---
title: What are the key terms I should understand before signing?
description: Learn the key Scape contract terms to understand before signing, including rent, cancellations, deposits and early exit rules.
---

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1. [Scape Knowledge Base](https://help.scape.com/?hsLang=en-gb)
2. [Contracts, cancellations and policies](https://help.scape.com/contracts-cancellations-and-policies?hsLang=en-gb)
3. [Understanding your contract](https://help.scape.com/contracts-cancellations-and-policies?hsLang=en-gb#understanding-your-contract)

# What are the key terms I should understand before signing?

Before signing your Scape contract, make sure you understand the key terms that apply to your booking and stay. Your Residence Agreement is legally important, so it is worth reading properly rather than rushing through it.

### Key terms to check

- **Start and end dates:** these confirm when your contract begins and ends, and when your rent obligations apply.
- **Total rent and payment schedule:** check the total residence fee, instalment dates and amounts due.
- **Cooling-off and cancellation rights:** understand when you can cancel, how to do it and what refund rules apply.
- **No Uni No Pay and No Visa No Pay:** read when these policies may apply and what evidence you may need.
- **Code of Conduct:** this is legally binding and explains the behaviour expected while living at Scape.
- **Early exit rules:** leaving early usually requires a suitable replacement student or a qualifying circumstance under the relevant policy.
- **Deposit terms:** check how your deposit is protected through DPS and what deductions may apply.

You can review your documents in your Scape account. If anything is unclear, contact the Scape team before signing so we can help you understand your next step.

- [Finding the right room](https://help.scape.com/finding-the-right-room?hsLang=en-gb#main-content)

    - [Locations and buildings](https://help.scape.com/finding-the-right-room?hsLang=en-gb#locations-and-buildings)
    - [Room types and layouts](https://help.scape.com/finding-the-right-room?hsLang=en-gb#room-types-and-layouts)
    - [Availability and pricing](https://help.scape.com/finding-the-right-room?hsLang=en-gb#availability-and-pricing)
    - [Viewing options](https://help.scape.com/finding-the-right-room?hsLang=en-gb#viewing-options)
    - [Accessibility and requirements](https://help.scape.com/finding-the-right-room?hsLang=en-gb#accessibility-and-requirements)
- [Eligibility and requirements](https://help.scape.com/eligibility-and-requirements?hsLang=en-gb#main-content)

    - [Who can book](https://help.scape.com/eligibility-and-requirements?hsLang=en-gb#who-can-book)
    - [Student status and enrolment](https://help.scape.com/eligibility-and-requirements?hsLang=en-gb#student-status-and-enrolment)
    - [Age requirements](https://help.scape.com/eligibility-and-requirements?hsLang=en-gb#age-requirements)
    - [Visa requirements](https://help.scape.com/eligibility-and-requirements?hsLang=en-gb#visa-requirements)
    - [Guarantors](https://help.scape.com/eligibility-and-requirements?hsLang=en-gb#guarantors)
    - [Required documents](https://help.scape.com/eligibility-and-requirements?hsLang=en-gb#required-documents)
    - [International student requirements](https://help.scape.com/eligibility-and-requirements?hsLang=en-gb#international-student-requirements)
    - [Exceptions and special circumstances](https://help.scape.com/eligibility-and-requirements?hsLang=en-gb#exceptions-and-special-circumstances)
- [Before you book](https://help.scape.com/before-you-book?hsLang=en-gb#main-content)

    - [What’s included in rent](https://help.scape.com/before-you-book?hsLang=en-gb#whats-included-in-rent)
    - [Contract lengths and dates](https://help.scape.com/before-you-book?hsLang=en-gb#contract-lengths-and-dates)
    - [Choosing and securing your room](https://help.scape.com/before-you-book?hsLang=en-gb#choosing-and-securing-your-room)
    - [Booking with others](https://help.scape.com/before-you-book?hsLang=en-gb#booking-with-others)
    - [Offers and promotions](https://help.scape.com/before-you-book?hsLang=en-gb#offers-and-promotions)
    - [Requests and preferences](https://help.scape.com/before-you-book?hsLang=en-gb#requests-and-preferences)
    - [Before booking considerations](https://help.scape.com/before-you-book?hsLang=en-gb#before-booking-considerations)
- [Booking your room](https://help.scape.com/booking-your-room?hsLang=en-gb#main-content)

