don't rent yet

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Don’t rush in to renting your student home

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Don't rush into renting your student home. Advice from Bristol SU.

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Page 1: Don't Rent Yet

Don’t rush in to renting your student home

Page 2: Don't Rent Yet

Work out your budget • Deposit & letting fees must be paid

up front• Monthly rent costs• Factor in bills

Location • Distance from University • What area of Bristol suits you?

Deal breakers • Parking• Number of bathrooms• Place to store bikes• Garden

Where Do I Start?

!

Page 3: Don't Rent Yet

Who?

• How many people do you want to live with?

• Who are their friends, or partners? They will probably spend time in your house

• Can you all afford the same rent & bills?

• Do you all have similar ideas about parties? Loud music? Sleeping?

• Do your courses all have the same academic demands?

• Will everyone do their fair share of washing up and cleaning?

• Will you feel able to discuss issues comfortably with your housemates?

Page 4: Don't Rent Yet

The best time to start house hunting is in January.

BUT, don’t feel pressured into renting! New houses always come up throughout the year.

Wait for the housing fair in December. You really do have time!

Don’t Panic!

Page 5: Don't Rent Yet

Bristol SU LettingsThe best place to start as they charge zero agency fees and are run by the SU, so they put students first! Bristol SU Lettings has a 93% approval rating from students.

Be wary of online rental scamsUse a trusted letting agent or landlord. Never wire moneyNever pay a ‘holding deposit’, rent or any money without visiting the property.

Check out online reviewsYou might want to avoid letting agents with bad reputations.

Check out some Lettings

Page 6: Don't Rent Yet

Book A Viewing

• Try to arrange a time that is suitable for everyone that you want to live with

• Never go alone. If you do have to, let someone know where you are going

• Never take large amounts of cash with you

• Make a list of questions to ask at the viewing

Page 7: Don't Rent Yet

Before

• Consider visiting before your viewing to check out the area

• Visit at night to see how you feel

• See if you’re happy with the commute to University

• Print off the Don’t Rent Yet checklist that can be found on the Bristol SU website

During

• Don’t be afraid to ask the agent or landlord and tenants questions

• Use your checklist!

• If you feel unsafe at any point, trust your instincts and leave!

• Take lots of pictures

the Viewing

Page 8: Don't Rent Yet

Paperwork • Get any promises or agreements in

writing before you sign the contract. Using email is a good way to do this

• Make sure that your deposit is protected in a deposit scheme within thirty days of you paying it

• Get the contract checked by the Accommodation Office before you sign

For More Information

Bristol Accommodation OfficeBristol City CouncilBristol SU LettingsMove’mbristolsu.org.uk/dry-bristol