Essential House Hunting Guide 2011-12
2011-12 Contents
02
Who are Unipol?
03
The Unipol DASH Code
04
Student Accommodation in Nottingham
07
Landlord or Agent?
08
House Hunting Groups
09
What’s it Going to Cost?
11
Searching for Properties
15
Viewing Properties
17
Property Checklist
19
Signing Contracts
20
Useful Contacts
Unipol is supported by
WWW.UNIPOL.ORG.UK/NOTTINGHAM
Introduction Deciding where you want to live is arguably one of the most important decisions you will make whilst studying in Nottingham. For this reason Unipol Student Homes works in partnership with the city’s universities, colleges, students unions and Nottingham City Council to help you make the best possible decision.
Unipol are a not-for-profit organisation and our services, including our property search database, are provided FREE OF CHARGE to students. Our charitable status means that we have no commercial interest in where you choose to live so you can always be sure that the advice we give is completely impartial. Inside this guide and on our website you’ll find all sorts of useful information about house hunting and the Nottingham student accommodation market. You will discover that the city has a surplus of student properties and that there’s no need for you to rush into a decision about your accommodation.
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Our advice is that you read through this guide and wait until the official start of House Hunting on: SATURDAY 22nd JANUARY 2011.
This way, not only will you be better prepared, but you’ll be able to take advantage of Unipol’s online property database, the largest selection of Nottingham student accommodation held anywhere. Follow the steps outlined in this guide and we’re confident you’ll find a property that suits your needs and your budget. Good luck house hunting!
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Who are Unipol?
If you are new to Nottingham then you might not have heard about Unipol... yet! We are a national not-for-profit organisation that is dedicated to improving student accommodation and ensuring you get the best possible student house. In Nottingham we work with the two universities and colleges to help students find accommodation and make informed decisions about student housing.
Here are a few important things you should know about us: • Unlike estate agents, we have no commercial interest in promoting particular properties, so our advice is always completely impartial • We have the largest searchable online database of student accommodation in the city, containing properties from private landlords, agents and large developments. In 2009/2010 we advertised more than 9,000 bed spaces • We don’t deal with landlords who have a proven record of complaints • We can help you meet students who are also looking to share accommodation
Your 5 Step House Hunting Plan 1. Wait until the official start of house hunting on 22nd January 2011 2. Be sure about where you want to live and who you want to live with 3. Use the Unipol website as a quick and easy way to search for properties 4. Make sure you get value for money by viewing a selection of properties 5. Get your contract checked before signing it
• We offer one to one advice on a variety of housing matters, including legal assistance, and provide help for students with specific housing needs WWW.UNIPOL.ORG.UK/NOTTINGHAM
The Unipol DASH Code In addition to our database of properties, we also run the Unipol DASH Code. This is Nottingham’s official student accommodation accreditation service, which landlords can voluntarily sign up to. The Code covers the physical conditions of properties as well as how landlords go about managing them. In short this means that we ask accredited landlords to include certain features in their properties for your health, safety and security. They also have to deal with any repairs or maintenance within specified time frames. The scheme is run by Unipol with the co-operation of DASH – the Decent and Safe Homes project and has one purpose: to improve accommodation standards for students in Nottingham. Owners who sign up to the Code agree to abide by a number of conditions. These far exceed current legal requirements and ensure that you, as a tenant, have enhanced protection. The Code is endorsed by Nottingham City Council, the University of Nottingham, Nottingham Trent University and both universities’ Students’ Unions.
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Key benefits of the Unipol DASH Code include: • A clearly written contract with reasonable terms • No demands for deposits or rent before signing up • Accommodation and facilities that meet a set standard for comfortable living and studying • Safe and secure accommodation, where reported repairs are completed quickly and efficiently • A landlord who is courteous, professional and without prejudice in their dealings with you • An established framework for dealing with complaints and resolving disputes Complaints If an accredited landlord is in breach of the Code, at any time, you can challenge them through our online complaints system or by contacting our Accreditation Officer. If this doesn’t resolve the matter it is then referred to an independent Tribunal that ensures owners meet their written commitment to comply with the Code. However, in most cases complaints are normally resolved before reaching this point.
