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House Rules


Everyone at Union should feel safe, heard and respected, and it’s on all of us to keep it that way. So, we’ve written a set of House Rules which we need you to read and sign.


Rooms and Apartments

1. Furniture: All Union Apartments are fully furnished. You can bring more furniture for your room but no Union furniture can be removed without agreement with us. If agreed, any Union furniture moved out must be stored at your own cost and replaced before you move out. This does not apply to the shared spaces in Colive Apartments where furniture must not be moved in or out.

2. Noise Disturbance: You must not use your Apartment or allow others to use it in a way which may cause a disturbance, nuisance, annoyance or inconvenience to others. This includes keeping the noise down please between 11:00pm – 8:00am. This includes avoiding excessively loud music, shouting, or disruptive behaviour in apartments, rooms, hallways, communal areas and outdoor space in the vicinity of Union. We ask that you ensure any guests also respect this policy. Persistent noise issues may result in formal warnings or further action being taken.

3. Fire Safety Detectors: All smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors in your Apartment should be kept free from obstruction, and you should test them regularly. If you live in a Studio, you must change the batteries in the detectors as necessary to ensure they are always fully operational. If you live in a Colive Apartment, you must change the batteries in the detectors in your own room as necessary to ensure they are always fully operational. We will arrange to replace the batteries annually, or as may be required, in the detectors located in the shared communal living space of the Colive Apartments.

4. Water Safety: If you are absent from your Apartment, or haven’t used a water outlet (e.g. taps, showers etc.), for a while then you should flush or run the water outlet before using it to reduce the risk from exposure to legionella bacteria.

5. Damage to Communal Apartment Fixtures or Fittings: If you live in a Colive Apartment with a shared living space, any damage or breakage of any Union items in this space should be reported to the team by emailing reportissue@liveunion.com as soon as you become aware. If it’s urgent please also speak to the team at Front Desk. The costs of the repair or replacement will be charged to the responsible resident or residents. If this can’t be determined then all residents living in the Colive Apartment at the time of the incident will be liable for an equal share of the costs.

6. Inspections: As part of our good property management, we will undertake inspections of your Apartment after letting you know when we plan to do this. Usually we carry these out mid-way through your stay with us and just before you leave.

7. Personal Belongings: When you move out you must remove all personal items on departure, including anything you own in communal areas. Anything left behind will be disposed of. We’re not able to store any of your belongings.

8. Refuse Removal: Refuse or rubbish must not be left outside your Apartment door, in the corridors, or in any common areas of the Building. It’s your responsibility to dispose of your waste correctly either via the bin chute located on each floor or otherwise. Rubbish must be regularly disposed of in polythene bags or other suitable receptacles to maintain acceptable levels of hygiene to prevent outbreaks of any infestations of pests or disease. No large items are allowed in the bin chute. A charge of £600 for the cost of unblocking the bin chute may be issued if you are found to have caused a blockage. If you have any large items to dispose of, please check with the Union Team at Front desk who can give advice.

9. Signage: You may not display any signs, flags, placards, advertisements, notices, posters, pictures, stickers, or other lettering to be visible on the outside of your Apartment, or the Building, or in any communal areas of the Building.


Apartments and the wider Building

1. Personal Items: You’re responsible for your personal items at all times within any part of the Building, including in communal spaces and shared living spaces. Union accepts no responsibility for any loss or damage to your personal items.

2. Non-Smoking Building: Smoking (including e-cigarettes) and vaping is not permitted at any time anywhere within any Room, Apartment, the Building or externally within 5m of the Building. If you are found to be in breach of the no smoking or vaping rules, a verbal warning will be issued. Any evidence of indoor smoking (including cigarette/vape smells, ash, or burn marks) will result in formal warnings being issues and continued non-compliance could result in fines or further action being taken. If any damage is caused as a result of your breach we are entitled to charge you a fee equal to our assessment of the damage suffered. Designated smoking areas are provided and clearly signposted outside the building. We ask that you please use these designated spaces and avoid smoking in other outdoor areas, as they have been carefully selected to avoid close contact with other residents’ windows.

