university of southampton-housingguide

8/6/2019 University of Southampton-HousingGuide

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It may be obvious, but this

How To guide is aimed at

providing most of the answers

to the most commonly asked

quesons. Every year, students

face the same issues, and all the

answers to successful renng

are in this handbook.

This publicaon is put together by SouthamptonUniversity Students Union and the University of

Southampton. If you need more help, then you have

two opons, either pop into the Students Union Advice

and Informaon Centre (SUAIC) or the Universitys

Accommodaon Service. Details of both can be found on

the back cover of this booklet.

This handbook is also available in alternave formats on

request. Email: [email protected]

whoisthis

guidefor?

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FINDING A HOUSE

YOUR RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES WHEN RENTING

WHO TO CONTACT FOR FURTHER HELP

Where do I start? 4

The DOs and DONTs of renng 5How much rent should I pay? 7

Cons and Contracts 8

How do deposits work? 9

How do I check out a house? 28

What is communal living like? 13Am I really a member of the community? 14

Moving in! 15

Who is responsible for repairs? 16

What is the Private Housing Service 17

Love your pavements and manage your

waste & recycling 19

What is Harassment? 20

How do I stay safe at home? 21

How do I stay safe and keep my stu safe? 23

Help! Im being evicted 24

What happens when my tenancy/contract

ends? 25How do I contact SUAIC or the

Accommodaon Service? 26

Ourguidewil

ltakeyouthrough:

contents


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The Students Union and the Accommodation Serviceare committed to promong quality and safety in the

private housing sector. The partnership iniave between the

University of Southampton, Southampton Solent University and

Southampton City Council has introduced the Southampton

Accreditaon Scheme for Student Housing (SASSH). The

Scheme aims to encourage close co-operave working between

the University, landlords and tenants, giving formal recognion

to properes meeng or exceeding the minimum standards.

The Scheme also looks to further improving private rentedaccommodaon in Southampton. You can nd a copy of the

SASSH Property Accreditaon Standards in the landlords

secon ofwww.sassh.co.uk. Property lisngs for the following

academic year begin to be published in January. It has been

noceable that certain agencies and landlords have been keen

to encourage lengs and speculaon long before the rst

lisng as it gives them greater opportunity to charge higher

rents and increase their prots.

DONT feel pressured into nding a house too soon.

There are enough properes to go round, so please dont

panic about nding a house. Last year some landlords were

adversing empty houses aer the academic year had started!

This does not happen every year and you should not be

complacent but it does show that there is me to make a

sensible choice.

To tackle early leng of properes and the resulng inated

rents the SASSH housing list is released on www.sassh.co.uk

from January onwards, and are updated constantly throughout

the year.

All private rented properes adversed through the SASSH

programme must have a current gas safety cercate and all

shared properes must also have current electrical safety

cercates and be ed with hard wired smoke detectors.Students should note that the University is not in posion to

recommend parcular o campus accommodaon and has no

facilies for inspecng private rented properes.

WHEREDOI

START?

when shoul d i start l ooking?

January - SeptemberThe SASSH Housing List is adversed on www.sassh.co.uk

from 10th January 2011. Youve got a few months aer that tocheck out several houses, and landlords - nd the best one for

you!

The Accommodaon Service and the Students Union Advice

and Informaon Centre (SUAIC)stay open throughout the

summer vacaon.

summer rent

Many students agree to pay rent from July onwards. The

earlier you sign up the sooner you will start paying rent. If you

are paying rent you have a right to live in the property. If the

property is going to be subject to renovaon over the summer

period or the property is not available for you to live in, you

should not be expected to pay rent. Seek assurances in wring

that any works will be completed by your agreed move-in date.

If you are going to leave any belongings in the property whilst

builders have access ensure that they are completely secure and

consider whether you have them insured.

Most tenancy agreements will require you to pay rent for 52

weeks, however many landlords are open to negoaon on

rent for the summer vacaon. It is always worth discussing areduced rent for this period if you do not intend to stay in the

property before the start of term - landlords will somemes

agree up to 50% although a 15-25% reducon is more common.

what is t he SASSH housingl ist and why shoul d i use it?

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SASSH Housing List Properes available for the 2011/12

leng year will be published on www.sassh.co.uk fromMonday 10th January 2011. We recommend that you look

here rst!

Noce boards Postgraduate students can use the noce

board in the Sta Club. Beware of unauthorised noces in

halls of residence and around the campus. Some landlords,

whom the Accommodaon Service will not adverse, try to

nd tenants in this way.

Word of mouth Many students nd accommodaon byasking others about the house they will be vacang. This

is also a useful way to nd out about your prospecve

landlord/lady.

DOs&DONTsT

HE

OFRENTING

Check the name of your landlord with the

Accommodaon Service - they can advise you if they

know of any previous problems.

Inspect properes thoroughly.

Get your contract checked by SUAIC or the

Accommodaon Service before signing it.

Put in wring (and keep a copy of) any requests for

repairs, furniture, etc.

Get wrien conrmaon from the landlord of any

promises to carry out repairs, provide furniture, etc. Ask for a copy of the Gas Safe inspecon cercates

for all gas appliances at the property.

5

where shoul d i l ook?

dos Hand over money without geng receipts.

Be rushed into making a decision. Its beer to lose

your (apparently) dream house than to spend a yearliving with noisy neighbours, damp, and an unscrupu-

lous landlord.

Pay retainers. You could nd you sll lose the

property, with no guarantee of geng your money

back.

Agree to move into a property in a poor state of

repair.

Dont trust everyone all the me! They seem like anice person is not a good reason to give them 300+a month.

dont s

Spot Checks

Southampton City Council sta make spot-checks on

properes that are adversed through the SASSH in order to

make sure they meet or exceed the minimum standards for

adversing with the Scheme. If you feel you have been misled

about the standard or condion of your property, please let

the Accommodaon Service know immediately.


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People who share living accommodaon, such as a kitchen

or bathroom, with a landlord (e.g. in lodgings) are excluded

occupiers and can be evicted without a Court Order. This

means that a landlord can evict a lodger with as lile as a

weeks noce. On the other hand, you can also leave at short

noce, which is useful if you are looking for accommodaon

elsewhere.

