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
• 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
Charminster
• 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 • Close to the beach, further from university Town Centre • 10-15 minute bus ride from AUB
Wallisdown
• Very close to university, but further from town Less student houses, more residential • 5-10 minute walk to AUB • 30-40 minute walk to town 5
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
6
A property owner who rents out their property themselves and deals with the tenants directly.
Letting Agencies 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 up-front “Late charges” for key returns, rent etc. Fixed-term contracts for 11/12 months Slow to get problems fixed Don’t speak to the same person each time you ring
vs.
Private Landlords Pros 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
TOP TIP Look on Gumtree, Spareroom and in the local papers to find properties rented by private landlords
NO FEES PLEASE!
You have the right to ask Lettings and Estate Agents to give you a list of all charges they make. Sometimes it might be better to go into the high-street branch and ask to see the list and types of charges for more accurate quotes. Charges may change so make sure you find out the most up-to-date fee. Due to updated legislation, Lettings Agents cannot charge additonal fees to potential tenants. 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. Your holding deposit should also be put towards this full amount by the Lettings Agent.
8
N.B. Accurate as of August 2019
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 he doesn’t hold your deposit in a government-backed scheme. You DO NOT have to pay for your deposit to be held in a scheme.
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.
9
WHERE DO I SIGN? - TENANCY CONTRACTS
90% of students will have an “Assured Shorthold Tenancy” contract (you will have to sign a contract written by the agency); you can get these checked for free at AUB Student Services. Many, but not all, ASTs are “joint and several” meaning that all tenants are jointly and individually 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! 11
HOUSE VIEWINGS: WHAT TO LOOK FOR? INVENTORY - This is a record of the condition and items provided in the property. Ask if one is provided by the agency or Landlord? (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? FACILITIES - Check the pressure in the shower/ does the toilet flush properly? 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. Take along a viewing checklist of questions to ask, such as the one on:
12
RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES Your Rights -
To To To To To To To To
live in a property that’s safe and in a state of good repair have your deposit protected in a scheme challenge excessively high charges know who your landlord is live in the property undisturbed see an Energy Performance certificate for the property be protected from unfair eviction and unfair rent see a Gas Safety Certificate of the property
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 requested repairs in writing (email will suffice) 13
Housing Health and 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 Bournemouth Council 01202 454941
14
THAT CLINGY FRIEND... MOULD We all know how much mould likes us, but we just don’t like him. Moisture + No Ventilation = Mould Prevent Mould Open your windows! When cooking, showering and bathing.
Remove Mould Only do it yourself if it covers an area less than 1m x 1m.
Put on the extraction fan when cooking.
Cover your nose and mouth, use gloves and goggles to protect you from spores.
Put lids on saucepans when cooking.
Wash away the mould with a rag and water + fairy liquid.
If you have to dry your clothes inside, open the windows.
Throw away any rags used afterwards and wash your clothes.
Heat your home. 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. 16
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. 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 the SU/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 - it might pay off in the future!
17
WHAT’S TAXING YOU? You are only exempt from paying Council Tax whilst you are officially a 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: https://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:
TOP TIP If you’re unsure, check for the recycling symbol on the packaging
18
• • • • •
Paper Cans, tins, aerosols Glass bottles and jars Cardboard Plastic bottles and food containers • Food and drink cartons • Foil and foil trays
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: Monthly Bills (electricity, gas, water)
£40
Bus travel to campus
£20
Food, toiletries & household items
£245 (Figure from NUS)
Yearly Personal Insurance
£70
TV License
£150.50
We have not included absolutely everything in the list above, but it may give you a better idea of what to expect when living in private rented accommodation. Some of the bills may be included in the rent you pay, but it is always best to double check in your tenancy agreement.
19
USEFUL LINKS General Advice
www.citizensadvice.org.uk/housing england.shelter.org.uk/get_advice www.savethestudent.org/
www.aub.ac.uk/apply/accommodation/private/
Report an Issue to the Council
https://www.bournemouth.gov.uk/Report/ReportForms/report.aspx
List of Accredited Letting Agents http://www.nalscheme.co.uk/
Community Wardens Students at AUB volunteer to ensure harmony between students and local residents
TOP TIP There are advisors in Student Services that specialise in housing and can provide guidance 20
CONTACTS AUBSU General studentunion@aub.ac.uk 01202 363345 Students’ Union President Jordan Verdes jverdes@aub.ac.uk Vice-President of Education and Welfare Stella Kajombo skajombo@aub.ac.uk Student Services studentadvice@aub.ac.uk 01202 363780 Citizens’ Advice 03444 111 444 Bournemouth Council Environmental Health Department pollution@bournemouth.gov.uk 01202 451296
21
MY RENTAL INFO Letting Agency/Landlord Name: Phone: Email: Gas company: Phone: Electricity company: Phone: Water company: Phone: Sewerage company: Phone: Internet provider: Phone:
22
NOTES
Illustrator: Rosanmagar Website: www.rosanmagar.com Instagram:rosanmagar
23