Money Week theme of the day is…………

Arm yourself with all the facts before you commit to private rented accommodation

If you’re looking for somewhere to live for next year then don’t panic! Here are some ‘top tips’ to help you in your househunting:

Browse through the Accommodation Office housing hunting guide before you get started http://www.brighton.ac.uk/_pdf/accommodation/house-hunting.pdf

Check out Brightonstudentpad.co.uk. This is where you’ll find the most up to date database of properties to rent in Brighton, Eastbourne and Hastings (you’ll need to get a password from the Accommodation Office to use the online service). There are no agency fees to pay, all properties advertised through Brightonstudentpad are vetted by the us and the landlords of these properties must abide by a code of standards, setting out what you can expect in terms of the quality of the accommodation and how the landlord will treat you – including how they will deal with any complaints you may have.

Don’t feel pressured into accepting the first place you see, unless you’re happy to do so – there’s plenty of accommodation out there.

If you are using a letting agent, you can check out how they performed in the 2013/14 Rate Your Landlord survey. This survey was carried out the University of Sussex Students’ Union in collaboration with Brighton Students’ Union, and asked students for their views on their landlord or letting agent. You can check out the information sheets the University of Sussex Students’ Union produces as a result of the survey here [http://www.sussexstudent.com/news/article/campaigns/rate-your-landlord-information-sheets-published ]

There are of course plenty of websites which advertise properties to rent – for example Rightmove and Latesthomes.co.uk – and most agencies will advertise properties through their websites too.

If you find a place to live through a letting agency then they will generally charge you agency fees and these can vary quite significantly, so shop around. It is unlawful for an agency to charge you a fee simply to register with them, and they should tell you upfront how much they charge and what it covers. If you aren’t sure what you’re being asked to pay or what it’s for, seek advice from the Accommodation Office.

ALWAYS get an itemised receipt for any money you pay to a landlord or letting agent.

Read through your sign-up agreement and tenancy agreement carefully to check there aren’t any hidden surprises or costs – the Accommodation Office can look over your contract with you if needed.

It’s highly likely that once you’ve secured a property, your letting agent or future landlord will undertake a credit reference check and ask you for a guarantor (who may also be credit checked). Guarantors are people (often your parent/s) who ‘guarantee’ to pay the rent on your property if you fail to do so. Most agents or landlords insist that guarantors need to live in the UK and be homeowners. This can cause problems, especially for non UK students. If you think this may present you with a problem, seek advice from the Accommodation Office.

It is generally the case that if you live in a shared house or flat, and all sign the same contract, then you will be ‘jointly and severally’ liable for the rent on the whole property. This means that if one or more of you don’t pay your share of the rent, the landlord or agent are legally entitled to demand the missing rent from any or all of you – or from your guarantors. So, choose who you live with wisely!

Part of the money you pay upfront when you agree to rent a property will be a ‘security’ or ‘damage’ deposit. This is money to cover the cost of any damage you may do to the property, or to cover unpaid rent. They will usually take an inventory when you move in, so be prepared and take your own photos, ideally using the date and time fetaure on a digital camera. If you don’t live with a landlord in their own home as a lodger then generally your landlord is required to keep your deposit in an independent tenancy deposit scheme. Your landlord or agent will tell you which scheme they keep your deposit with. At the end of your tenancy you should get your deposit back, minus any deductions for damages etc. If you disagree with the landlord over the amount of these deductions then the deposit scheme will arbitrate over any dispute and reach an unbiased conclusion as to whether there should be a deduction from your deposit or not.

Happy househunting!

Come and visit Rob & Heather at the Starting Gate, Bishopsbourne between 12 – 2 today as the Money Matters roadshow rolls into Eastbourne

 

 

Student Advice Service