Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers to the most commonly asked questions in the Soho Yard community.

Renters' Rights Act 2025

What is the Renters' Rights Act?
The Renters' Rights Act came into force on 1 May 2026. It's one of the biggest updates to tenancy law in recent years. It affects lease terms, pet rent, rent increases, and notice periods.
Is my tenancy still on a fixed term?
No. From 1 May 2026, all existing tenancies automatically became periodic (rolling) contracts. This also applies to any new tenancies. You do not need to renew your tenancy — it rolls automatically.
I pay rent in advance (6 or 12 months). Does this change?
No. If you currently pay multiple months' rent in advance, this stays the same. The new rules on rent in advance only apply to new tenancies starting after 1 May.
How will rent increases work now?
Rent will not be increased more than once in any 12-month period. Rent is reviewed in line with the local market — based on what similar homes in the building and area have rented for, taking into account size, type, location, and amenities. You'll be notified in advance of any change.
Has the notice period changed?
If you gave notice before 1 May, your termination date stays the same. From 1 May onwards, you need to provide a minimum of 2 months' notice.
Has pet rent been abolished?
Yes. Pet rent stopped being charged from 1 May 2026. You still need to follow the pet policy, request consent, and sign a pet licence if approved.

Rent & Payments

What does my rent cover?
Your apartment, 100Mbps fibre broadband (via Glide), cycle storage, 24-hour on-site team and concierge, and access to all amenities (gym, co-working, cinema, private dining, games room, roof terrace, pet spa, and more).
What are the current rent prices?
Starting from: Studio £1,015 pcm, 1 bed £1,080 pcm, 2 bed £1,290 pcm, 3 bed £1,700 pcm. Prices vary by specific apartment — check with the resident services team.
Is my tenancy a fixed term or rolling?
All tenancies are now periodic (rolling) contracts as of 1 May 2026 under the Renters' Rights Act. You do not need to renew — your tenancy rolls automatically. Minimum 2 months' notice to end.
Do I have to pay a deposit?
Yes. Your deposit is capped at 5 weeks' rent (in line with the Tenant Fees Act 2019) and is held in a Government-authorised deposit scheme. It's refunded at the end of your tenancy minus any reasonable deductions for damage, unpaid rent, or missing items.
When is rent due?
Rent is due on the 1st of each month, paid in advance by bank transfer. Your first payment is pro-rated from your start date. Late payments may incur interest at 3% above the Bank of England base rate.
Do I have to pay to reserve an apartment?
Yes, a holding deposit is required. This is deducted from your first month's rent, in compliance with the Tenant Fees Act 2019.

Building & Access

Who is the landlord?
Legal & General Residential (BTR) 2 LLP, registered at 1 Coleman Street, London. The building is managed by Urban Bubble on their behalf.
How do I contact the team?
Phone: 0114 321 3886 or 07761 343317. WhatsApp: 07414 113488. Email: [email protected] or [email protected]. All lines are monitored 24 hours a day.
How does building access work?
You use an electronic fob for the main entrance, lifts, communal areas, and cycle storage. Visitors dial your apartment number on the video entry panel and you can let them in remotely via your wall-mounted intercom.
How do I receive parcels?
Parcels go to the secure Parcel Safe room — you'll get automatic email/message notifications. You're set up in the system at move-in. Grocery and takeaway deliveries must be collected directly from the courier.
Is there an online resident portal?
Yes. The portal lets you report repairs, view tenancy documents, access appliance manuals, communicate with neighbours, and see community events. You receive login details after moving in.

Bills & Utilities

Do I have to set up my own internet?
No. 100Mbps fibre broadband via Glide is already installed and ready in every apartment. You can upgrade to 250Mbps (£10/month) or up to 1Gbps (£20/month) on a rolling monthly basis — downgrade any time.
What bills do I need to set up?
Electricity, water, council tax, TV licence (if applicable), and hot water (billed by Homebox — the building has a communal boiler). The Soho Yard team can help with transfers. Contents insurance is strongly recommended.
Should I switch electricity provider?
Yes — your apartment defaults to E.ON on a variable tariff, which is significantly more expensive. Most residents switch to Octopus Energy or Fuse Energy for better rates. Sign up with your new provider and they handle the switch automatically. Typical costs: Studio £40–55/month, 1 Bed £45–60, 2 Bed £60–85.
How do I set up water?
Register with Yorkshire Water at yorkshirewater.com. You may need to call them to transfer the account from 'urbanbubble' to your name — have your move-in date and meter reading from your inventory ready. Your first bill can take up to 3 months to arrive.
What's the council tax situation?
Council tax banding can take several months to be confirmed for new-build apartments. When your band is set, your bill may be compressed into fewer monthly payments, making them higher than expected. You can contact the council to spread payments over 10 or 12 months. Estimated bands: Studio/1 Bed = Band B, 2/3 Bed = Band C. Living alone? Apply for the 25% single person discount.
How does hot water billing work?
Hot water is heated by a communal boiler and billed by Homebox. For the first 4 months you pay a fixed amount, then billing switches to actual usage. You must submit your meter reading on the Homebox portal on the 1st of each month (within a 2-day window either side). Miss the window and your usage gets estimated, which can lead to unexpected bills.
What type of heating does the apartment have?
Fully electric radiators with touch-screen displays and a remote control. Each room can be adjusted individually. Heated towel rails are fitted in bathrooms. There's also an MVHR ventilation unit in the utility cupboard — keep it running at all times.
Is there air conditioning?
No — the apartments don't have built-in AC. Higher floors can get very warm in summer. Many residents use portable AC units or dehumidifiers. Keep curtains/blinds closed during the day when the sun hits your windows.

