Dealing With Landlords A Students Guide
Shane Spiers, Managing Director of Property Management for UNITE
, the UKs leading provider of student accommodation, shares his tips on avoiding the potential pitfalls when signing up to tenancy agreements:
As soon as students secure their place through Clearing, the race begins to find somewhere to live. Its important to be on the ball, but do take time to consider the various student accommodation choices available to you. Options include; university halls, a traditional student house and managed student accommodation provided by companies such as UNITE.
The Clearing process results in lots of students looking for somewhere to live over the summer for the start of the next academic year. Consider what the property will be like when it is cold, dark, and raining. How insulated is the property from the elements? Is it close to public transport for getting home at night?
Check out the general area is it somewhere youd feel safe - does the university accommodation have any safety features such as CCTV or secure door entry systems? What are the local shops, services and transport links like? How far is it from your university and the city centre?
Take someone with you when viewing a property. Its easy to get carried away with the look of a place, but further inspection could reveal underlying issues which could cause problems such as structural damage, loose wires and no gas certificate.
Landlords want good tenants so there may be room for negotiation. If there is not enough furniture or inadequate cupboard space, see what they can do. If they are uncompromising on every request, then they may not be someone that you want to rent from.
Always read through the tenancy agreement before signing it. Prior to committing to a property, make sure you agree on the length of the contract and what it involves is an upfront deposit required? Are contents insurance, internet access and all bills included? Do you need a guarantor? When is rent due each month?
Most accommodation providers will ask you to pay a deposit before you move in. Since April 2007, by law deposits paid for most new tenancies have to be protected under a Tenancy Deposit Protection Scheme. These schemes are designed to stop landlords from wrongly withholding all or part of your deposit and help resolve any disputes
Check that your bedroom either already has a lock on the door or that one can be fitted, as some insurance companies will only provide cover if this extra security exists.
When you move in, inspect the property so you can highlight any existing damage you dont want to be blamed for any existing damage at the end of the year. This should be officially recorded and both you and your landlord should keep a copy for your records.
If your landlord is acting unreasonably, you should seek advice immediately. You can contact your university accommodation office or your Students Union who will often be able to help. You can also contact the Citizens Advice Bureau or Shelter for free housing advice.
Shane Spiers, Managing Director of Property Management for UNITE, says: Students want to feel at home in the accommodation they choose, so we offer a wide choice of properties to cater for different lifestyles and expectations.
With more than 120 properties now available in the UK, UNITE offers students the best choice of location, room type and price. Students can browse, organise viewings, view virtual tours and book rooms online by visiting Unite-Students.com or find out more by calling 0800 783 4213.
by: Nick Hill
4 Proper Reasons for Students to Use Calculators International students scholarship The Benefits Of Extracurricular Activities For Students? The Benefits Of Dissertation Help: Why Should Students Need It? Grad Students, Find Out What Scholarship Options You Have Things Students Should Be Aware Of About On-campus Living Main Types Of Extracurricular Activities For Students Things Students Should Be Aware Of about On-campus Living Main Types of Extracurricular Activities for Students Extracurricular Activities As A Part Of Students Life Transform Your Students From Unruly To Well-behaved Section 504 Plan To Meet The Needs Of Students With Disabilities Students Unions And Their Reflection On Social Life.