private housing booklet 2013 web

8/12/2019 Private Housing Booklet 2013 Web

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Private Housing Guide

For life after Halls

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CHOOSE YOUR HOUSEMATES

One of the most impor tant decisions you have to

make before nding your house is who to share it

with.

Will your chosen housemates share household

chores with you, such as washing up, vacuuming

and gardening etc? Will they pay their rent on

time and will they act in a responsible way?

There are lots of pros and cons when sharing with

friends. Sharing a house can be brilliant, just take

care. Dont rush into it with people you dont

know very well.

Choose the right people to live with and youll have a great time together. Take your time

and read this booklet. Making the right decisions at the outset could lead to one of the best

experiences of your life.

CHOOSE YOUR HOUSE

Once youve selected your housemates its time to select your property. Start acting as a group,

try and decide exactly what you want from your house.

Prioritise your needs. For example how close to campus do you want to be? What area do you

want to live in? Are there any areas to be avoided? How much rent can you afford?

Dont forget about the additional bills you will face if you select a large house. The heating andelectricity bills are likely to be more expensive. Can you afford to heat the house in winter? Will

you have enough money for food and socialising after rent and bills?

The checklist on the next page is useful when discussing how to select the best house for your

requirements.

House Hunting

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PROPERTY VIEWING CHECKLIST

LOCATION

a. Is the house in a convenient location?

b. Is there good public transport nearby?

(Bus, Underground and Overground)

c. Will you feel safe living there?

d. Are there any local shops, pubs, takeaways?

e. What are the neighbours like?

RENT

a. Can you afford it?

b. Will it include any utility bills or not?

c. How and when is it to be paid?

d. If you receive student loans will these funds arrive into your bank account before the

date the rent is due?

e. If the landlord asks for a deposit make sure you get a receipt.

THE HOUSE

a. How many bedrooms are there? Is there a very small box room? If so who will live in it?

Will they pay the same rent as everyone else?

b. Are there enough facilities for your group? i.e. beds, wardrobes, sofa, chairs and desks etc.

c. Is the furniture in good order? Is any furniture missing?

d. Does the furniture/mattresses carry the re resistant kite mark?

e. Are there sufcient locks on doors and windows?

f. Does the kitchen have enough cooking/laundry/refrigeration facilities?

Are they in working order?

g. Is there a phone point or an internet connection facility?

h. How is the house heated? Will it be enough in the winter?

i. Is the property free from damp, mould and draughts? Does the house look structurally sound?

j. Ask for details of the suppliers of gas, electricity and water and the approximate cost of the bills.

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CONTRACT

a. Do you have a copy of the contract?

b. Is it joint or individual?

c. How long is it for?

d. Will you need to pay a deposit?

e. Can you leave before the contract ends? What do you have to do?

f. Do you have any pets? Are you allowed to have them at the property?

REPAIRS AND CLEANLINESS

a. Is the property clean?b. Is the property well maintained?

c. Are there any repairs being carried out? Will they be complete when you move in?

Get it in writing.

d. Is the house free of pests? (Mouse droppings are a dead give away!)

SAFETY

a. Do the gas appliances have safety certicates?

b. Are there smoke or heat detectors in the property? Do they work?

c. Is there any outside security lighting? This helps on dark nights in winter!

d. Has the electrical wiring been checked in the last ve years?

e. Do the electrical appliances and ttings have a NICEIC safety certicate?

f. Are there enough plug sockets in the house? i.e. in bedrooms for computer, CD player etc.

g. Are there satisfactory exits if there was a re in the property?

h. Make sure you get the landlords telephone numbers in case of an emergency.

THE LANDLORD

a. Is he/she of reasonable character, e.g. friendly, exible, willing?b. If his/her attitude is Take it or leave it avoid future problems and leave it!

c. Will visitors be permitted? If so for how long can they stay?

d. Does the landlord require notice of any visitors?

e. Check carefully about his/her views on visiting the property. He/she should always

give 24 hours notice and not pay intrusive surprise visits.

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House Hunting

LIVING IN PRIVATE ACCOMMODATION

TRAVEL

Public transport is usually very good. Being in London, you are never very far away from a bus

stop or underground station.

AREA

Think about the area you want to live in, is it safe? When you get off the bus or tube at night, is

it a long walk, are the roads well lit? Does the area have good facilities, such as library, bars,

restaurants, takeaways, cinema and supermarkets? Doing your shopping at the local cornershop can be very expensive!

THE LANDLORD

Most private sector landlords require an income

for their housing for 12 months. Sometimes they

will offer academic year contracts; sometimes

they will give you a break clause, but not

always. Sometimes they will offer term time only

contracts. Different landlords have different

ways of letting their properties.

