How to Rent a Room in Stafford – Questions & Answer

Finding a place to live can feel complicated — especially if you work shifts, you’ve just arrived in the UK, or you’re moving quickly for a job.


This page brings together the questions tenants ask us most, based on real conversations we’ve had on CoHo, SpareRoom and WhatsApp.

Everything here applies to all our properties managed by RentBee (Planbee.Solutions Ltd)..

How Renting Works at RentBee (Quick Summary)

Renting with us is simple and fully online:

1. View rooms on CoHo

2. Book a viewing

3 Complete the “Getting to Know You” form on CoHo

4 Come to the viewing (bring original passport/ID)

5 If you want the room, pay 1 week’s rent as a holding fee

6 We hold the room for 2 weeks while you complete referencing

7 Most tenants finish referencing in 5–10 working days

8 Once approved → sign documents online

9 Pay the first month minus your holding fee

10 Move in with a friendly welcome meeting with Sally or Rob

Ready to see a Room ?

Viewings & Arriving for Your Appointment

Do I need to bring ID to the viewing?

Yes. Please bring your passport (or BRP/share code if applicable).
This protects you and us — it confirms you are who you say you are and speeds up Right to Rent checks later.

Where do I go for the viewing?

The exact address and instructions are sent through CoHo once your viewing is confirmed.
We do not send addresses manually — CoHo handles it for security.

How do I meet you when I arrive?

You will meet Sally or Rob directly at the property at the confirmed time.
No confusion, no waiting around, no need for phone calls.

Can I change the viewing time?

Yes — reply in CoHo and request an alternative slot.

Do I need to complete the “Getting to Know You” form?

Yes.


It only takes a few minutes and helps us understand:

your work

your move-in date

who will be attending the viewing

whether the room suits you


It avoids wasted viewings and ensures the room fits your needs.

Ready to see a Room ?

Types of Rooms & Who Can Apply

Is it a shared house or private flat?

Most of our homes are shared houses with single-occupancy rooms.
We also have a small number of self-contained flats suitable for couples.

Do you accept night-shift workers?

Yes — many of our tenants work nights.
Our houses are calm, clean and respectful with quiet hours.
You can sleep during the day with minimal disruption.

Do you accept care workers and NHS staff?

Yes — this is a large part of our community.

We are located close to:

County Hospital Stafford

St George’s Hospital

Rowley Park Hospital

MHA Weston

Queensway House

Manor House Nursing Home

Do you accept overseas workers?

Yes — many tenants come from Africa, the Philippines, India, Zimbabwe, Nigeria, South Africa and Kenya.
We understand the concerns of newcomers and make the process clear and simple.

Do you rent to couples?

Yes, but only in the few self-contained flats we manage.
Most house-share rooms are licensed for one person only.

Do I need to be 25+ ?

We prefer tenants aged 25 and over.
Why?
Because it helps maintain a mature, respectful and quiet household environment.

Ready to see a Room ?

Bills, House Rules & Living Experience

Are bills included?

Yes — in shared houses.


You get:

gas

electricity

water

council tax

Wi-Fi
TV licence for the living room but not for your room

Flats for couples do not include bills.

Is the house cleaned?

Yes — a professional cleaner visits every 2 weeks to refresh

Kitchen

Shared bathrooms

Communal areas


You don’t walk into mess or deal with arguments about cleaning.

Do you have quiet hours?

Yes.
We expect housemates to respect people who work nights or early shifts.

Is smoking allowed?

No smoking indoors.
You can smoke outside

Is the area safe?

Yes — our homes are in established residential streets near Stafford’s hospitals and care providers.
We visit 2–4 times a month to ensure everything is running smoothly.

How do I report repairs?

All repairs must be reported through the CoHo app, with a photo or short video.


Rob sees it and fixes most issues fast — no chasing or delays.

How do I get along with housemates?

We help with this:

Kitchens are labelled so everyone has clear cupboard/fridge space

We introduce the house rules on move-in day

CoHo app lets you message housemates if needed


You avoid misunderstandings and start feeling at home quickly.

Ready to see a Room ?

Referencing, Documents & Payments

What is the holding fee?

It is one week’s rent.
It takes the room off the market for 14 days while referencing is completed.
It is credited towards your first month’s rent.

Is the holding fee refundable?

It is refunded if referencing fails for reasons outside your control.
It is not refunded if you:

change your mind

fail to disclose important information (e.g., CCJ, past landlord issues)

stop responding during referencing

How long does referencing take?

Most tenants complete referencing within 5–10 working days.

Who does referencing?

A company called Advanced Rent through the CoHo system.

What documents do I need?

Passport

Work contract or job offer

Bank statements

Previous address details

Right to Rent share code (if applicable)

Employer reference

Previous landlord reference

I just arrived in the UK — can I still rent?

Yes but you may need to provide:

a UK job offer

recent bank statements

passport + share code


We help overseas workers move in smoothly and explain what’s required step by step.

Do I need a guarantor?

Only if referencing flags concerns such as:

unstable income

very recent arrival

past credit issues

Do I need to be working to apply?

We accept working tenants and tenants with alternative income as long as they can prove affordability.

How much do I pay before moving in?

Your holding fee (1 week’s rent)

The remaining balance of the first month’s rent after referencing

Ready to see a Room ?

Move-In & Staying With RentBee

Can I move in quickly?

Yes — many tenants move in within 7 working days, depending on referencing speed.

What happens on move-in day?

You meet Sally or Rob who:

show you your room

confirm your kitchen/fridge space

explain the heating controls

review bin rota & cleaning

walk you through safety & fire exits


You settle in fast and feel confident from day one.

How long can I stay?

Our tenancies are normally 6 months minimum, reducing to 2 months when the Renters Reform Bill becomes law.

Many tenants stay for years.

How do I give notice?

Via CoHo — simple and clear.

Ready to see a Room ?

EXPERIENCE IT YOURSELF

Ready to Start the process?

Rentbee.co.uk is a trading name of Planbee.solutions Ltd
Company Registration Number:-
10080755

Registered office:- 1 Wiscombe Ave, Penkridge, Staffs, ST19 5EH

PlanBee.Solutions Ltd is a member of The Property Ombudsman No. D13426.

Information Commissioner Office Registration Number: ZA177778

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