Lets Be Patient ! #dontrentyet Our message is not to going rushing into signing a contract just yet! Your circumstances might change You might not like the people you have signed up with in 6 months time? You may just decide you would prefer to share with different people You might find something better You might decide to opt for a Study Abroad Semester/Year/Placement Year You might not progress on your course as you expect to Personal Circumstances might arise which might change things

So then when? Timing Don’t panic – myth busting Suggest after the January assessment period at the earliest Making an informed choice at your own pace Consider if you want to share or not If sharing consider who you are going to live – will this will change??? Once its signed, you are bound Joint and Several Liability

House Hunting and Viewing Research the area View several houses to gauge a standard across areas Viewing with tenants who are still living there Ask questions of landlords/current tenants Feel confident to make requests and get these added to the contract Don’t be pressured by agents/landlords or friends! Read all the documents Seek advice if unsure Make sure you are within budget

Housing Options #nclhousehunt University Accommodation Service - Nustudenthomes & Private Rented Property - website has information on student areas and average costs Word of Mouth Local Agencies / NUSU Housing Fair – 24th November 2016 - Venue Online Local Press / Shop windows

Be Aware – Joint and Several Liability Annual rent on the Property: Average weekly rent x contract length x no. tenants £75 x 52 x 9 = £35,100 You are legally liable for this jointly AND individually. If your parents or family have acted as guarantors then they are liable in the event of your failure to pay. A common misconception is that they are only liable for a portion of the rent but they are usually liable for the full amount.

‘Tricks or Treats’

Important things to know about Tenancy Deposit Protection Houses in Multiple Occupation Professional Lettings and Property Management Independent Redress Scheme registration Who is managing the property? Fees

Contract Review Service The Student Advice Centre (SAC) can offer a review service Documents must be given to SAC no less than 48 hours in advance By appointment only

Useful sources of information Student Advice Centre – Housing Advice web pages Shelter website National Union of Students (NUS) Newcastle University Accommodation Service Newcastle City Council Northumbria University Student Law Office Citizens Advice Bureau GOV.uk

Senior Adviser (Housing) Questions? Ruth Gibson Student Advice Centre Senior Adviser (Housing)