LETTING AGENTS

A letting agent advertises properties on behalf

of a landlord. Once all the paperwork has been

completed and the tenant has moved in, the letting agent will then hand all the paperwork and

security deposit to the landlord. The landlord will then collect all the rent and deal with any

problems (repairs) that may arise.

PRESSURE

Not all letting agencies have good reputations. Some agencies may try and pressure you into

taking one of their properties by stating that you wont nd anything else or the rents will go up

in September. Resist the pressure. There are plenty of properties to choose from, so dont be

rushed into signing an agreement or paying too much money up front. Take the time to nd the

right house.

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FEES AND DEPOSITS

If you decide to take a property managed by a letting agent, they will charge you an

Administration Fee. This can range from 50 to 500. Always check what the letting agent is

charging you and make sure they give you a receipt for any monies paid.

There are two different types of deposits you may be asked to provide:

1. Holding Deposit: an agent will ask you for this fee when you have agreed to take the property,

but have not signed the contract to take up the tenancy. This is a guarantee for the agent that

you denitely want the property. Dont pay it if youre not absolutely sure. It will probably not berefundable.

2. Security Deposit: This is an amount of money, usually 4 to 6 weeks rent, that you would pay to

the agent/landlord in respect of any damage and cleaning that may be required when you leave

the property. If you sign an Assured Shorthold Tenancy, this deposit should be protected in a

Tenancy Deposit Protection Scheme.

On 6 April 2007 the tenancy deposit law was introduced and provides protection to tenants by

preventing landlords and letting agents from unfairly withholding a deposit.

How does it work?

At the beginning of a new tenancy, pay your deposit to your landlord or agent as usual. Within

30 days, the landlord or agent is required to give you details about how your deposit is protected

including:

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House Hunting

The landlords name and contact details

The amount of deposit paid and the address of the tenancy

Details of the tenancy deposit scheme they are using

A copy of the deposit protection certicate signed by the landlord

Information about the purpose of the tenancy deposit protection scheme

How to get your deposit back at the end of the tenancy

What to do if there is a dispute about the deposit

There are three government-backed schemes:

Deposit Protection Service (DPS) My Deposits

The Dispute Service (TDS)

Penalties when a deposit is n ot protected or is protected late

Changes to the law in April 2012 allow courts to order landlords who fail to comply with the law

on tenancy deposit protection to pay compensation to tenants. The penalties apply to deposits

paid for assured shorthold tenancies that started, or were renewed, on or after 6 April 2007.

A court can order landlords to make a compensation payment of between one to three times the

value of the deposit if a landlord:

only protects a tenants deposit after 30 days

fails to give the tenant details of the scheme used within 30 days

fails to protect a deposit

A court can also order a landlord to protect a deposit in a scheme.

MOVING OUT

At the end of the tenancy check whether you are leaving the property and its contents in the

condition in which it was let to you - allowing for fair wear and tear and check that you have

paid your rent and any other expenses. Once you have moved out, the landlord or agent has

14 days to contact you to advise you of any deductions that he is proposing to make from your

deposit. Once both you and the landlord or agent are in agreement, the landlord or agent then

has 10 days to return your security deposit to you.

PROBLEMS GETTING DEPOSIT BACK?

If a dispute occurs and no agreements can be reached about how much of the deposit

should be returned, there will be a free service offered by the scheme protecting the deposit to

help resolve any disputes - the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) service.6

?What is it?

Tenancy Deposit Protection is designed to ensure:

You get all or part of the deposit back, when you are

entitled to it.

Any disputes between you and your landlord or

agent will be easier to resolve.

Tenants and landlords/agents make a clear agreement from the start on the condition

of the property.

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Get a tenancy agreement checked rst by the Student Enquiry and Accommodation Centre, your

parents or a solicitor. If the landlord/agent wont let you take the contract away to get it checked

rst, think twice about signing it. Spend a little extra time in getting your contract checked out, it

will save you time, money and a lot less stress and hassle later in the year.

Do not pay any money to the landlord until the whole group is happy with the contract. Some

landlords or letting agents ask for a holding deposit while you look over the contract. Check this

is refundable if you decide not to take the property. Make sure you get a receipt for any monies

paid to the landlord. Never sign a contract and pay a deposit without seeing the property rst.

Tenancies will be either joint or individual. If you sign a joint tenancy, i.e. all the names on

one contract, you are jointly and individually liable for the payment of rent and the condition of

the property. For example, if your housemate doesnt pay their rent, the landlord could demand

it from the other tenants. Additionally, individual tenants all have joint responsibility for any

damage to communal areas. Read the small print of a tenancy agreement.

