will need to send us details of a UK guarantor. Host won’t confirm your booking until all information is returned to us and the initial rent payment has been made. First-year students at University of Birmingham must contact and book through the Housing Services at the university.

How do I cancel a booking?
If you cancel your contract before the contract begins, or you want to cancel and move out early, you will be subject to our cancellation terms and charges.

Do I have to be a student to live at Host?
To take out a tenancy with us you need to be eligible for council tax exemption. This applies to all full-time students and some part-time students. If you are unsure your university or college should be able to advise you whether you are exempt.

Can I live with my friends?
When making your booking you can request to share with friends. We do not hold rooms for your friends, so it is up to you to make sure your friends apply at the same time as you so that we can try to place you in a flat together.

Can two people share a room with a double bed in it?
All of our rooms are for single occupancy only.

If I book by myself how will you allocate me a room?
We look at the room type you have requested, your year of study, gender and any other preferences. Host will try to allocate you to a flat that is suitable to your situation and preferences. However, it is not always possible for us to meet your requests.

I have some requests for my room, will you guarantee them?
There is a section on your application form where you can state any preferences. Whilst we will do what we can to try to meet your requests, we cannot guarantee room type, flat type, location or the profile of the other residents in your flat.

Can I live at Host for more than one year?
Yes, it is possible for you to stay at Host throughout your studies. Bookings are taken on a first come first served basis so be sure to re-book as soon as possible.

What are the terms and conditions of the tenancy agreement?
A copy of the standard Host tenancy agreement can be downloaded from this website. All residents will receive a copy of their tenancy to keep upon arrival.

Can I cancel my contract before I move in?
A copy of the standard Host tenancy agreement can be downloaded from this website. First years booking through University of Birmingham will have a slightly different agreement. All residents will receive a copy of their tenancy to keep upon arrival.

Can I cancel my contract and move out early?
If you cancel your contract before the contract begins you will be subject to our cancellation terms and charges. First-year students booking through University of Birmingham will have different cancellation terms. Cancellations will only be accepted upon receipt of a completed cancellation form. Contact the Birmingham office to request a form.

If I move out early what will happen?
If another tenant is found to take over your tenancy Host will agree to release you from your contract. You will be required to pay an administration charge. You must vacate your room and return the keys to the management office. You will be refunded any overpaid rent after you have moved out. This refund will be calculated based on the date the new tenant takes up occupation of the room not the date you move out. Should no replacement tenant be found for your room you will be liable for the rent for the duration of your tenancy agreement.

Moving In:

What do I need to bring with me on arrival?
Make sure you bring your accommodation booking confirmation with you as well as some form of ID. If you have been asked to bring any additional items when making your booking make sure you have them with you as you will need to produce them before your keys will be issued.

Is there somewhere to park when I am unpacking?
Host has very limited parking on site. Arrangements for moving in will be explained to you via email shortly before your move in date.

Will there be someone to collect my keys from?
Host has staff on site 24 hours a day. At the start of contract, we have extended opening hours and you are advised to arrive when the office is open. However, if you arrive when the office is closed, instructions outside our office will advise you how to contact the member of staff on duty.

What happens on move-in day?
You will be welcomed on arrival in our management office by a member of Host staff. With our first-year contract Student mentors and RA Representatives from the University of Birmingham help out too. You will be asked to sign a fire safety agreement and provide any documents that are outstanding from you. After this, we will issue you with a welcome pack which contains all the information you need to live at Host and you will be shown to your room.

What if I am not happy with my allocated room or my flatmate?
Part of the university experience is meeting people from different backgrounds, interests and cultures. We hope that you will enjoy the diversity of university life however, should you be unhappy it is worth spending some time talking to your flatmates to try to come to some mutually agreeable solution. It is usually not possible for a room move unless an empty room is available. It is important to remember that moving to university is a stressful time and the initial teething problems are usually resolved within the first few weeks.

Will I be able to change rooms after I have arrived?
It is not usually possible to change rooms after you have arrived. All rooms are allocated on a 44 0r 51 week contract and unless another resident also requests a room swap we would be unable to change your room.

Can I move in before my contract starts?
Accommodation is available throughout the summer period so it may be possible for you to move in early provided you book in advance.

Living at Host Student Apartments:

What cooking equipment is provided in my flat?
All flats come with a cooker, hob, microwave, toaster and kettle provided. We also supply an extensive kitchen pack which includes cutlery, crockery and pans for you to use.

Can I get bedding supplied?
Bedding is not supplied by Host, so you will need to bring your own or purchase a bedding pack from UniKitOut prior to coming to University. Quote HOST10 to receive a 10% discount.

Is there a telephone in my flat?
All flats have a direct dial telephone supplied within the hallway. Calls between flats, to the management office and between most other Hosts sites are free. To call out, residents are provided with an individual pin on request, call credit is purchased in advance and calls are charged on a pay-as- you-go basis provided by our internet server Ask4.