If you live in lodgings and have any dicules with your

landlord, seek advice from the Accommodaon Service

or SUAIC. Do not sign a xed term agreement. If you haveseparate accommodaon and only share a hallway or similar,

you may be a licensee or a tenant. You should also seek advice

if you live with a member of the landlords family.

If you are meeng the landlord at the property try to get there

a few minutes early so you can have a look around the outside

of the house. Check the roof, guers, windows, pipes, etc.

Keep a record of each property you look at.

Dont go to look at a property on your own or

aer dark; always take someone with you and leta friend know where you are going and when you

are expected back.

REMEMBER to use the viewing checklist on the backpage of

this guide when viewing houses.

what if my l andlord l ivesin the same house?

what shoul d i do about meeting

the l andl ord at the house?

6

Agencies Be very careful about using accommodaon

agencies and do not hand over money just to register your

name and get a list of addresses; agencies may only make

a charge if they nd you accommodaon. Beware of some

agencies which charge inated fees for draing a Tenancy

Agreement (Contract), producing an inventory, etc. There

have also been cases of agencies withholding unreasonableamounts of money from deposits at the end of tenancies.

The Southern Daily Echo Carries adversements for

accommodation, but it is usually for immediate

occupation. Most accommodaon is adversed in

Thursdays Echo and it is advisable to purchase the early

edions.


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RENTSHOULDHOW

MUCH

The average rent in shared accommodaon during 2009/2010

was approximately 65 - 75 per week plus all bills.

Landlords are allowed to adverse rooms at any rents,

however, those landlords who ask for rents above this

guideline rent would be expected to provide superior quality

accommodaon and be able to explain why the rent demanded

is at an inated level.

REMEMBER you will sll need to budget for all your household

bills (eg. water, gas, electricity, phoneline, broadband, Sky, TV

licence).

rent l evel s

paying the rentYour tenancy agreement should state:

How much rent you must pay and when.

What is included in the rent, e.g. water rates?

To whom the rent should be paid.

Its important to get proof of the rent you have paid.If you

dont, your landlord could evict you for rent arrears and you

would not be able to prove that you had paid. If the landlordrefuses to give a receipt you could pay rent by postal order,

keeping the counterfoil OR open a separate bank account used

only for rent payments.

It is your responsibility to get your rent to your landlord, not

his responsibility to collect it. If your landlord fails to collect

the rent or refuses to accept it and you cannot get the rent to

him, you should write to him stang that you wish to pay the

rent; keep a copy of the leer, open a separate bank accountand pay your rent into it. If your landlord tries to evict you for

non-payment of rent he will not be able to do so if you have

clearly set the money aside on a regular basis.

Your rent can only be altered if your agreement ends and

a new one is given OR if you apply to a Rent Assessment

Commiee (RAC) to have your rent reassessed, which must bedone within the rst six months of the agreement. Your rent

cannot be increased during the period of me covered by your

Tenancy Agreement (Contract) and the landlord does not have

the right to evict you if you refuse to pay a higher rent.

Always seek advice before going to the RAC from SUAIC or

the Accommodaon Service.

summer rent

Always try to negoate a reduced rent during the summer

vacaon. If you pay reduced rent (e.g. half rent) you will sll

be entled to live in the property during the vacaon. If you

pay less than half rent as a retainer or a very nominal rent, you

may not have the right to live in the property during that me.

can my landl ord increasethe rent?

IPAY?

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CONS

&CONTRACTS

The tenant must be an individual occupying the property as

their only or main home.

The landlord, or any of his family, dont share with you.

Can be for any period of me.

Can be wrien or verbal.

Although assured shorthold tenancies can be created verbally,

students are advised to insist on a wrien agreement to avoid

subsequent confusion over what has been agreed. If a verbal

agreement is made, tenants have the right to later ask for a

wrien statement conrming the date the tenancy began, thelevel of rent and the date(s) on which it is payable, the length

of the tenancy and the tenants right to ask for a rent review.

The landlord must provide this statement within 28 days of

receiving the request. If you do not have a wrien agreement

you will have the same rights and obligaons as an assured

shorthold tenant. In addion you and the landlord will both

be bound by the terms of the verbal agreement. For example,

if you agree that you will pay 300 rent on the rst of every

month to the landlord and fail to do so, you will be in breachof the agreement.

It is not recommended that you enter into a verbal agreement.

Even though you are legally bound by the agreement it is

almost impossible to prove what was agreed.

Students moving into private rented accommodaon will

almost always have Assured Shorthold Tenancies.

If the type of agreement you have is not menoned in this

leaet, contact the Accommodaon Service or Students

Union Advice & Informaon Centre for further informaon.

If you dont understand the Tenancy Agreement (Contract) -

dont sign it.

The University produces SASSH approved Assured Shorthold

Tenancy Agreements (Contracts) for use by tenants and land-

lords of properes adversed through the Accommodaon

Service. If your landlord doesnt already have one they are

available from the Student Services Centre free of charge.

If your landlord doesnt use this get their contract checked by

SUAIC or the Accommodaon Service.

what about my tenancyagreement (contract)?

what is an assured shorthol dtenancy agreement?

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Landlords are entled to withhold money from your deposit to

pay for damages you have caused, unpaid bills or rent owed.

Deducons should not be made for normal wear and tear tothe property or its contents. When paying your deposit:

Keep all of these items in a safe place -

Use the deposit receipt slip aached to the checklist on the

rear cover of this guide.

Get an inventory (a list of the contents and condion of the

property) when you move in that is agreed by the landlord

and tenants and keep a copy. If your landlord will not providean inventory, produce your own and have it witnessed and

signed by a third party (such as a friend). SUAIC can provide

you with a sample inventory.

DEPOSITSHO

WDO

is your l andl ord

protecting your deposit?

WORK?

You will normally have to pay a deposit when you sign a tenancy

agreement (Contract). This is usually the equivalent of one

months rent. The deposit is held by the landlord against

damage you might do to the property or its contents, unpaid

bills or rent. Some, or all, of your deposit may be retained if

you move out before the end of the agreement, or without

giving adequate noce.

If you are asked to pay any other money in advance

(eg a premium or key money) get advice from the

Accommodaon Service or Students Union Advice &

Informaon Centre before paying.