It is unlikely that there will be a get out clause in your tenancy agreement, so you need to be

100% sure it is the place you want to live in, and the group you have chosen are the people you

want to live with.

A landlord or agent may consider releasing you if you nd a replacement tenant. If a new

tenancy is not drawn up and the replacement tenant does not pay the rent or defaults on the

agreement, the original tenant will still be liable. In the past some considerate landlords and

agents have released tenants if they have withdrawn from their course or have left university for

health or nancial reasons. If a landlord/agent wont agree to release you, however, you will be

responsible for the payment of rent for the rest of the tenancy period.

As you are over 18 and an adult you are required by law to act in a responsible manner and abide

by your tenancy agreement. For example, if you agree not to use blutack on the walls, you should

abide by this. If you are signing a group

contract the landlord will charge a total

rent, it is up to you as a group to decide

the proportionate share of the total rent

for each room. The Student Enquiry and

Accommodation Centre will be happy to

check your contract before you sign.

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House Hunting

TAKING AN INVENTORY AND CONDITION STATEMENT

The landlord should give you an inventory before you move into the property. It is a detailed list

of items in the property and their age/condition. You can make amendments to the inventory

before it is signed. In fact, it is really important that you do, to avoid being charged for damage

that was there before you moved in. Make sure your agent has a copy of your alterations and

signs to agree them. They will use your copy when checking the property after you have moved

out.

If your landlord does not provide you with an inventory, you should independently request one in

writing. Alternatively, you could complete one yourself and take photographs. It should contain

everything (yes that means everything) that is in the accommodation, from whether the toilet

seat is secured properly to whether the carpet is without holes. This may seem a bit excessive,

but it will be worth it in 12 months time when youre arguing over the non-return of your deposit,

due to a broken mop! Get a witness to sign it and send a copy to the landlord with copies of the

photographs.

Both you and your landlord should sign and date this document and have a copy each. At the

end of your tenancy you should then get back the deposit you paid when you signed the contract,

as long as the property is in the same condition as when you moved in, except for normal wear

and tear.

It is also advisable to take photographs of the house on the day that you move in. This could later

prove what the property was like when you arrived. Also take photographs on the day you move

out as evidence that the house is clean. This can be used later if you have to take legal action to

get the deposit back. An example of an inventory would be something like this:

Room Item Condition

Lounge sofa: coffee stain on arm

Lounge carpet: generally good condition but bit scruffy

Lounge wallpaper: small tear by window, 5cm

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Moving into Your House


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LIVING IN A SHARED HOUSE - PAYING THE BILLS

All students that live in a house are jointly responsible for paying the utility bills. Some landlords

insist that you do not switch utility companies at all. Please check before doing so. Beware also

of the way some utility companies persuade residents to switch bills.

It is advisable to inform the utility companies (British Gas, BT, etc.) of the date you intend to

move into your property and also the date when you move out. You should also make a note

of your meter readings on the day that you move in and on the day that you move out to avoid

paying for the previous tenants bills. These will need to be reported to your utility companiesalong with your name and address for billing purposes.

You should also read your meters after you receive a bill and subtract the present reading from

that stated in your bill. You can report these gures to your energy company so that they can

recalculate your bill and you will only be paying for what you use.

Disputes over bills can be incredibly upsetting, stressful and inconvenient for all those involved.

Prevent this from happening to you.

Consider the following: will you all pay the utility companies individually and will the bill be split

evenly between you all? How will you let each other know when the bill arrives and who needs to

pay what?

If you have a choice, you may prefer a monthly payment scheme so you do not receive large

quarterly bills.

Maybe think about and arrange an area where bills and correspondence can be left for each other

to see. It is very important that in a large house where everyone is new, these arrangements are

made immediately.

Keep records of all letters and correspondence that you have had with suppliers. When a bill

comes in, pay your agreed share immediately.

Moving into Your House Moving into Your House

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GAS AND ELECTRICITY

How to read your Gas and Electricity Meters

Gas meters record the volume of gas used in cubic metres or cubic feet, whilst electricity

meters record units (kilowatt-hours). There are a number of different meters used to record

gas and electricity usage.

ENERGY EFFICIENCY RATING

The Energy Performance Certicate (EPC)

provides information on the energy

efciency of a property and is valid for

10 years.

The ratings chart is compiled by testing

several criteria within the property,

including insulation, boiler functionality,

radiators, window double glazing etc.

Once the data has been analysed, the

property is given a grade, on a scale of

A to G.

