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Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Finding out about your new home

If you see a property that interests you, simply call us on +44 330 236 9812 or complete the ‘Contact Us’ form on our website. A member of our team will arrange a convenient viewing and take the time to understand your requirements, recommending suitable options based on your budget and preferences. We will also be happy to answer any questions and guide you through the next steps.

We offer virtual and video tours for those who are unable to attend in person, including applicants based overseas. Our lettings team will guide you through available apartments via a live video tour, showcasing suitable options based on your preferences. Simply get in touch and we will arrange an appointment, helping you find your ideal home with ease.

We offer a choice of furnished and unfurnished apartments, all complete with high-quality white goods. Whether you’re looking for a convenient, move-in ready home or prefer to style your space yourself, we have an option to suit you.

Yes. If you are looking to secure an apartment beyond our three-month reservation window, we would still be delighted to hear from you. Simply share your requirements with us and we will add you to our waiting list, ensuring you are among the first to be contacted as soon as suitable apartments become available within the booking period.

Applying for your new home

Once you have chosen your preferred apartment, simply let one of our letting consultants know and they will guide you through the reservation process. We will provide you with the holding deposit details and payment information.
We can reserve apartments up to two months in advance for a fixed holding deposit of £250. If you wish to secure an apartment three months ahead, the holding deposit is equivalent to one week’s rent. The holding deposit will be credited towards your first month’s rent.

Our standard residential contracts are Assured Periodic Tenancies, meaning our contracts are rolling on with no fixed end date. Should you wish to end your tenancy, you are required to provide two months’ notice in line with your tenancy agreement, ending on your rent due date, which is the 1st of each month. You may do this by sending us an email at [email protected] with your apartment details and proposed end date.

We carry out standard referencing checks as part of the application process. To meet our affordability criteria, applicants must have a combined annual income of at least 30 times the monthly rent.
If this requirement is not met, a guarantor will be required. Guarantors must be UK-based, have a clean credit history (with no CCJs or IVAs), and earn a minimum of 36 times the monthly rent.
If you do not know a guarantor, you may use our third-party partner service, RentGuarantor. You can obtain a quote via the following link: https://www.rentguarantor.com/quick-quote

We require a minimum of 10 working days to process applications. This timeframe may vary depending on how promptly all required documents are submitted and cooperation during each stage of the process. The referencing stage can typically take some time. We encourage applicants to complete their referencing as soon as they are contacted by our referencing provider, Homeppl, by uploading all required documents promptly and ensuring referees respond to requests without delay. This helps keep the process as smooth and efficient as possible.

Costs, Deposits & What’s Included

We offer flexible deposit options to suit your needs when moving into your new home:

Traditional Tenancy Deposit (5 weeks’ rent)
This is the standard option, where a deposit equivalent to five weeks’ rent is paid upfront. Your deposit is securely protected in a government-approved scheme (TDS) and is returned at the end of your tenancy, subject to any agreed deductions.

Reposit (Deposit Alternative)
Reposit offers a lower upfront cost by replacing the traditional deposit with a one-off fee equivalent to one week’s rent. This can make moving more accessible and cost-effective. At the end of your tenancy, any charges are assessed in the usual way; if applicable, these are settled directly rather than deducted from a deposit, making the process straightforward and transparent.

Your rent includes high-speed internet, access to all on-site amenities, and use of our bookable resident spaces. Utilities and council tax are not included and will need to be arranged separately by the tenant.

Living in your home

You can book amenities and resident spaces through your RentCafe tenant portal or by speaking to a member of the reception team.
Bookable amenities can be reserved for up to three hours at a time, and you may book more than one amenity per day, subject to availability.

To report any maintenance issues, please submit a request via your RentCafe tenant portal in the first instance. This allows our team to assess and manage your request as efficiently as possible.
You may also contact us by email at [email protected], providing as much detail as possible along with any supporting photographs. Our maintenance team will review your query based on its priority and urgency, and will then arrange a suitable time with you to access the apartment and resolve the issue.