From 6th April 2007, when you pay a deposit, your landlord or

agent must protect it using a government authorised tenancy

deposit scheme, providing that the landlord does not share

the house with you and your annual rent for the house is up

to 25,000 (from October 2010, the scheme will also include

properes of annual rents between 25,000 and 100,000).

You will be protected by the scheme if you are:

renng a home from a private landlord or leng agent on or

aer 6 April 2007, and

your tenancy is an assured shorthold tenancy (this applies to

most new private tenancies), and

you are paying a deposit (not the same as rent in advance).

It doesnt maer whether it is the tenant, or someone else

such as a parent, who provides the money for the deposit.

The law says that your landlord must inform you which scheme

is protecng your deposit and provide other important

informaon within 14 days of the deposit being paid.

If your landlord does not protect your deposit or send the

appropriate informaon then they may be ordered by court to

pay you three mes the total amount.

SUAIC have prepared a deposit receipt slip, which is aached

to the back cover of this guide. It will help your landlord to

give you the informaon you need about your money.

You can nd out more by vising SUAIC, The Accommodaon

Service or at www.direct.gov.uk/tenancydeposit

If you dont agree that your landlord or agent should have kept

all or part of your deposit, or you disagree with some of the

costs that they have taken out of it, then the tenancy deposit

protecon scheme your landlord or agent has used will oer

a free service to help resolve disputes. Informaon on what

you need to do if there is a dispute will be contained in theinformaon your landlord or agent will have given you at the

start of your tenancy.

are you protecting your deposit?

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Take photographs of the property when you move in. Keep

some form of proof to show when the photographs were

taken.

Keep recordsof any repairs and replacements you pay for,

with receipts or esmates.

Maintain the house properly during the tenancy, i.e. carry outregular cleaning, and try not to cause any damage!

Clean thoroughly all cookers, fridges, toilets, showers and

baths at the end of the tenancy - the cost of geng these

things cleaned commercially could reduce your deposit

considerably.

Make sure you get receipts for all the rent you pay and any

other money you pay to the landlord.

Keep bills for gas, electricity, water, telephone, to show they

have been paid.

When you move out, do another inventory check against the

one you did when you moved in, with your landlord or an

independent witness.

If deducons are made from your deposit, you should

be provided with a wrien statement showing what the

deducons are for, with copies of receipts and esmates.

Withholding your last months rent as security against

your deposit not being returned is a breach of your tenancy

agreement and your landlord could take legal acon to recoverthe money. Seek advice immediately if you are threatened

with legal acon.

withhol ding rent

If you share a house or at with other tenants and all your

names are on one tenancy agreement, you are joint tenants.

As a joint tenant your responsibility for rent and rent arrears

is shared with the other joint tenants. If one tenant leaves,or does not pay their rent, the landlord can seek to recover

the rent from the remaining tenants as well as, or instead of,

the person who has moved out. If you share accommodaon

with other people but each of you has a separate tenancy

agreement which species which room you will occupy, each

of you is responsible for paying your share of the rent only and

can give noce separately.

NEVER sign a Tenancy Agreement (Contract) onbehalf of another person - if they change their

mind you could be le liable for their rent.

j oint or separate tenancies?

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Seek advice from the Accommodaon Service or SUAIC.

Negoate with your landlord (the Accommodaon Serviceand SUAIC can advise you on how to approach this).

Adverse through the Message Boards on www.sassh.co.uk.

Adverse on www.forum.susu.org

Adverse through www.sotonclassieds.co.uk

Word of Mouth.

what do i do if i need tofind a repl acement tenant?

Most students in the private rented sector have agreements

for 9 or 12 months. They are not normally entled to end the

tenancy early unless there are parcular circumstances, such

as serious breach of the agreement by the landlord, there is

a clause in the contract allowing tenants to leave early or the

landlord voluntarily releases the tenant from the contract. If

none of these condions apply, where a tenant does move

out before the end of the contract s/he remains liable for the

rent unl the end of the contract or unl another tenant takes

his/her place. It is in all tenants best interests to work co-

operavely with each other to nd a replacement tenant.

Where there is a joint tenancy (i.e. all the tenants have signed

one contract) the remaining tenants have to be consulted

about the replacement tenant; where tenants have individual

contracts, the remaining tenants do not have this right, but it

is socially responsible to try to ensure that a discussion takes

place.

what if i want to l eavebefore the end of the tenancyagreement (contract)?

If another person replaces you as a tenant you should ensure

that proper steps are taken to ensure that you are no longer

held liable for rent, i.e. that you assign your tenancy over to

the new tenant, or that the landlord provides a new contract

for the remaining and new tenants.

Tenants who wish to leave before the end of their tenancyshould seek advice before doing so.

REMEMBER - if you are tenants who are joint and severally

liable, all of you are responsible for the enre rent unl a

replacement tenant is found. Whilst the landlord may seek to

recover the rent from the remaining tenants, the remaining

tenants also have a right to recover this rent from the tenant

who has le.

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If your Tenancy Agreement (contract) does not include

your landlords name and address, ask them to provide it. If

they refuse do not sign and seek advice from SUAIC or the

Accommodaon Service.

All tenants have a right to know the name and address of their

landlord: failure to provide this informaon is an oence.

If you are dealing with an agent, before you sign the Tenancy

Agreement (Contract), nd out who is responsible for the

property eg for repairs. If it is the landlord, then you have a

right to know his/her address.

If you do not know your landlords name and address you can

nd out by:

Asking in the Accommodaon Service (only if the landlord is

on SASSH list).

Inspecng the Electoral Roll at the nearest public reference

library.

Inspecng the open Land Register www.landregistry.co.uk

Remember - get your Tenancy Agreement (Contract) checked

by SUAIC or the Accommodaon Service.

REMEMBER do not sign anything before you

have read it thoroughly.

l andl ords name &address

what are guarantors?Some agencies may ask your parents or guardians to act as

guarantors. If a parent signs their name as a guarantor of their

son/daughters potenal rental debt, and the tenancy is joint

between all occupiers of the property, then they will nd that

they have agreed to be guarantor of the debts of all the other

people covered by the agreement.

If youre not happy about nding a guarantor, many owners donot require one, so consider renng somewhere else.

Alternavely you may suggest to your landlord/agent that you

will pay for a rent insurance package (usually around 120).

