Most students have only just moved into their accommodation for this year but already letting agents are putting pressure on you to sign up for a house for next year. You may feel that you need to think about finding a house for next year. Perhaps your friends are looking and you don’t want to be left behind. While we are not telling you what you should or shouldn’t do, we would recommend that you wait until the beginning of semester two before you start looking.
USEFUL INFORMATION REPORT PROBLEMS TO (agency/landlord)
HMO ENFORCEMENT TEAM 01865 252211 _____________________
TENANCY RELATIONS OFFICER 01865 252267 _____________________
Deposit scheme details _____________________
Why? •
Once you have signed an agreement to rent, you have made a big financial commitment that you will not be able to get out of without losing money. The more time you have to think about it the better.
•
If you are a first year student you may not know the area well and so may not make the right choice about where to live.
•
You may not have had time to really get to know people you have agreed to share with.
•
You are more likely to see problems such as mould and damp if you look at houses after the winter.
Lead tenant _____________________ Rubbish collection daY _____________________ Recycling collection day
EMERGENCY CONTACTs for tenants
Whenever you decide to start thinking about renting, our handy checklists and information booklets can help you #RentSmart. See inside this leaflet for more details.
Name:
Rate your student accommodation with Movem
Contact:
Movem is a platform for students to rate, review and compare letting agencies, landlords and properties all over the UK. Their community relies on students, like yourself, to share their experiences and help others find the best homes. www.movem.co.uk
Here to help you
Contact: Name: Name: Contact:
BROOKES UNION ADVICE su.advice@brookes.ac.uk 01865 484770 www.brookesunion.org.uk/advice
www.brookesunion.org.uk/rentsmart
Here to help you
MOVING IN C arefully complete the inventory and return
HOUSE HUNTING
it within the time speciďŹ ed, keeping a copy.
MOVING OUT Clean the house paying attention to the inventory and photos you took on moving in.
T ake dated photos of the property inside and out to prove that your inventory is accurate.
Take more photos in case of a dispute.
D ecide on your limit for rent before
Inform the utility companies and give
E nsure that at least one person goes
you start looking.
meter readings.
around with the agent at check out.
F ind out when you will have to pay the rent
Get a TV licence if you need one.
R emove all rubbish and items you brought
and security deposit in advance, this varies between agents.
into the house. F ind out about rubbish collection and recycling.
R ead your contract carefully - if you are unsure or unhappy about any terms get it
meter readings. Think about getting contents insurance.
checked at Brookes Union Advice.
Y our deposit should be returned Make sure you are given information
O nly sign once you have agreed to all the
within 10 days.
about your security deposit.
terms to avoid financial loss. Update your PIP page address and make D oes the area have a good bus service?
sure you get a council tax exemption.
C heck properties carefully - look for signs of
F ind out where the fuse box and stopcock are.
damp, poor security, broken appliances, etc.
For help with contract checks or any
I nform the utility companies and give
For a handy moving in booklet, or any
questions about house hunting, go to:
questions about moving in, go to:
www.brookesunion.org.uk/rentsmart
www.brookesunion.org.uk/advice/housing
For support in getting your deposit back, or any questions about moving out, go to: www.brookesunion.org.uk/advice/housing