A guide to renting
You may be looking to move into rented accommodation for the first time. We've put together a simple guide and some top tips to help you on your journey.
Why may I need to rent?
Generally, first year university students live in onsite accommodation but afterwards, you may need to find accommodation outside of the university.
What is a tenant?
A person who occupies land or property. If you are renting a property, you are a tenant.
What is a landlord?
A person who rents out property.
Deposits
A deposit is an amount of money provided by you prior to renting as a way to encourage you to take good care of the property. If everything is in good order (no damages etc.) then it will be refunded to you when you leave at the end of your tenancy (within 10 days).
The landlord should put the deposit in a Tenancy Deposit Protection Scheme. You should receive a certificate outlining the scheme protecting your deposit. Your deposit must be protected by law in an approved government scheme to ensure money is not deducted unfairly. Further information on deposit protection can be found here and here.
Guarantors
You may need a guarantor to sign your tenancy agreement - this is someone who legally agrees to be responsible for any owed rent and the condition of the property. Having a guarantor is like having a back-up for both you and the landlord. If you cannot pay your rent or pay for damages, a guarantor will be legally bound to do so.
If you are struggling to find a guarantor, there are places that can help you:
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UK Guarantor https://ukguarantor.com/
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Rent Guarantor https://www.rentguarantor.com/
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Housing Hand https://www.housinghand.co.uk/
You may be asked to provide a holding deposit to reserve the property – get a copy of the proposed contract before handing over money.
Housemates!
It's important to consider who you are planning to live with - are you a night owl, and they’re early birds? Do you have a more laid-back approach to housework compared to them?
You might find that you would prefer to live with people on your course or sports team rather than who you lived with in the first year. Remember, once you sign the contract, you’re going to be living with those people for the duration so take your time to make sure that you’re living with the right people!
Don't rush into it - you don't need to sign up to a house in the first term.
Things to remember...
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You may feel pressured to sign contracts but take your time to decide.
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Look at average rent prices in the local area.
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Try to compare 3 houses before you make a final decision.
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Look at the public transport and transport routes available in the area.
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If you have a car, is there adequate parking and do you need a permit?
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Make sure everyone views the property before a decision is made.
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Find an accredited landlord or letting agent as they tend to hold high standards and a complaints procedure in case you do need to complain
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Check that the fees requested by the landlord are in line with the Tenant Fees Act 2019. Guidance for tenants can be found on the Government website.
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You can use the land registry online to find the registered owner of the property here.
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Work out the costs – does the cost of renting the property include bills such as gas, electricity, water, internet or TV licence?
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If you do need to pay bills separately, how will you ensure the bills are divided evenly between everyone?
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Check out the protection of your deposit. Your deposit must be protected by law in an approved government scheme to ensure money is not deducted unfairly.
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If you can, have a chat to the previous tenants to see how they got on with the landlord and the property.
Things to avoid...
If the landlord cannot do the following, AVOID renting the property!!
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Show you a gas safety certificate
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Tell you the deposit protection scheme they use
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Show you an HMO (house of mulitple occupancy) licence
Where to go if you need more information or support in tackling an issue with your landlord:
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Government’s guide to renting