Welcome
STUDENT COMMUNITY GUIDE
to your new home! We hope you’re settled in and have a great year Liverpool Student Homes and your Students’ Unions have produced this handy guide to help you to get to know your local community.
Hello!
Know your neighbours COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT VOTING Recycling & bins Gas safety Moving in/out checklists Safety LOCK THE DOOR! Your housing journey HOUSING ADVICE Volunteering
from your
Students’ Union officers We are your elected Student officers. We'll be campaigning and working for your rights as students, ensuring that you feel safe and happy as part of your community. We want all students to feel welcomed in their community, and that they have affordable rent and good standards of living.
Hannah Nguyen
Megan Hill
Emma Moriarty
We will be running campaigns throughout the year to inform you of and improve your tenancy rights. You will get the chance to meet your local Outreach Workers , so make sure you say hi and come along to your local residents' group meetings.
We recommend that you always use Liverpool Student Homes when searching for private student accommodation. It’s the only free service for students which is university-owned and managed. They have the largest choice of all types of accommodation, they inspect properties, landlords/agents must make sure their properties meet strict quality and safety criteria before they can advertise and they offer free housing rights advice.
LSH
is the official university-owned service for private student accommodation in Liverpool
www.liverpoolstudenthomes.org
HELLO FROM LSH!
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Liverpool Student Homes is a service owned and managed by University of Liverpool, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool Hope University, LIPA and supported by their respective student unions.
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1st Year DONE?
We are the next stop for accommodation after university halls
LSH advertise the largest choice of private student accommodation in Liverpool and is dedicated to helping students find good quality private accommodation.
THIS MAKES US DIFFERENT LSH STANDARDS
Landlord commitment to quality & service
SEPTEBER Start of term and welcome events. See our website for moving in tips www.liverpoolstudenthomes.org
October
Settling in and making friends
NOVEMBER Don’t rush to look for accommodation for next year! There is plenty available so take your time choosing
December LSH accommodation talks LSH Housing Fairs in December Register for property alerts Start your property search
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We can give you FREE expert housing rights advice and check your contract before you sign it
07970 247 209 advice2u@liverpool.ac.uk
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If you haven’t done so already, think about who you are going to live with, where and what type of accommodation
February
To advertise accommodation with us landlords/agents must commit to meeting the requirements set out in the LSH Standards, these include: Gas and electric safety certificates Carbon monoxide monitors Smoke detection system Fire safety equipment Local authority licence The landlord/agent must do repairs within a reasonable timescale Landlords/agents must run their business in the correct way and be respectful to tenants.
Ho ing Jo ney
List potential properties Contact landlords/agents to arrange viewings LSH Find a housemate events
MARCH
House-hunting continues, plenty still available! Sort your guarantor and deposit
APRIL
May
Staying in Liverpool over the summer? Check out the summer lets on our website
Getting ready to move out? Don’t forget to recycle. Check the LSH website for tips on getting your deposit back
June - August
Enjoy your summer!
MOVING IN CHECK LIST TAKE METER READINGS - Give them to the energy supplier and landlord as you don’t want to pay for the previous tenant’s bills and keep a record for yourself. Avoid costly estimated bills by taking monthly meter readings
FIND OUT HOW TO TURN OFF THE GAS & WHERE THE ELECTRIC FUSE BOARD IS - It’s important to know, just in case of an emergency and if the electric fuse trips
FIND OUT WHERE THE STOPCOCK IS - This is the mains water tap and is the off switch for all the water in your home and is usually under the kitchen sink check with your landlord. If a water pipe bursts you need to know how to switch it off CHECK THE INVENTORY - This a list of all the furniture, fixtures and fittings and their condition, usually supplied by the landlord. Check it, make any necessary amends and return it to them. If they don’t provide one you can produce your own. Also take dated photos of any disrepair or damage, however minor and send to the landlord READ THE BOILER & APPLIANCE MANUALS - Make sure you know how to work everything, as you don’t want to cause any damage. If the manuals are missing, ask the landlord for a copy
TV LICENCE - You must have one to watch or record programmes as they’re being shown on TV or live on an online TV service. Including if you download or watch BBC programmes on iPlayer – live, catch up or on demand and applies no matter what device you use FIRE SAFETY - Plan an escape route and a backup route. Make sure exits are always kept clear and keys are where they can be easily found, but not left in doors as this can attract burglars CHECK THE LOCKS - Make sure the locks work on the front and back doors
BE A TOP TENANT! Introduce yourself to your neighbours
Park vehicles safely and within parking restrictions
Go along to community meetings
Keep parties and noise under control
Contact the police if you experience any offensive behaviour
Be considerate, avoid offensive, loud or unruly behaviour
PARTY! £5000
IF YOU DO HAVE A PARTY...
is the amount you can be fined for being persistently noisy!