You will nd a number of insurance companies oering

such opons, in this way if you fail to pay the rent, the

insurer will cover it.

If possible, make a wrien agreement with your

landlord which clearly states that your guarantor

will only be liable for your poron of the rent.

SUAIC can provide you with sample wording.

subl ett ingSubleng is the term used to describe a tenant renng all

or part of her/his accommodaon to another person. If your

tenancy agreement states that you may not sublet without

your landlords permission you should write to them, askingfor permission to sublet. Your landlord should reply in wring

and should give reasons if permission is refused. If your

tenancy does not menon subleng you should get your

landlords permission in wring to do so. Seek advice before

entering into a sublet agreement.

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11

LIVINGLIKE?

COMMUNALWHATI

S

who to l ive with?

Choosing who you want to live with can be a hard decision.

The obvious choice is people you like, but remember that

liking someone you see for a few hours a day is not the

same as liking someone who is around in your house all the

me. Think about interests and lifestyle; are your potenal

housemates vegetarians/smokers/quiet/late night people or

early risers? Think very carefully about living in the same

house as your partner. It can put a lot of pressure on you,

them, and your housemates. Remember too that if you do

fall out with the other people in your house and want to

move out, you will probably have to carry on paying rent unl

another tenant replaces you; seek advice if this situaon arises.

It is advisable for each tenant to put their name as the account

holder for one bill - this prevents one person having to deal

with and potenally be liable for all the bills. Ulity companiesdo not tend to put all the tenants names onto a bill and if they

do will sll take the rst name as the point of contact and the

person liable.

househol d bil l s

Be sensible about heang - not using itisfalse economy.

A poorly heated house is not only a health hazard for the

occupants, it also encourages condensaon leading to damp

and mould (this is dierent from damp caused by structural

problems, which is the landlords responsibility). If you want

to have a visitor,ensure that it is OKwith the others in your

household. If a visitor stays so long that s/he seems to have

become resident, you may be in breach of your contract as

well as annoying everybody else in the house.

household decisions

the dreaded housework

This is oen a cause of fricon between housemates, as some

individuals are more conscienous than others. If you want to

live healthily and comfortably and avoid dicules with your

landlord, then regular cleaning is advisable. Rotas may work,

parcularly if you want to monitor the acvies of the most

reluctant housemate.

how many peopl eshoul d i share with?

Most students move into shared houses aer their rst year

at University. Most houses for students are for 4/5 people

to share. There are some larger houses available but living

with more than four others creates more opportunies for

disagreements! Read the communal living secon in this

handbook.

If you are paying money to another tenant, e.g. towards a

bill, get a receipt or make sure you can prove you have paid

the money (e.g. through paying by cheque). This may seem

unnecessarily formal, but arguments over bills are common

causes of problems. Note that if you are using a telephone

company other than Brish Telecom, you may be required to

sign an agreement for a minimum period of me; it should be

possible to get an agreement for 9 months. If a large item of

equipment is to be bought/hired, always consult everyone in

the house. If you hire a TV, the license should be in the hirer s

name.

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Free at last?! Most student accommodaon in Southampton

consists of terraced and semi-detached houses, your lifestyle

is going to aect your neighbours so try to be considerate of

their needs too. The following points will help to avoid the

most obvious causes of disputes:

Introduce yourselves to the neighbours when you move in.

Dont make a lot of noise late at night (i.e. aer 11pm). Be thoughul about parking. Some areas have restricted

parking anyway, but local residents expect to be able to use

the space in front of their own house. Do you actually need

your car here?

Try to keep the outside of your house looking dy by, for

example, occasionally washing windows and curtains,

cung back rampant hedges and grass, sweeping pathways

and paved areas, clearing up lier, pung your wheelie bin

o the pavement etc.

REMEMBER - keep on good terms with your neighbours and

they will probably be willing to keep an eye on your house

while you are away. Southampton isone large community and

students are an integral part of it. When returning home aer

an enjoyable evening out, please remember that you are not

the only ones that live in this community. Remember how

annoyed you get when you are woken in the middle of thenight by a false re alarm in halls. Travel quietly and safely,

trac cones and rendions of The One and Only are

not that funny at 3am!

COMMUNITY?AMIREALLY

A

YES YOU ARE. Being a student in Southampton means that you

automacally belong to the wider city community. This comes

with some responsibilies, to yourself, your neighbourhood

and the city.

in the neighbourhood

noise &part iesNoise can be a big cause of fricon between housemates

and between tenants and their neighbours. Noise in your

house will probably sound almost as loud next door. TheEnvironmental Health Service is responsible for dealing with

noise nuisances; prosecuon can result in a possible 5,000

ne! Contact EHS on 023 8083 2606.

IF YOU ARE HAVING A PARTY:

Arrange the party for a Friday or Saturday when neighbours

are less likely to have to get up early the next day.

Let your neighbours know in advance about the party.

Dont adverse the party openly on Facebook! Make sure

the invitaons are for your friends only.

Dont try to get 300 people into a 2 bedroom house - keep

to a reasonable number that you can cope with.

Try to keep guests inside rather than standing around in the

garden or street.

Keep the noise level down, especially aer 11pm.

Try to ensure that your guests leave the area quietly and donot make any use of your neighbours garden!

MEMBEROFTHE

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IN!

If any repairs need doing inform the landlord in wring.

Make sure you keep a copy of your leer for your records you will need it as proof later.

Get a rent book or other form of rent receipt.

Have an inventory signed by the landlord. Note any defects and damages on the inventory and make sure

the landlord signs it.

Take either photographs (digital pictures are beer because they can be emailed) or video footage of the

property and its contents, in case there is any dispute over their condion when you move out.

If there is a telephone, inform the company of a change of user.

Get a TV license. If you have a joint tenancy agreement then you will need only one license to cover all

the TV sets in the house; however if you are on separate individual tenancy agreements you will need toensure you have a license to cover each individual set. There are hey nes for not having a license that

can be over 1000.

If you are paying the water rates, nofy the company of a change in occupants.

Arrange insurance for your belongings.

Check with the landlord that all the keys have been returned by the previous tenants.

Take meter readings and inform the relevant ulity providers to change the names on the bills from the

date your tenancy begins.

