Private Accommodation Information Students - A guide for you

Types of accommodationAccommodation available to students in the private sector can broadly be divided into thefollowing:Self-contained accommodation – shared student houses• Accommodation in furnished rooms within a shared house or flat.• Students share a kitchen and bathroom with the other tenants and may also have shareduse of a communal living room.• Bedding, kitchen utensils, crockery and cutlery will usually not be provided.Resident landlord – self catered accommodation• Students usually share a kitchen and bathroom with the Landlord.• Accommodation will often be in furnished rooms with reasonable facilities for study.Resident landlord – catered accommodation• Accommodation in a landlord’s home where at least one meal a day is provided.• Students usually share a kitchen and bathroom with the landlord.• Accommodation will often be in furnished rooms with reasonable facilities for study.Accommodation for couples and families• There is a separate list within the Private Accommodation Register of accommodation forcouples and families.Bristol Student Accreditation SchemeBristol City Council in partnership with the University has introduced an accreditation schemeinto the Private Rented Sector.The Scheme addresses the following areas:Gas safety certificate – Electric safety certificate – Furniture safety undertaking – Fireprotection measures – Security measures – Energy efficiency – Facilities and room sizes –Code of Good management Practice.For information on the Bristol Accreditation Scheme please see the following website:www.bristol.gov.uk/accreditationSouth Gloucestershire council also run an accreditation scheme addressing the above factorsplease see the following website for further information, www.privatehousinginformation.co.uk.Once an application for Accreditation has been received the property is given preferentialadvertising through the University’s website.3

Contracts and legal obligationsYou will normally be required to sign a written tenancy agreement in order to secure theaccommodation. There are two types of written agreement:Assured Shorthold Tenancy. This is the standard agreement used to let whole propertiesfor a fixed period. It can be used for either single or joint tenancies.A joint tenancy – One agreement which covers the whole property. Signed by all tenants.• Each person is jointly responsible for meeting the terms of the tenancy in full. If one jointtenant leaves the property before the end of the tenancy, the remaining tenants can beheld liable to pay the full rental.A single tenancy – An individual agreement per tenant.• Each tenant is individually responsible in meeting the terms of the tenancy.Licence to Occupy An agreement where exclusive possession is not granted. This is usuallyused for Resident landlord accommodationContract Length• Usually student contracts are for a fixed period – this means that if you leave the propertybefore the end of the contract you will still be liable for the rent• Some landlords may offer a reduction over the summer. Discuss this before signing acontract.• Shorter rental periods are available from some landlords. The Private AccommodationRegister has the option of choosing short-term rental.The tenancy agreement should include• How much and when rent should be paid and what this includes.• Length of the agreement.• The terms of notice. A clear statement of whether students can or can not give noticeand any related conditions.An agreement to move in and pay for the accommodation will create a legal tenancyand will impose certain legal responsibilities on both yourself and the Landlord -even when there is no written agreement.• Make sure you have a clear understanding regarding your rights and responsibilitiesbefore taking the accommodation, especially if you are not provided with a writtenagreement.• Establish the exact terms and conditions being offered before agreeing to take theaccommodation• Ask for a written copy of these arrangements if not already provided• For resident Landlord accommodation there should be house rules which you shouldcheck. For example, use of telephone, washing machine, visitors, meal times.6The Students Union have a Tenancy Advice service for information on this, pleasesee page 7

Student Union Advice CentreThe Students’ Union Advice Centre offers independent advice to allUWE students. We are based on the 2F patio at Frenchay and we haveadvisers that visit the other Bristol sites too.Accommodation is one of our biggest enquiry areas. We can provide allsorts of accommodation advice to students including:• Tenancy Deposit Scheme• Tenancy agreements• Disrepair• Conflict• Council Tax• Eviction• Tenant & Landlord rights & responsibilities• InventoriesIt is important that as a tenant you know what it expected of you and what is requiredfrom your landlord or agency. If you are having a problem in your accommodation pleasecontact us:Visit: 2F Patio @ Frenchay (next to the Jobshop)E-mail: advice@uwe.ac.ukTel: 0117 32 82676Webpage: www.uwesu.org/services_sites/advice_centre/accommodationIn addition to providing accommodation advice we also advise on issues relating to yourstudies, your part time job and your finances. If you need advice and are not sure where togo, come to us. If we can’t help you we will be able to refer you to someone who can!7