What Broadband packages are there?
A 100Mb broadband connection is provided to every room at Host free of charge. Our provider also offers residents additional add-ons for TV, gaming and back-up. All residents wishing to use the internet services must sign up to the terms and conditions of use.

How do I connect to the internet?
You can connect via Wi-Fi or a Cat 5 patch cable – if you don’t have one, you can buy one from the reception. You can connect to the internet via Wi-Fi throughout the hall with the speed up to 30Mb/s. Alternatively, a Cat 5 patch cable will be required to connect to the internet with the speed up to 100Mb/s.

To contact ASK4 with pre-arrival queries or assistance when you move in, visit their website or call the support team on 0114 303 3232. Alternatively, text ‘help me’ to 07797 800 545 to receive a call back or email support@ask4.com.

Is a TV provided?
TVs are provided in the lounges of each flat and each Studio flat.

What TV channels are provided?
Host has a selection of TV channels from Freeview and Sky.

Where can I store my bike?
An external bike storage area is located between blocks and storage is at the owners’ risk. No bikes may be stores within the flats.

Can I bring a pet?
No. No pets of any type are permitted at Host.

Can I decorate my room?
You are responsible for ensuring that you leave your room and flat in the same condition that is was given to you. You will be asked to complete and return an inventory to record the condition of your room upon arrival. Marks on the walls and furniture, including those caused by blu-tac, white-tac or pins will require painting once you have left and you may be charged in line with our advertised schedule of charges.

Safety and Support:

Is there always a member of staff on site?
All our residences are staffed 24-hours a day, 7 days a week by trained caretakers or security guards. The management office is open Monday – Friday 9am to 5pm.

What are the opening hours of the Management Office?
The management office is open Monday – Friday 9am to 5pm.

What about security?
We provide 24-hour security with CCTV, electronic access control and a member of staff on site at all times. Our residents also have a responsibility for ensuring the site is kept secure and are asked to ensure the accommodation remains safe by not allowing access to non-residents and reporting anything suspicious to staff immediately.

How do I report maintenance?
To report your maintenance, you will need to log in to the portal and click onto maintenance. You will then need to describe the nature of the issue.

What happens once I have reported maintenance?
Once you have reported the maintenance issue, it will be logged on the portal. Our caretakers will then view the maintenance report on a daily basis. They will attend as soon as possible to make the necessary repairs. Occasionally, it will not always be possible to complete the repair on the first visit and a subsequent visit may be necessary. Repairs are responded to on a priority basis, please be aware that it may not be possible to attend to your problem the same day you report it, especially at busy times of the year.

How do I report emergency maintenance overnight or at weekends?
If you have a maintenance problem that needs urgent assistance when the management office is closed you should contact the member of staff on site. The phone number is provided within your welcome information and notice boards within your flat. The caretaker will respond to your problem and do whatever is possible to resolve the issue, but it may not always be possible to complete the repair out of office hours.

Where can I do my Laundry?
A laundry is provided with washers and dryers on site by Circuit Laundry. More information on the equipment is available within your welcome pack. How to use the laundry facilities can be found here.

Where can I collect my post?
Pigeon holes containing your post are located within reception. You can collect your post during office opening hours. Parcels and recorded mail will be signed for by Host staff without liability.

Who is responsible for cleaning my flat?
It is the residents own responsibility to clean their rooms and they share responsibility for the communal area of the flat. Management staff will conduct monthly inspections and you are expected to ensure that your room and flat is clean on these days. Failure to meet the required cleanliness standards will result in external cleaning contractors being brought in, the cost of which will be passed onto the resident(s). At the end of the tenancy the bedroom and flat must be returned in a good, clean condition to avoid cleaning charges, again it is the responsibility of all residents to ensure the kitchen and lounge are clean. The block stairways are regularly cleaned by Host staff.

Can I smoke at Host?
Smoking is not permitted in any area within Host; this includes bedrooms, stairways and external courtyard areas.

Can I have guests to stay?
Occasional overnight guests are permitted provided your flatmates agree. All overnight guests must be signed in at reception for safety, security and so that staff know who is on site in the event of an emergency. You must accompany your guests at all times whilst they are on site and you are responsible for their behaviour.

Are there any guest rooms on site that I can book?
No, Host does not have guest rooms.

Can my visitors park on site?
There is no parking at Host.

Can visitors just walk in?
Our accommodation has gates at the entrances to ensure that only residents have access to the site. Visitors will need to contact reception or yourself to gain access. All visitors should be signed in at reception, this is for reasons of safety, security and to ensure that in the event of an emergency, management know who is on site. Visitors must be accompanied by residents at all times whilst on site.

What if I have a complaint?
We hope that you never have any reason to be dissatisfied with the service we provide you. However, if you have any issues that you would like to bring up with us please contact a member of staff in your management office who will endeavor to resolve the problem for you.

