Housing SUMMER EDITION 2018
, g in s u o H r e m Sum
h today
c start your sear
www.unipol.org.uk/LeedsHH
www.facebook.com/ unipolleeds
@Unipol_Leeds
The Unipol Code
Agony Amy
See page 3
Your housing questions answered
Headingley
See page 04-05
See page 06
Your guide to the area
2
SUMMER 2018
Contents FEATURES 03
The Unipol Codes - Moving Out and Moving In
04-05 Agony Amy 06-07 Give your mind a rest with Leeds Beckett SU Choose to live in Headingley 22
Celebrate your graduation
23
Rate your Landlord
03
Awards 2018
06 Worried you won't get your deposit back? To use one of the FREE adjudication services with your deposit protection scheme you need to lodge the dispute within 3 months from the end of your tenancy.
22
So if you think you may have a problem getting your deposit back contact your scheme ASAP for advice on submitting a dispute.
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
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04
CONTENTS
SUMMER 2018
3
UNIPOL CODE
The Unipol Code: over e g n a h at c
Living with a Code landlord will take the stress out of moving
Your Code landlord will: - Provide clear written guidelines about the standard of cleaning required before you move out.
- Confirm in writing any other arrangements (eg providing proof of bill payment, check out inspections)
- Return your deposit within 28 days or provide you with a reason for delay, along with a statement of any deductions they plan to make
Your Code landlord will:
- Let you know in writing if any works will overrun and how this might affect you
- Provide you with a copy of the Gas Safety Certificate
- Provide instructions on how to use appliances if required *The property is filthy: Most student tenancies end on the 30th of June and begin again on the 1st of July. If the property is not clean when you arrive, you will need to contact the landlord and back up with an email. The cleaner should visit within a couple of days of you notifying them. uk
- Ensure the property is ready at the start of the tenancy*
- Give you a point of contact for any emergencies
- Provide writing instructions for central heating and hot water
- Provide information about bins and recycling
The property isn’t ready for me to move in: If your bedroom or property isn’t habitable, you should be provided with alternative accommodation (if you want it). Contact the Code team if you need help: CodeComplaints@unipol.org.uk
It’s easy to check if if your landlord or agent is a member of one of Unipol’s Codes at:
www.unipol.org.uk/landlords/landlord-directory If you’re unsure, call us on 0113 243 0169 or email leedscode@unipol.org.uk
04
SUMMER 2018
A GO N Y A M Y 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 E AR AM Y Shared Responsibility
Q
: I am due to be moving out of my student property on the 30th of June. I live with 4 other housemates and we have tried to keep the house in the best condition we can. I am worried that I will not get my full deposit back and I need the money for when I go home. As it is a shared property, what am I responsible for in order to get all my money back?
When will I get my deposit back?
Q
: I moved into my shared accommodation on the 1st of July last year and paid my deposit of ÂŁ250. When should I expect to get my deposit back as I will be due to leave the property soon? If there are any problems/ damages, how long should it take the landlord to provide me with evidence of this?
Amy Says: You are responsible for all communal areas of the house and your own bedroom, the same applies to your housemates. I would recommend thoroughly cleaning the house when you leave and taking photos of the property in case any disputes arise with the landlord about the property's condition. You can then use these photos as evidence if disputing any deductions through your deposit scheme.
Amy Says: You should receive your deposit within 28 days of the end of your tenancy. If there is going to be a delay in doing this, the landlord must inform you of this delay in writing, together with the reasons behind the delay and an account of any deductions to be applied. If your landlord has not returned your deposit within 28 days and has not given you any reason for this, you should contact the below tenancy schemes. If you are living with a Code landlord, contact Unipol.
Amy’s advice for deposit protection Your landlord should have registered your deposit with a deposit protection scheme. If you are unable to reach agreement over the return of the deposit, you can use the scheme to try and recover money you think is owed to you. There are 3 deposit protection schemes. To find out where your deposit is protected, visit the scheme websites below TDS: www.tds.gb.com/ismydepositregistered.html My Deposits: www.mydeposits.co.uk/tenants/tenantisyourdepositprotected.htm DPS: www.depositprotection.com/is-my-deposit-protected
ADVICE
SUMMER 2018
05
ADVICE
Student Noticeboard Help
Want a house for over the summer or want to start renting from September? Are you around over the summer but have nowhere to stay? Do you simply not want to rent over the summer whilst you are not here? You can use the Unipol search engine to look for tenancies starting in September or short term lets for over the summer. Visit www.unipol.org.uk/leeds/accommodation to start your search...
SEPTEMBER LETS
Summer Lets
Step 1
Step 3
The search will show up different filters. For September tenancies search 'When do you want to move in?’ then press select date and select September on the calendar. Click search.
Go down to the bottom of the search and click 'advanced search'. On the left under ''short term let' select from the options and click search.
Step 2 Search through adverts in the left column and click each one for more information.
