Housing SPRING EDITION 2018
around n o ti a d o m m o c c Searching for a h Unipol for it w t n u h e s u o H the Cluck? in Leeds. s e ti r e p o r p t s e the b
www.unipol.org.uk/LeedsHH Agony Amy Your housing questions answered See page 04-05
Rate your landlord Awards See page 06
www.facebook.com/ unipolleeds
@Unipol_Leeds
The Unipol Code Complaints Journey See page 23
2
SPRING 2018
Contents FEATURES 03
Headingley The best suburb in Leeds
04-05 Agony Amy 06
Rate your landlord awards and bloggers needed
22
Social media and Easter competition
23
The Unipol Code's
03
Complaint Process
We're pleased to announce that Unipol will be sponsoring Leeds Beckett HockeyClub this year! Look out for them at Unipol stalls at upcoming house hunting fairs
This magazine is produced by Unipol Student Homes. It is for guidance only and is no substitute for the diverse legislation covers. Unipol Student Homes is a company limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales, No. 3401440, Registered Charity number No. 1063492. VAT Registration No. 698 8456 49. Unipol Student Homes accepts no liability whatsoever in respect of the advertisements prepared by Unipol Student Homes based on the contents on Accommodation Details Forms and in no circumstances (whether caused by negligence or otherwise) will Unipol Student Homes be liable for any consequential or indirect damage or loss of rent or loss of profit suffered or incurred by you or any third party howsoever caused. Š Copyright 2017 Unipol Student Homes
06 22
23
04
CONTENTS
SPRING 2018
3
LOCATION
HEADINGLEY:
THE BEST SUBURB IN LEEDS
H
EADINGLEY HAS BEEN CALLED ONE OF THE BEST SUBURBS IN LEEDS AND IT IS EASY TO SEE WHY.
Visit the Unipol website to search for student accommodation in Headingley: www.unipol.org.uk/ leeds/accommodation
THE POPULAR STUDENT AREA IS LESS THAN 3 MILES AWAY FROM THE CITY WHICH IS IDEAL FOR HAVING SPACE FROM UNIVERSITY BUT A SHORT ENOUGH COMMUTE. THERE ARE A RANGE OF BARS, RESTAURANTS AND ENTERTAINMENT TO SUIT ANY VIBE, BUDGET OR TASTE. IT IS ALSO KNOWN THAT YOU CAN GET A LITTLE MORE FOR YOUR MONEY IN HEADINGLEY IN TERMS OF SPACE AND AMENITIES. TAKE A LOOK BELOW FOR OUR TOP HIDDEN GEMS IN HEADINGLEY.
WHETHER IN HEADINGLEY. R FA ER EV N IS T THE OTLEY ENTERTAINMEN TAKING PART IN A, EM IN C E TH G INGLEY YOU ARE VISITIN CH AT THE HEAD AT M BY G RU A ING INGS TO DO. RUN OR WATCH RUN OUT OF TH ER EV N 'LL U YO ,, STADIUM
CLICK HERE FOR OTHER THINGS TO DO IN HEADINGLEY: https://www.headingleyleeds.com
OOSE FROM A ADINGLEY. YOU CAN CH HE IN N FU YS WA AL SO KNOWN FOR ALISING IS NE. HEADINGLEY IS AL ISI EATING OUT AND SOCI CU SH ITI BR TO AI IN SUMMER! NTS FROM TH COME IN VERY HANDY LL WI RANGE OF RESTAURA H IC WH EN RD AL OAK BEER GA THE FAMOUS ORIGIN
04
SPRING 2018
A G O N Y A MY Hi!
Student life can be really difficult at times; balancing workloads, making new friends and budgeting. Most of what you are experiencing is brand new and takes time to get your head around. Unipol Hub officer Amy Lloyd answers questions and offers advice to help students with any housing related issues.
D EAR AM Y Joint Contract Dilemma
Q
:I and three other friends signed for a house to start our tenancy in July 2018. Unfortunately, due to personal reasons, one of my house mates has to move home and will not be able to live with us anymore. We spoke to the landlord and he said as we signed a joint contract we are responsible for finding another flat mate to replace him. Is this true? I am really worried as I cannot afford to pay my rent as well as his!
Unannounced Visitors
Q
: I have lived in my student house since September but I and my house mates have decided to look for another house for next year. Our landlord has been arranging viewings with other students who he has been showing around the house. I have no problem with this but our landlord is turning up without warning. Is he allowed to do that?
