Does my apartment come furnished?

Alma apartments are fully furnished with bespoke, sustainably sourced furniture and fitted appliances, including a washer dryer, a wine fridge, integrated kitchen appliances and a smart Samsung TV. Two colour palettes are available - warm and cool. Unfortunately, none of the furnishings can be removed from the apartment.

A limited number of apartments are available unfurnished.

Are amenities included?

The following services and amenities are included in your monthly rent:

• 24/7 concierge
• Super-fast broadband
• Bike storage
• Co-working space with private pods and refreshments
• Use of residents' lounge, dining room, screening room and rooftop garden
• Resident events
• Late night meet & greet
• Use of 8th-floor fitness studio and gym located in the neighbouring building
• Secure parcel service
• Residents' App
• On-demand wellness

We also offer signature services an additional cost, including:

• Housekeeping
• Private car service
• In-home massage
• In-home hair & beauty treatments
• Flower delivery
• Personal trainers and coaches
• Pet walking, sitting and grooming services

Parking and upgrades to your Wi-Fi speed can also be arranged at an additional cost. The residents' lounge, dining and screening rooms can be booked for private events. There is a cleaning cost associated with private bookings.

I am a student, can I rent at Alma?

Yes, we welcome individuals who are over 18.

Do you accept pets?

Alma is pet-friendly. We welcome dogs, cats, rabbits and fish. There is no additional cost for having your pet at Alma, however we do have a few rules and regulations. Please see our pet policy for details.

Is there a fee for reserving an apartment?

A holding deposit of one week's rent is required to reserve a home at Alma. This is reconciled against your first rent payment.

Do you take up references?

To reserve your new home, you will need to go through a standard referencing process. You will be asked to provide your ID, current address, a landlord reference, an employer reference if required, and proof of funds.

What lease lengths do you offer?

We currently offer leases for 12 months plus.

How quickly can I move in?

You can move in seven days from reserving your apartment, providing all paperwork is completed and the necessary payments have cleared.

What are the deposit options?

There are two deposit options available.

1. Traditional deposit

If opting for a traditional deposit, you would pay four weeks' rent which is held securely in the Tenancy Deposit Scheme until the end of your tenancy. The deposit will be refunded in full unless there is damage to the apartment and/or the deposit is needed to recover any unpaid rent.

2. Flatfair

Flatfair offers a simple and affordable alternative to tenancy deposits. Here, you pay a one-off, non-refundable fee of one week's rent. If you are sharing an apartment, the Flatfair fee can be split. Flatfair requires applicants to meet referencing criteria that are broadly in line with standard lettings agency referencing. Please note that if opting for Flatfair, you will still need to pay for any valid claims or damage costs when you move out. If you disagree with any charges, Flatfair works with government-backed independent adjudicators. Disputes are handled quickly and fairly to ensure a seamless checkout process. Flatfair’s security expires on the tenancy end date, or after 24 months (whichever comes first). It can be extended at any time through the Flatfair platform.

If you would like more information about deposits, please visit the Flatfair website or speak to a member of our team.

What is the move-in process?

You can choose your move-in date, provided our requirements are met. Our team will be on hand to assist you and make moving in as straightforward as possible.

Do I need to set up utilities?

No, the Alma team will notify the utility providers. The utility companies will contact you shortly after your move-in to set up billing.

Do I need to pay council tax?

Yes. We will let the council know that you have moved in. However, it is your responsibility to contact Tower Hamlets Council to register and arrange council tax payment. We ask residents to do this within 48 hours of moving. Let us know if you need any assistance; we’d be happy to help.

What are the charges at Alma?

You will pay a deposit, monthly rent on the first of each month, utilities (based on usage), and council tax. There are no additional charges unless you decide to book signature services.

What payment method can I use?

Rent payments are made through Stripe – a straightforward, secure process that works similarly to a Direct Debit. Please note that if you are sharing an apartment, you will need to confirm via email which account the rent should be paid from, as it cannot be paid from multiple accounts.

Can I pay upfront?

Yes. If you’ve opted to pay 12 months’ rent upfront as part of your application, the payment must be made by bank transfer at least 14 working days before your tenancy start date. Please allow ample time for your bank transfer to clear into our account.

Will my rent increase during my tenancy?

Your rent will not increase during the initial term of your tenancy. Before the end of your tenancy, the onsite team will contact you to discuss a renewal. Rates will be discussed at this time.

What services does the concierge provide?

Our community host team will help with everything from making restaurant reservations and booking taxis to receiving your parcels. We also offer a nighttime meet-and-greet service to help you feel secure when arriving home late. Whatever you need, just ask, and we will do our best to help.

Do you have on-site maintenance and security?

Our team is on hand 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to ensure your safety and security. The on-site maintenance team is highly responsive and will swiftly take care of any maintenance needs.

Is WiFi included?

Yes, you will have unlimited data, with speeds of 500 Mbps. You can connect as many devices as you'd like. Once your account is set up, you can enjoy Wi-Fi throughout the building. If you would like to upgrade your broadband speed to 1 Gbps, this can be arranged for an additional cost.

Is car parking available?

Our underground car park has a number of parking spaces. Subject to availability, these can be leased for an additional charge. Several EV charging spaces are also available.

Where can I store my bicycle?

We have dedicated bike storage that is secure and covered.

Do you have sustainability measures in place?

The furnishings at Alma have been carefully sourced to ensure the lowest possible carbon footprint. We only partner with designers and makers who adhere to strict ethical production policies. All furnishings and accessories are designed for circularity and have an end-of-life plan. We only source in the UK and Europe, and where possible, we work with hyper-local suppliers.

Waste chutes on each floor separate general and food waste at the touch of a button. Smart energy usage is available within each apartment.

What can I expect in terms of events?

Alma residents can enjoy a range of events and activities, which will be featured in the events section on the residents’ app. These include fitness and wellness activities, wine tastings, brunches, cookery workshops, cultural activities, and events for people with pets.

What other perks can I expect?

Through our partnership with Whitechapel Gallery, you will receive complimentary access to the gallery, exclusive invites and discounts, and the opportunity to engage with leading artists and curators. We also run a neighbourhood heroes’ scheme with carefully chosen local independent businesses. Here, you can expect discounts and invitations to events and launches.