Yes, we offer both above-ground and underground parking options for residents. Above-ground spaces include electric vehicle charging points, while underground parking does not currently offer charging facilities.
Parking is available at an additional cost, with pricing varying depending on the option selected. If you would like to arrange a space, please get in touch and our team will be happy to confirm availability, provide pricing, and assist with issuing your permit. Vehicle details will be required for registration.

As our tenancies are offered on a periodic basis, there is no need to formally renew your agreement. For your peace of mind, your rent will be reviewed annually in line with the market, and our team will be in touch to notify you of any proposed changes at least two months before the proposed increase date.

Ending your tenancy

Should you wish to end your tenancy, you are required to provide two months’ notice in line with your tenancy agreement, ending on your rent due date, which is the 1st of each month. Notice can be submitted by email to
[email protected], including your apartment details and proposed end date.

As your tenancy comes to an end, please ensure the following:

  • The property is cleaned to the same standard as at the start of your tenancy, in line with the check-in inventory report (allowing for fair wear and tear).
  • The apartment will be checked against the inventory report, and any discrepancies may result in deductions from your deposit.
  • All keys and fobs are returned to reception on or before your tenancy end date.
  • If you have a parking space, please ensure it is vacated and notify us once this has been done.
  • All personal belongings are removed from the property.
  • Any outstanding rent or charges are settled.

Local Area

Tilling Courtyard and Central Reading
For many renters, Tilling Courtyard at Emporium House is one of the best places to rent an apartment in Reading. Located close to Reading Station and the town centre, it offers the convenience of city living with easy access to riverside walks, shopping, dining, and major employment hubs.

Residents benefit from:

  • A short walk to Reading Station and Elizabeth line services
  • Easy access to The Oracle shopping and leisure destination
  • Riverside walking and cycling routes along the River Kennet and River Thames
  • Excellent connections to London, Oxford, Bristol, and other major UK cities
  • Modern build-to-rent homes with dedicated resident amenities
Why Rent in Central Reading?
Reading continues to attract renters thanks to its combination of:
  • Fast rail connections via Reading Station
  • Major employers including Microsoft UK, Oracle UK, and Huawei UK
  • Shopping at The Oracle
  • Historic attractions such as Reading Abbey Ruins
  • Access to both urban amenities and riverside green spaces
For renters seeking connectivity, convenience, and modern living, central Reading and Tilling Courtyard remain among the area's most desirable locations.

Exceptional Connectivity
One of the biggest benefits of living at Emporium House in Reading is its outstanding connectivity. Reading Station is just a short walk away, providing National Rail and Elizabeth line services to London Paddington, Oxford, Bristol, Cardiff, Birmingham, and beyond.

The M4, A33, and A329(M) also make travelling across the South East simple and convenient.

A Thriving Business and Employment Hub
Reading is one of the UK's leading commercial centres outside London. The town is home to major international employers, including:

  • Microsoft UK
  • Oracle UK
  • Huawei UK
This strong business presence makes Reading especially appealing to professionals seeking a shorter commute and excellent career opportunities.

City Living with Riverside Green Space
Reading offers a balance that many renters look for. Alongside its busy town centre, residents enjoy easy access to:
  • The River Thames and Thames Path
  • Riverside cycle routes
  • The River Kennet and Kennet & Avon Canal
  • Forbury Gardens and other green spaces nearby
Great Amenities on Your Doorstep
Living at Emporium House places residents close to everything they need, including shopping, dining, culture, and entertainment. The Oracle, Reading Museum, The Hexagon Theatre, and Reading Abbey Ruins are all within easy reach.

Combined with modern resident amenities and a strong sense of community, Reading delivers a lifestyle that is both convenient and vibrant.

Shopping & Dining
Reading offers excellent retail and dining options for residents.