Amy Says: It is crucial that you understand the terms before signing on the dotted line. Many landlords use joint contracts and you and your friends might be asked to sign this type of contract. Being in a joint tenancy means that you are each jointly liable for the whole rent and for any other obligations under the tenancy agreement. I would advise to use the Unipol Noticeboard to help you replace your house mate: www.unipol.org.uk/ notice-board
Amy Says: Your landlord should always give you at least 24 hours’ notice if access is required for viewings. This is also the same for any required maintenance or inspections on the property. However, if there is an emergency, your landlord does not require your permission to access the property. This is the only time where the landlord can access the property without your knowledge or presence.
Amy’s Advice for Contract Checking Moving house and living with other is a big commitment and it is crucial that you understand the terms before signing on the dotted line. At Unipol we always advise that you get your contract checked before signing. Your Student Advice Service at your Students' Union will be able to explain the terms and will also check if you are being asked to supply a guarantor and whether your responsibility is limited to you rather than the full group.
ADVICE
SPRING 2018
05
ADVICE
Student Noticeboard Help
Find flat mates or let your room with the student noticeboard Whether you are looking for accommodation; have a room that you need to let; need a room on a short term basis or are looking for a group to share a house with, the Notice Board is here for you and the best thing about it is it’s completely free. The Notice Board is an interactive online message board that has been set up entirely for the benefit of students here in Leeds. To access our noticeboard you will need to register on our site, choose your city and then you can create a message to post in any of the relevant message boards. Remember to keep checking your account as the board is well used.
Step 1
Step 3
Select a forum to post in. For example, if you want to find someone to replace your tenancy select 'Accommodation Available'.
Click 'new thread' and type your post. It is handy to put in links for pictures or a link to your Facebook page.
Step 2
Step 4
Click subscribe to forum and sign up as a student. Sign in to your account.
Sit back and wait to be notified with responses!.
06
SPRING 2018
RATE YOUR LANDLORD
Winners in 2017
Rate Your Landlord Awards 2018 Following the success of our first awards evening in 2017 we will again be recognising those landlords who have been voted by you as the best in Leeds. Why are awards important? Awarding the best landlords shows that their hard work in providing a top quality product to you is valued and recognised. It also helps you identify the better landlords in Leeds. Categories will include: • Best Managing Agent • Most improved landlord • Best Landlord with one property • Landlord of the Year
Elizabeth Ann Bl Want your landlord to win? akeborough - wi nner Now is the time to make your views of the 2 - 9 properties review ed category count. Make sure you rate your landlord between now and 17th April 2018.
Rate and Win Enter a rating between 1st March and 17th April for a chance of winning a £50 Amazon voucher. 2017 Winners Watch the video here: https://youtu.be/C6jci5R4sy8 Sue Michaels - winner of the 10+ properties reviewed and Landlord of the Year categories
And many more
Bloggers Needed Are you a student interested in blogging? Being a student in Leeds is a constant adventure; something new is happening every day. Do you have any great tips on how to manage stress? Have you found any hidden gems in Leeds that other students don't know about? Are there any clubs or societies you want to shout about?
We are looking for volunteer guest writers for our blog who would like to do some ad-hoc writing on studentfocused topics and their real life university experiences in Leeds. If you’re interested, get in touch with Aimee at Unipol to find out more. You can contact Aimee by email at A.Hart@unipol.org.uk We look forward to hearing from you!
142 Ash Road, Headingley 7 Beds, £103 - £104pppw
39 Langdale Gardens, Headingley 6 Beds, £102 - £106pppw
54 Escourt Terrace, Headingley 5 Bed, £98 - £99pppw
2 Wetherby Grove, Burley 3 Beds, £83pppw
20
Lots of choice for 2nd, 3rd Personal Possessions
VISIT OUR WEBSITE FO 44 Langdale Terrace, Headingley 6 Beds £98 - £102pppw
64 Ash Road, Headingley 7 Beds £103 - £104pppw
www.unipolho
WE HAVE SOMETHING TO SUIT EVERYONE Rent directly from your trusted, friendly, not-for-profit student housing charity. Visit the Housing Hub 155/157 Woodhouse Lane
20 Marlborough Grove, University 4 Beds, £102pppw
HOUSE HUNTING FOR INDIVIDUALS
42 Headingley Avenue, Headingley 6 Beds, £85pppw
018
For students who are looking to rent individually we hold drop in sessions every Wednesday at 2PM at the Unipol Office. In
di
vi
du
al
ly
Le t
Stay in Leeds City Centre this summer in one of our developments. Available 1st July - 31st August Enquire Now housing@unipol.org.uk 0113 205 3424
32 Haddon Road, Burley 9 Beds, £99pppw In
di
vi
du
al
ly
Le t
d and post grad students s Insurance included
MILL STREET - Ensuite £864 Total MILL STREET - Standard £806 Total
OR THE FULL LISTINGS
ousing.org.uk
SUMMER LETS
CARLTON HILL £806 Total Garden House, Headingley 5 Beds £89.50 + £8 energy supplement pppw In
di
vi
du
al
ly
Le t
CONTACT US: 0113 205 3424 lettings@unipol.org.uk www.unipolhousing.org.uk Visit Us: 155/157 Woodhouse Lane, Leeds, LS2 3ED
14 Estcourt Terrace, Headingley 8 Beds, £102 - £105pppw
We offer the best student housing in Leeds (located in Hyde Park, Headingley and Burley) including houses flats and apartments, and we cater for all group sizes, from 1 – 15 bedrooms. Call into our office today to talk to our friendly staff to view our full list and arrange a viewing!
