Housing Guide 2021/22 by AUBSU

CONTENTS 3 Housing Map A handy map of the local areas

13 Housing Health & Safety Rating System The Housing Health and Safety Rating System

4 Finding a House The five main areas to rent in Bournemouth

14 That Clingy Friend... Mould Preventing and removing mould

5/6 Letting Agencies & Private Landlords The difference between Letting Agencies and Private Landlords

15/16 Moving In and Out A check list of things to look out for when moving in and out

7/8 No Fees Please Potential charges and housing deposits 9 Where do I sign? Tenancy Contracts Tenancy contracts 10 Rights & Responsibilities Your Rights and Responsibilities 11/12 House Viewings: What to Look For? A check list of things to look for when viewing a house

17/18 Cost of Living A breakdown of living costs and how to budget 19/20 What’s Taxing You? Council Tax and recycling guidance 21/22 Finding House Mates Our top tips on setting boundaries with housemates 23 Useful Links 24 Contacts

HELLO! Renting a house for the first time can be a daunting experience. Knowing where to start, what to expect and what to look out for can seem impossible. But we’ve got your back... this Handy Guide to Student Housing is here to support you! All the best,

FINDING A HOUSE There are five main areas students can rent from around Bournemouth: Winton

Charminster

• Most students live in Winton, it is the closest area to the university • 10 - 15 minute walk from AUB • 20 - 25 minute walk from town • A bit further from university than Winton, but cheaper • 15 - 25 minute walk from AUB • 15 - 20 minute walk from town

Ensbury Park

• Close to university, but further from town and Winton • 10 - 20 minute walk from AUB 30 minute walk from town

Bournemouth Town Centre

• Close to the beach and the town centre, further from university • 10 - 15 minute bus ride from AUB • Well-connected to bus routes and trains • Where most student halls are located

Wallisdown

• Very close to university, but further from town, more residential • 5 - 10 minute walk to AUB • 30 - 40 minute walk to town 4

SPOT THE DIFFERENCE

Letting Agency A company through which an agreement is made between a landlord and tenant for the rental of a property. The agency also often manages the administration and repairs of the property, although sometimes it is the landlord. The quality of the service provided can differ enormously from one agency to the next, as there is no compulsory legal accreditation for letting agents.

Private Landlord A property owner who rents out their property themselves and deals with the tenants directly.

LETTING AGENCIES

PRIVATE LANDLORDS

PROS

They list many student properties, which may make it easier to find a place Lots of choice (not necessarily good choice!) CONS International students need a UK-based guarantor or have to pay all rent money upfront “Late charges” for key returns, rent etc.

Tenants deal with landlords directly Negotiable tenancy lengths CONS Can be slow to fix problems in property It can be difficult to find houses rented by private landlords (most landlords rent their properties through agencies)

Fixed-term contracts for 11/12 months Can be slow to get problems fixed Don’t speak to the same person each time you ring

TOP TIP Look on Gumtree, Spareroom and in the local papers to find properties rented by Private Landlords. 6

NO FEES PLEASE! Due to updated legislation, lettings agents cannot charge additonal fees to potential tenants. This includes fees for references, administration, credit and immigration checks, and renewing your tenancy when your fixed term contract ends. It covers fees charged to tenants, as well as guarantors. Generally, we’ve found that agents will charge one week’s rent as a holding deposit. Your full deposit should not exeed the amount of five week’s upfront rent and your holding deposit should also be put towards this full amount by the Lettings Agent. Charges There are still some potential charges that you could have to pay, such as charges for late rent payments, lost keys, and ending your tenancy early. It is within your rights to ask letting agents about potential charges so you aren’t caught out. TOP TIP The best way to ensure you get your deposit back is by taking dated photos and raising issues with the agenct as they occur. 7

Deposits A deposit is a fee paid as security against any damage caused to the property during the tenancy. If you cause no damage during your tenancy and pay all the rent owed, your deposit should be returned in full. Deductions can be made for damages or unpaid rent. Letting agencies and private landlords are both legally required to protect your deposit in a government-backed scheme and give you the details of this within 30 days of receiving your deposit. Your landlord can be fined if they don’t hold your deposit in a government-backed scheme. You DO NOT have to pay for your deposit to be held in a scheme.