Don’t shout about it on social media, you could end up with a bigger party than you had planned! Make sure you have enough room or consider hiring a venue Agree what time it will finish and let your neighbours know and maybe invite them Keep the party to yourselves! Keep the windows closed and don’t take it into the street Clean up afterwards and ask your guests to leave quietly
We are all part of the community in which we live and we need to respect our neighbours. Noise works two ways. You don’t want to be kept up late when you’ve got an exam or a deadline approaching. Be considerate to those around you and they will do the same
BOOKING TAXIS
NOISE When heading home from a night out, be quiet and considerate. After 11pm, make sure your TV and music volume is low or use headphones. Close windows and doors at night so noise doesn’t carry. Position speakers away from adjoining walls.
Can I come round to your house for dinner?
Your music equipment could also be seized, Liverpool City Council may prosecute you and you may be subject to action by your University.
Remember when you are ordering taxi's to your home address to ensure that the house still looks like its occupied when you have all left, don't advertise to the outside world that you are all leaving at the same time. Large numbers of taxi's coming and going throughout the night and sounding horns can be a nuisance to the surrounding neighbours.
Not disposing of your rubbish and food waste correctly can attract vermin such as rats, mice, cockroaches and ants to your home
REMEMBER TO... Put the bins out & recycle All non-recyclable waste should be placed in the purple bin. Recyclable items including paper, glass, cardboard, plastic bottles, tins and cans should be put in the blue bin, appropriate bag or container. If you live in an apartment block then waste should be disposed of in the large black bins in the communal bin area.
Bins need to be put out at the right time and place, and stored away between collections so they don't get lost or stolen. Rubbish can also attract rats and other vermin. If your road has alley gates, ensure your landlord provides a key.
Collection and waste info: www.liverpool.gov.uk/bins-and-recycling
YOUR UNWANTED STUFF Leave Liverpool Tidy, along with the British Heart Foundation's Pack For Good, is a city-wide project that aims to re-use, recycle and reduce the amount of items going to landfill. The project collects and redistributes unwanted items to those in need in the local community. Drop-off points on-campus at the end of Spring term. Ask at your SU for details. Liverpool City Council has a free collection service called Bulky Bobs for items such as furniture, mattresses and electrical items. For details see www.liverpool.gov.uk
REGISTER TO VOTE Register to vote in the local elections and have your say about key decisions that could affect you. You must register each time you move into a new property. It only takes 2 minutes to register online.
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www.gov.uk/register-to-vote
DID YOU KNOW
Students can register at both home and term time addresses.
FIND A GP & DENTIST Make sure you’re registered with a local GP and dentist. It’s quick and easy to do online. Enter your postcode to find your nearest GP.
www.nhs.uk/service-search You may have to register with a new GP if you move to a different area of the city, so it’s always best to check.
Safe As Houses To find your local Police Officer visit the website below or call 101 www.merseyside.police.uk/local-policing
“We welcome all students to the local area and hope that you have a safe and enjoyable time.” Liverpool is one of the safest cities in the country. Sadly, becoming a victim of crime could ruin your experience of the city. Your local neighbourhood Police team is here to help and support you, however if issues arise from your property we will deal with these through the Liverpool Anti-Social Behaviour Unit and your University. Finally, can I ask that you consider your security and ask the question ‘If I was a thief, how easy would it be to get into my house?’ INSPECTOR GEOFF STEWART ADMIRAL STREET & ST ANNE STREET POLICE STATIONS INSPECTOR ANDREW GARDINER TUEBROOK POLICE STATION
NOW LOCK THE DOOR!
Don’t leave valuables on display Upon entering your home, lock the door behind you Lock all doors and windows when you go out When out, pay attention to your surroundings, travel together in the evening and use well lit paths Register valuables at www.immobilise.com Respect your neighbours Don’t cause annoyance to other people by leaving rubbish outside your property or causing antisocial behaviour
DON’T GIVE BURGLARS AN EASY WAY INTO YOUR HOME LOCK ALL EXTERNAL DOORS, EVEN WHEN YOU ARE IN Register your valuables on the Immobilise National Property register. In the event of theft it helps Police to return recovered goods to you.
www.immobilise.com
FIRE, FIRE! For more information www.merseyfire.gov.uk Free fire safety advice 0800 731 5958
Hello, and welcome back to Merseyside. Many of you will be in your second or third year of your courses at University, but please take the time to read our top tips to help to keep you safe from fire in your homes while you are here. Fire and smoke from fires can cause you to become disorientated in your homes, so make sure you have working smoke alarms and everyone in the property knows how to escape safely, if a fire were to occur. Ensure your escape routes are kept clear at all times. GROUP MANAGER , MARK THOMAS, MERSEYSIDE FIRE & RESCUE SERVICE
Have at least one working smoke alarm on each floor level of your home and test them each week by pressing the button. Never ignore a sounding smoke alarm Never leave your food cooking unattended, avoid cooking if you have been drinking alcohol. Cooking fires can spread quickly. Keep your oven and grill pan clean Smoking can kill, never smoke in bed, use a proper ashtray and be careful when emptying Don't leave electrical items such as laptops, mobile phones or e-cigs charging overnight or unattended Where possible keep your wheelie bins away from doors and windows Never place hot items such as hair dryers or straighteners on surfaces which may catch fire Don't prop or wedge a fire door open, a closed one could save your life!
