What should we look for when viewing properties?
How is the property/water heated – is it a modern system?
lAre there smoke detectors and other fire safety equipment?
lAre doors and windows secure?
lPoint out any defects and get written confirmation that the works will have been finished and the property will be ready to move in to when your tenancy starts
lAsk about gas safety certificates and electrical inspections
Use our handy Housing Checklist
What should we ask the landlord/agent?
Can we keep our belongings in the property over summer?
Will you be doing major works to the property before our tenancy starts?
Who’s responsible for maintaining the garden?
Who do we call if there’s an emergency?
Which Tenancy Deposit Scheme does the landlord use?
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Can we get advice on our tenancy agreement before we sign?
Yes! Avoid landlords who try to rush you into signing a tenancy agreement: read the agreement carefully and highlight any terms you are unhappy with or do not understand.
What is a fixed term tenancy?
Most student lettings are for a fixed period which runs from July to June. Unless there is a break clause allowing you to give notice to quit before the end of the tenancy you will be liable for the rent until the last day of the tenancy. Please note that although there is no legal requirement for a tenant who intends to leave on the last day of a fixed term tenancy to give notice to quit, it is good practice to do so.
What is a joint tenancy?
Most student lettings are joint tenancies. This means that the "tenant" is all of the occupiers who are named in the tenancy agreement. These occupiers have joint and several liability for payment of the full rent. This means that if one of the tenants does not pay the rent, the landlord can demand payment from all or any of the others. Liability extends to other terms of the tenancy such as taking care of the property and its contents so, for example, if one tenant breaks a window, the cost of repairing the damage can be recovered from all of the tenants.
What is a holding deposit?
This is a payment which you make to the landlord or agent to secure the property. You will lose the deposit if you later decide not to rent the property. Make sure that you read the terms relating to the holding deposit carefully. Once you sign the tenancy agreement you will normally have to pay a security deposit to cover damage to the property, furniture and unpaid rent at the end of the letting - the holding deposit you have paid will normally be converted to a security deposit at this point and you may need to pay the balance of the security deposit.
What happens to the deposit during the tenancy?
In most cases the deposit will be covered by the Tenancy Deposit Scheme and within 14 days of receiving the deposit the landlord or agent must give you details about how your deposit will be protected including:
· the contact details of the tenancy deposit scheme selected
· the landlord or agent’s contact details
· how to apply for the release of the deposit
· information explaining the purpose of the deposit
· what to do if there is a dispute about the deposit
Download a Tenancy Deposit Protection Enforcement Pack