Accommodation For Students - Making The Right Choice
Student life is great
Student life is great. However, there are also many stresses of which you should be aware.
One of the biggest worries facing students every year is finding suitable accommodation. For example, are you worried about the costs and difficulties of finding a house in time? Are you scared of hidden costs? Or maybe you dont want to miss out on mixing with other students but still want to maintain your privacy?
Thats why this guide has been written to help you make your decision. By explaining three key areas (costs, safety and security issues, and living with others) you should have a greater understanding of what to look for when you are choosing the perfect place to stay.
Let's get started.
1. Costs
Quite often the cheapest option is not the cheapest in the end. You need to be aware of some additional hidden costs. These will vary according to whether the accommodation is a Private Hall or a Private Rental. A Private Hall is similar to a Hall of Residence in that it is usually located close to the university campus. However, a Private Hall is owned and/or managed by a housing association or a housing developer, rather than a university. A Private Rental is accommodation in a privately owned flat or a house where a group of people live together and share all the facilities and have collective responsibility for the payment of all utility bills.
Utility Bills
Private Halls - In most cases all bills are included in the rent.
Private Rental Make sure that it is clear what is included in your rent. If possible, ask previous tenants for the approximate cost of their utility bills.
Council Tax
Private Halls - because all occupants are full-time students, you will be exempt from paying Council Tax.
Private Rental - If one or more of the occupants is not a student then the house becomes taxable, so you must clarify whether you are expected to pay anything towards the cost.
TV Licence
Private Halls Usually a TV licence is provided for the television in the communal area and this will be included in the rent. However, you will need to obtain a separate licence for the TV in your bedroom.
Private Rental - If you live in a shared house, one licence is needed per house as long as there is a joint tenancy agreement. If you all have separate agreements with the landlord, then you will need separate licences.
Insurance
Private Halls Most landlords include contents insurance in the rent but it is worth checking this.
Private Rental - Find the right insurance package for your requirements. It is not worth trying to save money by doing without insurance.
Deposit
You will normally be required to pay a deposit to the landlord as security in case you damage the property or furnishings. A deposit can also be used to cover unpaid bills, rent or missing items. The landlord has to protect your deposit in a government sponsored scheme and you should ask for a certificate or proof of deposit protection.
Private Halls If you are signing up for an assured shorthold tenancy your deposit is protected under the Dispute Services Protection Scheme. Deposits are considerably lower than private rentals.
Private Rental Check with the landlord if your deposit will be safeguarded by a government sponsored scheme.
2. Safety and security issues
Safety Certificates
Gas
As a new tenant you should be issued with a copy of the Gas Safety Certificate before you move in.
Electricity
Many landlords may hold a NICEIC certificate which proves that the property has had an electrical check within the last five years. Although this is recommended, it is not a legal requirement. Most private halls have the test carried out annually.
Fire safety
Furniture and furnishings supplied in let accommodation must comply with the fire and safety requirements in the Regulations. Check if the house is fitted with fire safety equipment.
Security
Private Halls Usually there is on-site security, including CCTV and secure door entry and intercom system. Some private halls will have a 24 hour call out service available.
Private rental Unfortunately, you are on your own and there will not be a security officer to protect you.
Maintenance
Private halls- The majority of repairs will be done on a daily basis by on-site staff.
Private rental- The speed at which repairs take place may depend on the landlord.
3. Community
Living on your own seems quite attractive, but at the same time there may be times when you feel lonely.
Private halls - Some of them organise entertainment for tenants, which give opportunities for students from different faculties or universities to meet and make friends. If you are away from home for the first time you will find other people are in the same boat. Onsite staff will be available to help you on a daily basis.
Private rental This provides the perfect opportunity for those who enjoy making all their own decisions.
Finding accommodation is not easy but with the tips that have been given, hopefully it will be easier for you to decide which type of accommodation you prefer. Good luck!
by: Jo Wojis
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