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Looking to Rent a House?

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Title: Looking to Rent a House?


1
Kelly Smith
Looking to Rent a House?
50 Park Place, Cathays Park Campus 2nd Floor,
Cardigan House, Heath Park Campus
2
Looking to rent a house?
  • Moving in to rented accommodation with friends
    can seem very exciting but also a little
    daunting. Before you embark on the adventure why
    not take a little advice and guidance on the
    matter!

3
The Big Issues
  • Who to live with?
  • Where to live?
  • When to look?

4
How to find a house?
  • Letting Agents
  • Private Landlords

5
What to look for?
  • Arrange a viewing you can all attend
  • Establish what you expect
  • Arrive early and check the outside security,
    windows, security checklist
  • Dont be afraid to question current tenants
  • Use the checklist provided by Students Union
    Advice Centre or our checklist available here.

6
To Sign or not to Sign!True or False?
  • You should pay the bond before signing contract
  • FALSE
  • You have to give 10 post dated cheques for
    rent
  • FALSE
  • Individual tenancies are better than joint ones
  • TRUE
  • I may need a guarantor
  • TRUE

7
True or False?
  • I have to pay an admin fee of 100
  • FALSE
  • I should have a copy of the inventory when I move
    in
  • TRUE

8
Tenancy Deposit Schemes
  • In April 2007 Government introduced new TDS
  • Effects all private landlords with assured short
    hold tenancies
  • To protect your deposit/ bond
  • 2 schemesCustodial Scheme / Insurance Based
  • www.direct.gov.uk/en/tenancydeposit

9
Bond- dont be shaken and stirred!
  • Retain receipt for your bond/ info on TDS
  • Check inventory and keep a copy
  • Settle all bills and ensure house is clean
  • At end of tenancy write to landlord requesting
    the return of your bond
  • The landlord must give details of what any amount
    is being withheld for
  • Action can be taken in Small Claims court if not
    settled through TDS -Dispute Resolution Service
  • Support available from The Student Support Centre
    or Students Union Advice Centre

10
Bills, bills and more bills!
  • Check what utilities, if any, are included in
    your rent
  • Find out who your utility suppliers are
  • Take meter readings
  • Ensure all names are on the bill
  • Decide how youll pay
  • Full time students are exempt from council tax
  • If you have problems making bill payments let the
    company know
  • Agree between yourselves when the heating is used
    before the bill arrives!

11
Safety First
  • All houses must have a current Gas Safety
    Certificate
  • Landlords responsible for electrical safety
  • You should have a clear, safe and uncluttered
    exit in case of fire
  • Smoke detectors should be installed

12
Repairs
  • The landlord is responsible for maintenance and
    repair of the structure and exterior of the
    property responsibility for other repair
    depends on what is agreed
  • 1. Make a formal request in writing for work to
    be done
  • 2. Give the landlord a reasonable period in which
    to do it
  • 3. If it is still not done come and seek advice
    from the Student Support Centre or Students
    Union Advice Centre

13
Your responsibilities
  • To the landlord
  • Must not deliberately damage property
  • Must behave in a tenant like manner
  • Must pay rent on time
  • To your housemates
  • Be considerate to each others needs
  • Ensure you can pay towards the bills
  • Ensure communal areas are respected
  • To the community
  • Not all residents in local area are students
  • So be considerate
  • You may find yourself subject to the University
    Disciplinary rules

14
Your Rights
  • Right to quiet enjoyment
  • Landlord has the right to inspect the premises
    however with your consent at reasonable time and
    must give 24 hours notice
  • Free from harassment
  • The landlord can not harass you in anyway.
  • The landlord can not withdraw electricity or gas
    supply to evict you. Harassment is a criminal
    offence

15
Can I change my mind?
  • In short No!
  • When you sign a contract it will be for a fixed
    term (usually ten months)
  • You are legally bound to pay rent for those ten
    months
  • You may be allowed to leave if you find a
    replacement tenant to take your place
  • If you leave before the end of the time your
    guarantor will be liable for your rent
  • You can be taken to the Small Claims Court for
    outstanding rent

16
Good Luck!
  • Try and keep these points in mind
  • Dont be over anxious, it can all run smoothly
  • If you do encounter problems help is at hand from
    The Student Support Centre, or The Students Union
    Advice Centre

17
  • The Student Support Centre
  • 50 Park Place
  • Cathays
  • 2nd Floor Cardigan House
  • Heath Park
  • studentsupportcentre_at_cf.ac.uk
  • Drop in 11-4pm
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