WHERE DO I SIGN? - TENANCY CONTRACTS 90% of students will have an “Assured Shorthold Tenancy” contract written by the agency; you can get these checked for free by AUB Student Services. Many, but not all, ASTs are “joint and several” meaning that all tenants are jointly responsible for paying rent which means if one of you moves out without notice, the others will be responsible for paying their share. Ask the Agency: For a full list of all charges they make Whether the agency has a complaints procedure Double-check the date and amount of rent due For details of the tenancy deposit protection scheme it uses

TOP TIP Don’t let agencies panic you into signing!

RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES Your Rights • To live in a property that’s safe and in a state of good repair • To have your deposit protected in a scheme • To challenge excessively high charges • To know who your landlord is • To live in the property undisturbed • To see an Energy Performance certificate for the property • To be protected from unfair eviction and unfair rent • To see a Gas Safety Certificate of the property • To live in a property that adheres to all fire safety regulations Your Responsibilities • Take good care of the property • Pay the agreed rent, even if repairs are needed or you’re in dispute with your Landlord • Repair or pay for any damage caused by you, your family or friends • Only sub-let if your tenancy agreement or Landlord allows it

TOP TIP ALWAYS get your requests & agreements in writing or confirmated over email. 10

HOUSE VIEWINGS: WHAT TO LOOK FOR? Take along a viewing checklist of questions to ask so you can be sure to get all the info you need. INVENTORY - This is a record of the condition and items provided in the property. Ask if one is provided by the agency or Landlord. (Or make one yourself if you never receive one.) MOULD - Look for signs in the property. Is there a musty smell? Can you see mould on the walls or furniture? Ask to look in and behind wardrobes – landlords often try to cover up any signs of damp. WARMTH - Is there double-glazing on the windows for insulation? REPAIRS - Are there any repairs needed before you move in? Ensure you get details on when the repairs will be done in writing (an email will suffice). ASK - Talk to the current tenants. Ask them if they enjoyed living there - they will give you the most honest answer about the property. FACILITIES - Check the pressure in the shower/ does the toilet flush properly? 11

TOP TIP You can find a full accommodation checklist on AUB Student Pad. You can also find flat shares with fellow students: aubstudentpad.co.uk

HOUSING HEALTH & SAFETY RATING SYSTEM All rented homes must meet certain standards so they are safe and fit to live in. Local councils use the Housing Health and Safety Rating System. You can contact your local council and ask them to carry out an assessment to determine if there are house hazards that could affect your health. If they find the home is in need of repair to meet the necessary standards of health and safety in a rented property, the council can take action against your landlord. In some cases the council will carry out the work themselves and recover the cost from the landlord. Common types of hazard you can complain about: Health • Damp and mould • Excessive cold • Overcrowding Safety • Faulty gas boiler • Fire risks • Dangerous electrics

TOP TIP If you are worried about the condition of your house, contact the Environmental Health department of: BCP Council 01202 454941

THAT CLINGY FRIEND... MOULD We all know how much mould likes us, but we just don’t like it. Moisture + No Ventilation = Mould

Prevent Mould • Open your windows! When cooking, showering and bathing. • Put on the extraction fan when cooking. • Put lids on saucepans when cooking. • If you have to dry your clothes inside, open the windows. • Heat your home.

Remove Mould • Only do it yourself if it covers an area less than 1m x 1m. • Cover your nose and mouth, use gloves and goggles to protect you from spores. • Wash away the mould with a rag and water + fairy liquid. • Throw away any rags used afterwards and wash your clothes.

• Use a dehumidifier.

IN OR OUT? Moving In Check or make an inventory - if you aren’t provided with one, find a template online to fill out. You must to do this within 7 days of the start of your tenancy or it will be invalid. Take date stamped photos of rooms and any damages, stains etc. on the day you move in. Include these in your inventory. This will be your best proof if the agency tries to deduct for any damages you didn’t cause. E-mail the inventory to your landlord for agreement and as evidence of the condition of the property. Take meter readings of gas, water and electric so you aren’t charged for previous tenants’ use. Put all tenants names on bills to avoid one person being responsible for paying bills. Get contents insurance! Check your bin days @BCPCouncil Bills to expect: internet, gas, electricity, water, sewerage, tv license (if you need one). Test your smoke alarms regularly and replace batteries as needed. 15

Moving Out Check your inventory - leave the property as it was when you moved in - this is vital to get your deposit back. Check your contract - are there specific details about key returns, dates etc? Get this right to avoid extra charges! Take meter readings of gas, water and electric so there are no surprise bills after you move out. Notify your providers that you no longer live at the property. If you want to dispute a deposit deduction you need to contact the scheme your deposit was held in as each scheme has their own process. Seek advice from Student Services if you find yourself in a dispute with your agency.