Large developments, such as privately owned halls, are covered by a separate accreditation code and the majority of developments in Nottingham are members of this Code. Before signing a contract you should check on the Unipol website to find out whether your development is a member.
Student Accommodation in Nottingham Carrington New Basford Mapperley Park
Hyson Green Forest Fields
A
04 Nottingham has plenty of choices when it comes to student accommodation, so there should be something to suit both your taste and wallet. Which area should you choose?
Arboretum Radford
St Ann’s
1
A
The Park B
1
Wollaton
Lenton
City Centre
Sneinton
Meadows 2
Dunkirk
Beeston B
University of Nottingham 1 Jubilee Campus 2 University Park Nottingham Trent University 1 City Centre Campus 2 Clifton Campus
A B C
FE Colleges New College Nottingham Castle College South Nottingham College
C 2
Clifton
West Bridgford
If you’re a student at The The The The University of Nottingham then you’ll most likely be interested in houses close to the University Park and Jubilee campuses, in areas such as Lenton, Dunkirk, Beeston and Wollaton. Students at the Sutton Bonington campus have the choice of finding properties nearby or commuting from the city using the university’s shuttle buses.
05 Location
Average Rent
Average Deposit
NG7 1 Lenton ‘The Drives’
£69.41
£254.37
NG7 2 Lenton ‘Abbey Bridge’
£65.91
£251.69
NG7 3 Radford & Canning Circus
£62.73
£174.60
NG7 4 The Arboretum
£70.26
£231.80
NG7 5 Hyson Green
£59.00
£190.99
NG7 6 Forest Fields
£60.97
£212.00
NG9 Beeston
£65.28
£262.00
NG11 Clifton
£54.51
£196.85
Nottingham Trent University students, because of the central location of the City Centre campus and the excellent public transport system, can live pretty well anywhere in the city. However, popular areas include the Arboretum, Forest Fields and Radford which are all close to the main tram route. Students based at the Clifton campus may prefer to live in Clifton itself, or commute from either West Bridgford or the city centre, both of which have frequent bus services to the Clifton campus.
Rents vary quite a bit between different areas so if you are budget conscious you might want to take a look at the table above before you start house hunting. The average rent figures shown are per person, per week (pppw) and relate to 2009/10. The atmosphere in these areas also can be very different so it’s a good idea to check out properties in different places to make sure you are searching in the right area for you.
06 What type of property is best for you? Once you have chosen which area you want to live in, you should think about what type of accommodation is most suitable for you. Unipol advertise a range of different property types and the type of property you choose may well affect how much rent you pay. Shared flats and houses are normally the cheapest option. However, more expensive, options such as owner occupiers and large developments, usually include additional benefits. Make sure you know what you are getting for your money.
Despite there being a surplus of student accommodation in the city, smaller self contained and studio type properties do tend to go quickly. So if you want a smaller property start looking soon after the start of House Hunting on 22nd January. The most common sizes for properties in Nottingham are 4, 5 and 6 bedroom. If you are in a group that is struggling to find a property larger than 6 bedrooms you might want to consider looking for two smaller properties on the same street. Remember that if you are happy where you are, you don’t have to move.
2009/10 Average Rent (pppw)
2009/10 Average Deposit
Shared Flats
£51.14
£223.00
Shared Houses
£62.93
£260.00
Owner Occupier/Home Stay
£75.53
£231.00
Self Contained Flats (1 or 2 bedrooms)
£83.36
£335.00
Large Developments/Private Halls
£86.56
£201.00
Studio Flats
£117.90
£209.00
WWW.UNIPOL.ORG.UK/NOTTINGHAM
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Landlord or Agent? Something you may not have considered is whether you want to rent from a private landlord or a letting agent. Whichever you choose you need to keep in mind this is the person that you will deal with if you lose your keys or want something repairing, so choose carefully. When you go for a viewing have a chat with the landlord or agent as they show you around. Try and get an idea of how they operate. If the current tenants are around have a quick chat with them to see if they’ve had any problems.