    - [How to book](https://help.scape.com/booking-your-room?hsLang=en-gb#how-to-book)
    - [Booking process and timeline](https://help.scape.com/booking-your-room?hsLang=en-gb#booking-process-and-timeline)
    - [Payments during booking](https://help.scape.com/booking-your-room?hsLang=en-gb#payments-during-booking)
    - [Booking confirmation](https://help.scape.com/booking-your-room?hsLang=en-gb#booking-confirmation)
    - [Documents and verification](https://help.scape.com/booking-your-room?hsLang=en-gb#documents-and-verification)
    - [Making changes to your booking](https://help.scape.com/booking-your-room?hsLang=en-gb#making-changes-to-your-booking)
    - [Booking help and issues](https://help.scape.com/booking-your-room?hsLang=en-gb#booking-help-and-issues)
- [Payments, fees and rent](https://help.scape.com/payments-fees-and-rent?hsLang=en-gb#main-content)

    - [Rent and pricing](https://help.scape.com/payments-fees-and-rent?hsLang=en-gb#rent-and-pricing)
    - [Paying your rent](https://help.scape.com/payments-fees-and-rent?hsLang=en-gb#paying-your-rent)
    - [Payment methods](https://help.scape.com/payments-fees-and-rent?hsLang=en-gb#payment-methods)
    - [International payments](https://help.scape.com/payments-fees-and-rent?hsLang=en-gb#international-payments)
    - [Deposits and advance payments](https://help.scape.com/payments-fees-and-rent?hsLang=en-gb#deposits-and-advance-payments)
    - [Late and failed payments](https://help.scape.com/payments-fees-and-rent?hsLang=en-gb#late-and-failed-payments)
    - [Refunds and cancellations](https://help.scape.com/payments-fees-and-rent?hsLang=en-gb#refunds-and-cancellations)
    - [Invoices and receipts](https://help.scape.com/payments-fees-and-rent?hsLang=en-gb#invoices-and-receipts)
    - [Managing payment details](https://help.scape.com/payments-fees-and-rent?hsLang=en-gb#managing-payment-details)
- [Contracts, cancellations and policies](https://help.scape.com/contracts-cancellations-and-policies?hsLang=en-gb#main-content)

    - [Tenancy agreements](https://help.scape.com/contracts-cancellations-and-policies?hsLang=en-gb#tenancy-agreements)
    - [Understanding your contract](https://help.scape.com/contracts-cancellations-and-policies?hsLang=en-gb#understanding-your-contract)
    - [Cooling-off period](https://help.scape.com/contracts-cancellations-and-policies?hsLang=en-gb#cooling-off-period)
    - [Cancelling your booking](https://help.scape.com/contracts-cancellations-and-policies?hsLang=en-gb#cancelling-your-booking)
    - [Change of Study Circumstances](https://help.scape.com/contracts-cancellations-and-policies?hsLang=en-gb#change-of-study-circumstances)
    - [Replacement tenants](https://help.scape.com/contracts-cancellations-and-policies?hsLang=en-gb#replacement-tenants)
    - [Ending your contract early](https://help.scape.com/contracts-cancellations-and-policies?hsLang=en-gb#ending-your-contract-early)
    - [Changes before move-in](https://help.scape.com/contracts-cancellations-and-policies?hsLang=en-gb#changes-before-move-in)
    - [Policy updates and exceptions](https://help.scape.com/contracts-cancellations-and-policies?hsLang=en-gb#policy-updates-and-exceptions)
- [Preparing to move in](https://help.scape.com/preparing-to-move-in?hsLang=en-gb#main-content)

    - [Move-in checklist](https://help.scape.com/preparing-to-move-in?hsLang=en-gb#move-in-checklist)
    - [What to bring](https://help.scape.com/preparing-to-move-in?hsLang=en-gb#what-to-bring)
    - [Arrival planning](https://help.scape.com/preparing-to-move-in?hsLang=en-gb#arrival-planning)
    - [Pre-arrival tasks](https://help.scape.com/preparing-to-move-in?hsLang=en-gb#pre-arrival-tasks)
    - [Travel planning](https://help.scape.com/preparing-to-move-in?hsLang=en-gb#travel-planning)
    - [Deliveries before arrival](https://help.scape.com/preparing-to-move-in?hsLang=en-gb#deliveries-before-arrival)
    - [Setting up essentials](https://help.scape.com/preparing-to-move-in?hsLang=en-gb#setting-up-essentials)
- [Arriving and checking in](https://help.scape.com/arriving-and-checking-in?hsLang=en-gb#main-content)

