House Hunting

Paula Barker & Laura James

House Hunting: Aim of Presentation:

Discuss:• Who to live with and where• Type of accommodation• Tenancy agreements/contracts• Bonds/deposits – Tenancy Deposit Protection• Safety• Bills • Licensing • Repairs

With who & where?

Who?

Friends from

your course?

Friends from halls?

On my own?

How many of us? 4,5,6,8?

Where?

Close to CU?

City centre?

Outskirts of city?

Commuting distance?

Accommodation Options:

• Private rented accommodation

• Private landlord

• Lodgings

• University residences• Private halls (Liberty living and Victoria hall)

Check List

• Is the property secure – Locks on windows & doors• Is the property in a good state of repair• Any signs of damp or condensation• Decorating or repairs need to be carried out• Enough storage space in kitchen/bathroom• Gas certificate• What is & isn’t included in the rent• Ask current tenants questions

If you sign a contract and change your mind & don’t want to live there anymore you

can not get out of my contract

A contract is a legally binding document so once you’ve signed it your bound by it.

Contracts

Legally binding Read the contract carefully, If you’re not sure about some aspects get it checked by ARC before signing

Joint tenants If you and your housemates all sign the same contract at the same time, you become joint tenants and therefore jointly and severally liable for all bills

Guarantors This is a form that usually parents sign that guarantees payment of the rent and any other bills that you are liable for under the terms of the agreement. If you do not pay your bills they will ask the guarantor to

Promises Any promises that are made by the landlord/letting agent should be written in to the contract before you sign it.

The landlord/letting agency has to register

your bond/deposit with the Tenancy Deposit Protection Scheme (TDP)

TDP was introduced by Government in 2007.

Aim is to protect tenants’ deposits

3 TDPS: Deposit Protection ServiceTenancy Deposit SchemeMy deposits

www.direct.gov.uk/tenancydeposit

Inventory

Inventory is a list of furniture, fittings and other equipment.

Ensure it contains information on the content and also the condition of everything in the property.

Safety

• 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, fire blankets and fire extinguishers should be installed.• Doors and windows should have suitable

working locks

HMO LicenceHouse of Multiple Occupation (HMO) = 5 people living in a house of 3 stories or more have to reach certain standards

Has to meet minimum standard on:BathroomsKitchenRoom sizeFire protection

Property will also be given a health & safety rating

Additional LicensingAny rented property in the Cathays area with 3 or more occupants will be required to have a licence.

WHY?• To improve security and energy performance of properties• Ensure there are sufficient bathrooms, storage and cooking facilities for the number of tenants licensed to be in the property• Will check fire detection and prevention systems, and locks on windows and doors

Bills, bills, bills

• Check what utilities, if any, are included in your rent • Find out who your utility suppliers are

(Gas 08706 081524 Electric 0845 60159721)• Read the meter and keep record of it when you move in • Ensure all names are on the bill• Full time students are exempt from council tax• Decide how you’ll pay• If you have problems making bill payments let the

company know as soon as possible

Repairs

The landlord is responsible for maintenance and repair of the structure and exterior of the property – responsibility for other repairs 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 still not done, seek advice from the Student Support Centre or the ARC in the Students Union.

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 • Be considerate• You may become subject to the University Disciplinary rules

Your Rights

Right to quiet enjoyment• Landlord has the right to inspect the premises however with your consent at a 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

Remember

• Think carefully who you want to live with and where

• Don’t feel pressured in to signing up for a property

• Get your contract checked before signing

• Supply outweighs demand for property in Cardiff – Don’t rush

Contact Us

Advice & Guidance Service, Student Support Centre

Cathays Campus Heath Campus50 Park Place 2nd Floor Cardigan House02920 874844 02920 742070

• Studentsupportcentre@cardiff.ac.uk

• Twitter: @CardiffUniSSC

• Facebook: Student Support Centre – Cardiff University