Finances:

Do I pay a deposit?
Host does not take any deposits. The payment you make upon booking is a rental payment.

What options are there for me to pay my rent by?
You can pay your rent by credit/debit card either at reception or via the online housing portal. It is also possible for payments to be made by bank transfer but you will need to make arrangements with the management office for this as usually your rent will be automatically taken from the details you provided upon booking. You can choose to pay your rent in one payment on the due date we have in place before the contract starts, or you can choose to pay in 3 instalments on the due dates we have in place. If you choose to pay in instalments, all tenants will require a UK based Guarantor. The guarantor needs to be either in full-time employment, self-employed or in receipt of a state/private pension. Payments can also be made on a monthly basis, however, you will need to use Housing Hand as our trusted Guarantor Service.

I do not live in the UK – how can I pay my rent?
If you do not live in the UK and do not have a UK guarantor, you will need to pay for your rent in full. You can arrange to do this either by credit/debit card, international cheque or bank transfer. Please be aware that if paying by cheque or bank transfer the bank will usually deduct charges from the amount you send us and you will need to pay the amount due before you can move in.

Do I need a Guarantor?
All UK students can choose to pay in instalments as long as they can provide a UK guarantor. If you cannot provide a guarantor you will need to pay the full year rent upon booking your accommodation.

Can I pay my rent with my student loan?
Please note that we don’t wait on student loans here at Host and payments will need to be made on the due dates.

What should I do if I am having financial problems?
If you are having financial difficulties you should contact a member of the management immediately. Failure to do so could result in interest charges being added to your account if you fail to pay on the due dates as well as legal proceedings being started against you and where applicable, your guarantor. Management staff can usually advise you of where to go to get additional financial help which will assist you in meeting your financial obligations.

What if I change my bank account or card details?
You can update your card information via the online portal – payments are not taken automatically.

Can I pay with foreign currency or travellers cheques?
Host cannot accept foreign currency or travellers cheques as payment. The safest and simplest way for international students to make a payment is by Credit/Debit card or bank transfer.

How can I find out how much I owe?
Contact a member of the management team who will be able to advise you of payment amounts and dates due.

What if I don’t pay?
If you don’t pay your rent daily interest may be added to the amount you owe to Your guarantor will be contacted and will be asked to pay the amount that you owe. Host will commence legal proceedings against any resident who fails to pay the rent due. These proceeding will also include action against the resident’s guarantor.

Bills:

Do I need to pay council tax?
Provided you are a student in full-time education you will be exempt from council tax.

Do I have to pay any Utility bills?
Our rents are inclusive of electricity consumption up to the value of £300 per room. Statements are issued monthly and should your share of the charges incurred by the flat exceed this allowance you will be required to make additional payments for the additional electricity consumed. No charge is made for water consumption. There is no gas at Host.

Is there a charge for the internet?
A 100Mb connection is provided to your room free of charge. Should you wish to upgrade to a faster connection you should contact our internet provider and payments can be made online.

Do I need a TV licence?
Host do not supply TV licences for the television supplied in the studio/lounge area or bedroom area of your flat. Please contact TV Licensing for further details.

How do I make an insurance claim?

Contents insurance is automatically included with your rent. Host is working in partnership with Cover4insurance.com and their student insurance, Cover4Students, to provide some cover for the contents inside your room. You don’t need to do anything to activate this cover, but it is important for you to check and ensure that you fully understand the protection provided and whether it is sufficient for your needs.

Visit cover4insurance.com to:

Check your level of cover
Review key exclusions and limitations
Check your policy excess
Learn how to make a claim
Extend and personalise your cover to protect additional items such as bicycles, musical instruments and photographic equipment

Should you wish to make an insurance claim, you will need to contact the insurance company directly.

Moving Out:

What do I need to do before I move out?
You are expected to ensure that your room and flat are returned at the end of your contract in good condition. You must make sure that all areas within the studio/flat are cleaned thoroughly and that all rubbish and unwanted items are removed from the studio/flat to avoid any charges being incurred. Damage to the studio/flat or missing items will be charged for in accordance with the publicised charges in reception. You must ensure that all outstanding invoices are settled prior to your departure. A final room and bedroom check will be completed at the end of the tenancy once the student has moved out and you will be notified and invoiced for any damages.

How do I return my keys?
During office hours, they should be returned to the management office. If you move out when the office is closed you should put your keys in an envelope with your name and room number clearly marked on it, and return them to the member of staff on duty.

Will I get a deposit returned to me?
Host does not take deposits. All damages will be invoiced for after your departure.

Equality and Diversity

We do not treat any person or group of persons applying for accommodation less favourably because of their race, colour, ethnic or national origin, gender, disability, appearance, age, marital status, sexual orientation or social status.