    - [Check-in process](https://help.scape.com/arriving-and-checking-in?hsLang=en-gb#check-in-process)
    - [Arrival times and access](https://help.scape.com/arriving-and-checking-in?hsLang=en-gb#arrival-times-and-access)
    - [What to bring on the day](https://help.scape.com/arriving-and-checking-in?hsLang=en-gb#what-to-bring-on-the-day)
    - [Keys and access](https://help.scape.com/arriving-and-checking-in?hsLang=en-gb#keys-and-access)
    - [Room and inventory checks](https://help.scape.com/arriving-and-checking-in?hsLang=en-gb#room-and-inventory-checks)
    - [Support on arrival](https://help.scape.com/arriving-and-checking-in?hsLang=en-gb#support-on-arrival)
- [Living with Scape](https://help.scape.com/living-with-scape?hsLang=en-gb#main-content)

    - [Your room and shared spaces](https://help.scape.com/living-with-scape?hsLang=en-gb#your-room-and-shared-spaces)
    - [Facilities and amenities](https://help.scape.com/living-with-scape?hsLang=en-gb#facilities-and-amenities)
    - [Wi-Fi and connectivity](https://help.scape.com/living-with-scape?hsLang=en-gb#wi-fi-and-connectivity)
    - [Laundry](https://help.scape.com/living-with-scape?hsLang=en-gb#laundry)
    - [Mail and parcels](https://help.scape.com/living-with-scape?hsLang=en-gb#mail-and-parcels)
    - [Guests and visitors](https://help.scape.com/living-with-scape?hsLang=en-gb#guests-and-visitors)
    - [Noise and shared living](https://help.scape.com/living-with-scape?hsLang=en-gb#noise-and-shared-living)
    - [Cleaning and upkeep](https://help.scape.com/living-with-scape?hsLang=en-gb#cleaning-and-upkeep)
    - [Resident app and portal](https://help.scape.com/living-with-scape?hsLang=en-gb#resident-app-and-portal)
- [Maintenance and repairs](https://help.scape.com/maintenance-and-repairs?hsLang=en-gb#main-content)

    - [Reporting an issue](https://help.scape.com/maintenance-and-repairs?hsLang=en-gb#reporting-an-issue)
    - [Emergency vs non-emergency](https://help.scape.com/maintenance-and-repairs?hsLang=en-gb#emergency-vs-non-emergency)
    - [Repair timeframes](https://help.scape.com/maintenance-and-repairs?hsLang=en-gb#repair-timeframes)
    - [Access for maintenance](https://help.scape.com/maintenance-and-repairs?hsLang=en-gb#access-for-maintenance)
    - [Common issues](https://help.scape.com/maintenance-and-repairs?hsLang=en-gb#common-issues)
    - [Shared spaces and facilities](https://help.scape.com/maintenance-and-repairs?hsLang=en-gb#shared-spaces-and-facilities)
    - [Planned maintenance](https://help.scape.com/maintenance-and-repairs?hsLang=en-gb#planned-maintenance)
    - [Damage and responsibility](https://help.scape.com/maintenance-and-repairs?hsLang=en-gb#damage-and-responsibility)
- [Safety, security and emergencies](https://help.scape.com/safety-security-and-emergencies?hsLang=en-gb#main-content)

    - [Building security](https://help.scape.com/safety-security-and-emergencies?hsLang=en-gb#building-security)
    - [Keys and access](https://help.scape.com/safety-security-and-emergencies?hsLang=en-gb#keys-and-access)
    - [Fire safety](https://help.scape.com/safety-security-and-emergencies?hsLang=en-gb#fire-safety)
    - [Emergency procedures](https://help.scape.com/safety-security-and-emergencies?hsLang=en-gb#emergency-procedures)
    - [Medical emergencies](https://help.scape.com/safety-security-and-emergencies?hsLang=en-gb#medical-emergencies)
    - [Incident reporting](https://help.scape.com/safety-security-and-emergencies?hsLang=en-gb#incident-reporting)
    - [Personal safety](https://help.scape.com/safety-security-and-emergencies?hsLang=en-gb#personal-safety)
- [Managing your stay](https://help.scape.com/managing-your-stay?hsLang=en-gb#main-content)