Money mattersThe cost of accommodation depends on quality of accommodation, facilities provided andthe area in which it is situated.Before you pay any money or move in:• The rent needs to be set and agreed with the Landlord, this should remain the same forthe fixed agreement term.• Confirm payment schedule with the Landlord• Confirm how payment is to be paid, cheque, standing order etc.You should be provided with a receipt for any money paid. If rent is paid on a weekly basis,your Landlord is required by law to give you a rent bookDepositsAt the beginning of a tenancy a returnable deposit is held against damages or unpaid rent.• It is usual for the Landlord to ask for equivalent to one months rent (the legal maximum istwo months).• Make sure you are provided with a receipt.• Photographs taken at the beginning (as part of an inventory) and end of tenancy areuseful as proof of damage.Landlords issuing an Assured Shorthold tenancy are required by Law under the Housing Act2004 to join one of the three Tenancy Deposit Protection Schemes.All schemes will be supported by an Alternate Dispute Resolution service to avoid disputesgoing to court.For further information regarding the deposit protection scheme please see the usefultelephone numbers section at the back of the booklet or go to www.direct.gov.ukAt the end of the tenancy the deposit should be refunded within 10 days.• It is recommended that you meet the landlord on the day you move out to agreedeductions.• The landlord cannot keep the deposit for fair wear and tear.• If the landlord retains the deposit in part or full, a written list will need to be provided ofdamages and costs, and you are able to ask to see receipts for work done.InventoryIt is strongly recommended that an inventory is completed when you move into a property.All parties should sign the inventory to confirm the condition of the property when you movein. Both you and the landlord should keep a copy of the signed inventory8

Utility billsConfirm with the landlord what bills are included with your rent before you agree,or sign a contract, or move in.Council taxLiability for payment of council tax will depend on how the property is let. If the property islet solely to full time students it is normally exempt from council tax. However, if you share aproperty with non-students you may need to pay council tax. Confirm with your Landlord orthe appropriate Council Tax Office.You can obtain a Council Tax Student Certificate from your Faculty office. It is yourresponsibility to inform the council, you will need to complete a Student Council Tax DiscountForm. This should be completed as soon as you take the property.Water and sewerageLandlords are normally responsible for payment of water and sewerage bills, however youshould check your contract for reference to thisTV licenceIt is your responsibility to buy either a joint or individual licence. If you have any queriesplease contact the TV Licensing Office.Non Resident LandlordsGas and electric billsIf these are not included you will need to contact the gas and electricity suppliers. It would bewise to put all names on the bill and inform the suppliers in writing of the meter readings atthe beginning and end of your tenancy.Telephone line and InternetIf you want a telephone you should make arrangements to get the line reconnected. Thecontract with the telephone company is usually only in one person’s name and it is importantto be aware of the problems this can cause with regard to bill payment in a shared house.Resident LandlordsGas and electricUsually included within the rent (confirm with Landlord).Telephone line and InternetDiscuss individual arrangements regarding this usage.9

Important points to consider when lookingfor accommodationConsider who you will be living with• Are they going to pay their share of the bills?• Will they clean the bathroom/shared areas?• Will they want to move their partner in or have friends staying over on a regular basis?• Are you sure you want to be living with them for the next 12 months?Consider the area you want to live in• Is it close enough to UWE, could you walk or cycle?• How close are the bus stops for getting to the University and into Bristol?www.uwe.ac.uk/ulink• Does the property have adequate storage areas for bikes and/or parking for cars?Can you afford the rent?• Additional gas/electric charges?• Travelling expenses?• General living cost?Be aware that competition can be particularly high at certain times of the year.It is important that you have the means to pay any deposit and that you receive a receipt forany money paid to a landlord.You may also need to provide a reference from your current landlord.You should ensure that you fully understand any agreement that you are asked to sign asthis will be a legally binding document. You will be held to the terms and conditions of thisagreement by your landlord.If the propery is advertised as accreditated but you are concerned about the standard offacilities that you have seen. Please contact Bristol City Council (contact details on page 16)for further advice and assistance.10

Safely viewing propertyIn order to ensure a safe property viewing, please take the following into consideration:• It is advised to do viewings in daylight.• Take a companion with you OR if you are going on your own ensure you tell someone:– Where you are going– Time of viewing– Name of the person you are meeting• Never accept a lift before or after viewing a property• To make youself feel safer you could carry a personal alarm in you pocket so it is easilyaccessible• Take a mobile phone and keep it switched on• Always trust your instincts. If you have a funny feeling about anything, leave straightaway. Have an excuse already prepared – not feeling well etc.• Do not feel pressurised into paying money or signing an agreement on the day of theviewing.The Student Union offer a tenancy advice service and will be happy to help you. Please seepage 7 for more information on how they can offer assistance.The information/advice given in this booklet is appropriate no matter how you have foundyour properties to view.Other ways to find accommodationAccommodation Agencies: please be aware agencies charge fees. Any landlord or companythat advertises via the University, has undertaken not to charge more than £30 per personbooking fee.Accommodation Message Board: This link can be found on the accommodation webpageswww.uwe.ac.uk/accommodation and enables you post messages regarding finding aflatmate, or advertising a spare room in your house. For the password to access thissite, please email accommodation@uwe.ac.uk, with your student I.D. number or call theaccommodation office.The local press: The classified advertising sections of local papers include lists of propertyto let.Shop windows: Local shops often display cards advertising rooms to let.11