The most efcient properties are in

band A and should have lower running

costs, whilst those in band G are the

least efcient, and are expected to have

higher running costs.

Most properties in the UK fall within band D or E. Although the chart also lists the potential

rating that the property could achieve, it is not mandatory for anyone to act upon the

recommendation of the report. Home owners are legally required to provide a full Energy

Performance Certicate, free of charge. However, an EPC is not required when a tenant moves

into a room and shares facilities, for example a bedsit. If you have any queries regarding an EPC

and a home owners obligation to provide one, please visit the Student Hub.


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TV LICENCES

If you use or install television-receiving equipment to receive or record television programme

services you are required by law to have a valid TV Licence. You also need your own licence if you

are sharing a house with other students and use a TV in your room, and your room is a separately

occupied place (a separate tenancy agreement would normally indicate that if this is the case).

However, if you have a separate tenancy agreement but there is only one TV being used in a

communal area, then only one licence is required. Equally, if you are sharing a house with other

students and more than one TV is being used by occupants, if the house is shared by a group,

then only one TV Licence is required (a joint tenancy agreement would usually be evidence that

the house is a single licensable place for this purpose).

A colour TV Licence currently costs 145.50

Get caught without a TV Licence and you could face prosecution and a ne of up to 1,000. For

more information go to www.tvlicencing.co.uk

COUNCIL TAX

What is Council Tax?

It is a tax which is placed on domestic properties. It is a system of local taxation which is

collected by the local authorities. The amount of Council Tax charged is dependent on the size of

the property. Larger properties will therefore pay a higher tax rate.

How much is Council Tax?

Each local Council values the domestic properties in its area and puts them into a valuation

band. Every year each authority sets a rate of Council Tax for each valuation band.

Rental properties which are only inhabited by full-time students are exempt from paying CouncilTax. This means that you will not have to pay Council Tax if all the sharers in your property are

also full-time students.

In order to be given exemption as a full-time student, you will need to obtain a Council Tax

Exemption Letter from the Student Hub (Level 3, Shereld Building). Along with this, you will

need a copy of your tenancy agreement, which will need to be forwarded to the appropriate

local Council. Be sure to keep a copy for yourself. Similarly, all persons stated on the tenancy

agreement will need to apply for the same Council Tax Exemption Certicate.

If you live with someone who is working then Council Tax will be imposed on the property. You

may be asked to pay a percentage of the cost.


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Single Rate Meter

A dual or two-rate meter contains two rows. The rows are either marked normal, high or day or

low or night. Both these readings need to be recorded and submitted to your energy company.

Record the numbers from left to right as they are read, ignoring the last red number. Dial or

clock type meters can be used to read both gas and electricity.

Dual Rate Meter

Always note that when reading dial meters, dials next to each other rotate in opposite directions.

If the pointer lies between 2 numbers, always record the number that the pointer has passed (i.e.

the lower number, except when the pointer lies between 9 and 0, record 9). Do not pay attention

to those dials which are red, or which dont have numbers or a pointer.

Example of a dial meter:

WATER RATES

Water rates can be charged as a metered rate or as a set gure. A meter records the amount of

water used in your household for washing, drinking, watering your garden, ushing the toilet

etc. Using a meter ensures that you only pay for the water you use, as well as your set charges.

Alternatively, some properties may be unmetered and therefore a set rate would be imposed,

which can vary according to the size of the property. In some instances water rates may be

included in your rent, but if not then you are responsible for paying this account.


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HEATING

If you plan to leave your house unoccupied over the winter vacation you must inform the landlord

of your absence and also ensure you leave the heating on low to prevent water pipes freezing

and bursting should there be cold weather.

HARASSMENT

What is it? There are many forms of harassment you can receive from your landlord. Some

examples are: your landlord visits the property uninvited and at unreasonable hours; your

landlord refuses to allow you to use part of the property; your landlord refuses to complete

repairs; your landlord offers you money to leave; your landlord threatens you into leaving.Landlords cannot force you to leave without a court order or formal notice being served.

If you are being harassed, try and keep a diary of events in the event of needing to take

further action. Try to resolve matters directly with your landlord if you can, again use written

communication to support your case.

PROBLEMATIC DEPOSIT RETURN

Some landlords insist that they see proof of payment of utility bills before they return deposits. If

your landlord is refusing to refund part or all of the deposit and you disagree with his/her reason,

or if you cannot contact him/her or they deny responsibility, then you need to take further action.

Firstly, write to your landlord asking for the return of the deposit and request reasons why he/she

is retaining it. Keep copies of any letters you send or receive. You will need them if you have to

take action in the County Court. The Student Hub can also help you with this.