Everyone operates slightly differently and some private landlords and agencies will ask for additional fees. Holding fees, signing fees and summer retainers are all common, so make sure you know what the money is for. Get a receipt and if you are not happy paying, don’t be afraid to try and negotiate or find somewhere else that doesn’t charge.
letting agent you need to check if you are signing for a ‘let only’ or ‘fully managed’ property. The difference between these types of property is that if you are in a ‘let only’ property you will have no other dealings with the agent once you have signed the contract and a ‘fully managed property’ means that you contact the agent if you have any difficulties.
If you are renting from a private landlord then this will usually be the person that you contact first if you have any difficulties during your tenancy.
Whether you choose a landlord or an agency you should always try to prioritise Unipol DASH Code properties where possible. You can check whether a landlord or letting agent are part of the Code on the Unipol website. Remember, if you are on a ‘let only’ contract or if you planning to let from an agency that is a ‘Code Supporter’ then you need to check whether the landlord is accredited as well as the agency. .
If you choose to rent from a
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House Hunting Groups As most properties are shared accommodation it’s generally easier to go house hunting as a group. Landlords and agents also prefer to let their properties this way. The most common house sizes in Nottingham are between 4 and 6 bedrooms. If you bear this in mind when forming your house hunting groups you’ll maximise your choice of properties. If you decide to go house hunting as a group you need to remember that you will be signing a legally binding contract to live together several months in the future, so be sure that you are happy with your group before signing the contract.
Don’t worry if you are not in a group as many landlords and letting agents do let rooms on an individual basis.
These are some of the things students tend to look for:
You can also form house hunting groups by using the notice board, on the homepage of the Unipol website, to contact other students or by attending one of our House Hunting Events (details of these can be found on the Unipol website).
• Proximity to campus and/or access to public transport
The best thing to do before you go to look at houses, whether you are on your own or in a group, is to really think about what your priorities are and what you are willing to compromise on.
• Separate living room
• Unipol DASH accreditation
• Affordability • Large bedrooms with double beds and broadband • Kitchen facilities/fridge space
• Access to shops, bars, restaurants • Off-street car parking • Security features and areas with low levels of crime • Friends living nearby Whatever you are looking for remember it’s better to be honest with yourself from the outset rather than risk losing friends or getting into financial difficulties further down the line.
WWW.UNIPOL.ORG.UK/NOTTINGHAM
What’s it Going to Cost Rent On the Unipol website rents are always shown as per person, per week (pppw) but they can be collected on a monthly, termly or quarterly basis. When setting rents landlords take into account market forces, so usually the most popular areas are the most expensive. However, this isn’t always the case, so remember: • There are always “bargains” and “over-priced houses” • Check the duration of the contract as this will affect the total cost • The time of year and pressure on the market affect rent levels The front page of the Unipol website always shows the current average rent in Nottingham. Use this to gauge whether you are getting a fair deal. You may well find that the closer you get to the start of term the less you will have to pay.
are
s e aw n ent ly b R h ha t ly on re t nth t m tly mo n o e r M ligh ing
at s pay u’re rks out o y o If it w s’ rent. 65 that ek ou £ s e y w t k os four e: wor ill c 5 w which that mpl a 6 x £ e , f For nt o ear) ided thly ly re in the y ou div e mon k e y e h f s t w i ek A ot r), ut (we 0. B he yea 81.67 (n t x 52 t £3,38 2 n i £ a ths t at out mon rks ou 0) ( 2 by 1 evel wo £260.0 l = rent 0 x 4 0 . £65
Some landlords will vary rent levels and offer to improve the house or install more facilities if there’s a group of tenants eager to rent the house. Some may also offer discounts on summer rent or shorter contracts. Whatever you agree, get it in writing with a signature from the owner so there’s no confusion later. Deposits
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The Tena ncy D epos If the it Sc total hem annu prop e al er
rent o ty co mes then to un n your it is a de legal landlo requir r £100,00 rd to 0 e ment p regis tering rotect yo for yo u ur r it Sche depo in a T me. s enan cy De it by posit Make sure you a schem sk e the y are your land of th lor e cer using tific and a d which tenan sk fo cy, yo ate. If, at ra th u dedu ction r landlord e end of t copy s from h or ag think ent m e your ar akes depo dedu e unfair y any sit w ou ca ction hich s. n the you n dis pute these
Most owners will ask for a deposit when you sign for a house. Deposits are displayed on the website as per person and are usually about a month’s rent. They are used to cover any damage you might cause, unpaid bills or rent and any end of tenancy cleaning the landlord has to do.
