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