3. Illegal Substances: The use, possession, or distribution of illegal drugs or controlled substances within the property is strictly prohibited. Any breach of this rule is a material breach of licence and will be reported to the authorities. This may lead to termination and eviction from your accommodation. We encourage residents to report any suspicious activity to management immediately and an investigation will be carried out with necessary discretion.

4. Regulations: We may display certain laws, ordinances, and health regulations in and around the Building or the Apartments from time to time and you are required to abide by them.

5. Pets: You may only have a pet within your Apartment, or elsewhere in the Building, if permitted by the terms of your Occupancy Agreement and you have entered into a Pet Licence with us. If you have a pet living you must comply with the terms of the Pet Licence and must be always responsible for your pet’s behavior. In particular, you must not allow it to soil or damage any common areas, or create a nuisance, disturbance or noise which may affect other residents, guests or any Union staff. Pets must always be kept under close control when in common areas.

6. Parcels and Post: Parcels and post can be delivered and will be received by Union Front Desk on behalf of residents currently residing in the accommodation (subject to the rules around maximum parcel sizes). Parcels and post will then be stored and made available for self-serve collection in a controlled area monitored by CCTV cameras. Union accepts no liability for any theft of parcels or if any item is delivered damaged. In such situations you should contact the supplier of the goods. Due to the limited space available, we kindly ask you to collect your parcels within 24 hours of being notified of your delivery.

7. Maximum Parcel Size: The parcel storage is limited so we are only able to accept small parcels (no bigger than a microwave). You must make sure that you are physically in the Building to receive pre-arranged deliveries of large items. If you are not present when your item is being delivered, the delivery will not be accepted.

8. General Conduct: Any abusive, disorderly, violent, threatening or harassing conduct by you, or any of your guests, towards other residents, guests, or any Union staff is totally unacceptable and will not be tolerated under any circumstances. Appropriate action will be taken which may include eviction.

9. Car Parking: There is no resident car parking allowed within the Union site or on the private roads around the Building. Residents and their guests / visitors must not bring or allow any vehicle onto the private roads. You and your guests / visitors must obey all parking signs and restrictions.

10. Delivery & Removal: The Union Management Team may, in its absolute discretion, allow a removal vehicle or furniture delivery vehicle access to the private roads surrounding the Building for a limited time if you are moving into or out of an Apartment. This must be requested at least 48 hours before access is required and, if access is allowed, the resident, driver, and vehicle owner access the Building’s estate at their own risk and Union accepts no responsibility for any parking fines or other charges levied against the vehicle and its owner or driver.

11. Prohibited Areas: You must never access or attempt to access the roof or any other parts of the Building which are not intended for residents, for any reason.

12. Common Parts & Circulation Areas: You must not obstruct any common parts, especially the corridors, staircases and fire exits nor keep, store or place any item, package, bicycle, or pushchair in the common areas outside of your Apartment. Any items left unattended in the common areas will be removed by the Union Management Team.

13. Fire Alarm Evacuation: Upon hearing the fire alarm, please follow the correct fire route (as detailed on the main door of each Apartment) and leave the Building. Unless you have mobility issues, you should always use the stairs to evacuate the Building. You should then go directly to the Assembly Point and not re-enter the Building until you have received confirmation that it is safe to do so.

14. Storage Facilities: Please speak to a member of the Union Team if you would like to use the storage facilities located on the Basement Level in Union East. There is an additional cost for this.

15. Laundry: The washer and dryer machines can be pre-booked using the Air Wallet application on your phone. Please note that the machines are pre-loaded with laundry cleaning solution. Please remember to follow the care label instructions when using the laundry machines to help protect your clothing. While we do our best to provide reliable laundry facilities, we are unable to take responsibility for any damage, loss, or wear that may occur during use. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.


Guests & Visitors

1. Guests & Visitors: You are responsible for the behavior of your guests and visitors to Union. If you or anyone with you behaves in a way that goes against our House Rules, we’ll have to ask your guest(s) to leave. Please make sure your guests are always respectful and considerate towards everyone at Union.

