Finding a property off campus Student Advice Centre 27/01/11

Introduction Finding your first house and living in independently is generally a great experience. Thinking about a few key issues can really help you to make a good choice and prevent problems later.

Who will I live with? The first consideration is who will you live with. Maybe you already have a group of friends you want to rent with? Do you want to rent alone? Do you need to meet up with others to form a group? Come to our evening events this week: 6pm Thursday Eliot LT2 6pm Friday RutherfordLT1 and stay for the after events to meet others. Or look at the Keynes notice board to find others to form a group.

Things to consider before viewing- What about the area? Location, Location, Location What do you need from your area? How near to Uni do you want to be? What’s the public transport like? Is it well lit/ safe at night? Are there other student houses in the area? What are the neighbours like?

Things to consider before viewing-What about the cost How much can you afford? (Average rents are £100 pw.) Do you want a property to include bills? (these type of contracts are often a good deal but look at the clauses in the contract) What about the Summer? Will you or anyone in your group want to live in the property from July? (Half rent/ full rent)

Things to consider before viewing- What about the contract? Will you all be on one contract? (Joint and several liability) Do you know this means you are all liable for each other. If one person doesn’t pay/ moves out/ trashes the place the rest of you will be jointly liable! (You could sue your all defaulting housemate but..)

Where can I find properties? Next step is to find a property. Accommodation office list This years list of available properties will be on the Hospitalities website on 28/01/11. All of the landlords on this list will be accredited.

Where can I find properties? You can also find available accredited properties on the Council’s Accreditation scheme website at If the property is not on the Council’s list it is not accredited. If you are already in a property and want to check if the property is Accredited search by your landlords name

Make some calls.. You need to make some arrangements to view some properties that look like they may fit your needs. There is a lot of pressure on students at this stage as there is very much the idea that the best properties go first. This is not always the case but to have the widest range of property to choose from it is a good idea to start thinking about what you want early.

Things to consider when you look- Do you like the Landlord/ Agent? You will probably be shown round the property by the person you will have to deal with all year. It doesn’t matter what they are like if there are no problems. If there are problems you need to be able to deal with them. Trust your judgement- if you don’t like them don’t rent with them.

Things to consider when you look- Is it in good repair? Have a really good look at the house. Does it smell funny, are there black marks on the skirtings, ceiling, corners? Are the windows sound? Has the boiler been checked? Is the electric safe, Is there fire safety equipment? Ask the current housemates what it is like (especially without the Landlord around) Disrepair is a nightmare to sort out. If you’re not sure don’t rent it!

Things to consider when you look- Will it suit your group? How big are the bedrooms? Who wants the small one? (will they pay less rent?) Is there enough furniture/ bathrooms/ electric sockets? Is there a phone? Who pays? If not what will you do about the internet? Who does the garden? If it’s you who’s going to do it?

What next? If you like it, think it’s reasonable value and in the right location you’re likely to want to take it ASAP. You may be asked for a (non returnable) holding deposit while you make a decision. Only pay this if you are all serious. Guarantors- You are likely to be asked to provide a guarantor who will be responsible for rent or damages if the group does not pay. Speak to your guarantor now to ensure they are happy to act as your guarantor. Guarantors can be a problem for EU students You will be required to sign a contract. We would strongly recommend that you get that contract checked BEFORE signing it. Once signed you are bound by it’s terms whether you understand them or not! The Advice Centre can check your tenancy. Please call us on to book an appointment to get your tenancy checked.