Nofy the Council Tax department at the City Council of a

change in occupants and make sure they know that you areall full-me students. You will need to obtain a leer from

your School Oce that shows you are a full me student

and therefore exempt from council tax. Students who live in

council tax

MOVING

a shared house are considered joint and severally liable for

council tax purposes. The praccal implicaons of this should

mean that in a shared house, with a non-student occupant, thebill will appear in the name of the occupant who is not exempt.

Also, that the non-student is therefore individually liable. If you

have any enquiries or concerns talk to SUAIC.

what about when i move in?

15


16/29

Never just withhold rent as a way of forcing your landlord

to carry out repairs - you could be evicted if you have rent

arrears or have legal acon taken against you to recover the

money owed.

If your landlord ignores your request for repairs to be carried

out you can -

Contact the Private Housing Service. Contact details at theback of this booklet.

Enforce your legal rights as an individual, which may involve

taking legal acon against your landlord.

Seek advice from SUAIC or the Accommodaon Service.

FORREPAI

RS?WHOIS

RESPONSIBLE

Under the 1985 Landlord & Tenant Act, Secon 11, landlords

are responsible for keeping in good repair and proper

working order the structure and exterior of their property

and installaons of the property.

This includes - Roof, walls, oors and windows

Guers, pipes and drains

Baths, toilets, sinks and basins

Electrical wiring, gas piping, xed heaters and water heaters.

Landlords have a legal responsibility to carry out these repairs

even if your tenancy agreement says that they do not.

Landlords are not responsible for any installaons purchasedby or belonging to the tenant.

request ing repairs to becarried out

Landlords are under no legal obligaon to carry out repairs

unl they have been given wrien noce of the repairs

needed. It is therefore essenal that you put requests for

repairs in wring as soon as possible. If your request is iniallymade verbally, follow it up with a leer - keep a copy and keep

any leers that are sent to you. You should allow a reasonable

length of me for repairs to be done: 21 days for non-essenal

repairs, 1 - 2 days for emergency repairs, e.g. blocked drains.

If the repairs are carried out, make a note of the date, what

was done, whether the work was done adequately and if any

outstanding repairs remain.

enforcing your rights

Tenants have an obligaon to look aer the property.

This includes -

Taking reasonable steps to ensure that they and their guests

do not damage the property or contents.

Undertaking minor day to day maintenance, e.g. replacing

light bulbs.

Ensuring that xtures and ngs are adequately cleaned.

Taking reasonable steps to protect the property during

periods of absence by making sure the property is secure

and all sockets and taps are switched o. (See page 22 for

guidance on water supply, pipes and vacaons).

Tenants are not responsible for repairs needed through fair

wear and tear.

tenants' responsibil it ies

l andl ord's responsibil it ies

pest problems

16

If you have problems with mice, rats, eas etc., contact the

Public Health Service, who are able to deal with pest control

issues. Tel: 023 8083 2531.


17/29

15

WHATISTHE

privatehous

ing

SERVICE?

17

The Private Housing service at the council can take steps to

get repairs done in rented accommodaon in many situaons;

they do not charge tenants for the assistance they give. Full

details of the problems in your property will be taken, so that

an assessment can be made about the seriousness of the

defects and potenal for impact on your health and safety.

Where it is considered that serious hazards exist or are likely to

exist in your property, Private Housing will arrange to inspect

the accommodaon. Where less serious hazards exist, advice,

guidance and informaon will be provided, but the property

will not be visited.

If your property is inspected, Private Housing will determine

what works are required to improve condions and will advise

your landlord, informally at rst. If no works are carried outwithin a reasonable period, your landlord will be served with

legal noces, which will specify the works required and a date

for compleon. If the work is sll not carried out, the council

may arrange for the works to be carried out at the landlords

expense and/or consider prosecung the landlord.

If the repairs are urgent Private Housing can immediately carry

out minimal works to make the property safe, if the landlord is

unable or unwilling to do so. The landlord is later charged forthe repairs. If drains and toilets are blocked, the council can

require them to be unblocked within 48 hours. If your heang/

hot water system breaks down during cold weather, Private

Housing can take acon to get repairs carried out. The council

can provide you with a copy of any noce served on your

landlord, so that you know what work should be done.


18/29

18

If your landlord fails to carry out repairs and you do not wish

to involve the council, you could consider geng the repairs

done yourself and deducng the costs from your rent. If you

take this course of acon you can only deduct the actualcosts of repairs so you should always ensure that you have a

clearly laid out bill lisng all works done and charges made;

you cannot make deducons for compensaon. You can be

evicted for being in rent arrears so it is vital that you seek

advice before withholding any rent and follow this procedure

carefully:

Make requests for repairs in wring and keep a copy of your

leer.

Allow a reasonable period of me for repairs to be done.

If the repairs are not done, inform the landlord in wring

of your intended course of acon, and allow a further

reasonable period for the landlord to comply with his

obligaons.

Obtain three esmates for the repairs and send copies

of these to the landlord with a nal declaraon of your

intended course of acon.

Have the repairs carried out by the rm giving the leastexpensive esmate. If you carry out or arrange repairs

that are done badly, youll be legally responsible for the

consequences.

Send a copy of the invoice to the landlord and request

reimbursement.

If no money is received, deduct the cost of the repairs from

future rent.

It may be possible to take your landlord to court to get

him to carry out repairs; you could also ask the court for

compensaon for inconvenience or if your possessions have

been damaged. Always seek advice before starng legal

acon and be aware that you will have to produce evidence to

support your case.

houses in mul t iple occupation(hmos)

Most shared properes are classied as HMOs, for example,where a house has been converted into bedsits or if the

property is shared by 3 or more people. Special regulaons

apply to HMOs and local councils have clear powers to ensure

that the property is safe and is managed correctly. If the house

you live in has 3 or more levels and 5 or more tenants, it will

require a licence from Private Housing. If you think your house

should be licensed, but isnt, please contact Private Housing

on 023 80832606.

what action can i take?


19/29

17

For many of you it will be the rst me you have lived away

from home or outside halls of residence and the rst me

you will be responsible for dealing with your own waste.

Southampton City Council wants to help you get to grips withresponsibilies you now have as a resident of Southampton.

As a tenant you, and not the landlord, are responsible for

making sure all your household waste is disposed of properly

and legally.