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COMMON PROBLEMS

REPAIRS

Once you notice a repair is required, contact the landlord

or agent immediately, the landlord or agent cannot

be held responsible for a repair until they have been

informed. Follow up the telephone call with an email

or letter; this is your proof that you reported the repair.

Always keep a copy of the letter or email for your records.

If your landlord does not undertake the repairs in

a reasonable period of time you should, in the rst

instance, write to him and ask him to complete any

repairs within a reasonable time frame. If your landlord

still fails to carry out any necessary repairs you should then seek further advice from the Student

Hub.

DAMP

Damp can be a problem in some houses. It can cause mould on the walls and furniture, and

make timber window frames rot. It can increase the risk of respiratory illness. It is not always the

landlords responsibility to deal with damp. It depends on the tenancy agreement, the severity

(i.e. if it is causing health problems) and the cause (i.e. disrepair to the exterior of the building).

If you are concerned, you should seek further advice from the Student Hub. If you are worried

about your health, rst contact the landlord, ideally in writing. However if he fails to respond, you

can contact the Environmental Health Department at the Council and they should investigate. If

necessary they can order the landlord to take action, and ne them if they dont. Damp can becaused by condensation, lack of ventilation, leaking pipes, holes in the roof or walls, or blocked

gutters. Rising damp is caused by a defective or non-existent damp course.

Damp can also be present in newly built houses where water used in construction (e.g. in plaster)

is still drying out. Dependent on the cause, heating and ventilation can remove damp and hiring

a dehumidier can help. Avoiding excessive moisture (e.g. by covering pans whilst cooking,

opening windows after showering and drying clothes outside) helps.


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ASBESTOS

Asbestos is a potentially harmful substance that was widely used as a building material (largely

due to its re-resistant properties) in Britain between the 1950s and 1980s. Asbestos was

added to products such as cement and plasterboard. Any building built before 2000 could

contain asbestos materials.

According to the HSE (Health and Safety Executive) asbestos is safe as long as it is maintained

in a good condition. However, if it gets damaged it can produce tiny dust particles which, if

inhaled, can cause asbestosis, lung cancer and mesothelioma. Asbestos is classied as a

hazard under the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS).

Where might there be asbestos in your rented property?

linings for walls, ceilings and doors

bath panels

insulation panels in some storage heaters

central heating ues

loose packing between oors and in partition walls

oor tiles

eaves, gutters and rainwater fall pipes

re blankets

garage and shed roofs

Landlords duties regarding asbestos

The landlord of a tenanted property has a legal responsibility

to manage the risk associated with any asbestos present in the property. Depending on the

condition of the asbestos, one or more of the following actions should be taken:

Labelling the asbestos (typical label shown here)

Sealing the asbestos

Removing the asbestos

It is essential that any materials containing asbestos are not damaged or disturbed. For

example, if an asbestos warning label has been applied to a wall or a door, tenants should

refrain from mounting posters with drawings pins or with blu-tack.


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STAYING SAFE

GAS SAFETY

All landlords have a legal obligation to ensure that all gas appliances in your property are safe

and checked each year by a registered Gas Safe Engineer. When renting a property you should

ask the owner/agent for a copy of the current landlords Gas Safety Certicate. The certicate

should be renewed yearly. Remember: safety checks are part of your legal rights. They ensure

that your appliances are working effectively and guard against the dangers of carbon monoxide

poisoning.

Danger signsIf you notice any of the following telltale danger signs, you should switch off the appliance

immediately and notify your landlord or agent.

Sooting around the appliance

A yellow or orange lazy ame

Excessive condensation in the room where the appliance is installed

Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning

Invisible, odourless and tasteless carbon monoxide (CO) can be a silent killer.

Look out for the following

drowsiness

lethargy

headaches/migraines

sickness

chest pains/cough

If anyone in your house has any of these symptoms when using a gas appliance, stop using

the appliance until an engineer has checked it. Consult a doctor and mention the possibility of

carbon monoxide poisoning.

If you have a gas leak, DO:

Call National Grid telephone: 0800 111 999 or visit www.nationalgrid.com/uk/Gas/Safety

Turn off the gas supply at the meter

Open all doors and windows

DO NOT:

Smoke

Use naked ames

Turn electric switches on or off


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SECURITY

Ensuring that a house is safe is a very important consideration when house hunting. Care

should be taken to check that windows and external doors are secure and that they have

adequate locks. Entrance doors should have 5 lever mor tice locks and where possible security

chains and spy holes. Is the rear entrance lockable and secure?

