Contents - Dundee College

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Looking After The Flat Property left unoccupied in the winter, especially during the Christmas holidays, can suffer damage from burst pipes, leaking roofs, etc. It is worthwhile contacting the landlord before vacating your accommodation for long periods in the cold weather. Regular and effective cleaning of rooms and equipment and proper regard to hygiene is essential. An array of empty bottles and accumulation of grease, dirt, dust or rubbish, is neither tidy nor hygienic. Bad housekeeping is the most frequent reason given by landlords for withdrawing their property from the student market. Safety Important: When viewing a property ask when gas appliances were last serviced. Landlords are required by law to have all gas appliances serviced annually, therefore you should ask for proof of the date of the last service. Students must be aware of the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning from faulty domestic heating appliances. Also, check that electrical sockets are modern and clear i.e. no scorch marks, check appliances for bare or frayed wiring. Each property should have a smoke detector, fire extinguisher and smother blanket. If you are in any doubt about the standard of fire safety at the property, you are advised to contact the Local Environmental Health Service (Tel. 01382 454491). Budgeting Many students who want to live in private accommodation do not appreciate the costs involved. Heating – this can be more expensive than expected. Older properties often have high ceilings and are more expensive to heat. If four students in a property each work in their own room and run an electric fire, for example, the heating costs will be high. The most expensive appliances to run are: immersion heaters, showers, convector fires and ovens. Food and household items – try to keep a realistic budget for food and bear in mind that you have to buy cleaning materials. 19
Important Advice Regarding Lease Agreement There are a number of pitfalls in lease agreements for private flats. If you are unfamiliar with your legal rights in such matters you would be well advised to have the lease checked out by experts in such matters. Do not let yourself be rushed or pressured into signing what may prove to be a binding legal document. Also check what is included in the rent. Check that the flat is to be rented as you saw it and not for instance unfurnished although you saw it furnished. Housing Benefit If you are a single student, aged 19 or over, living away from home, you are not entitled to claim Housing Benefit. If you are married with children, a single parent, or under 19 on a nonadvanced course or disabled you may apply for Housing Benefit. You will not qualify for full benefit if you receive an award, as part of your allowance is allocated to help pay for rent. Hardship Funds may be available to help you in this situation (see Hardship Funds). Council Tax If you live in a flat, house or bedsit on your own, or only with other students, or if you live in Halls of Residence, the property is exempt and you will not pay Council Tax. If you live with someone who is not a student, you will not be counted towards the Council Tax bill, and the household may be eligible for a discount. The amount of Council Tax payable will depend on the value of the property and the number and status of the adults living there, e.g. • 2 adults, 1 full-time student = 75% of Council Tax • 3 adults, 1 full-time student = 100% of Council Tax • 3 adults, 2 full-time students= 75% of Council Tax 20
Page 2 and 3: Contents • Introduction .........
Page 4 and 5: Dundee College Studio Flats Numbers
Page 6 and 7: www.thinkproperty.com www.findaprop
Page 8 and 9: Living in Private Accommodation The
Page 10 and 11: Dundee Cyrenians 10 Brewery Lane Du
Page 12 and 13: Kirkton Area Office Lochee Area Off
Page 14 and 15: Advisory Organisations Citizens Adv
Page 17 and 18: Living in Private Accommodation Int
Page 19: Rent Payment Rent must be paid regu
Page 23 and 24: What’s on offer at Dundee College
Page 25 and 26: Student Bus Travel (Travel Dundee)
Page 27 and 28: Public Services Post Office Central
Page 29 and 30: Change of Address If you change you
Page 31 and 32: Shops There are several food stores
Page 33 and 34: Verdant Jute Works Verdant jute mus
Page 35 and 36: Scottish Dance Theatre Tay Square,
Page 37 and 38: Deacon Brodies - Ward Road Good Foo
Page 39 and 40: Other Activities Dundee Ice Area Mu
Page 41 and 42: Hairdressing & Beauty Therapy - Pri
Page 43: Body Therapy Full Body Massage £ 5

Contents - Dundee College

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