You may feel like you have only just got your feet on the ground and that you are just getting into the swing of life at university. But believe us when we say the rest of the academic year will fly by and before you know it summer will be here, and attention will be turning to your next year.
So, it is true when we say that now is the time to start thinking about your accommodation for your next academic year. The last thing you want to be doing is scrambling around looking for housing when lots have already been snapped up.
It is worth thinking about who you would like to live with. Would you like to move in with a group of friends? Are you looking for a single room in a house share? Identifying that is a good start, although you do also have to be aware that things can change, including friendship dynamics. Whilst it is good to be organised, you do have to approach everything with a degree of caution.
As a Student Union, we are unable to recommend or signpost to any specific private accommodation. However, you can find guidance on different types of private sector accommodation for students at: https://www.plymouth.ac.uk/student-life/services/accommodation/private-sector
We would suggest that you undertake an internet search of accommodation providers/letting agents within the Plymouth area: https://www.rightmove.co.uk/property-to-rent/find.html?locationIdentifier=REGION%5E1073&index=24&propertyTypes=&mustHave=&dontShow=&furnishTypes=&keywords=.
You may also wish to check social media sites such as the ones listed below. Please note that these sites are typically for single occupancy:
It is always best to view a property in person, if possible, to ensure you are happy with the property and the location. Photographs of properties posted on the internet may not be accurate.
It is important that you also know that as a Student Union Advice Team, we do offer a free contract checking service. If that is something you would like to take advantage of then please forward us a copy of your tenancy agreement to advice@su.plymouth.ac.uk and we will be happy to read it and offer comment.
Below are our top tips of things to look out for in your tenancy:
Tip One – What type of tenancy?
There are two main types of tenancy contracts that groups of students will commonly be offered by landlords/letting agents. They are an individual contract and a joint tenancy agreement. An individual contact would be preferable as that is simply a contract between you as a tenant and the landlord. In a house share, it means if one person were to leave, it would not be down to your or the others in the house to cover the cost.
A joint tenancy agreement will make each student in the house responsible for the property as a collective. This link gives you more information on a joint tenancy.
Tip Two – Read, read, and read (even the small print)
You need to ensure that you carefully read the tenancy in full, which includes the small print. It may seem long and dull and you may believe you won’t have any issues so you may as well just sign, after all what is the worst that can happen? Well issues can arise and what it states in the tenancy that you have signed will have a big sway over the outcome. As stated above, we offer a free tenancy check, so make use of that.
Is something doesn’t seem right, or you want something changed or added, don’t be afraid to ask the letting agent or landlord. Remember to check the dates of the tenancy, check the rental payments and scheduled dates of payments, ensure the contract allows for general wear and tear, see what it says about utility bills and internet, read your obligations as a tenant and make sure you agree.
Tip Three – Know where your money goes
The deposit details are important. Ensure it is all above board, for example your tenancy deposit cannot usually be more than 5 weeks’ rent. If it is, flag it. Make sure you know what you are paying and make sure it is protected for the whole time you live there. You should never be asked to pay a deposit before signing the contract unless it's a holding deposit.
By law, all deposits taken by landlords must be registered with a government-backed deposit protection scheme within 30 days. Check that your landlord is part of a scheme and that they've submitted your deposit to be protected.
Approved deposit schemes in England are:
- The Deposit Protection Service
- Mydeposits
- Tenancy Deposit Scheme.
Students can see a chunk of their deposit being taken at the end of a lease. This is normally due to damage, but it is unfortunately the case that some landlords will try to get what they can out of tenants. Remember, you're entitled to get your money back, and there should only be a deduction if the reasons and amounts are fully justified with evidence. The deposit scheme will keep hold of your money until the landlord and tenants have come to an agreement. We would advise that you read up on how to get a deposit back before your tenancy ends.
Tip Four – Bills, bills, bills
Be aware of additional costs. What is included in your rent?
Many letting agents/landlords cover a set amount each week for utilities such as gas and electricity, this is often in the regions of £8 - £10 per person per week. If you go over this, as many students do, you have to pay the excess yourself.
What about water costs, are they included? Are they metered or on rates?
A TV licence for a communal area? Is Wi-Fi included?
These are all things that can push up costs, so make sure you are aware before you sign. A relatively cheap rental deal may not be so great once the above is factored in!
Tip Five – Getting a Guarantor
Most landlords/agents will require a student to have a guarantor, which are people who agree to pay your rent if you don’t. In most cases the guarantor would be the parents of the student. If you don’t have a guarantor lined up, contact us and we can inform you of other options.
You can find further information here.
Get in touch!
The best way to contact us is via our online enquiry form.