Everyone living in the house is responsible for the bins. This

includes pung the correct waste in the bins, pung them

out for collecon and returning them back to your property

aer they have been emped.

Our enforcement ocers patrol the streets to check if bins are

being put back into gardens. If bins are repeatedly le on the

street you could be issued with a 100 ne.

PLEASE FOLLOW THE ADVICE BELOW:

Put your wheeled bins at the edge of your property or onthe pavement on the day of collecon by 6.30 a.m.

Bring your wheeled bins back in on the day of collecon.

The blue lidded wheelie bin is for recycling and you should

only put in this bin:

- paper/cardboard

- plasc boles

- food and drink cans

PLEASE MAKE SURE YOU PUT ITEMS IN LOOSE AND NOTIN BAGS. YOUR BLUE LIDDED RECYCLING BIN IS COLLECTED

EVERY FORTNIGHT.

loveyourpave

ments

andmana

geyourwaste&

recycling

a message fromsouthampton city council

19

The green lidded bin is for general household waste and this

is collected each week.

To check what day your collecon is visit:

www.southampton.gov.ukand input your post code on the

top right hand side of the home page or phone Aconline

0800 5 19 19 19

Bulky waste such as maresses and furniture must not be

le on the pavement and should only be le at the front

of your property on the day you have arranged to have it

collected. Southampton City Council provides a collecon

service and the cost is only 25 for up to 10 items (there is

an addional charge for fridges/freezers). Phone Aconline

0800 5 19 19 19 to organise a collecon.

You can dispose of large bulky items free of charge at the

Household Waste Recycling Centre called Rubbish Revived

at Endle Street, which is located between the football

stadium and Ocean Village. Dont forget to get in touch with reuse charies such as

SCRATCH on 023 8077 3132, who will donate furniture for a

small charge of 10. Their requirements vary from me to

me. Please call rst and say what item you want to donate.

Allow 2 weeks for collecon.

Leaving waste in your garden and illegally deposing waste

on the street can result in nes.

Please remember to be a good neighbour by keeping your

street and garden clean and dy.

Dont forget if you need any informaon about managing

your waste and recycling you can:

Telephone or email Aconline on 0800 5 19 19 19

[email protected]

Visit Southampton City Council website

www.southampton.gov.uk/environment

Speak to The Students Union Advice & Informaon Centre.

By working together we can look aer the environment and

make Southampton a nicer and safer place to live in.

NT?


20/29

If your landlord physically assaults you, the police should be

contacted. If the harassment is sexually or racially movated

you may be able to take acon under an-discriminaon

legislaon as well as housing legislaon.

TheAccommodaon Service and the Students Union Advice

& Informaon Centre can provide further advice and supportto students who think they are being harassed by their

landlord. Landlords who are proven to have harassed tenants

will not be adversed by the University. Please report any

incidents to the Accommodaon Service.

If you nd that your me at University or your well-being itself

is being adversely aected by accommodaon dicules, the

University Counselling Service would welcome you geng in

touch with them. Contact details on back cover.

sources of hel p

in an emergency Call the police if you feel you are in danger.

Contact the University Security Control Room (24 hours) on

023 8059 2811.

Contact the University First Support Team on 023 8059 7488

or [email protected]

what action can you take?Keep a wrien record of the landlords behaviour which you

feel is harassment and get other people to act as witnesses.You should inially discuss the problem with your landlord

- it may be that they are not aware of the problem they are

causing and may be willing to change their behaviour.

20

If a landlord is aempng to force tenants to leave their

accommodaon early or is trying to stop them exercising their

legal rights, this may be considered harassment.

Any of the following constutes harassment:

Behaviour intended to interfere with the peace or comfort

of the occupier

Persistent withholding or withdrawal of services (without

good reason)

The landlord knows or has reasonable cause to believe that

what they are doing is likely to make the occupier leave, or

not use, part of the premises the occupier is entled to use.

In pracce this may include behaviour such as cung o the

water supply without good reason, threatening or abusive

behaviour, constant visits without warning, sending in builders

without warning or at unsociable hours, or prevenng youhaving guests.

l andl ord's right of accessTenants have the right to quiet enjoyment of their

accommodaon and landlords may not remove this right.

Your landlord has the right to inspectthe accommodaon but

this must be donewith your consent, at reasonable hours andwithat least 24 hours noce in wring. If your landlord keeps

a key and enters at unsociable hours or without noce, this

could constute harassment.

HARASSMEN

T?WHATISIf talking does not resolve the maer, or if the problem is

too serious for this to be appropriate, you could write to the

landlord warning that you may have to take further acon.

Keep copies of your leers. The Accommodaon Service

should also be informed of any cases of harassment by

landlords. Seek advice from the sources of help below before

taking any acon.

E


21/29

STAYSAFEHOWDO

I

ATHOME?

gas appl iances &carbon monoxideCarbon monoxide is a killer!It is a highly poisonous gas

that kills about 30 people every year as a result of faulty gas

appliances. Carbon monoxide is colourless and odourless and

the symptoms can be confused with those of other illnesses.

Danger signs: Stains, soot or discolouring around a gas re or at the top

of a water heater. This may mean that the ue or chimney is

blocked and carbon monoxide can build up in the room.

A yellow or orange ame on a gas re or water heater.

A strange smell when the gas appliance is on.

SYMPTOMS OF CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING ARE:

Headaches

Sickness

Chronic redness or muscular weakness.

If you or others suer from these symptoms aer being in a

room with a gas appliance burning, see your doctor and call

the Gas Safety Advice Line or Transco on 0870 6081524.

safety action Your landlord must ensure that any gas appliance in the

property is safe. They must arrange for safety checks

on appliances at least once every 12 months, by a GAS

SAFE registered engineer. They must also keep a record of

inspecon dates, any defects idened and any remedial

acon taken. Ask to see the inspecon record - you have

a legal right to see it. If your landlord does not complywith these requirments, contact the Environmental Health

Service and nofy the Accommodaon Service. Contact

details on back cover.

When using gas appliances, do not cover vents and make

sure you have adequate venlaon in the room.

If you have a gas cooker, make sure you get a set of user

instrucons.

