International Student payment before arrival?
We are considering an International Student who has viewed the room to rent via Whatsapp and has chatted to me about the rental. She would like to take the room, but will not be in the UK until mid-September.
We have agreed to commence a 12-month tenancy from 1 September and will email the contract to her, and she will also send the relevant proof re ID, Visa and University course.
We would like to ask for the 1st month’s rent in advance now and on arrival she would pay for the following 5 months. The Contract will state that the rent is for 6 months in advance (1st payment now and the other 5 months when keys are issued) and the payment for the second 6 months in advance will be due on 1 January 2021. (giving us 2 months notice in the unlikely event that the rent is not paid?)
There will be no deposit taken for the rental.
Is this the best way to proceed?
It ensures that we have a signed contract online (which will be resigned on paper when she receives the keys and the further 5 months rent paid on that day). It will also give the student reassurance that she has the room booked ok.
Thanks for your assistance.
Highland Lass
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Member Since February 2016 - Comments: 194 - Articles: 1
2:56 PM, 15th July 2020, About 6 years ago
Hi there
International students pay all their course fees up front and this is normally the case for their accommodation too. I think you should consider doing the same and getting the whole year pre-paid. Mine have all paid up without question. Seems it is what they expect.
Good luck either way!
Lord
Member Since February 2020 - Comments: 194
10:29 AM, 16th July 2020, About 6 years ago
The first month’s rent could be construed to be a deposit, especially as she will be paying a further 5 month’s rent on arrival. You should register it anyway to be on the safe side.
Member Since June 2014 - Comments: 325
3:54 PM, 16th July 2020, About 6 years ago
Better option to request one month’s rent as a deposit “upfront”, (lodged within timescale) and then 6 months rent prior to moving in. Keeps it clean and compliant.
Member Since April 2019 - Comments: 28
4:52 PM, 16th July 2020, About 6 years ago
I have international students and most are happy to pay for the whole year upfront. It saves them the hassle and expense of international money tranasfers.
Member Since November 2013 - Comments: 33
4:58 PM, 17th July 2020, About 6 years ago
Hi
Thanks very much for the sound advice. It’s much appreciated.
Property118 is a brilliant website and I’m sure many people appreciate it’s existence. Thanks.
Member Since July 2013 - Comments: 1264 - Articles: 1
10:41 AM, 18th July 2020, About 6 years ago
From your username, are you in Scotland? If so bear in mind the law is different from England so make sure you have Scotland specific advice