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What do I need to become a host?
You just need to have at least one room to let in your house. This room needs to be equipped with a standard single or double bed. It should have storage space such as a wardrobe and linen should be provided. Outside of that we look for hosts who are willing and able to make the students feel welcome in sharing your home.
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I have no experience as a host, is this a problem?
No at all! Our students are mature and self sufficient so you don't need any particular experience. Also, we will provide you with advice and assistance anytime you need it.
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When do you recruit new hosts?
All year long! However as our viewings are grouped by area, we would advise you to apply as soon as possible to make sure you don't miss the next one!
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How much will you charge me for your services?
Easy answer: nothing! We are the only 100% FREE agency for hosts in Ireland.
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Do I need to provide breakfast or meals?
Definitely not. Your students will buy their own food, prepare their own meals and clean up after themselves.
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Do I need to have WiFi connection in the house?
Yes. Access to a good WiFi connection is crucial for our students, so it is mandatory.
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Do I need to provide a desk in the room?
Not necessarily. If you have a desk available that's great, but it is not mandatory.
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What if I am going away on holidays during the student's stay?
That's no problem! As they are self sufficient, our students can stay at your home when you are away. You just need to be reachable by phone in case they have a question related to the house.
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I have young kids who can be lively, is it a problem for the student?
Not at all! In your listing description you will be able to mention information about your family and home life which the student will read. That way the student will know what the home environment will be like in advance.
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I have pets that some students might be allergic to...
That's no problem. The kind of pet you have will be clearly mentioned in your listing so students with pet allergies won't book your room.
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Do I need to give the student access to my living room?
It's up to you! You can share your living room, or keep it private for you and your family. This will be clearly indicated in your listing description so the students know before booking.
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Can I rent my room on a 5 days a week basis only?
No, your room needs to be available for the students on a 7 days week basis.
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I have a twin room, can I have 2 students per room?
No, as our students are mature students (over 18 years old) so they need their privacy. This is why we provide our rooms on single occupancy only.
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Can the student's room be equipped with a bunk bed or sofa bed?
No, for the comfort of the student we can only accept a standard single or double bed.
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Who are the students I will be hosting?
With Hosting Power you are guaranteed to only host students. These are busy students, all in higher education (from 3rd Level to Postgrad) who are in Ireland to complete a part of their studies and they are aged between 18 and 27 years old.
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Where are your students from?
Our international students come from all over the world!
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Do I need to look after the students?
Not really. Our students are mature, fully self sufficient and fluent in English, you just need to make them feel welcome!
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Do your students all speak English?
Yes, as all our students are involved in higher education programs, these studies require that the students be fully proficient in English.
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Do you vet the students?
Yes we do! We always do a passport check, a debit/credit check in addition to verifying their studies in Ireland.
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How long will the students stay at my home for?
Our students book for the full duration of their stay in Ireland, which is usually either 4 months (one academic semester) or 8 months (two academic semesters). Please note that you will always be informed about the exact duration of their stay before you accept any booking.
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How old are your students?
Our students are aged between 18 and 27 years old.
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Are the students away from the house during the day?
Yes. Our students are busy with their studies or work placement, and tend to have office working hours as their schedule from Monday to Friday.
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Can I choose the gender of my students?
Yes, if you are more comfortable with a specific gender it is possible to set up to your listing accordingly.
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Do I need to pick up the students from the airport?
No! You are not required to pick them up, our students are used to travelling and will have no problem to make their own way to your home.
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Should I provide any documents or proof of address for my student?
No need! We deal directly with the students, providing them with any documents they may need, so you don't need to worry about any of that.
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How much is the rent I will get?
The rent is calculated according to your exact location, the type of room you let (Single or a Double) and the bathroom arrangement (Shared Bathroom, Private Non Ensuite or Ensuite). For an exact price, please apply to become a host and get a free quote from one of our Property Managers.
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How will I be paid the rent?
You will be paid directly by your student. Most of the hosts find it easier to be paid in cash, but you can also request to be paid by bank transfer.
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How often will I receive the rent?
You will be paid on a weekly basis, upfront. Therefore you will get your first weekly rent on the day of the student's arrival, and then on the same day thereafter every week, until the student's departure.
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Will I pay tax on the income I receive through the rent?
No, because we only place 3rd Level/Postgrad students staying for their academic year or term. This means that you are renting your room out as a residential accommodation so any income earned will fall under the Rent a Room Relief Scheme, which is Tax Free.