In the event of a fire, get out, stay out and call 999 and ask for the Fire & Rescue Service
NOW SECURE
THE WINDOW! THIEVES OPERATE DAY & NIGHT Don't invite burglars into your home by leaving your windows unsecured
Looking out for your housemates MENTAL HEALTH An increasing number of students at university are experiencing mental health difficulties that impact not only on their academic work, but also on all other aspects of their university life. Mental health difficulties not only have implications for the student involved, but often also for those around them: friends, colleagues, staff and family.
Mental health difficulties can present in a wide variety of ways, depending upon the individual and the circumstances. Changes in people's mood and personality can provide signs to how they are feeling. Unusual mood swings or social withdrawal might, for example, provide a clue that the person is experiencing some kind of emotional distress.
How to help If you are concerned that someone you know or if you need help yourself, then you can access mental health services from within your university. Support is confidential and you can get advice about a friend without necessarily giving their name.
OUTREACH During your time at uni and living in the student community, you may come across the LiverpoolSU Outreach Team in blue hoodies. They represent the student voice at community meetings, support the student officers, and work with the police and the council to make sure you're safe and happy in Liverpool! They are a group of 30 LJMU students who are employed by LiverpoolSU to offer support across the campus with events, campaigns and activities.
There are also a couple of members of the team who work on behalf of Liverpool Student Homes to help to promote community cohesion and support housing campaigns relating to security and community matters.
If you would like to know more, get in touch StudentsUnion@ljmu.ac.uk call 0151 231 4900
VOLUNTEERING LIVERPOOL Volunteering Liverpool is an online portal run by a partnership of education institutions in Liverpool, working together to offer volunteering opportunities with a range of charities across Merseyside.
It’s quick and simple to sign up, just register your details here www.liverpoolguild.org/mainmenu/volunteer
OLD THE DO NOT HPEN FOR DOOR O ERS STRANG
WHO IS FOLLOWING YOU INTO THE BUILDING? IF YOU DON'T KNOW THE PERSON WHO IS WALKING IN BEHIND YOU, THEN DON’T HOLD THE DOOR OPEN Don’t give intruders an easy way in Keep your home safe Report any intruders by calling the emergency number for your building
MENINGITIS & SEPTICAEMIA Often happen together. Be aware of all the signs and symptoms, which can appear in any order or may not appear at all: HEADACHE CONFUSION SEIZURES STIFF NECK VOMITING PALE BLOTCHY SKIN SEVERE MUSCLE PAIN DROWSINESS DISLIKE OF LIGHTS SPOTS/RASH (Does not fade under pressure with a glass) FEVER WITH COLD HANDS & FEET Landlords must arrange for a gas safety check on gas appliances every 12 months by a Gas Safe registered engineer. If you think a gas appliance is faulty turn it off and let your landlord know immediately. Seek medical help if you feel unwell. All LSH registered landlords must install carbon monoxide detectors, when there is a gas supply to the property.
Someone with meningitis or septicaemia can get a lot worse very quickly. Keep checking them. Get medical help immediately, do not wait for a rash.
www.meningitisnow.org
THE LEGAL STUFF LANDLORD/AGENT RESPONSIBILITIES Letting agent redress schemes If you are renting from a letting agent and they have failed to resolve a complaint that you have made, you can contact an independent letting agent redress scheme.
You can complain to a letting agent redress scheme about:
inaccurate property descriptions disputes about holding deposits
It's a criminal oence for a letting agent not to be a member of one of these government-approved schemes:
inaccurate charging not passing rent onto the landlord
The Property Ombudsman (TPO) The Property Redress Scheme
slow or poor service
Both tenants and landlords can use the scheme to resolve disputes and the end decision made by the scheme should be binding
deposit protection schemes
is the length of time your landlord/agent has to secure DAYS your deposit in a scheme and inform you of the details. If they fail to do this then you can apply to the County Court for the deposit to be protected or returned to you. The court can also award you compensation of 1-3 times the amount of the deposit.
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Deposits taken by landlords/agents for Assured Shorthold Tenancies must be placed in one of three government authorised protection schemes. Schemes protect the money and help to resolve disputes between tenants and landlords.