Step 4 Search through adverts in the left column and click each one for more information. To find out more about summer lets visit www.unipol.org.uk/about/housing/summer-lets-withunipol
See the back of this magazine for available Unipol summer lets
06
SUMMER 2018
COMMUNITY
Give your mind a rest with Leeds Beckett SU Hi everyone, I’m Kelly-anne, Leeds Beckett’s Vice-president Welfare and Community. It’s that time of year where everything seems a little up in the air, especially if you are in third year. I remember it well. Exams and assignment deadlines make it feel like it’s the end of the world! Well let me promise you it’s not, it’s a super hard time and your mental health will probably be affected so make sure you are really looking after number one. You can’t be at your best if your body and mind are over worked! Around May we will be running tons of fun activities all over campus so you can take your well-deserved breaks. Come join us for puppy sessions, freebies
including water and fruit and amazing ‘Ted Talks’ in the SU bars during lunchtime. Keep your eyes peeled for StressLess presents. We also have a great student- led initiative called, Safe Space, who meet every Wednesday during term time 1 – 3pm and cover new themes each week in the Students’ Union meeting room 1. If you fancy meeting likeminded people who
understand that stress might get you down, that assignments can be too much and that being away from your family and friends can be difficult then I’d definitely recommend giving this group a visit. Safe Space is a peer support group that is run by facilitator trained students that are here to help you with any worries you may have. Make sure you are looking after yourself. Remember the Students Union is here to help support you in whatever way we can; you don’t need to go through something alone.
leeds beckett
students’ union
Peace out! Kelly-anne VP Welfare and Community.
Join the 1000s of students each year that choose to live in Headingley Headingley is situated only two miles from Leeds city centre which means it is no surprise that this area is popular with students, with its youthful vibe and bustling pubs, restaurants and bars. It is great that Leeds students can experience their first taste of true independence in such a nice urban village.
ts
The Restauran n
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Reds True BBQ, head to Otley Road for a very smoky, meaty experience. Nandos, every students favourite. The Olive Tree Greek restaurant Jinos for quick affordable Thai food The Agora Greek and Turkish bistro for great sharing platters/mezes
SUMMER 2018
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LOCATION
The Pubs n
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The Original Oak for food, student deals and summer drinking outdoors The Skyrack is a mixture of old and new Arcadia for real ale and atmosphere Plus many more…most on the Otley Run
t The Entertainmen n
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and nightlife
Cottage road, a 1912 Cinema where you can view recent releases The Arc for food and drinks including breakfasts The Trio Bar and Grill and the Box for pool, quizzes and live large screen sport Yorkshire Cricket Ground and Rugby ground for Leeds Rhinos and Carnegie for sport enthusiasts
Winston Gardens
y
A mixed communit
We hope you have a fantastic time living in Headingley but please remember to be respectful of your neighbours by keeping noise to a minimum and remember to be respectful of your neighbours by keeping noise to a minimum and remember some residents have full time jobs and families to take care of. A good way to keep the peace is to introduce yourselves to your neighbours when you first move in and ask them to let you know if there are any problems. For more information on how to keep the peace within the community visit: www.unipol.org.uk/documents/ unipol-housing/keepthepeace
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Want to look for a property in Headingley
ol website, Easy - just go to the homepage on the Unip er to the select 'Search for Housing' and your answ is ' live? question 'Where do you want to HEADINGLEY. Happy House Hunting!
LS6 | 7 Beds
ADVERT Bright and modern seven bedroom house in central Headingley n Four fully furnished double bedrooms still available for individual lets n Large shared kitchen/diner, living room and two bathrooms With all bills included and No admin fees
Rent: £97 pppw Deposit: £200pp Contact: Rebecca 07768305085
NEW PROPERTIES ADDED! Stunning refurbishments, including boutique bills included accommodation + rooms in our new ‘castle’; or one of our many other newly added student properties.
CALL US TODAY - 0113 816 0131 www.sugarhouseproperties.co.uk 1st floor, 21 Otley Road, Headingley, Leeds, LS6 3AA
/sugarhouseproperties
@sugarhouseleeds
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
CLAREMONT ESTCOURT BELLE VUE ROAD AVENUE, LEEDS 3 AVENUE LEEDS 6 LEEDS 3 5 PERSONS 6 PERSONS 6 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
summer discounts
available on selected properties
w www.rmpproperties.co.uk t 0113 224 9911 RMP10590
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
Summer rooms are available too! 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 21 December 2017.
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SUMMER 2018
GRADUATION
Celebrate your graduation
on a shoestring or splash out
With new found freedom from the library and dissertation writing, it’s time to start planning graduation. It’s a great day to celebrate your uni years and blow off some steam before entering the adult world! We’ve put together our top tips for your big day and a few ideas of some of Leeds’ best eateries where you can go for a slap up meal to celebrate after! Article by Nicola Page and Olivia Wakefield, students at Leeds Beckett University and University of Leeds and assistants at the Unipol Housing Hub.