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What is the Rent A Room Relief Scheme?
The Rent A Room Relief Scheme is a great scheme which allows you to rent out your room or any self contained unit attached to your house, tax free (up to 14000 euros per year). This relief applies to lettings used as residential accommodation for students in an academic year or term, meaning it applies to all of our students! For more information please check the following resource: https://www.revenue.ie/en/personal-tax-credits-reliefs-and-exemptions/land-and-property/rent-a-room-relief/index.aspx
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What does the rent I will get cover?
The rent covers the room you will provide to the student and the bills: electricity, gas and WiFi.
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Will I still receive the rent if my student is away on holidays?
Yes. The rent is due for the entire duration of the time booked, this includes holidays such as Christmas, when they may decide to not stay in Ireland.
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Will I receive a deposit from the student?
Yes, you will collect a deposit equivalent to 2 weeks rent on the student's arrival day. We have made it really easy for you, as students have already been fully informed that they have to pay a deposit. We will also provide you with a Deposit Form to facilitate the transaction.
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Under what circumstances could I retain the deposit?
All deposits must be refunded on your day of departure by your host. Hosts may only retain the deposit under the following circumstances:
- If the student does not return the room clean and in the same condition as they found it on the day of their arrival - If the Student has caused any damage to the property. - If the student has failed to make any of the weekly rent payments. - If the student leaves before the end of their booking and has failed to pay the remaining days booked or the early departure fee.
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Can I contact Hosting Power by phone before I decide to host?
Yes, if you are willing to become a host, we always start by scheduling a chat over the phone with one of our Property Managers. We will go through your application, and reply to all the questions you may have, so that you know everything you need to know before you decide to become a host.
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Will you visit my house before we work together?
Yes, we will schedule an appointment at your home where you will have the opportunity to meet with one of our Property Managers. This will be a 20 to 30 minute meeting where we will visit with you in your home and take free professional pictures of your spare room and shared areas.
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Do I have to accept every booking once I start working with you?
No, you can accept or decline a booking. Please note we will provide you with the full details of your student, including the exact date of their stay, before you accept any booking.
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Do I get to meet the student beforehand?
No, as it is just impossible! The students are booking your room at least a few weeks in advance, before they are physically in Ireland.
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Can you help me if I have an issue with my student?
Yes, we are available to reply to any question you may have, and if necessary we can remind the rules to the student.
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Do you set up house rules for me?
Yes we do set up a full set or rules, as we want the stay to be enjoyable for both the host and the student. The student is accepting those rules as they are booking.
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What are the rules the students need to respect to use of the kitchen?
Your student will use your kitchen to cook their own meals, but no cooking is allowed between after 10 pm until 7 am. You have also the possibility to restrict the kitchen access for one hour time frame maximum, for lunch and diner time. Your student will also clean after him/herself his own dishes each time he uses the kitchen.
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What about the cleaning of the student's room?
Your student is solely in charge to to keep his provided room clean and tidy, at all time.
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And the cleaning of the common rooms?
You can request the student to participate to the cleaning of the shared room, as long as it is divided in a fair way between all the people living in the house.
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What about the student's laundry?
Your students are responsible for washing their personal clothes, towels and linen using the washing machine. To ensure that your washing machine is used the most economic way, the student is limited to 2 loads per week and you are entitled to set up specific times and rules relating to the washing machine. Also, having a dryer or permitting the use of your dryer is not mandatory, all you need to do is to allocate a space and clothes horse so your student can dry their clothes.
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Is the student allowed to bring a guest to the house?
No. For your peace of mind and comfort, your student won't be allowed to bring anyone to the house at any time during their stay at your home.
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Is there a low noise policy for students at night?
Yes. The student is expected to be really careful to not make noise at night, from 10 pm to 7 am.
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Can I impose a curfew to my student?
No, our students are mature student who can come and go as they need to. However, if they are excepted to be quiet as per the low noise policy from 10 pm.
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Can I do inspections of the student's room during his/her stay?
Yes, you just need to give a 24 hours notice to warn your student that you want to inspect the room.
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Can I stop to host the student before the end of the booked period?
If for an unforeseen reason you can't host the student until the end of the agreed period, you just need to give 1 week notice to the student and we will manage the cancellation for you with the student. Please note that in the unlikely event of misconduct from the student you can cease hosting immediately.
If you have a question we haven’t answered, don't hesitate to send us an email at info@hostingpower.ie