A Guide to Renewing Your Student Tenancy with Seekers
Now that you’re settled in your Seekers property, you might be having thoughts about next year’s housing, or even thinking about renewing your current tenancy..
No matter where you’ve chosen to call home, whether that be in Jesmond student accommodation, Sandyford student accommodation, or in the heart of Newcastle City Centre, renewing your student tenancy means you can stay put in your current home without the hassle of moving or extra paperwork
To make the student tenancy renewal process as smooth as possible, we’ve put together a guide to get you started.
Ready for another memorable year living in Newcastle as a student? Let’s get into it.
What is a tenancy renewal?
When your fixed-term tenancy is coming to an end, you may have the option to extend your stay by signing a new tenancy agreement. This is also known as a tenancy renewal or tenancy contract renewal. If you’re unsure whether you have the option of a tenancy renewal, you can contact our team and we will find out the answer for you.
Renewing your student tenancy is a straightforward process that helps to provide you and your landlord with security — and the best part is, you don’t have to worry about moving out at the end of term.
If you decide to stay put, a new tenancy renewal agreement will be drawn up, and both you, Seekers, and your landlord will need to agree to the terms. It’s worth noting that this could include a couple of adjustments, such as your rental price.
Why should I renew my student tenancy?
The biggest benefit of renewing your student tenancy is that you get to stay exactly where you are! No worries about packing up your things and finding a new place to live. All you need to do is sign to renew and providing that the property is still available, you’ll be all set.
If you love your current Newcastle location and flatmates, it makes sense to stick with what you know. Plus, if you're settled into your local area, renewing means you can spend more time exploring and enjoying.
How do I start the tenancy renewal process?
If you’re renting with Seekers, we’ll get in touch with you before your current tenancy expires to ask whether you’d like to renew. If you’re ready to go ahead, you'll be asked to sign a renewal tenancy agreement. Not sure if you’ve missed our communications? Feel free to give us a call to confirm the details.
Once we’ve agreed on the new terms, a formal agreement will be drawn up.
Is there a tenancy renewal fee?
Because of the Tenant Fees Act of 2019, it is illegal for a letting agent to charge you any fees when renting a new property or renewing a tenancy.
If you’re renting with anyone other than Seekers and you are asked for a tenancy renewal fee, it’s important that you know your rights. Don’t get caught out and keep your money protected.
Can my rent increase with a tenancy renewal?
It’s possible that your rent could change as part of the tenancy renewal. This usually happens if there is a shift in the local rental market or if property expenses have gone up in the area.
Don’t worry, though — we’ll always keep you informed and explain any adjustments well in advance. If you have concerns about rent, we’re always happy to discuss the finer details with you before you finalise the renewal of your tenancy agreement.
If you’re looking for properties to rent within your budget, don’t forget that you can explore student rentals by area across Newcastle.
Can I negotiate the terms of my renewal tenancy agreement?
Everything can be discussed before your tenancy agreement renewal is signed and finalised. This includes asking any questions and explaining any changes.
Even if one of your housemates doesn’t want to stay, changing the overall number of tenants within the property, a tenancy renewal can still be viable. You’ll just need to let us know before we draw up any contracts.
If you’d like to make changes, like extending the tenancy length or negotiating rent, we’re always here to chat. Just let us know what you're thinking, and we’ll do our best to find a middle ground that works for everyone.
What should I consider before renewing my tenancy?
You may already be 100% certain that you’d like to renew your student tenancy, but it’s always worth considering whether it’s the best choice for you.
Here are a few questions to help you confirm your decision:
Are you happy with your current living situation? You may wish to explore a new area of Newcastle, move in with new flatmates, or move on to a bigger or smaller property.
Has the rent changed? If there’s been a tenancy renewal rent increase, you should always check that the new rental amount fits into your student budget.
Any changes to the tenancy agreement? Sometimes there are small updates, such as adjustments to how the property is managed or new rules regarding communal areas. Check that you’re happy with these before proceeding.
If everything ticks your boxes, then you’re all set to renew your tenancy agreement. If you’ve decided that it’s not for you this time round, then Seekers has all the tools you need to find your ideal student home in Newcastle.
Do I need a guarantor for a renewal tenancy agreement?
Your guarantor acts as a backup if you’re unable to pay your rent. Even if you had a guarantor for your original tenancy agreement, you’ll still need one for the renewal tenancy agreement — this is because it is technically a new contract.
Your previous guarantor will need to confirm whether they are happy to continue being your guarantor and sign new forms. If you are signing on a new guarantor, then they will need to provide their details, too.
Renew your student tenancy today with Seekers
Ready to renew? Seekers is here to help make your tenancy renewal process as smooth as possible. Avoid the stress of moving and secure your space for another year with our team and Student Resource Hub on hand to guide you.
Get in touch with us to start your tenancy renewal or start exploring new student houses to rent in Newcastle.