TENANCY DEPOSIT SCHEME
DEPOSIT PROTECTION SERVICE
my deposits
www.tenancydepositscheme.com
www.depositprotection.com
www.mydeposits.co.uk
Tenant fee ban in England
LIVERPOOL’S LANDLORD LICENSING SCHEME
From June 1st 2019, landlords and agents will no longer be able to charge a number of fees in England for new tenancies signed on or after that date. Examples of banned fees: admin charges, guarantor form charges, credit checks, inventories, cleaning services, referencing, professional cleaning and more. Find out the details here:
All landlords must apply for a 5 year licence for properties that they rent. Properties that have 5 or more tenants do not need to be covered by this scheme as they should already be covered by a HMO license. Check if your property is licensed at
www.gov.uk/government/publications/ tenant-fees-act-2019-guidance
www.liverpool.gov.uk/business/ landlord-licensing
Popular studen communitie i Liverpoo
Are Guid
City Centre - L1, L2, L3
KENSINGTON - L6 & L7
Close to campus and the vibrant social scene. Mainly large purpose-built student developments and a selection of individual flats and houses, centrally located.
Located on the cusp of the city centre and easily walkable. Largely traditional terraced housing and flats with a mix of local residents and students. Popular with students wishing to live close to the city centre at lower rent levels.
EDGEHILL - L7 TOXTETH/GEORGIAN QUARTER- L8 This area has some of the finest Georgian terraces in the country, referred to locally as the Georgian Quarter. Close to the city centre but accommodation is limited and is generally large shared properties and selfcontained flats.
CHILDWALL- L16 A leafy residential suburb with limited student properties. Within walking distance of Liverpool Hope University. Properties are 3, 4 and 5 bed semi-detached houses. Allerton Road is a short walk away, which has restaurants, cafes and bars. Transport links into the city are good, about 20-25 minutes by bus. Average rents in this area are much less than the city centre.
MOSSLEY HILL/ALLERTON- L18 Large student community close to Smithdown Road. Excellent local amenities including shops, cafes and bars all close to University of Liverpool halls of residence. Liverpool John Moores University, IM Marsh Campus, is within walking distance and Liverpool Hope University in Childwall is a short bus ride away.
Close to the city and a short walking distance to the University of Liverpool campus. Typically accommodation is 1 and 2 bedroom flats or large shared town houses.
SMITHDOWN/WAVERTREE- L15 A large student community and a short bus ride to the city. Properties are mostly traditional terraced houses. Plenty of shared properties but a limited number of selfcontained flats. Excellent transport links to the city and out of town campuses. Lots of local amenities. Rent levels available in this area to suit most budgets.
AIGBURTH- L17 Some parts of Aigburth are within walking distance to LJMU IM Marsh campus and there is a bus from Aigburth Vale to Liverpool Hope University in Childwall. Lark Lane in this area has lots of cafes, restaurants and eclectic shops, with Sefton Park nearby. There are good transport links to the city, taking about 15-20 minutes by bus or 7 minutes by train from St Michael’s station.
MOVING OUT CHECK LIST
TENANCY AGREEMENT -
Check your contract for an end of tenancy procedure
and follow it!
CLEANING -
Have a proper deep clean! The property needs to be returned to
the landlord in the same condition as when you moved in, except for fair wear and tear. Take dated photos as evidence
BILLS AND CONTRACTS -
If you pay your utility bills yourself, contact the
utility companies and ensure the bills are paid in full. Also let them know the date you will be leaving the property and provide them with a final meter reading on the day you leave. If bills are included in your rent, give the final meter reading to your landlord but keep details for your records
TV LICENCE -
If you have purchased a TV licence you can get a refund for the
summer months if you are not living in the property. Visit www.tvlicensing.co.uk or call 0300 790611
UNWANTED ITEMS -
Remove all of your unwanted items from the property.
Don’t forget to recycle or donate
RUBBISH - Completely clear the property of waste, including items of food as you may be charged for cleaners to remove it and it could stop you from getting your full deposit back
RETURN KEYS - follow the instructions on your tenancy agreement on how to return the keys to the landlord/agent and ask for a receipt as proof
MAIL - Use Royal Mail’s post redirection service to make sure that confidential post is forwarded to another address of your choice
Summer Let Liverpool Student Homes advertises short-term summer lets from April for the following summer. All properties are registered with LSH and are typically available from May/June until end of August or start of September. Check the website or social media for details. www.liverpoolstudenthomes.org @LivStudentHomes LiverpoolStudentHomes
lETTING BOARDS OUTSIDE STUDENT PROPERTIES When searching for properties on our website, you can choose to look for properties which have this stamp on the advert. It shows that the landlord guarantees NOT to use letting boards outside of the property. This means:
your home isn’t highlighted as a student property helping to reduce burglaries and crime the appearance of the area is improved