63 St Michael’s Lane
£85pppw
7 bed
55 Brudenell Mount
7 bed
£85pppw
46 Walmsley Road
£85pppw
7 bed
109 Cardigan Road
£90pppw
7 beds
21 Thornville Road
£75pppw
6 bed
An amazing & large property modernised to a high spec, with a super size lounge, a luxury fully fitted gloss kitchen. Sep utility room. Luxury jack + Jill shower room 2 further bath/shower rooms, 2 WC’s, garden & drive . Great headingley location.
Located in one of the most popular streets in Hyde Park. A fantastic 7 double bedroom end terrace A large contemporary lounge with leather sofas. A large dining kitchen with modern units.
Renovated to a high specification. A stunning property throughout with an open plan kitchen/lounge/diner 3 luxury bath/shower rooms and 7 beautiful bedrooms situated in Hyde Park early viewing recommended to avoid disappointment
A larger than average 7 bed property considered to be a great party house. Modern and contemporary throughout. There’s a super size living room with leather sofas. A fantastic fully fitted kitchen with breakfast bar and open plan dining room with dining table.
A fantastic 6 double bedroom property, located in Hyde Park close to amenities & walking distance to uni & city centre. A lovely modern kitchen diner, separate modern lounge. 2 luxury bathroom/shower rooms.
97 Brudenell Road
6 Mayville Street
17 Walmsley Road
20 Mayville Street
52 Harold Mount
£85pppw
6 bed
£85pppw
7 bed
£79pppw
5 bed
£80pppw
4 bed
£75pppw
4 bed
Popular central Hyde Park location. A very good size property, great for entertaining! A modern property with 2 bath/shower rooms. Sep kitchen with dishwasher.
A luxurious 6 bed Property. Renovated to high spec, with a stunning open plan kitchen & a separate Lounge. 3 Luxury Bathrooms. Contemporary décor & furniture.
A lovely property throughout. A contemporary fully fitted kitchen. A modern separate lounge with leather suite + wood flooring. 5 double modern bedrooms + 2 bath/ shower rooms located in Hyde Park.
A beautifully presented 4 double bedroom property, with luxury bathroom, contemporary fitted kitchen and situated in a fantastic location what more could you want! Early viewing essential.
A good sized 4 double bedrooms property. With recently installed modern kitchen with dining facilities and a large separate lounge. Popular Hyde Park location.
9 Hessle Street
4 Pearson Terrace
130 Brudenell Road
64a Brudenell Road
14 Pearson Avenue
£105pppw (inc bills)
£75pppw
£85pppw
4 bed
Located in Hyde park, with a large separate lounge, a modern kitchen diner. 4 double bedrooms all located upstairs. Neutrally decorated & modern fixtures + fittings.
£82pppw
4 bed
Fully refurbished contemporary property. A stunning open plan living area with luxury walnut kitchen. 2 luxury tiled bath/ shower rooms & 4 double bedrooms situated in central Hyde Park.
£85pppw
3 bed
Recently modernised to a high spec. Open plan living area, kitchen diner. 3 double beds, plus study, located in Hyde Park.
3 bed
A stunning & contemporary 3 bedroom apartment. Situated in Hyde Park near to Sainsbury with a fantastic open plan lounge and kitchen , a luxury bathroom & 3 double beds. Viewing advised.
2 bed
A large 2 double bedroom back2 back located in central Hyde Park. With a large separate lounge & large bathroom with shower.