If you are in doubt about the safety of an appliance, stop

using it immediately and contact Transco who operate a free

24 hour emergency service. Inform your landlord as soon as possible. If they do not

take acon within a reasonable period of me contact the

Environmental Health Service.

fireIs your house ed with smoke alarms and re exnguisher/

blanket in the kitchen? If not, put pressure on your landlord to

t them and remember to test smoke alarms monthly.

DONT overload electrical sockets. Avoid mul-way adaptors;

if you have to use one, buy a good quality unit with a fuse.

Check exes and plugs on heaters and other appliances to

ensure they are not worn or broken. They should not get hot

when used.

Pick up a re safety leaet from SUAIC or The Student Services

Centre.

in the kitchenCooking accidents are the most common cause of res in the

home. If a pan does catch re, turn o the heat if it is safe todo so but DONT MOVE THE PAN and DONT THROW WATER

ON IT.Smother the ames with a damp cloth, lid or re

blanket and leave the pan to cool for at least half an hour.

21


22/29

If your house is going to be empty for any length of me, suchas during vacaons, you should take certain precauons before

leaving. Make sure that all doors and windows are locked;

your landlord should provide adequate locks. If possible,

arrange for someone to come and check on the house. You

could invest in some mer light bulbs, or socket mers to help

give the impression that the house is occupied. If you have

transport, take valuable items, such as stereos and TVs with

you; unoccupied houses full of valuable electrical equipment

provide a golden opportunity to burglars. Make sure you haveadequate insurance for your possessions and check the terms

and condions: some policies will not cover your possessions if

the property is le empty for more than 30 days.

All furniture and furnishings supplied by a landlord whether

new or old should comply with the 1998 Fire Safety

regulaons. Check to see that the furniture provided has the

re safety label aached or was made aer 1998. If it does

not comply with these regulaons request that the Landlord

replaces the furniture.

Be careful about cigarees falling onto furniture.

Never smoke in bed.

Dont put furniture too close to res or heaters where it can

catch re. Never leave portable heaters switched on when

you go to bed.

Prevenon is always the best policy!

bedrooms and l iving rooms

plan aheadThink about your escape route if a re were to break out in

your house. Try to ensure that one large window in each room

can be easily opened and keep window lock keys where they

can be easily found.

what to do if fire breaks out If you can safely do so, close the door of the room where the

re has started and close all other doors behind you. This

will help delay the spread of re and smoke.

Before opening a closed door test to see if it is warm, using

the back of your hand. If it feels warm there is probably reon the other side - dont open the door.

Get out of the house as quickly as possible and get others

out without pung yourself at risk. Dont try to pick up

valuables or possessions - get out as safely as possible and

try not to panic.

Telephone the re brigade on 999. Clearly state the address

of the re.

Dont go back into your home unl a re ocer has toldyou it is safe.

if you are cut off by fire If you are prevented from geng out because of ames or

smoke, close the door nearest to the re and use towels

or sheets to block any gaps.This will help stop smoke

spreading into the room.

Go to the window. If the room becomes smoky, get down to

oor level where it is easier to breathe.

Open the window and try to aract the aenon of others

who can alert the re brigade.

Wait for the re brigade. If you are in immediate danger,

drop cushions or bedding to the ground to break your fall

from the window. Get out feet rst and lower yourself to the

full length of your arms before dropping.

water supply and pipesMake sure you know where the mains stopcock is situated. If

you have any burst pipes, turn o the mains supply and switch

o water heaters and central heang. If pipes burst as a result

of your neglect, you may be held responsible for the cost of

repairs. If you are leaving your house unoccupied during cold

weather you should take acon to prevent the pipes freezing

and bursng. If you have central heang, set it to come on for

a couple of hours in the morning and the evening, with the

thermostat at about 15C. If you do not have central heang,

turn o the cold water supply at the stopcock, drain the cold

water system and switch o the water heater.

vacations

22

EEP


23/29

STAYSAFE&KEE

PHOWDO

I

MYSTUFFSAFE

?

Stascs show that student houses are far more likely to be

burgled than other residenal properes in Southampton.

There is compelling evidence to suggest that burglars target

student houses as they expect to nd poor security, and the

fact that there will be more than one computer, television,

stereo, cheque book, credit and bank cards. Why break into

4 family houses when you can get the same goods from one

student house?

checking security whenyou view a property

Check the front and rear doors and door frames to see if theyare sound. Consider whether a hey push from the shoulder

or a kick would open them. Glass panels are especially

vulnerable.

CHECK FOR:

Solid external doors.

Morce deadlocks with internal thumb turns for emergency

escape. The Police have highlighted that Yale-type locks can

be vulnerable to burglaries.

Ground oor windows ed with locks.

A spyhole in the front door is an advantage.

when burgl aries happen

MOST BURGLARIES HAPPEN WHEN A HOUSE IS EMPTY.

You will be most at risk during the vacaon periods - so payparcular aenon to the security of your home at Christmas,

Easter and even on Bonre Night! Dont adverse your

absence during the vacaon periods (for example on Facebook

23

or other Social Networking sites), or even when you are out

at the University, shopping or in the pub. Most burglaries are

commied by opportunist thieves when the house is empty

and in two out of every ten the thief does not have to force his

way in because a door or window has been le open. Make

sure you have closed all windows and doors before going out!

Burglars dont like meeng the occupants so lights le on

me switches may stop them as it suggests that someone is

in. Anything that suggests your house is not a student-let will

tend to reduce your vulnerability, so dying your garden andcleaning your windows isnt such a bad idea aer all. It is a

good idea to take your valuables home during the vacaon

periods.

Burglars like easy opportunies.They dont like locked

windows because breaking glass aracts aenon. They

dont like security deadlocks as doors cannot easily be kicked

in. Simple precauons like these do work.

Keep valuable items out of reach of burglars. Keep itemsaway from windows and out of view of prying eyes. Dont

let everyone in the street know that youve got the latest

laptop!

Always keep doors and windows locked when the house is

empty.Dont assume one of your housemates is sll in.

Be persistentin your requests to get your landlord to

improve security when needed.

Make a complete list of the serial numbers, makes andmodels of all your electrical equipmentand mark valuable

items with your home postcode and number. These can be

marked with an invisible pen or preferably etched.

what you can do toavoid being a vict im

Do the curtain check! No maer where you live in the

P!