TOP TIP Introduce yourself to your neighbours! Make an effort to be friendly and generate some community spirit!

COST OF LIVING On top of rent, you’ll also need to eat, stay warm and get to your lectures. All of these things often cost money, so we’ve had a look around to see if we can give you an idea of the average cost. We have not included everything in the list, but it may give you a better idea of what to expect when living in private rented accommodation. Other things to consider include course materials, a tv license, gym membership, and other expenses. Some of the bills may be included in the rent you pay, but it is always best to double check in your tenancy agreement. Budgeting Budgeting may not be the most glamorous task but it can help you to manage your money more effectively. Our top budgeting tips are: 1. Work out your income Remember that if you have a Maintenance Loan, this will come in three big instalments throughout the academic year, so it’s up to you to budget this out across that period. 2. Estimate your outgoings See our handy list on the next page to see the categories you may need. This can be done weekly and monthly. 3. Set yourself some goals 17

TOP TIP Use an app-based bank to track where your money is going.

Average Student Living Costs Per Month Rent: £538 Groceries: £100 Going Out and Eating Out: £53 Household Bills: £37 Transport (including taxis): £43 Takeaways: £33 Clothes and Shopping: £29 Holidays: £22 Course Materials: £16 (This may change depending on your course) Mobile Phone & Internet: £27 Health and Wellbeing: £13 Gifts and Charity: £12 Bank Charges and Fees: £30 Other (contents insurance, monthly subsriptions): £21 TOTAL: £974 Estimates From: aub.ac.uk/support/managing-your-money

WHAT’S TAXING YOU? You are only exempt from paying Council Tax whilst you are officially a full-time student. This means that if you move in before term starts, you may have to pay the tax for that time. You will need to apply to be exempt from on the Government website: www.gov.uk/council-tax/discounts-for-full-time-students If someone in your house has not applied to be exempt, or they are not a full-time student, you may still receive a council tax bill.

HAVE YOU BIN CONFUSED? Recycling is different in each county. What you recycled at home may or may not be recycled here. Bournemouth Council recycles: • • • • • • •

Paper Cans, tins, aerosols Glass bottles and jars Cardboard Plastic bottles and food containers Food and drink cartons Foil and foil trays

TOP TIP You can get a free food waste bin from the BCP council website too: bcpcouncil.gov.uk

FINDING HOUSE MATES Finding housemates online and in person can feel daunting. You may not know each other very well and may have not met before. Take your time with getting to know each other and don’t feel pressured into signing for a house if you’re unsure.

To get to know each other a bit you could ask questions like: • Are you looking to enjoy the party scene this year or do you prefer more of a night in? • Do you have a part time job and work late nights? • Do you enjoy cooking as a group or individually? • Do you often have friends or partners staying round? • Do you enjoy sharing cleaning jobs or would you prefer to clean up your own individual areas? • What is your budget for rent and bills?

Asking questions like this early on could help you to understand how each other likes to live. It is okay to set your own boundaries and stick to these. Sometimes the best housemates may not be your course mates at university. Living With Housemates Once you have moved in together it is important to keep these boundaries. Communicate your needs to your housemate, help them to learn more about you and what makes you feel comfortable in your living space. 22

USEFUL LINKS AUB Student Pad www.aubstudentpad.co.uk/accomodation Accomodation Information aub.ac.uk/accommodation/private-rented-accommodation General Advice www.citizensadvice.org.uk/housing england.shelter.org.uk/get_advice www.savethestudent.org Report an Issue to the Council www.bournemouth.gov.uk/Report/ReportForms/report.aspx List of Accredited Letting Agents www.nalscheme.co.uk Community Champions @aubchampions Your Community Champions are all AUB students, who work towards making the local community a safer, cleaner and greener place for all residents.

TOP TIP There are advisors in Student Services that specialise in housing and can provide guidance. 23

CONTACTS AUBSU General studentunion@aub.ac.uk 01202 363345 Students’ Union President Ellie Grant egrant@aub.ac.uk Vice-President of Education and Welfare Judith Allen jallen@aub.ac.uk Student Services studentadvice@aub.ac.uk 01202 363780 Citizens’ Advice 03444 111 444 BCP Council: Housing Defects Department bournemouthhousing.calls@bcpcouncil.gov.uk 01202 451083 Artwork by Phoebe Coleman: @behope.art