Eat breakfast! Or something that resembles breakfast…(well, you are celebrating right?) It’s a long day and who knows when they’ll decide to open the complimentary refreshment standsmake sure your stomach isn’t grumbling on stage. Arrive in plenty of time, The universities recommend you arrive 90180 minutes before your ceremony is due to start. You’ll need to pick up your tickets, gown hat/hood and have the all-important graduation photo.
Sukhothai Dine in style at one of the best Thai restaurants in Leeds. Ranked in the top #5 Thai restaurants on Trip Advisor. With the option of a VIP room that can be booked out for a special graduation dinner (city centre only), or a free bottle of prosecco for tables of 4 or more during graduation week. This will make for a stylish and special graduation meal. Sukhothai, City Centre. 15 South Parade, Leeds, LS1 5QS Sukhothai, Headingley. 4 St Anne's Road, Leeds, LS6 3NX
Graduation offer available
Also, remember to take some form of ID as you might need this to pick up your tickets. Plan for the ALL weather conditions…If there’s one thing we’ve learnt from our time at uni it’s that Leeds weather = unpredictable! Make sure you’ve at least got an umbrella for when it inevitably throws it down mid-ceremony Book any hotels/celebration meals/beauty appointments well in advance. The universities in Leeds
hold graduation Our top ceremonies at similar tips for times, so book early to th e day ensure you get a space. Check out our recommended restaurants below for some ideas on where to eat. Make the most of it. All of the hard work you have put in over the years has all contributed to this day so take a few moments to absorb everything that’s going on and try to hold back the tears.
Lupe’s Cantina Mexicana. A small family-run restaurant which offers an authentic Mexican experience. Tapas style, so try lots of different dishes. We'd recommend anything with mole sauce; the chilli and chocolate sauce will make for a decadent graduation dish. All dishes are under £12, which makes this a great place for graduation on a budget. 204 Cardigan Road, Leeds, LS6 1LF.
Hansas
Graduation offer available
Award-winning restaurant serving Indian Vegetarian homecooking since 1986. Graduation offer available: if you order a starter and a main course, receive a free dessert. 72/74 North Street, Leeds, LS2 7PN.
Brasserie 44 Brasserie 44 is situated on the Calls waterfront in Leeds city centre. Established in 1991 and featured in the Michelin Guide for over 20 years. They are family owned and run offering fresh seasonal produce in relaxed surroundings with friendly professional staff. They also offer a complimentary lunchtime chauffeur collection service around the city. For more information including menus and bookings please visit www.brasserie44.com 44 The Calls, Leeds, LS2 7EW
SUMMER 2018
27
RATE YOUR LANDLORD
Rate Your Landlord
IT’S AWARDS SEASON! T he Rate Your Landlord review site has now been in operation for two years and several thousand students have already rated their landlord and shared their experiences to help other students when they are house hunting. So if you have not rated your experience yet, what are you waiting for?
Have you had a great experience? Tell your fellow students who they should be renting from: “Best landlord ever! Goes above and beyond to make sure residents are happy and safe.” “Lived in this landlord’s properties for two years. By far the best ones in Leeds. Such an easy experience both times.” Or who not to rent from: “The worst landlords I have had in 4 years. The staff were rude and very unhelpful.” Rewarding the best landlords We are excited as we will shortly be announcing the
winners of the 2018 Rate Your Landlord Awards. The awards look to thank those landlords who are providing the best experience to their tenants as voted by you. The 2017 winners were: • Sue Michaels of Leeds Student Homes • Elizabeth Ann Blakeborough • George and Gill Tee • Kexgill • Danny Cohen • Ashfield Property (Leeds) Ltd.
*We keep a record of your name, email address and other details in case we need to get in touch. Published reviews will not display this information. How students have reviewed so far We are pleased to report an above average experience in their accommodation. Across the categories these are the averages on a scale of 1-5 from 2,296 reviews:
How students have reviewed so far We are pleased to report an above average experience in their accommodation. Across the categories these are the averages on a scale of 1-5 from 2,296 reviews: Question The signing process was good
4.2
The landlord provided good customer
3.8
The landlord dealt with repairs efficiently
3.6
The property was safe and secure
4.0
The property is good value for money
3.8
My house feels like home
3.8
The moving out process was good
3.7
The landlord handled my deposit fairly
3.9
Don’t forget about quality houses! W ith exams (and for some, end of exams) dominating May, it can be easy for everything else to take a back seat, especially housing. You’ve likely already signed for a property for July onwards by now, and you’re spending so much time in the library that you’ve stopped noticing the little gripes you used to have with the quality of your house. But even though exams are really important, it’s just as important that you have a nice place to relax at the end of a long day’s work. Your landlord still has a duty of care when it comes to issues with your house, so don’t neglect them.
You should also start to think about what you’ve got in place for moving house. Where are you storing all your belongings between moving out of one place and into another? Who’s supplying your utilities in your new house? Have you thought about security? For any help or support with anything around moving house, come along to the LUU Advice Centre or email us on helpandsupport@luu.leeds.ac.uk Speak soon, George Bissett, Community Officer