Pets

Are pets allowed?
Yes — and there's no additional pet rent. Maximum 2 pets per apartment. You still need a Pet Licence arranged through the Soho Yard team. Restrictions apply on type, size, and breed.
Is there a pet spa?
Yes — a dedicated pet grooming facility in the building, accessible via fob (let the team know you'll be using it).

Amenities

Does the gym cost extra?
No. The gym (The Gymnasium) is open 24/7 and is included in your rent.
Is there car parking?
There's no parking at Soho Yard itself. Options nearby: RCP Bridge Street (~£100/month with resident permit, most popular), Q-Park Riverside (from ~£195/month with 40% resident discount, covered, EV chargers available), NCP Solley Street (~£99/month), or NCP Victoria Quays (~£55/month, cheapest). See the Parking page for full details.
Is there cycle storage?
Yes — free, secure cycle storage on the ground floor with fob access and CCTV. Maximum 2 bikes per apartment. Bring your own lock. There's also a cycle wash area.
Can guests use the communal areas?
Yes, but guests must be accompanied by a resident at all times. You're responsible for their behaviour and any damage. The management team can restrict guest numbers if areas become overcrowded.
Can I hire the private dining room?
Yes. The Banquet costs £25 per session (includes cleaning). Book via the Residents Portal. Plates, cutlery, and glassware are provided. Bookings run 9am–11pm, though events have continued past midnight. Pets are not permitted in The Banquet.
Can I have a BBQ on my balcony?
No. No cooking or BBQs are permitted on any balcony or terrace in the building. This is a fire safety rule in both the house rules and the tenancy agreement.

Rules & Safety

What are the quiet hours?
11pm to 8am. No noise that can be heard outside your apartment during these hours — this includes music, TV, instruments, and raised voices.
Can I smoke or vape in the building?
No. Smoking and vaping are not permitted anywhere in the building — including inside apartments, on balconies, in communal areas, and common parts.
What's the fire procedure?
Soho Yard has a Stay Put Policy. If a fire breaks out in your apartment: evacuate, call 999, press the Fire Call button in the lift lobby, use stairs (not lifts). Your front door provides 30 minutes of fire protection. Fire assembly point: Bridge Street / Millsands intersection.
How long can I leave my apartment empty?
You must inform the management team if leaving for more than 14 consecutive days.
Can I change the locks?
No. You cannot alter, change, or install any locks. Contact the management team if you have security concerns. They must always hold a set of keys.

Apartments

Do the apartments come furnished?
Both options are available. Furnished apartments include premium designer furniture packages, or you can choose unfurnished and bring your own.
Can I decorate the apartment?
You can apply to paint walls, hang pictures, put up curtains, or add wall fixtures like shelves. Submit a written request to the management team. No other alterations are permitted. We recommend Command Strips for hanging items.
What appliances are included?
All apartments come with Beko appliances: dishwasher, fridge/freezer, induction hob, oven, integrated extractor, and washer/dryer. User manuals are available on the residents portal and the Maintenance page.

Moving

What documents do I need to apply?
Photo ID (UK passport, EEA documentation, or biometric residence permit) plus proof of address from the last three months.
What is the reference check process?
Your documents are sent to Let Alliance within 24 hours of confirmation. They'll ask you to complete an online application form.
What happens on move-in day?
You'll receive a move-in pack with your tenancy agreement, inventory, and welcome guide. Your agreement and payment must be received four days before your move-in date. Broadband, TV, heating, and all amenities are ready from day one.
What do I need to do when moving out?
Give two months' notice. Return the apartment in good, clean condition. If you've painted walls, restore the original colour. Your deposit is returned minus any deductions for damage beyond fair wear and tear.

Community & Local

Are there residents' discounts?
Yes — residents can access local business discounts through the portal or by asking the concierge. Some venues (like Groke and Chop Shop) offer discounts when you show your Soho Yard fob or keyring. See the Local Area page for a list of participating venues.
What postcode should I use for deliveries?
The building uses several postcodes (S3 8GY, S3 8HE, S3 8HU, S3 8ND). If Just Eat or Deliveroo can't find your address, try S3 8GY or S3 8DN. For Amazon, S3 8HU and S3 8GY work reliably. Check your tenancy agreement for your official postcode.
Where's the nearest supermarket?
Tesco Express at Central Quay (S3 8RA) is a 4-minute walk. Lidl on High Street is an 11-minute walk.

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