10 Bills
Council Tax
The type of house you choose will affect the size of your bills. Most shared houses will need to have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) – links to these can be found on the Unipol property adverts. The EPC assesses how energy efficient a particular house is by looking at things such as double glazing and loft insulation. It will also give an estimate of how much you might need to spend on energy bills for that house. A few other things that you might want to look out for include gas central heating, gas instant hot water, carpets and smaller room sizes as these will all help to keep your heating bills lower.
If only full-time students occupy your property, you will usually be exempt from payment of Council Tax. However, if you want to live with someone who isn’t a full-time student, they are unlikely to be exempt. In such instances check with your landlord first as ultimately they are responsible for the Council Tax.
Your contract should clearly state who is responsible for paying the bills.
To find out more about Council Tax visit www.direct.gov.uk
Budg eting Your Cost If you s r re
nt do below esn’t offer week an ap includes bills, ly bu proxim the f dget ate g igure ing: uide s Gas for £3.80 per p Elect erson ricity per w £6.25 eek per p Wate erson r per w £2.45 eek per p (Sou erson rce: w per w ww.w Figur eek ha es ba sed o tprice.co .uk O na4 ctob bedr er 20 oom 10 hous e)
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Searching for Properties House Hunting 2011/2012 Now that you’ve read through the first sections of this Guide you should be well prepared and ready to start house hunting, but don’t rush in! You might be tempted to start housing straight away. However, it really is unnecessary to start looking for a house almost a year in advance. The advice Unipol, the Nottingham Universities/ Colleges and the City Council give is to wait until the official start of house hunting, which is
By doing this you’ll have a better idea of the city, how your studies are going and who your real friends are. Remember that contracts are legally binding and if you sign for a house then fail your exams or fall out with your friends you will still have to pay the rent until you find a replacement.
On the 22nd January 2011, Unipol estimates it will release onto its website approximately 9,000 bed spaces that you can quickly and easily search.
SATURDAY 22nd JANUARY 2011.
The o ffic House ial start to Huntin g is...
WWW.UNIPOL.ORG.UK/NOTTINGHAM
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Using the Website
The 3 most widely used features on the website are:
The Unipol Nottingham website is a one stop shop for everything related to student accommodation. It also provides you with the biggest choice of Nottingham student properties available anywhere and allows you to easily compare properties to ensure you’re getting the best possible value. On the home page you will find a property search facility, a daily update on the amount of properties available in the market, the current average rent and relevant news items.
1. Search Properties 2. Notice Board 3. Student Advice Section Before you start using the website it’s a good idea to register. You can do this for FREE on the Property Search pages by clicking on the ‘login’ box. Registering makes it easier for you to save your searches and selected properties by using the clipboard. It also allows you to post on the notice board.
Searc hin of hou g before th e star se hun t ting
If you look a t the U the sta nipol w rt of h ebsite ouse h there a before unting ren’t th y ou mig at man This is ht thin y prop becau k erties se we that ar a v o ailable nly dis e curre . play p ntly av ropert ailable ies . If you look in Decem proper ber yo ties th u will o at are If you nly fin left ov check d e r for 20 back a Januar 10/201 gain a y there 1 . f t e r the 22 will be more p nd around ropert ies for 10 time you to s choose from.
