TOP 5 RENTING MYTHS

All the best houses go by Christmas 1

and in fact you can find an amazing property later in the academic year. Most student houses are joint and several Assured Shorthold Tenancies, meaning that when you agree to rent the property as a group you are actually signing to say that if someone doesn’t pay, you will.

I can get out of my

housing contract at 2

any time

Once you’ve signed a contract you are legally bound to fulfil that contract for the period stated within the contract, unless there a break clause. This is called the ‘fixed term’. Some landlords will allow you to find a replacement, but this is at their discretion and can be costly. SUBU Advice can check your contract to see if a break clause is included and discuss your options if not.

It’s typical to rent a

private house 11 3

months before you move in

Not all the best houses go by Christmas

In the private rental sector tenants typically sign contracts, pay admin fees and deposits one month prior to moving in. The student rental sector differs as students fear that all the best houses will be gone before Christmas so they wish to secure their accommodation early as a result. The only way to change this and therefore reduce the risks with renting early, is for you to stand up to the agents and rent later, when you’re ready.

If the whole student body waited until Easter to search for their next house then students would be less likely to encounter problems such as, housemates walking away from contracts, having to find replacement tenants, houses being sold by the landlord after deposits have been paid, houses being renovated and not finished in time for Sept but students moving in to the property anyway.

I will remain friends

with those who I plan 4

to move in with

Unfortunately you may not remain friends with people who you have signed a contract with. This is especially true for first year students. Are you willing to sign legally binding contract with someone you have known for two months? Do you trust them not to pull out the contract or are they thinking of leaving uni? A peak period for student’s withdrawing is after Christmas.

Waiting until after Christmas could reduce the risks involved and potentially save yourself a lot of hassle and money.

If anyone pulls out the

5 housing contract I won’t

have to pay their rent

If someone pulls out of the contract you could find yourself liable to pay their rent. Landlords could go to the other student’s guarantor but they are not legally obliged to and they are far more likely to charge you the extra rent.

/ sububourne-