    - [Resident account and portal](https://help.scape.com/managing-your-stay?hsLang=en-gb#resident-account-and-portal)
    - [Updating your details](https://help.scape.com/managing-your-stay?hsLang=en-gb#updating-your-details)
    - [Room moves and transfers](https://help.scape.com/managing-your-stay?hsLang=en-gb#room-moves-and-transfers)
    - [Extending or renewing your stay](https://help.scape.com/managing-your-stay?hsLang=en-gb#extending-or-renewing-your-stay)
    - [Changes during your stay](https://help.scape.com/managing-your-stay?hsLang=en-gb#changes-during-your-stay)
    - [Complaints and feedback](https://help.scape.com/managing-your-stay?hsLang=en-gb#complaints-and-feedback)
    - [Escalations and support](https://help.scape.com/managing-your-stay?hsLang=en-gb#escalations-and-support)
- [Moving out](https://help.scape.com/moving-out?hsLang=en-gb#main-content)

    - [Giving notice](https://help.scape.com/moving-out?hsLang=en-gb#giving-notice)
    - [Move-out process](https://help.scape.com/moving-out?hsLang=en-gb#move-out-process)
    - [Cleaning requirements](https://help.scape.com/moving-out?hsLang=en-gb#cleaning-requirements)
    - [Key return](https://help.scape.com/moving-out?hsLang=en-gb#key-return)
    - [Final inspections](https://help.scape.com/moving-out?hsLang=en-gb#final-inspections)
    - [Charges and payments](https://help.scape.com/moving-out?hsLang=en-gb#charges-and-payments)
    - [Deposit returns](https://help.scape.com/moving-out?hsLang=en-gb#deposit-returns)
- [International students](https://help.scape.com/international-students?hsLang=en-gb#main-content)

    - [Before arriving in the UK](https://help.scape.com/international-students?hsLang=en-gb#before-arriving-in-the-uk)
    - [Setting up essentials](https://help.scape.com/international-students?hsLang=en-gb#setting-up-essentials)
    - [Paying from overseas](https://help.scape.com/international-students?hsLang=en-gb#paying-from-overseas)
    - [Healthcare and support](https://help.scape.com/international-students?hsLang=en-gb#healthcare-and-support)
    - [Settling in](https://help.scape.com/international-students?hsLang=en-gb#settling-in)
- [Parents, guardians or trusted person](https://help.scape.com/parents-guardians-or-trusted-person?hsLang=en-gb#main-content)

    - [Booking for a student](https://help.scape.com/parents-guardians-or-trusted-person?hsLang=en-gb#booking-for-a-student)
    - [Payments and contracts](https://help.scape.com/parents-guardians-or-trusted-person?hsLang=en-gb#payments-and-contracts)
    - [Supporting move-in](https://help.scape.com/parents-guardians-or-trusted-person?hsLang=en-gb#supporting-move-in)
    - [Welfare concerns](https://help.scape.com/parents-guardians-or-trusted-person?hsLang=en-gb#welfare-concerns)
- [Contact and support](https://help.scape.com/contact-and-support?hsLang=en-gb#main-content)

    - [How to contact Scape](https://help.scape.com/contact-and-support?hsLang=en-gb#how-to-contact-scape)
    - [Reception and opening hours](https://help.scape.com/contact-and-support?hsLang=en-gb#reception-and-opening-hours)
    - [Emergency contacts](https://help.scape.com/contact-and-support?hsLang=en-gb#emergency-contacts)
    - [Sales and booking support](https://help.scape.com/contact-and-support?hsLang=en-gb#sales-and-booking-support)
    - [Resident support queries](https://help.scape.com/contact-and-support?hsLang=en-gb#resident-support-queries)
    - [Response times](https://help.scape.com/contact-and-support?hsLang=en-gb#response-times)

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