moving in 01865 484770 su.advice@brookes.ac.uk
STEP one So you’ve found the property for you, signed the contract, paid all the money and are ready to move in. What’s next? Be in Oxford the day your contract starts; or at least make sure one of your housemates can be. This will help you to deal with any situations that arise. Inventory First Before you move your belongings in, go through the inventory provided or produce your own if one has not been provided. This must be detailed and it must be signed by all parties showing that you agree to the contents and condition of the property and its contents. And remember to take photos! Report problems in writing Keep a copy of this for yourself so that you can provide evidence of when you reported the disrepair. This includes if the agent or landlord has failed to honour any agreements made
Utility bills Contact the relevant companies. Provide them with meter readings from the day you moved in and get all of your names on the account. Even though your tenancy agreement may be joint and several, the Utility companies will only chase those who are named on the bill! Council tax exemption If you are a full time student you must apply for exemption, the University will not tell the Council that you are exempt automatically. amo@brookes.ac.uk and request an exemption PIP page. Each person needs to do this and city centre.
THIS DOCUMENT IS THE MOST ESSENTIAL THING FOR GETTING YOUR DEPOSIT BACK LATER. DO NOT AGREE TO SIGN IT UNLESS YOU ARE SURE IT IS TOTALLY ACCURATE.
TV Licence You must have a TV licence if you are watching ‘live’ TV whether it be through your laptop, information and to get a licence visit www.tvlicensing.co.uk/studentinfo. Remember if you are caught without a licence, you will be
Housing folder
Bins and Recycling
Make sure you start a folder that everyone has access to and that contains a copy of the inventory, tenancy agreement, deposit
Find out where your bins are kept, when the next collection is and which bins are collected when. Ask your neighbours or visit the Oxford City Council Household Waste and Recycling pages on their website www.oxford.gov.uk or ring them on 01865 249811.
such as copies of letters of agreement and reporting repairs.
STEP two key points to remember during your tenancy Report problems in writing
Environmental health Oxford City Council
Keep a copy of this for yourself so that you can provide evidence of when you reported the disrepair. This can include broken showers, mould, drafty windows and broken washing machine. Until an agent or Landlord knows something is broken they can not do something about it, hence why it is important you do this in writing so you have a written record - texts messages do not count!
After the Advice Centre these are the next most important people to have on speed dial, especially if you are not sure whether or not something in the house is unsafe. They can come out and inspect a property and provide an independent report on the condition of the property (although if you use a Green Agent, you shouldn’t need to ever use this service). Email: environment@oxford.gov.uk or talk to
Neighbours Love them or hate them you are stuck with them for a year. Be considerate. Don’t play loud music during anti social hours - that’s any time after 10pm and includes singing at the top of your lungs on your way back from a night out! Your neighbours may be willing to keep an eye on your house whilst you are away and to keep an eye out for you, but if you get off on the wrong foot this won’t happen. Remember you are part of wider Oxford community now! For more advice on getting on with your neighbours visit: www.brookesstudentpad.co.uk
Disputes with your housemates Whilst living with friends can be fun, occasionally disputes do occur & can sometimes escalate to the point where relations break down. If this happens try the following: •
sit down all together & discuss what has happened. Make sure everyone gets their chance to speak and that everyone listens to each other. • try not to retaliate with similar behaviour, this will just make matters worse • keep a diary of what happened & when • if you live in halls, ask the wardens if they would be willing to facilitate a meeting
Harassment & illegal eviction If you fall out with your landlord during the tenancy and they display behaviour towards you that makes you feel uncomfortable about staying in the house and/or they try to remove you from the property, this could be classed as harassment or an illegal eviction. The law protects tenants from both of these. If you believe that this may be happening to you, seek immediate advice from the Advice Centre. If at any point you fear for your personal safety, ring the police!
Safety first Make sure windows and doors are locked at all times when the property is empty. Let your neighbours know if you are going away so they can keep an eye out for you and remember most contracts state that you must let the Landlord know if the property will be empty for a period of time - check your contact as periods can vary!
Ending the tenancy early Unless your contract allows you to give notice, the only way you will be able to end a tenancy early is if the Council deem the property to be uninhabitable, the Courts agree or the Landlord agrees. Normally, tenants will need to find a replacement tenant and you will be responsible for the rent and bills until a replacement is found or the contract ends naturally. Seek advice from us before committing to leaving.
contact details Oxford Brookes Student Union Advice Centre Email: suadvice@brookes.ac.uk Tel: 01865 484770 Oxford City Council www.oxford.gov.uk HMO Licence Officer 01865 252307 Environmental Health 01865 252 887 Council Tax 01865 252 267 TV Licence 0300 5790 6138 www.tvlicensing.co.uk/studentinfo
Brookes Union Advice
01865 484770
su.advice@brookes.ac.uk