Search Properties This is likely to be the part of the website that you will use the most and it is where we display adverts from many different private landlords, letting agencies and large developments. There are three different ways to search the database: Quick Search, Advanced Search and Key Word Search. Quick Search will usually return the most adverts as it’s less specific. You might want to start off using this option to get an idea of all the options that are available to you. The Advanced Search is good if you have a very definite idea of what you are looking for. For example, if car parking is important to you or you want a rent that includes all the bills then the Advanced Search will help you filter your search results to find relevant properties. When using the Advanced Search keep in mind that it is possible to be too specific. If you find your search hasn’t returned as many results as you hoped then you may want to re-prioritise your wish list and try again.
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Notice board
If you do have particular requirements then the Key Word Search could be the most useful option for you as this will find any words you specify. So if you’re looking for a property that is recently “re-furbished” or you need “WiFi” this is the way to go.
The Notice board is designed for students to contact other students and is a great way of finding extra house mates. You can use the notice board to form a group to go house hunting with, find an extra person to fill a spare room or even find a spare room to fill yourself! The notice board can be accessed by clicking the green notice board button on the homepage and to post messages you will need to register. New messages are checked and updated approximately every six hours, so the board always has something new on it.
Unipol on your mobile
You can now use the Unipol website whilst you’re on the move by visiting the website: www.netletnottingham.co.uk/m
Student Advice Section You will find information on all aspects of student housing in this section of the Unipol website. Some of it you will need during house hunting whilst other information will only become relevant during your tenancy. Basically, if you have a question that’s not answered in this booklet, you’re likely to find the answer in “Student Advice”. WWW.UNIPOL.ORG.UK/NOTTINGHAM
Once you have specified your requirements, in whichever property search facility you are using, a list of results will be generated. These results will be shown as mini adverts and will be colour coded according to whether your selected properties are accredited or not - blue indicates that the property is accredited. By clicking on any of these you will be able to get full details about the property you are interested in.
Property adverts A Location
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Street and post code only. Find the exact location from landlord. B Rent How much it is going to cost C Collection period
A
How often the rent is collected
F
D Deposit
B
D
Make sure you know what this is for
C E
E Agreement Used by property owners to let the property
I F Property type, size and availability If it's shown as a whole property then the owner wants a group of students to take the property G Contact and Viewing details These could be the owner, letting agent or the current tenant
H
H Features and Facilities Look out for details such as the type of heating or whether there is a living room
G
I Advert icons See if the property is part of the DASH Code and has an EPC. Also add the property to your clipboard and share with friends on social networks
Viewing Properties If you’ve never been on a house viewing before then you’ll probably be wondering what you should be looking for. Good sized rooms and pleasant décor are usually quite easy to spot but there are a whole host of practical issues you should also be considering whilst viewing. First impressions really do matter. If there’s a front garden, how well has it been maintained and who’s responsibility is it to look after it? It’s rare to find a house that is scruffy outside and smart on the inside. Look at the house from across the road. Check the roof for signs of damage. If there is damage this can lead to damp inside the house.
Once inside the property there are a range of things you should be checking. Electrics - Check appliances work and that there is an electrical safety certificate. Gas Appliances - It’s a legal requirement for all gas appliances to be serviced annually. Ask to see the Gas Safety Record and check that all the gas appliances are listed as safe to use. Central Heating - This can be the cheapest and most effective way of keeping warm and it reduces dampness and condensation. Double Glazing - Are the windows glazed as described in the advert?
15 Damp - If you view a house in the spring/summer it could be in much better condition than during the winter. Check for signs of water penetration, especially in attic rooms. Living Rooms - A living room will allow you to keep sleep and work areas separate but check that the shared space and soft furnishings are sufficient for the number of people in the house. Baths, Showers and WCs - Are there enough washing facilities and are they separate from the toilet? Does the shower work? Is there hot and cold running water? Does the toilet flush properly.
16 Kitchens - Make sure there’s enough storage space in the kitchen and that there’s enough room if two or more of you want to cook at the same time. Similarly, is the fridge and freezer large enough and is there a good cooker? Microwaves can be cheaper to run but they’re not a viable alternative to a cooker. Washing Machines - Is there a washing machine or plumbing for one? Electrical stores charge around £30 a month to rent one, so if you’re in a group this may be worth considering rather than using a launderette.
