FAQs

What is Build-to-Rent and who is the landlord?

Build-to-Rent means the building is managed by a single landlord. It was designed and built from the ground up for residents, putting you first is woven into the fabric of the building. It’s a new way of renting with a guarantee of professional management from The Merchant’s onsite team and perks like high quality finishes and amazing community amenities.

Where are we located?

Edward Street Quarter – Brighton

Can I pick which apartment I live in?

Of course, we have a variety of apartments available and as we are brand new most of them are still available. Speak to The Merchant’s onsite team and we will give you the very best options to pick between.

How much are your apartments?

Our 1-bed apartments start from £1,455pcm

Our 2-bed apartments start from £2,165pcm

Our 3-bed apartments start from £2,550pcm

Would I qualify to rent one of your apartments?

Ours is an inclusive community, so both professionals and students are welcome. In order to qualify to rent one of our apartments, you (and your flatmates, if applicable) need to be earning altogether, before tax and not including bonuses or commissions, 30 times the monthly rent. If you are a student you will need to pay your rent upfront for the full term of your tenancy, or you will need to provide a UK based guarantor.

What documents do I need to provide to put forward an offer?

You will need:

1. A completed and signed application from (which the onsite team will provide you with when you advise them that you would like to make an offer).
2. Photo ID for every tenant, permitted occupier and guarantor. ID should take the form of an valid passport, driver’s license or a BRP card if you are not a UK citizen. Please note that whilst photocopies are acceptable to proceed with your offer, the original documents will need to be brought to site and provided to the site team at check in to verify your ‘Right to Rent’ in the UK.
3. Proof of address, dated within the last three months, for every tenant, permitted occupier and guarantor.

Are you pet friendly?

We are very pet friendly; we love all things waggy and furry. There are a few limits on size of the pet and apartment suitability, if you speak to The Merchant’s onsite team we will be happy to discuss and explain it to you.

Can I rent a car parking space?

Being in a city centre location there are excellent public transport connections and ample storage for bicycles, at The Merchant we are trying to be more environmentally conscious so although we have all the bike parking you could dream of our car parking spaces are on the limited side. We have a few spaces available, and if you book with us early you might be able to snag one. Speak to The Merchant’s onsite team for more details.

Do I have to pay extra for the Gym?

Absolutely not, the gym along with all the other fantastic amenity space including the Residents’ Lounge, Workspaces, Rooftop Terrace, Courtyard, Private Dining and much more… including free unlimited sustainably sourced, UTZ certified coffee and hot drinks all part of the community experience when you live with us at The Merchant.

When will the building be ready?

We are very excited our current opening date is week commencing 25th July 2022, we hope this won’t have to change, but you’ll be the first to know, just register with us and we can send you an email update.

Can I come for a viewing?

Yes! We will start viewings week commencing 11th July but please note these dates are subject to change.

Will my apartment be furnished?

It can. We have a selection of both furnished and unfurnished apartments. In our furnished apartments you will find a selection of sophisticated timeless furniture, creating a calming interior. There is a small additional charge for one of our furnished apartments.

Do I arrange and pay my own utility bills?

Yes.

Can I store my bike?

Yes we have cycle storage at The Merchant. They are all nice and secure within the building with controlled access and CCTV coverage. You do still need to bring a bike lock though no two residents are the same, but two bikes? We don’t want someone accidentally mistaking your bike for their own.

What amenities & benefits are there at The Merchant?

Show stopping ones. There is a large modern gym, with a yoga studio. We also have a Resident’s Lounge and Private Dining. There is also a Snug (cinema room), Workspaces, and a Concierge Service. There is also a Rooftop Terrace overlooking Brighton Beach.

Can I book the dining rooms and other amenity spaces?

Yes you can, these fantastic spaces are available for booking for private use. This is free of charge for residents but there are a few limitations on frequency and timings etc, speak to your residence team for more details.

Will you take parcels in for me?

Yes we will. Most parcels will come to us at reception, and you can collect them from us.

Will there be community events?

Absolutely, we are all about community at The Merchant. There will be an array of events throughout the year and some very special ones for residents to meet each other as part of our grand opening.

What is nearby?

For public transport we are a 15-minute walk to Brighton train station. We are a 6 minute walk away from Brighton pier where you can chill on the beach, go for a swim and indulge in all of the activities on the pier. We are only an 8 minute walk away from The Lanes too. And not to mention the endless choices of restaurants, bars, and cafes.

Am I allowed to smoke in my new apartment?

No, you can’t smoke in your new apartment or any of the internal or external communal areas, this includes the Rooftop Terrace.

How long would my tenancy be?

Our default contract length is 12-months. Longer tenancies are available, if you are looking for longer or for a specific length speak to The Merchant’s onsite team.

Can I end my contract early?

We don’t know why you would want to leave, but if your circumstances change and you can no longer rent with us, you would need to discuss this with The Merchant’s on site team.

Do I need to pay a deposit?

Yes you do, you have to pay one weeks rent to reserve the apartment during the application process, this then becomes part of your 1st rent payment. You also have to pay a deposit equal to five weeks rent that is placed into a deposit protection scheme to secure against damage during your tenancy.

How do I apply?

There are some forms to fill in, some documents we will need copies of and references that will need to be completed. If you send an email to enquiries@themerchantbrighton.co.uk or call us on 07929673326 we will send you an application form for the apartment you are reserving as well as information on the process we follow and the documents we will need. Don’t worry it’s all very simple!

What we’re doing about COVID-19?

Fostering a safe and happy community is at the heart of what we do. That’s why we’ve put the health and wellbeing of our residents, staff and visitors at the forefront of our response to the current coronavirus situation. We have put measures in place to protect everyone, which include:

• Virtual viewings are available
• Protective screens at the reception desks
• Social distancing signage
• Hand sanitiser in multiple locations
• Our on-site team will also be wearing masks and gloves where required

We will continue to adapt our service to meet government guidelines. Thank you to everyone who has taken care to follow the measures we’ve put in place so far. Please continue to observe the new signs and instructions so that we can continue to reduce the spread of coronavirus and keep our community as safe as possible. For any questions or responses, or if you are interested in becoming a resident, click register and fill in the form. Our team will get back to you as soon as possible.