2. Accompaniment: You must be present and accompany any visitors or guests whilst they are within the Building. Guests must not be left unaccompanied at any time.

3. Liability: If you or any of your guests or visitors cause any damage or loss to any part of the Building or leave any areas of the communal spaces in a state that requires cleaning, then you will be liable for the costs of any repair, replacement or cleaning.

4. Guest Stays: You can have maximum of one (1) guest to stay overnight in your Apartment. Guests can stay a maximum of two (2) nights in any one (1) week period.


Dual Occupants

1. Studios: Dual occupancy is only permitted in XL studios. If you want to occupy an XL studio with another person, you must both sign a licence to occupy as dual occupants.

2. Colive Apartments: Dual occupancy may only be permitted in large size rooms in Colive Apartments and will only be permitted at Union’s sole discretion. Maximum occupancy numbers within Colive Apartments mean that dual occupancy will only be permissible in limited very circumstances. If dual occupancy of a room is permitted by Union, both occupants must sign up to an assured shorthold tenancy agreement as a dual occupants.


Union Plus Membership

1. Union Plus Membership Terms and Conditions: All Union Plus Members must abide by the Membership Terms and Conditions in respect of the terms of their membership and use of the Union Plus spaces, services and benefits, a copy can be found on the Union website.

2. Union Plus Membership: Your membership is for personal use only. You must not under any circumstances allow any other person to use your Union Plus Membership or access rights.

The House Rules form part of the terms of your Assured Shorthold Tenancy Agreement or Licence to Occupy (“Occupancy Agreement”). House Rules may be amended or updated from time to time.

Nothing in House Rules is intended to supersede your Occupancy Agreement, in the event of any discrepancy between the House Rules and your Occupancy Agreement, then the terms of your Occupancy Agreement will prevail.


HEALTH & SAFETY NOTICE

This summary guidance is intended to remind all residents living in Union accommodation of their responsibilities, how to avoid hazardous situations and how to act when an emergency arises. By following these general principals’ hazards can be significantly reduced:

  • Turn off kettles, stoves, and all other heated and electrical appliances in the apartment when not in use
  • When leaving your apartment, always ensure electrical appliances are switched off
  • You should not attempt to repair faulty electrical equipment. Report any problems by emailing us at reportissue@liveunion.com
  • Weapons, petrol, paraffin or other highly flammable liquids and materials are strictly forbidden within the apartment
  • Report all health and safety hazards to the Union management team as soon as you discover them.
  • Personal electrical appliances/equipment must be in a safe condition. Union has a “Smoke Free” policy. Smoking and vaping are not allowed in any part of the building.


FIRE SAFETY

All apartments are fitted with HEAT detectors which will be activated by the heat from a fire (not from cooking), and SMOKE detectors which will be activated by cooking and cigarette/vape smoke.

Priority Actions in a Fire Situation:

  1. Keep calm
  2. Call the Fire Brigade. Do not delay. Dial 999
  3. Inform the Union Management Team.
  4. The golden rule is: WHEN IN DOUBT – GET OUT


Actions if you hear a Fire Alarm in apartment or room that you are in:

  1. Never delay leaving the building when the alarm sounds.
  2. Leave the building by the nearest available exit
  3. Do not re-enter the building until you are told it is safe to do.


The evacuation muster point is located outside the Marriott and Victoria Hotel on Water Street (M3 4JQ)

The weekly fire alarm test is conducted every Wednesday at 2pm by the Union management team in all communal spaces. You are responsible for checking the smoke alarm inside your studio. If a red light flashes this indicates that the battery needs changing.