Carpets and Curtains - If there’s a bedroom on the ground floor, the curtains should preferably be thick or lined. Worn carpets, especially on stairs, are dangerous - ask the owner to replace them. Furniture - Some students add to the furniture that’s provided with their own personal items. Find out which furniture belongs to the tenants and which to the owner. You should be provided with a bed, desk, wardrobe, chest of drawers (or built-in cupboard/ wardrobe) and chair. Have a good look at the bed and mattress - you’ll soon know if they’re past their best. Television – If a TV is provided, remember you’ll need a TV licence.
When you’re at the property also ask plenty of questions and make sure everything works. If the existing tenants are there when you are viewing, it does no harm to ask them about their views on the property, the landlord and their reasons for moving out Remember, this is the best time to negotiate. If you like a house but feel that you will need more storage or the mattress is a bit worn ask now! If the landlord does agree to make any improvements make sure they are written into the contract.
Property Checklist
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To help you, we’ve put together a check list which identifies some of the key things you should be looking for during a viewing. It’s well worth taking this checklist with you and completing it as you view houses - you soon forget which property had what.
Address 1 Address 2 Address 3 Gas & Electricity
Address 1
1. Is there a copy of a CORGI safety certificate for the gas appliances? 2. Is the heating in the house adequate (think of the winter temperature)? 3. Do the electric/gas fires work? 4. Are there enough sockets in each room? 5. Do any of the plugs get very hot, indicating dangerous wiring? 6. Does the cooker work? Plumbing 7. Do all the sinks drain? 8. Have you tried all the taps? 9. Does the toilet flush or leak? Security 10. Does the property have a working burglar alarm? 11. Is the house secure? 12. Are all the external doors solid? 13. Do all the external doors have five-lever mortice locks and do the downstairs windows have locks? 14. Are the ground floor bedroom curtains lined or thick enough? Furniture 16. Has the house got enough furniture for the occupants? 17. Does any of the furniture belong to the existing tenants? 18. Is all the furniture in good condition? 19. Does the sofa meet with the fire regulations?
2
3
Kitchen
Address 1
2
3
20. Is there enough space in the kitchen to store and prepare food? 21. Is the fridge/freezer big enough? 22. Are there any signs of pests (mouse droppings, slug trails, fleas)? Insurance 15. Do you need contents insurance? Money 23. What are you paying for in your rent and is it clear from your contract? 24. Have you paid a deposit? What is it for and which tenancy deposit scheme will it be held in? 25. Have you got a receipt for what you’ve paid? 26. Who is responsible for the water charges? 27. How much will it cost to heat the house? 28. Are you jointly liable for rent with the other tenants? Services 29. What services is the owner providing for you, if any? Window cleaning, gardening, lighting of common parts, dustbin and refuse disposal? Agreements 30. Do you know what the contract means? 31. If so what type of contract is it? 32. Have you talked to the previous tenants about any problems? 33. Have you been given a copy of the contract you’ve signed? Owner 34. Have you checked the owner is a member of the Unipol DASH Code of Standards? 35. Do you know the owner’s name, address and phone number? Outside the property 36. Does the roof look sound (you can check for damp from inside the house)? 37. Have the gutters got plants growing out of them? 38. Are the drains clear? 39. Is any of the woodwork rotting or unsafe?
WWW.UNIPOL.ORG.UK/NOTTINGHAM
Property Checklist
Signing Contracts The important thing to remember when signing your contract is that it is legally binding. For this reason you should never sign a contract before your Students Union Advice Centre have checked it. Most owners are quite happy to let you keep a proposed contract for at least 24 hours before you have to decide whether or not to sign it so that you can have it checked.