If your house has a burglar alarm it is certainly an asset. If you are concerned about the security

of a property then talk to your landlord. It is in their interest as well as yours to ensure that the

property is secure, as burglaries will affect both of you.

Before signing an agreement use your bargaining power to get any improvements or alterations

nished before you move in. If the landlord is carrying out work to the property, ask him/her for

a date when the work will be completed. If they are genuine about carrying out changes, then

they wont mind giving you a written agreement. This obviously will help to ensure that the work

gets done. Make sure that the landlord signs and dates all amendments to the contract. It is

advisable to make sure that a ll your important and valuable belongings are security marked.

Insurance

Wherever you choose to live, there will always be a risk of break-ins and burglaries, so insurance

covering loss of your personal possessions is essential. Landlords should have building

insurance and furniture may possibly be covered. But it is very unlikely that your personal

possessions will be insured.

The Student Hub has details of insurance companies for your use, but looking around and

nding the policy to suit you is always the best option. Most companies have different exclusion

clauses and limitations so you should check these out before you sign anything. Look out for

clauses that mean your possessions are uninsured if the property is unattended for a speciedperiod of time. Whatever you decide to do about your insurance policy, remember that no or low

insurance is false economy. Burglaries and damage DO happen, so make sure that if the worst

happens you are not losing out.


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If a tenant has any concerns, they should raise these with their landlord immediately. If a tenant

(or a landlord) suspects that asbestos is present, they can ask their local authority to test for it.

The testing will discover whether or not asbestos is present, and what condition it is in.

Great care should be taken when doing any work around asbestos. The HSE or your local

authority can give detailed advice about safe procedures. Any work done on the asbestos that

takes longer than 2 hours must be done by someone who is licensed by the HSE (Health and

Safety Executive).

ELECTRICAL SAFETY

Landlords or letting agents should ensure that all electrical wiring and installations in their

property are safe.

While the risk of electric shock or electrical re is usually small,

electricity can be dangerous. Whatever type of accommodation you are

living in, you should be aware of the danger signs.

Signs to watch out for include:

Frayed, cut or damaged leads

Cracked or damaged cases on plugs or appliances

Burn marks on plugs, leads or appliances

Blowing fuses

Loose cord grips in plugs or appliances

If you are unsure about the safety of any electrical appliance in your property contact your

landlord or agent.

FIRE SAFETY

The most common causes of res in student accommodation are unattended cooking, the use of

candles and smoking.

Use your common sense when cooking your food and dont leave it unattended, deep fat fryers

are one of the most serious re risks. Dont use candles or leave them unattended. Many

landlords contracts insist that no candles are burnt in their property. Smoking is another

danger. It is very easy to fall asleep on the sofa or in bed with a cigarette in your hand without

thinking about the consequences. It is always advisable to go outside if you need to smoke. Your

house will smell nicer too!


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Many problems in shared houses and the community relate to noise nuisance. Living in a

residential area, you have a responsibility to be considerate towards the people you live with

and to other members of your local community. People whom you share with, or who live

close by, may also have very different expectations of how they wish to live. They are likely to

have different lifestyles and demands. They might be working as well as studying or may have

small children or families to support too. Be assured, most noise problems can be resolved by

communicating effectively about how the noise is making you feel.

BEING A CONSIDERATE NEIGHBOUR

We can all do our bit in helping to reduce noise nuisance to others. Of course, some noise is

unavoidable, but there are lots of simple ways to avoid disturbing others. If you can communicate

and are willing to listen, you have a chance that the situation can be improved for all concerned.

Remember that there is legislation which stipulates the times noise can be made and your

Tenancy Agreement will include not being a nuisance to neighbours.

Try to keep the volume of your TV and music as low as

possible. Set your hi- bass control at a low level the bass

beat can be par ticularly irritating!

Warn your housemates and neighbours if you are going to

make unavoidable noise, for example, having friends round.

Its considerate to inform them face-to-face, giving them

plenty of notice, but if you cant do this, write them a note

and include your mobile number so they can contact you if

there is a problem.

RESPECT YOUR NEIGHBOURS

Avoid advertising and publicising a party to people whom you do not know. Using the internet or

putting up posters can attract the wrong people and you could nd huge numbers of strangers

turning up which could prove difcult to manage. You are responsible for who you allow into

your accommodation and how they behave whilst they are your guests. Parties can have serious

consequences and are particularly distressing for those in surrounding properties.

Be aware of others when returning home late at night, close doors quietly, remove shoes, and

refrain from playing music and from shouting to each other.

Tips for a Happy Home

21

Introduce yourself to your neighbours early on, it will help you to approach each other amicably if

problems do arise. Sometimes different cultural celebrations can also cause misunderstandings.

