Advice for students who currently maintain a contract with Alpha Estate Agents.
It has recently come to our attention that several students have received communications from the estate agent Alpha detailing the cleaning process at the end of their tenancy. The letter stipulates that a cleaning professional must be brought in, and a check out must take place in the absence of the tenants, which together would cost upwards of £825.
We understand that this is an exceptionally high amount of money to pay for such services, and since one of our primary goals is to protect students’ wellbeing, we would urge you, if you have received any communication from Alpha regarding these issues, to book an appointment with our Housing Advisor at the SU’s Advice Centre as soon as possible.
It is also important to note that you are not required to pay for this service if you decide to opt out and provide your own cleaner. However by doing so, Alpha may bring their own cleaners in, and you will be required to pay the charge regardless. We would recommend booking an appointment prior to taking action yourselves.
Those who have received these letters, it is imperative that if you have any concerns around it, that you book an appointment as soon as possible, since the letter dictates that you only have seven days to respond before the booking is made on your behalf.
We have sent an urgent letter to Alpha for further clarification and to ask them to reconsider their terms. We will continue to release information as we receive it in order to keep you updated on the proceedings.
If you would like to book an appointment please contact advice@su.rhul.ac.uk. We would also encourage any student who currently has a contract with Alpha to book an appointment, even if you have yet to receive communication from them. You can also obtain free, confidential legal advice from the University of London Housing Services by emailing housing@london.ac.uk, or by phoning 020 7862 8880.
Royal Holloway Students’ Union is committed to the safeguarding of our members, and will continue to advocate for your rights and protection in these circumstances.
Below is a copy of the original email sent to students:
"Dear Tenants,
We are starting to look ahead a few months to the end of your Tenancy and are going to be booking in all of your Professional Cleans and Inventory Check Outs for the last day of your Contract. We are doing this now so that we can let the cleaning and inventory companies we use, know of all dates and times in advance.
Please see below the details of the Company, the date and the time for your Professional Clean and Inventory Check Out:
Professional Cleaning company: – You’ve Been Cleaned – 12th July 2018 at 9:00am – £660 -£800inc Vat – Priced may vary depending on the condition of the property.
Check Out company: – Sunrise Inventories – 12th July 2018 - £165.00 - Please ensure all keys are returned by 12pm on the last day of the tenancy. From there the checkout will take place in your absence and the report will be sent to all parties thereafter.
If we do not hear from you within 7 days from the date of this email, these appointments will be booked in and take place at your property on the date and time advised above.
As you are aware the check-out fee will be deducted from your security deposit as stated in your tenancy agreement and if the cleaning quote (guide price) is accepted by the tenant this will also be deducted from your security deposit too.
At this point I would like to remind you of a few important points:
- Any light bulbs or smoke alarm batteries that need replacing will be charged at £5 per bulb/battery, unless a specialist bulb is needed, then the price could vary.
- Any rubbish / bedding left inside or outside the property will be charged at £30 per sack, all to be deducted from your security deposit. There will be a £25.00 additional fees for each rubbish bin that has any incorrect rubbish in the bins.
Please ensure the house is left in the same condition as the start of the tenancy prior to the Professional Clean taking place. If the property is not left in the same condition as when you first moved in, the cleaning price will potentially increase and the Landlord may seek to claim deductions from your deposit. It is in your best interest to ensure the property is clean and tidy in advance of the checkout to avoid any potential deductions from your deposit.
Please also take special note of the two attached sheets of important information regarding your Move out and end of Tenancy Cleaning, if you decide to organise your own Professional Clean.
If we do not hear from you within 7 days from the date of this email, these appointments will be booked in and take place at your property on the date and time advised above.
Any questions please do not hesitate to ask"