Many more properties available! • 24 hour maintenance • All properties fully furnished • Transport to and from viewings • Deposits regulated with government scheme Also many more properties available please call or email
T: 0113 274 3333 | 0788 564 0007 | 0785 094 3818 | E: info@leedsprimeproperties.co.uk 64 Brudenell Road, Hyde Park Leeds, LS6 1EG.
www.leedsprimeproperties.co.uk
Property details and prices are intended as a guide only and does not form any part of the contract until the landlord has confirmed the rent and the contract is signed. Please note that the prices displayed are per person per week. We also incur a one off fee of £75 per tenant for administration costs
BOOK NOW FOR 2018/19 A private house isn’t your only option; as a trusted partner of both The University of Leeds and Leeds Beckett University, why not book a room at one of Unite Students’ properties in Leeds with great city centre locations. CONCEPT PLACE
THE TANNERY
THE PLAZA
THE PRIORY
SKY PLAZA
Speak to the team or visit unitestudents.com/leeds to find out more Terms and conditions apply. Visit unitestudents.com/legal and unitestudents.com/legal-booking for full details. Rooms and prices subject to availability. All information correct as at 18 December 2017.
BAINBRIGGE ROAD LEEDS 6 8 PERSONS SHARING UNIPOL 5 STARS
Large elevated period home with every facility in a quiet area yet only 1½ mins walk from Otley Rd bus stops, Original Oak , Skyrack & close are all the amenities of Headingley Village It has mature well stocked & maintained gardens with lawn, BBQ, & patio seating areas, Private parking See pics of all rooms WWW.KDONEWELL.COM
CHESTNUT AVENUE LEEDS 6 8 PERSONS SHARING UNIPOL 5 STARS
WILLIS PROPERTIES
HEADINGLEY AVENUE LEEDS 6 5 PERSONS SHARING UNIPOL 5 STARS
“Stanley House” a 100 metres from the large elevated period Carnegie Stadium home with every within a few minutes facility in a quiet area walk of Beckets Park, close to the Hyde Park main bus stops and all picture house. On Headingley facilities main bus routesincluding the Arc and within easy walk of Headingley Taps - has uni’s & all facilities a good corner location of Hyde Park - has with windows to three large private walled sides -front garden sun trap rear garden with patio seating area with BBQ, patio and rear yard with BBQ seating areas area See pics of all rooms See pics of all rooms WWW.KWWW.KDONEWELL.COM DONEWELL.COM
ESTCOURT BELLE VUE ROAD CLAREMONT AVENUE LEEDS 6 LEEDS 3 AVENUE, LEEDS 3 6 PERSONS 6 PERSONS 5 PERSONS SHARING SHARING SHARING UNIPOL 5 STARS UNIPOL 5 STARS UNIPOL 5 STARS
A cosy Victorian period home 100 metres from Headingley cricket ground - within a few minutes walk of Beckets Park, main Headingley bus stops the "Arc" "Taps" and numerous other bars, shops & restaurants front garden with patio seating area rear yard with BBQ area See pics of all rooms WWW.KDONEWELL.COM
Large elevated period home 3 minutes walk to Uni’s- permit & private parking, close to the city centre, Leeds Business, Law & Dental schools, the famous Faversham and Library pubs, close to Gryphon Sports centre -large front garden with BBQ & patio area -2 mins walk to parkland See pics of all rooms WWW.KDONEWELL.COM
A period Victorian home with permit parking, 4 mins walk from Leeds Town Hall. Excellent location for city and university, Leeds Business, Law & Dental Schools- Close to Faversham and The George Pubs - ½ min walk to parks in Woodhouse and Hanover squares. See pics of all rooms WWW.KDONEWELL.COM
DENISON ROAD LEEDS 3 4 PERSONS SHARING UNIPOL 5 STARS
DENISON ROAD LEEDS 3 4 PERSONS SHARING UNIPOL 5 STARS
2 adjoining Victorian 2 adjoining Victorian homes 4 mins walk homes 4 mins walk from Leeds Town from Leeds Town Hall, permit & private Hall -permit & private parking, secluded rear parking, secluded rear yard with seating area. yard with seating area. Prime location for city Excellent location for city and Uni’s, Leeds and Uni’s, Leeds Business & Law Business, & Dental Schools. Close to the Schools- Close to the famous Faversham famous Faversham and The George pubs, and The George pubs, ½ min walk to parks ½ min walk to parks in Woodhouse & in Woodhouse & Hanover squares. Hanover squares. WWW.KWWW.KDONEWELL.COM DONEWELL.COM
£80.00 PPPW £83.00 PPPW £78.00 PPPW £79.00 PPPW £85.00 PPPW £89.50 PPPW £85.00 PPPW £85.00 PPPW UNIPOL GOLDEN OWNER PROVIDING QUALITY STUDENT HOMES FOR OVER 30 YEARS - TEL 0113 2556575
22
SPRING 2018
COMPETITION
Like, share, engage with social media at Unipol Follow us on social media to keep up to date with Leeds student news and events, competitions, our blog: blog.unipol.org.uk, and to have a nosy around some of our accommodation. Catch us on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.