FIRE DOOR SAFETY

The UK Government has recently introduced new laws specifically for the use of Fire doors. The door to your room is regarded as a critical piece of fire safety equipment and therefore you are required to comply with this legislation by ensuring you:

  • Refrain from propping any doors open.
  • Do not damage or obstruct by hanging anything over the top or sides of the door, a door mat on the floor and/or excessive belongings behind the door such as coats and bags as this compromises the fire protection to the corridors and could impede the route of evacuation
  • Do not use any security or alarmed door wedges, portable door locks or door jammers which are prohibited in Union buildings and can impede rescue by emergency services and slow your escape in the event of an emergency.


This responsibility extends to communal areas, and you must ensure that communal means of escape and fire exits are kept clear at all times to aid in the evacuation of the building.


EMERGENCY ARRANGEMENTS

It is important that residents follow the procedures for emergencies. Exit signage is highlighted around the building and must be followed when evacuating the building. It is each individual resident’s responsibility for complying with local emergency arrangements.

All residents must comply with the following to minimise the risk of injury and damage to property:

  1. Residents should be familiar with the position of fire alarms and fire exits.
  2. It is a criminal offence to misuse any fire safety equipment, including extinguishers, alarms, detectors, sounders, and fire blankets. Any person found doing so will be liable to a disciplinary, a legal charge and possible eviction.
  3. All corridors and exits must be kept clear at all times.
  4. All fire or smoke doors in apartments and corridors must be kept closed and never wedged open.
  5. NEVER use a lift as a means of escape in an emergency. Always use the staircase and follow the emergency exit signs.


ELECTRICAL SAFETY

  1. Residents are forbidden to carry out any work which might give rise to a danger of electrocution. This includes the repair or adjustment of electrical appliances and connecting defective/dangerous appliances to the mains. The use of electrical radiators or blow heater electrical appliances in apartments are prohibited. To do so contravenes electrical safety standards and fire regulations throughout the residence.
  2. Residents using personal electrical appliances should regularly check for defects, and in particular look for:- Broken plugs- Frayed, chafed or split supply cables- Signs of overheating, for example, scorch marks, blackening or blistering, plug warm to the touch- Dangerous connections at the appliance and plug ends of the cable – Rattling or looseness in the plug or appliance which might indicate an internal fault.


VISITORS

It is the individual resident’s responsibility to acquaint their guests with the health and safety arrangements for the building and ensure that they observe the rules. In the event of a fire or other emergency which might necessitate evacuation of the accommodation, it is essential that residents can account for their visitors and are responsible for them at all times.


TV LICENCE

If you live in a Studio, you are responsible for the purchase of a TV licence for the Apartment if you choose to watch or record live terrestrial TV programmes or use BBC iPlayer. Should you decide you do not need a TV licence, you are responsible for completing a TV licence exemption form which is available from www.tvlicensing.co.uk

If you live in a Colive Apartment, Union provide a television licence for the communal part of the Apartment only. You are responsible for the purchase of a TV licence for the Room if You wish to watch or record live terrestrial TV programmes or use BBC iPlayer. Should you decide you do not need a TV licence, you are responsible for completing a TV licence exemption form which is available from www.tvlicensing.co.uk


WASTE AND RECYCLING MANAGEMENT

As part of our commitment to living sustainably, we encourage all residents to reduce waste and recycle responsibly.

We work with local waste management partners to ensure responsible disposal and recycling practices. To help make this possible, please separate waste correctly using the designated bins / rubbish chutes provided.

When disposing of cardboard please ensure this is flat packed. Thank you for following these steps to ensure a clean and safe living environment for all residents and to help reduce our collecting impact on the planet.


RESIDENTS BIKES

Union is not held responsible for personal bikes stored on site. We provide bike storage for residents however we do not cover the bikes within our insurance. We advise all residents to take out additional bike insurance for personal bikes stored in any inside or outside space. Union will not be held responsible for loss or damage to any personal bikes.

Electric Bikes,E-Scooters, E-Skateboards and Hoverboards

The use or storage of electric bikes and E-scooters, E-skateboards and hoverboards are prohibited in any part of the building or the Union grounds. Please do not store or charge these items within Union. This is due to the highly flammable battery.


