Here are some of the questions we are asked most frequently. If you would like to ask us something else, please contact our team.
Viewings & Reservations
How do I reserve an apartment?
Simply call or email us to reserve an apartment and our team will talk you through the relevant steps that should take no more than few minutes. There will then be a one-off holding commitment per person required at commitment stage and two security deposit options available, rent payable upon move-in. This amount is refundable if you no longer wish to proceed with the application within 72 hours of making the payment.
The holding commitment is also refundable if you made your decision based on a virtual viewing and you later change your mind within 24 hours following an in person viewing.
Do I need to bring anything to the viewing?
Due to the UK Right to Rent policy, we are required to obtain and check all original identification of non-EU tenant(s) that to show that they are legally allowed to live in the UK. These documents are normally checked at the viewing stage, so please be prepared to show your identification to our team member. Documents must be obtained and checked for all tenants wishing to live in the apartment; if a tenant is not present at viewing or a virtual viewing is arranged, a copy of the document must be sent via email to the Sailmakers team, who will then be required to see the tenant and check the document via Skype or FaceTime before agreeing a contract. Documents will also need to be verified in person upon arrival for move-in.
Tenant Referencing Checks
Once you’ve paid the holding fee, you are required to go through referencing checks, which are carried out by Homeppl, to approve your eligibility to enter into a tenancy agreement. These checks take around 3 - 7 working days to complete and it is your responsibility to provide all supporting documentation required by Homeppl.
Deposit and Payments
Once all tenants have passed referencing checks, we will require your first month’s rental payment. If your tenancy starts before the 20th of the month, your first rental payment will cover the remainder of that month. If your tenancy starts on or after the 20th of the month, your first payment will cover the prorated (remainder) rent of that month in addition to the rent for the following month. Once the verification process has been completed, your new front of house team will be in contact to confirm the securing the flat as well as next steps in reviewing and signing your Tenancy Agreement.
How long is the booking process?
The reference check process is mainly dependent on your availability and ability to complete the online application form, and on your referees’ availability. However, the process normally takes around 3-7 business days.
What is your cancellation policy?
Written cancellations received within 24 hours from securing the apartment are accepted with a refund of your holding fee. Any cancellations received later than 24 hours will be accepted, however without refund of fees.
What is the minimum and maximum length of contract?
We offer flexible lease terms from 1 month to 36 months. If, after the expiration of your fixed term, you wish to continue living with us, we will be happy to accommodate and work out an appropriate solution for you. Please speak to our site management team if this is the case.
Do you accept guarantors?
In order to rent a Sailmakers apartment, you will need to pass affordability checks. The joint household income must be at least 2.66 times the rent. Advance rental payments are an option if a household does not pass the affordability criteria, however guarantors are not accepted.
I am a student, can I rent with Sailmakers?
All individuals over 18 years old are welcome to apply for an apartment, however, as we do not accept guarantors, all students must pay 12 months rent upfront.
Payments
What fees do you charge?
One off, non-refundable holding fee: £400 per apartment.
How much is the deposit?
The deposit is: 1 bed: £2,610.00, 2 Bed £3,500.00 and 3 bed - £4,150.00. Deposits are held and protected in the My Deposits scheme as required by law. The deposit covers all damages to the apartment and/or furnishings that may occur during your tenancy.
How do I get my deposit back?
Your deposit is protected by The Deposit Scheme and refundable at the end of your tenancy. We process your deposit within 10 days of agreeing any charges applied to damages, if any, excluding normal wear and tear conditions.
Do you offer a deposit alternative?
We have teamed up with Homeppl who offer a simple, safe and affordable alternative to tenancy deposits. Instead of paying a deposit at the start of your tenancy, simply pay Homeppl a one-off, non-refundable, membership charge of £350 per household. As Homeppl isn’t an insurance product, tenants simply agree to pay for any valid claims or damages at the end of the tenancy. If you wish to take advantage of this option please visit www.homeppl.com or talk to your property manager for more information.
What method of payments can I use?
Your holding fee, deposit and first months’ rent can be paid via bank transfer into the account information with which we provide you at the time of application. Monthly rental payments can only be paid by Direct Debit or Standing order.
When is rent due?
Rent is due on the 1st of the month by Direct Debit or Standing order.
Will my rent increase during my tenancy?
Your rent will not increase within the initial term of your tenancy. Prior to the end of your tenancy, your Property Manager will provide you with the rates at which the tenancy could be extended should you wish to.
Moving In & Moving Out
What is the move-in process?
Once the application process is complete and reference checks passed, your new front of house team will get in touch to discuss the tenancy agreement and terms you are about to enter. Once all is agreed and the contract is signed, we will schedule a convenient time with you to meet on the day of your move-in to hand over keys, settle your balance, conduct apartment inspection/inventory, complete a home induction tour, and help you settle in to your new home.
Can I change my move-in date?
Reserve today and pick a move in date up to 60 days out, with the added flexibility to change it to any day within a 30 day window of your original move in date (and up to a 90 day window of your reservation date).
What is the notice period for moving out?
We require 2 months’ written notice of your intention to vacate the property at the end of your tenancy. Subject to availability, this notice of intent can be cancelled, and you can continue residing in your Sailmakers apartment for another fixed term by signing a renewal. However, if your apartment has been leased following receipt of your written notice of intent to vacate, we will not be able to receive cancellation. If you wish to move out before the end of your tenancy, there will be a termination fee that is equates to 2 months of your rental fees.
Do I have to pay for a cleaner when moving out?
At Sailmakers, we aim for the highest standard of services and quality of product, therefore we ask that in order to avoid cleaning fees when moving out, our residents maintain their homes in good condition and leave the property in the same state and condition in which it was received. At Sailmakers, we offer preferential rates in cleaning services, so these will be available for your convenience.
Do I have to pay for an inventory?
We do not charge for inventory fees.
Other
Who is my property manager?
The difference in Sailmakers service comes from having a dedicated property management team, whose main goal is to deliver an exceptional customer service experience to our residents. Benjamin Nisbet and his Leasing and Management team will be with you from the start of your letting journey, on the day of moving in and throughout the length of your tenancy.
Do you accept pets?
Yes, we love them! As leaseholders within the block, we have a very good professional relationship with the Estate Management agent, however written permission is still required before accepting pets in the apartments. There is a monthly pet rent of £80 per pet, which contributes to the additional communal cleaning and maintenance required. Unfortunately, there are some breed restrictions in place, so please contact us for full details.
What is your CCTV policy?
Our CCTV policy can be found here.
Is there help 24/7?
While living in a Sailmaker’s apartment, you will benefit from the 24/7 Concierge services onsite to respond to any emergencies within the block. Your Sailmakers maintenance and management team is also ready to respond to any emergencies such as flooding, power outages or fire. For smaller maintenance requests you can notify us via your resident portal and we will assist you according to your requirements. More information on what is considered an emergency and what maintenance request can be found in your resident handbook provided on the day of move-in. If in doubt, we will be at the main reception to help out when needed.