Portobello House

A deposit or holding fee may be required to secure a booking, with amounts varying by property, and this payment typically converts into a refundable security deposit or is adjusted against initial rent depending on provider terms. Deposits are held safely in accordance with standard deposit protection regulations, often registered with a government-approved tenancy deposit scheme, and cannot be used toward rent unless explicitly stated. The deposit is refundable at the end of your tenancy once your room has been inspected and found to be in good condition, with possible deductions for damage, missing items, cleaning, or unpaid rent; refund timelines usually range from 10–28 days depending on the provider and scheme. If you disagree with any proposed charges, you have the right to dispute them through the relevant deposit protection platform, and our team can assist if needed. In certain cases, properties may require advance rent instead of a traditional deposit; such payments are generally non-refundable but count toward your first rent instalment. For any questions or issues regarding your deposit, please contact studentengage@alpha-way.com.

Cancellations are subject to the individual terms of each property and the conditions outlined in your tenancy or licence agreement. In most cases, bookings become non-refundable after confirmation, except in specific situations such as visa refusal, university place not secured, or other documented exceptional circumstances. Some properties may offer a short cooling-off period (usually 7 days) during which you can cancel for a full refund of your deposit; after this period, deposits and fees are generally non-refundable, and you may remain liable for rent until a replacement tenant is found and approved. Early move-out or cancelling after the tenancy has begun will normally require paying rent until a suitable replacement is secured, along with any admin or re-letting fees charged by the provider. Alphaway is a third-party booking platform and does not control provider decisions; all refund, cancellation, and release outcomes are determined solely by the accommodation provider under their policies and local regulations. For any cancellation request, please contact studentengage@alpha-way.com.