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How long should I expect the contract to be for? Most owners now use fixed-term contracts for a set period of time. Some owners may make rent concessions (normally half rent) for July and August. Raise this with them - it’s always worth negotiating about the precise date you start paying full rent. Single or joint tenancy agreements
Will I be able to leave the contract if I want to? Specific clauses in contracts saying you can leave are rare. If you leave the property within the contractual term you’ll be liable for the rent until the end of the contract. Of course, you can ask the owner if it’s okay to leave. But if they refuse, assume you’ll be held to the contract, through court action if necessary, which means paying rent until the last day of the contract. Most students who want to leave a house have to find someone else to take their place.
You could be asked to sign a single or a joint tenancy agreement. The main difference between these types of contracts is that if you sign a single tenancy then you will only ever be responsible for your share of the rent where as if you sign a joint tenancy then the landlord can hold you jointly responsible for any unpaid rent. Guarantors Approximately half of the landlords and letting agencies on the Unipol Nottingham website ask for guarantors. If your parent signs a guarantor form they become liable for your financial responsibilities under the terms of the contract. That means they’ll have to pay your rent if you don’t.
If you’re signing a joint contract with other students, your guarantor could also be asked to pay the rent of another tenant if they default (unless the agreement they sign specifically mentions that they’re only responsible for their son or daughter’s liability). Many students don’t like asking their parents to sign guarantor forms. If you’re not happy about finding a guarantor, rent somewhere else. Unipol produces a standard guarantor agreement form, which your landlord can use, that limits a parent’s liability to only their child’s rent arrears and not those of other joint tenants.
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Useful Contacts General Housing Advice and Guidance Unipol Student Homes
0115 846 8599
www.unipol.org.uk/nottingham
Student Advice & Representation Centre, University of Nottingham Students’ Union
0115 846 8730
www.su.nottingham.ac.uk/advicesupport
Student Advice Centre, Nottingham Trent Students’ Union
0115 848 6200
www.trentstudents.org
Council Tax, Refuse Collection, Parking, Pest Control and Noise Control Nottingham City Council
0115 915 5555
www.nottinghamcity.gov.uk
Broxtowe Borough Council
0115 917 7777
www.broxtowe.gov.uk
Newark & Sherwood District Council
0163 665 0000
www.newark-sherwooddc.gov.uk
Rushcliffe Borough Council
0115 981 9911
www.rushcliffe.gov.uk
Nottinghamshire Police
0300 300 9999
www.nottinghamshire.police.uk
Nottinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service
0115 967 0880
www.notts-fire.gov.uk
Emergency Services
WWW.UNIPOL.ORG.UK/NOTTINGHAM
The Nottingham Accommodation Bureau For further information and assistance you can contact the Unipol Nottingham Accommodation Bureau on 0115 846 8599 or by email on info@nottingham.unipol.org.uk.
To check our opening hours, as well as how many vacant bed spaces we are currently advertising and average rent levels call 0115 846 8230. Nottingham Trent University
As well as face to face advice, the Bureau holds house hunting events and legal drop-in sessions, details of which can be found on the Unipol Nottingham website. During term time the Bureau is open: Monday to Friday 9.30am - 4.45pm
Information about Unipol's services can be accessed at Nottingham Trent University's Student Accommodation Services in the Student Services Centre, Central Court, Newton and Arkwright Buildings. Student Accommodation Services can also be contacted on 0115 848 2894 or at accommodation@ntu.ac.uk
Unipol is a charity that assists students studying at the University of Nottingham, the Nottingham Trent University, New College Nottingham, Castle College and South Nottingham College. These notes are produced by Unipol Student Homes and can be reproduced only with the express written permission of Unipol. They are for guidance only and are no substitute for the diverse legislation they cover. Unipol Student Homes is a company limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales, No. 3401440. Registered Office 155-157, Woodhouse Lane, Leeds, LS2 3ED. Registered Charity No. 1063492. VAT Registration No. 6988 45649.
DESIGN: WWW.TOMPARTRIDGE.CO.UK
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House Hunting Guide 2011-12 WWW.UNIPOL.ORG.UK/NOTTINGHAM T 0115 846 8599 E info@nottingham.unipol.org.uk