CLEANING

Some of your atmates may have different views about the level of cleanliness the property

should be kept in and who should do what. Some tenants are cleaner and tidier than others and

some may have very different lifestyles to you. It is usual for people to feel like someone else is

not pulling their weight or even being too picky.

In a shared house or at, each tenant should do an equal share of the cleaning and other

household chores. There is room for specialisation though, so if you can negotiate exemption

from washing up in favour perhaps of cleaning the bathroom, that can also work too. Try to clean

up after yourself as you go a long. For example, a light clean of a bath after it has been used

prevents it getting to the state where everybody refuses to touch it! Equally, washing up shortly

after you have cooked and eaten, prevents a mountain of dishes that no one wants to tackle.

Washing up (or lack of) is the biggest cause of cleaning disputes, so its best to start as you mean

to go on and discuss this with your housemates early on.

FRIENDSHIP, FALL OUTS AND PERSONALITY CLASHES

It is not unusual for people in a household to start out being very good friends and then nd that

friendships deteriorate into an uncomfortable atmosphere and fall outs. This can be particularly

problematic during exam or revision time when emotions can be high and tempers short!

Agreeing to differ on opinions is often the rst step in achieving a more pleasant environment.

Sometimes, learning or understanding that its ne to not like someone can then be the next

stage in agreeing how you can get on with each other for the remainder of the tenancy.

Fall outs can happen for many reasons but the most common disputes tend to start out very

small. Someone eating your food, or using your frying pan for example, can cause disputes.

When communication breaks down it can then be hard to discuss what it is that has irritated you.

Students may also fall out over the paying of household bills. For example, a recent gas bill can

cause disputes over who should pay what share.

Whatever the reason, falling out with friends, housemates or neighbours can be incredibly

upsetting but fortunately all relationships have the potential to be repaired. It is therefore

important to focus on xing the relationship to improve the situation for those concerned.

Tips for a Happy Home

22


14/17

EMERGENCY CONTACT NUMBERS

Police/Ambulance/Fire Brigade: 999

National Gas Emergency Service:

0800 111 999

POLICE NON-EMERGENCY CONTACT NUMBER

To report a crime that does not require an

emergency response: 101

GAS

British Gaswww.britishgas.co.uk

General Enquiries: 0800 048 0202

Gas Pay As You Go Enquiries: 0800 048 0303

Npower


ELECTRICITY

London Energy


EDF Energy

Gas and Electricity Enqiries - For Existing

Customers: 0200 056 7777

Gas and Electricity Sales Enqiries:

0200 096 2260

E.ON

www.eonenergy.comGeneral Enquiries: 0345 052 0000

Npower

www.npower.com


WATER

Thames Water

www.thameswater.co.uk


Account Enquiries: 0845 9200 888

TELEPHONE AND BROADBAND

British Telecom

www.bt.com


Virgin Media

www.virginmedia.com


Sky

www.sky.comGeneral Enquiries: 0844 2411 653

TV LICENCE

TV Licence www.tvlicensing.co.uk


[email protected]

Useful Contacts

23

Useful Contacts

24

COUNCIL TAX

Please nd below details of Local

Authority Council Tax Departments:

General Information

www.gov.uk

Valuation Ofce Agency

www.voa.gov.uk

03000 501 501

[email protected]

Kensington & Chelsea

www.rbkc.gov.uk

Enquiry Line: 020 7361 3000

[email protected]

Council Tax line: 020 7361 3005

[email protected]

Hammersmith & Fulham

www.lbhf.gov.uk


[email protected]

Council Tax Line: 020 8753 6681

Westminster

www.westminster.gov.uk



Ealing

www.ealing.gov.uk



[email protected]

Lambeth

www.lambeth.gov.uk


[email protected]


[email protected]

Southwark

www.southwark.gov.uk



[email protected]

WandsworthCouncil

www.wandsworth.gov.uk



[email protected]


15/17

Checklist Checklist

DO

D Check carefully where you want to live, and for how long, before you sign contracts.D Do all your sums carefully and be sure you can affordthe total cost before you sign up.

D Check at least basic safety in your own accommodation.D Remember, you take the property as seen dont askfor a string of improvements unless they are safety

related.

D

Make sure you have the money available for thedeposit, advance rent and all other advance charges

before you agree to take a property.

D Register for Council Tax, Water, Electricity, Gas etc.,check meters when you move in and when you move

out and keep records.

D Get a Council Tax Exemption Letter from the StudentHub and forward to the Local Authority. Dont just not

pay it, youll end up with a Summons that way. It is

your responsibility to apply for Council Tax exemption.