If you’re a Unipol tenant in one of our developments, then there’s a Facebook group you can join. It’s a great way to connect with the rest of your building, as well as your Housing Management Officer. Just search for your development on Facebook to find the group!
Got a question for us? We monitor our social media accounts from 9am-5pm Monday to Friday and we also have a webchat facility on our website, so you can expect a quick response to any questions you might have. But, don’t forget there’s also our housing hub on Woodhouse Lane if you want to speak to someone face to face.
Win this amazing
luxury Easter Tree!! How do you like your eggs in the morning? Are you an egg-sperienced bruncher? Are you eggstatic about eggs? Tag us in your eggscelent breakfast/brunch photos and you could be the lucky winner of this personalised Easter Egg! Yummy…closing date is Friday 23rd March
Unipol Student Homes - Leeds
@unipol_students
unipolhousing
SPRING 2018
23
THE CODE
UNIPOL Code Complaints Journey If you are having any problems with your student property, the first thing to do is to make the landlord aware of the issues. You can do this by giving them a call but always follow it up with an email regarding what was discussed and/or agreed. This then creates an audit trail.
If the issue remains unresolved and the landlord/managing agent is a member of the Unipol Code then this is where Unipol can help you. The list of all members of the Unipol Code can be found here: www.unipol.org.uk/landlords/landlord-directory#P. Please check this list to see whether your landlord/managing agent is a member or a supporter of the Code.
Non-Code Although Unipol can give you some advice, a formal complaint cannot be lodged against your landlord by Unipol. We advise students to seek help from their students' Union at this point.
MEMBER/SUPPORTER OF THE CODE If the issue remains unresolved then please make a complaint to Unipol via the online complaints form. This can be found via this link: http://www.unipol.org.uk/the-code/howto-complain/code-complaint-form. If you would like to discuss the issue prior to making a formal complaint, you can email Megan, the Unipol Code Complaints Investigator: M.Blanden@unipol.org.uk
Your complaint must reference a part of the Code (e.g. fire safety, repair). The Code can be found here: http://www.unipol.org.uk/do cuments/code/leeds/unipolle edscode2015-2018.aspx
The Unipol Code is a set of standards which landlords and managing agents have voluntarily signed up to. It is broken down into categories relating to the tenancy cycle (marketing prior to letting, during the tenancy and at the end of the tenancy). The Unipol Code references issues such as repairs, landlord access to the property and deposits. Please take a look at some case studies to get an idea of the type of complaints received under the Unipol Code and how they were resolved, here: www.unipol.org.uk/getattachment/The-Code/how-tocomplain/Tribunal-Outcomes/Unipol-Code-ComplaintCase-Studies-January-2018.pdf.aspx
Once you have submitted an online complaint, Unipol will then get in contact with your landlord to notify them of any breach and to explain what needs to be done to remedy any issues. Unipol may carry out an inspection of the property depending on the type of complaint.
If Unipol cannot resolve the complaint or reach an agreement between you and the landlord then the complaint will be passed to the Tribunal. The Tribunal is independent and they will decide if the landlord has breached the Code and their decision is final. The Tribunal cannot award compensation.
Don’t be put off by this! The Tribunal is fair and impartial and can draw a line under the complaint with a final decision.
CITY CENTRE LIVING - LEEDS
Alexander Court
New York Street
ÂŁ111 pppw standard
ÂŁ112 pppw standard
Flats for groups of 5 & 6 or rent a room individually. Fully inclusive of all bills and wifi
Flats for groups of 4 & 6 or rent a room individually. Fully inclusive of all bills and wifi
12 Month Contract - 1st July 2018 - 30th June 2019
12 Month Contract - 1st July 2018 - 30th June 2019
Benefits for Unipol Tenants Safe and secure student properties n Personal Possessions insurance included n No signing fees or guarantors n 24 hour emergency repair service 0113 205 3424
n
lettings@unipol.org.uk
www.unipolhousing.org.uk Published by Unipol Student Homes. Unipol Student Homes is a company limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales No. 3401440. Registered Charity No.1063492 VAT registration No. 698 8456 49. Unipol is a Registered Trademark.