  • Explore The Oracle for shopping, restaurants, cafés, and leisure activities
  • Discover independent cafés and eateries throughout the town centre
  • Enjoy waterside dining near the River Kennet
Parks & Outdoor Spaces
For those who enjoy spending time outdoors, Reading has plenty to offer.
  • Walk or cycle along the River Thames and Thames Path
  • Explore routes beside the River Kennet and Kennet & Avon Canal
  • Visit Forbury Gardens next to the historic Reading Abbey Ruins
  • Enjoy riverside walks close to the town centre
Entertainment & Culture
Reading has a strong cultural scene with attractions suitable for all interests.
  • Visit Reading Museum to learn about the area's history
  • Explore the historic Reading Abbey Ruins
  • Watch performances, comedy, music, and events at The Hexagon Theatre
  • Attend seasonal events and festivals across the town
Work & Study Opportunities
Reading is also an excellent place to build a career.
  • Work for leading organisations such as Microsoft UK, Oracle UK, and Huawei UK
  • Benefit from Reading's growing business community
  • Make use of excellent rail connections to employment hubs across the South East and London
Living at Emporium House means many of these attractions, workplaces, and leisure destinations are within easy reach of home.

Direct Access to Reading's Business District
Tilling Courtyard places residents close to some of Reading's most significant employers and commercial centres. The location is particularly attractive for professionals working in the technology, telecommunications, and business sectors.

Nearby employers include:

  • Microsoft UK
  • Oracle UK
  • Huawei UK
Excellent Rail Connections
Reading Station is approximately a five-minute walk from Emporium House, making commuting straightforward.
National Rail and Elizabeth line services provide connections to:
  • London Paddington
  • Oxford
  • Bristol
  • Cardiff
  • Birmingham
These connections support both local and regional commuting.

Strong Road Connectivity
Residents also benefit from easy access to:
  • M4 motorway
  • A33
  • A329(M)
These major routes connect Reading with nearby employment centres including London, Slough, Bracknell, Maidenhead, Wokingham, Basingstoke, Newbury, Guildford, and Oxford.

Access to Regional and International Travel
For professionals who travel regularly, the property is conveniently positioned for:
  • Heathrow Airport
  • London Gatwick Airport
  • Southampton Airport
Combined with Reading's extensive bus network and local cycle routes, Tilling Courtyard offers excellent connectivity for both work and leisure travel.

Apartment Features
Emporium House offers thoughtfully designed apartments that support modern living.

Key apartment features include:

  • Fully fitted kitchen appliances
  • High-speed internet connection
  • Fully furnished options available
  • Contemporary layouts with bright living spaces
  • Choice of courtyard or town views
These features help make moving in and settling down as convenient as possible.

Resident Amenities
Residents have access to a range of spaces designed for work, relaxation, and socialising.
  • Co-working lounge
  • Games room
  • Dedicated events space
  • Landscaped courtyard areas
  • Resident community events
These shared amenities create opportunities to connect with neighbours while enjoying added convenience.

Health & Wellbeing
Supporting an active lifestyle is a key part of life at Emporium House.
  • 24-hour gym
  • Walking routes along the River Thames and River Kennet nearby
  • Cycle-friendly location with secure cycle storage
This combination makes it easier to stay active throughout the year.

Outdoor Spaces
The development includes generous outdoor areas for residents to enjoy.
  • Large landscaped courtyard
  • Outdoor seating and social spaces
  • Easy access to nearby riverside walks and green spaces
These areas provide a welcome escape from the pace of city life.

Pet-Friendly Living
Emporium House is a pet-friendly community, allowing residents to enjoy city-centre living with their pets. Combined with nearby riverside paths and outdoor spaces, it offers a convenient environment for pet owners.
For renters looking for modern build-to-rent apartments in Reading, the combination of stylish homes, co-working facilities, wellness amenities, outdoor space, and excellent connectivity makes Emporium House a standout choice.

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