D Check that your own possessions are insured, yourlandlords policy wont cover them.

D Check the inventory thoroughly, noting anydiscrepancies.

D Take photographs when you move in and when youmove out (this is your proof of the condition of the property).

D Report anything that breaks down immediately, and in writing if necessary (your landlordcannot be held responsible until he is told).

D Be reliable with your rent, and keep a record of all payments.D Replace anything that you have damaged or broken.D Look after your landlords property; remember you are only renting its use.D Make sure your guests behave.

DONT

x Hand over any money unless youre certain you want a particular property.x View properties alone unless absolutely unavoidable and never ever without telling

someone else where you are going and

when.

x Authorise builders, plumbers etc., tocarry out work to the property without

written consent, your landlord will

probably refuse to reimburse you.x Cause any damage and try to pretendyoure not liable.

x Imagine no one will know you live thereand hope you wont have to pay your

way. Most landlords and agents notify

every service provider anyway.

x Give keys or copies of keys to anyoneelse.

x Invite your boy/girlfriend to live with you without your landlords consent. The propertywas only let to the signatories of the contract and you cannot invite others to share the

place or to help pay the rent.

x Change the people living on joint tenancies without notifying the Agent/Landlord. Youmay end up with no contract at all or it could cost you additional rent.

25 26


16/17

Rent Rates

27

Imperial Home Solutions

Searchpropertiesavailablewithprivatelandlords Searchrooms&flatshareslistedbyImperialstudents Createahotlistoffavouriteproperties Searchdistancetocampus,routesandamenities Findadviceonprivatehousing

www.imperialhomesolutions.co.uk

Average weekly rental values by property type

Area/Postcode Bedsit Studio 1 bed 2 bed

Acton Town (W3) 90 - 135 110 - 190 210 - 260 270 - 325

Battersea (SW11) 80 - 145 165 - 260 265 - 320 310 - 410

Bloomsbury (WC1) 90 - 135 155 - 205 210 - 325 280 - 410

Brixton (SW2/SW9) 87 - 110 110 - 180 185 - 220 265 - 360

Camden (NW1) 100 - 150 200 - 275 300 - 390 420 - 570

Chiswick (W4) 100 - 140 175 - 225 270 - 325 340 - 450

Clapham (SW4/SW11) 80 - 125 175 - 230 260 - 330 335 - 410

arls Court (SW5) 110 - 190 210 - 325 350 - 490 450 - 600

lephant and CastleSE1)

105 - 140 200 - 250 230 - 385 290 - 500

insbury Park (N4) 90 - 115 150 - 210 215 - 275 280 - 400

ulham (SW6) 130 - 210 180 - 255 200 - 330 360 - 470

Hammersmith (W6) 125 - 160 180 - 240 250 - 325 330 - 450

Kilburn (NW6) 100 - 140 160 - 235 270 - 325 345 - 450

Notting Hill (W11) 90 - 190 200 - 340 290 - 450 450 - 750

Paddington (W2) 130 - 170 250 - 300 345 - 400 490 - 700

Putney (SW15) 80 - 90 200 - 220 265 - 310 320 - 390

Shepherds Bush (W12) 105 - 140 155 - 205 230 - 280 260 - 370

South KensingtonSW7)

140 - 200 225 - 395 390 -600 500 - 850

Vauxhall (SE11) 90 - 120 175 - 220 255 - 300 325 - 405

Victoria (SW1V) 140 - 170 210 - 270 315 - 400 415 - 530

West Kensington (W14) 130 - 190 190 - 255 290 - 335 360 - 470

Whitechapel (E1) 90 - 120 225 - 320 260 - 350 330 - 450

Below is a table of average weekly rent rates in different London areas, popular with Imperial

students. The data within the table comes from London Rents Map, a website that provides a very

useful overview to rent rates in all areas of Greater London. You can visit their website at

www.london.gov.uk/rents

appointmentscontract checking

issues with agent/landlord

medical or welfare issueswhich may affect where

you live

You can now make an appointmentwith a Student Hub Advisor for morecomplicated housing queries.

Appointment times are from 14.30 to16.30 Monday to Friday. To book anappointment just speak to a member ofHub staff.

ASK us online

Order documents and make an enquiry online at:www.imperial.ac.uk/studenthub


17/17

Find your perfectstudent accommodationwith Foxtons Register with any of our 43 offices

with one simple phone call

Chauffeured viewings at times to work

around your lectures

Guidance and support with your

search and throughout your tenancy

Multi-lingual company with

44 languages spoken

To start your property search

contact Foxtons Student Services

on 020 7893 6329

private housing booklet 2013 web

Documents