GYM DISCLAIMER

Union provides an unmanned and unsupervised gym facility for the exclusive use of U+ members. Guests are not permitted to use the facilities. Non U+ members are not permitted to use the facilities.

It is each resident’s responsibility to ensure that they adhere to the guidance on how to use the equipment correctly. When using weights or equipment with adjustable weight settings, each resident should ensure that they are doing so within their comfortable limits. We recommend that you train with at least one other person to reduce the risk of illness and/or injury. If you choose to train on your own, you do so at your own risk

Please speak to a member of the Union Management Team before bringing any of your own equipment into the Union gym.

Please do not use any piece of equipment in the gym if you are unsure how to correctly or safely do so. If you suspect a piece of equipment to be faulty or incomplete, please notify a member of the Union Management Team immediately.

Union advises that residents should always consult their doctor or other healthcare provider before changing their diet or starting an exercise program.

Waiver and Release:

In consideration for entering the gym and exercising or using any of the facilities and equipment, every Union resident understands that they are aware of the inherent risks that come with using a gym and accepts that they are using the gym entirely at their own risk.

Each resident accepts and assumes full responsibility for any and all injuries, losses and damages that they incur while attending, exercising or participating in the Union gym. Having been provided with these terms of use prior to using the gym, each resident waives all and any claims, demands, damages, or causes of action, whether known or unknown against Union, Union Management, or the building’s landlord which may arise from the resident’s use of the gym facility or its equipment.


RESPECTING OUR STAFF

Our staff are here to help you and to provide you with the very best experience whilst living with us. We ask all residents and visitors to always treat our staff members with respect and courtesy.

We have a zero tolerance to any aggressive, rude or violent behaviour towards our staff.


RESIDENTS IN SHARED APARTMENTS

For those residents who are living in an apartment with a shared space, please read the following points below to ensure the safety and comfort of the other residents using the space:

  • It is your shared responsibility to ensure the spaces are clean and tidy. Any refuse should be removed daily to avoid build ups and unpleasant smells.
  • You’re responsible for your personal items at all times within any part of the building, including in communal spaces and shared living spaces. Union accepts no responsibility for any loss or damage to your personal items.
  • You must not obstruct any shared areas corridors, entrances or exits within the apartment with refuse, belongings, furniture, or storage items. This is a serious risk to your safety and the safety of your fellow residents. You must be able to evacuate easily in the event of an emergency.
  • We would ask you to look out for your fellow flatmates and if you are concerned in any way about their behaviour or wellbeing, please check in with them to let them know they are not alone. If you’re worried about a housemate’s wellbeing, you can talk to us in confidence. We’ll handle things sensitively and won’t share your name if you’d prefer to stay anonymous.
  • Please do not stick or pin anything to the walls in your room or shared areas. This includes posters, photos, or decorations, as it can cause damage to the paint and surfaces. We’d like to keep our living spaces clean and in good condition for everyone.
  • To ensure fairness and comfort for all residents, vacant bedrooms must not be used for storage under any circumstances. All personal belongings should be kept within your own private room or in the designated shared living areas, if appropriate and agreed upon by all current tenants. When a new tenant moves into a previously vacant room, it must be completely empty and ready for immediate use. Any items found in a vacant room may be removed or disposed of without notice.
  • Residents are welcome to have guests stay overnight, but guests must stay in the residents private bedroom only. Guests are not permitted to sleep in shared living areas. This is to ensure the comfort, privacy, and safety of all residents. Please be considerate and communicate with your flatmates if you plan to have a guest over.
  • Please report this by emailing us at reportissue@liveunion.com so we can arrange to repair or replace the damage and ensure there are no health and safety concerns. We will ask you to pay the cost of any damage if caused by you, your flatmates or your visitors. The costs of the repair or replacement will be charged to the resident responsible or residents responsible. If this can’t be determined, then all residents living in the flat at the time of the incident will be liable for an equal share of the costs.
  • When leaving your apartment for the last time you are responsible for removing all of your belongings, including anything in the shared spaces. You must leave the accommodation in the same condition as it was found upon your arrival.