Your Responsibilities as a TenantYou will be responsible for keeping the property clean and tidy.• Your Landlord may charge you for unblocking drains. Check them regularly to ensureblockages do not occur.• Vacuum bags should be changed or empted regularly to avoid damage to the machineand ensure effective operation.• Report any damage or maintenance issues to the landlord or manager immediately.• Ensure that access to the property for routine visits or inspections is made available to thelandlord as requested• Rubbish should be put out on collection days.– Use recycling bins, check with the council regarding the collection schedule or with aneighbour when you introduce yourself.– If you leave rubbish at the end of your tenancy the landlord may charge you or keepsome deposit to cover the cost of disposing of it.• Blu-tac and similar products can cause damage to walls that may incur re-decorationcharges. If you wish to hang pictures, check with your landlord first.• In case of emergencies make yourself aware of the location of the gas mains lever, themains fuse box and the water stop tap.Treat your landlord/ agent in a courteous mannerKeeping the property secureAs well as your landlord providing certain security measures there are a few precautions thatyou can also take:• Do not leave the key in the lock. Before going out remember to lock all doors andwindows.• Mark your possessions with a security marker pen, with postcode and house number.• Place home entertainment systems out of sight from ground floor windows or draw thecurtains.• Never leave your bag, purse, wallet laying around or valuables on display.• Use a light timer to make it look like you’re in when you’re out, or leave a radio ortelevision on.• Use the house alarm if you have one.• When leaving for vacation periods, take valuables home.You can also register your valuables and bikes on www.immobilise.com.12

Your Responsibilities Living in the Community’Moving out of university accommodation and into your first shared house or flat with friendsis an exciting time. Along with more independence you will gain responsibilities, not just inpaying the renty and bills, but towards other members of the community.Please consider your new neighbours.The following link gives help and advice on community living.www.uwe.ac.uk/accommodation/documenys/keeping-the-peace-private .pdf.Introducing yourself to your neighboursYou never know when you might need their assistance.• When living in a private house it is likely that your neighbours will not be students.• Remember to consider residents in neighbouring properties and treat them with respect.• Families old and young will not appreciate late night excessive noise coming from yourproperty. Please keep the noise levels down.• If you wish to hold a party, inform your neighbours (or invite them!) and finish at areasonable time.• Please consider the people living around you, in regard to noise, parking, and rubbish.If the noise is excessive your neighbours are likely to contact your landlord. Theycan also contact Bristol City Council - Noise Pollution Officers. In extreme cases, ifincidents of loud music persist, legal notices may be served resulting in prosecutionand fines. The Council also have the power to seize the offending equipment.Please also refer to your diary and UWE Charter with regard to your responsibilities.Disciplinary action can be taken by UWE with regard to ongoing complaints of noiseand anti-social behaviour.The Community Liaison Manager is based in Building 650, Bristol Business Park andcan be contacted on 0117 3281366 or email Nigel2.England@uwe.ac.uk13

Top ten moving in tips1. Check through the inventory (a list of all the house contents and there conditions).Is everything working? List any faults and inform the landlord in writing.2. Take gas, electrical and water meter readings – inform companies of new occupantdetails immediately.3. Contact Council Tax office - make sure they know all occupants are students andprovide the correct verification.4. Redirect mail to your new address.5. Organise the contents insurance and ensure that you have a valid TV licence for theproperty.6. Check with the landlord that previous tenants have returned all keys to theproperty.7. Check that you know when your bin collections are. To find out you can contactBristol City Council on 0117 9222100 or South Gloucestershire Council on 01454868000. You can also arrange a bulky waste collection through this number ifnecessary.8. Ensure that you know which Tenancy Deposit Scheme your landlord is using.9. If you have a landline in the house then update the user details with the relevantcompany.10. Say ‘Hi’, and introduce yourself to your neighboursVisit the www.uwesu.org/advice for further advice or pop into the UWE advice shop.14

Useful telephone numbersPoliceMain switchboard..............................................................0845 456 7000Emergency.........................................................................999Environmental Health Noise Pollution.................................0117 9222050Main Switchboard..............................................................0117 9222000Rubbish and Recycling........................................................0117 9222100Trading Standards...............................................................0117 9223689/9223444South Gloucestershire District CouncilMain Switchboard..............................................................01454 868009Helpdesk............................................................................01454 868000UtilitiesBristol Water – Supply Queries...........................................0845 7023797Gas escape emergency number..........................................0800 111999HSE Gas Safety Advice Line................................................0800 300363Wessex Water....................................................................0845 6002600Other Useful OrganisationsCitizens Advice Bureau.......................................................0870 1212134Gas Safety Registered ........................................................0800 4085500TV Licensing.......................................................................0844 80 067 90Tenancy Deposit Protection Service.....................................0871 70 30 552Tenancy Deposit Protection Scheme ..................................0870 70 71 707Useful linksUlink: www.uwe.ac.uk/hsv/transport/bus.shtmlRecycling: www.recycling-guide.org.ukWater: www.water-guide.org.ukElectricity: www.electricity-guide.org.ukGas: www.gas-guide.org.ukCommunity living: www.bristolneighbours.comAccreditation: www.privatehousinginformation.co.uk16