24/29

Do the curtain check!No maer where you live in the

house check the bedroom curtains to see if you can see

through them parcularly at night and with the electric light

switched on. If they are transparent speak to your landlord

to see if he will change them for thicker curtains.

Be wary of unannounced visitors.Always make sure that

visitors are who they say they are. If they say they are from

the police, gas or electricity companies, ask to see their

identy card and then ring their local oce to conrm.

If provided, use internal locks- especially if you are having a

party.

If you have a bike, keep it securely lockedup at all mes

when not in use and stored in a shed or garage. If you have

a car then use a steering lock, and never leave valuables in

your car. If you have a removable stereo, remove it.

what about personal safety?

If you are renng on the ground oor think carefully about

the security aspects already menoned. In parcular be sure

that the room has window locks and thick curtains. If you are

sharing a house with men and women, consider allowing the

women rst choice of the upper oor rooms.

Unless it is absolutely necessary do not walk home alone

at night. Carry a personal aack alarm (available from the

Students Union Shop) and keep to busy well-lit roads. If you

are returning home from the Union remember that Safety

buses run every evening during term me from outside theStudents Union. It is 1.50 to all desnaons. If you believe

that you are being followed, then cross the road, several mes

if necessary and make your way to an area where there are

people and call the police. Using headphones will stop you

from hearing what might be happening around you. If you take

a taxi, make sure that it is registered. There should be driver

ID on display inside the car and an idencaon plate on the

outside.

gett ing home at night

24

HELP!IMBEING

il l egal evict ion

resident l andl ord

Landlords may aempt illegal evicon by changing locks

while you are out, physically throwing you out, or otherwise

prevenng you geng into your home. If this happens to you,

call the police - they should make sure that you are allowed

to return to your home. If you are being asked to leave before

the end of your agreement (contract), your landlord may be

aempng to illegally evict you. Your landlord cannot force

you to leave without a court order. Seek advice from SUAIC or

the Accommodaon Service, contact numbers on back page.

If you share accommodaon with your landlord, such as

kitchen and living room, your landlord can evict you without

having to get a court order. Your exact housing status can

depend on a number of dierent factors, so it is always worth

geng advice on this if any problems arise. You should begiven wrien noce to leave the property, but the amount

of noce required can depend on your circumstances. If you

pay rent monthly, you could argue that you should be given a

months noce to leave; if you pay rent weekly, you may get

as lile as one weeks noce. Once the period of noce has

expired, the landlord can evict you immediately.

EVICTED


25/29

25

WHATHAPPENSw

henmy

ENDs?contractwhat about moving out?

Assured Shorthold Tenants must be given 2 months wrien

noce informing them that the landlord is seeking possession

of the property at the end of the tenancy. If this noce has not

been served the tenants are not obliged to move out.

If the landlord does not require you to leave the property at

the end of the contract you may be given another tenancy

agreement to connue from the end of the last one. Your rent

can be increased at this me. If you are not given Noce of

Seeking Possession or another contract, you can remain in the

property and your tenancy will run from one rent payment to

the next. If the landlord subsequently wants you to leave you

must be given 2 months noce, as explained above. If you

wish to end the periodic (rolling) agreement you will need to

give 1 full rent period as noce.

At the end of the tenancy, clean cookers, fridges, toilets,

baths and showers thoroughly. If the landlord has to have

these cleaned commercially it could reduce your depositconsiderably.

Leave the house dy and free of all rubbish.

If you are responsible for the garden, make sure it is dy

and all garden rubbish has been collected (or is bagged and

ready for collecon).

Make sure you have receipts for all rent paid and any other

money paid to the landlord/agent.

Keep gas, electricity, water and telephone bills, so you can

show they have been paid.

Three weeks before your tenancy ends make sure you have

an end-of-tenancy inspecon visit by the owner/agent. You

should be present so that you can agree with the owner/

agent on any work that you need to do it is a good idea

to dy up before (s)he arrives! Make sure that you make a

record of requests made by the landlord and have him/her

date and sign it. Two weeks before you are due to move out contact the

ulity companies (gas/electric/water) and arrange for nal

meter readings to be taken prior to vacang the property

(also nofy the telephone company). You should also write

and request that your names are removed from all the bills

on the date you are due to move out. Let the owner/agent

know you have done this and keep copies of all your leers.

On leaving day take pictures of the house to have

photographic evidence that you have thoroughly cleaned it.

NEVERhave an end-of-house party on the last day. Always

leave yourselves at least three days to clean up and if

necessary replace any broken items. Make sure all furniture is

returned to the original rooms.

what about when thetenancy comes to an end?

ENTACT


26/29

26

The Student Services Centre, University Road, Higheld,

Southampton, SO17 1BJ

Tel: 023 8059 9599

Email: [email protected]

Opening mes are as follows:

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 9am-5.30pm

Wednesday 9.00am-3.30pm

Web: www.soton.ac.uk/accommodaon

Email:[email protected]

The Accommodaon Service administers University residences

and private rented sector accommodaon. We oer a free and

condenal advisory service covering general housing maers,

tenancy law and other related issues.

SUAICorT

HE

We also oer free legal advice sessions.Contact SUAIC for further details.

Also, check noces on the Students Union

Concourse (Building 42), for termly Police Surgeries.

HOWDOICONTAC

T

Students Union, Building 40, University Road, Higheld,

Southampton SO17 1BJ

Tel: 023 8059 2085

Email: [email protected]

Opening mes are as follows:

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 9.00am-5.00pm

Wednesday 11.00am-5.00pm

Web: www.susu.org/suaicWinchester School of Art, Students Union Building, upstairs.

Check website for details.

The Students Union Advice & Informaon Centre is a

department of the Students Union and oers assistance to all

students of the University of Southampton on:

Housing

Finance

Academic Maers and Legal Issues

Consumer Rights

The service we provide is completely free, condenal and

imparal. We operate an appointment system. Separate

interview rooms are available for you to speak to an adviser in

private.

students union advice &information centre (SUAIC)

accommodationservice

?

the universityaccommodation service


27/29

Remember that your safety is very important. Look at the property during daylight hours and take someone with you. Also, let a

friend know where you are going and when you expect to get back. To ensure a proper viewing make several appointments and

keep notes on each visit you make. Dont be rushed into a decision by a pushy landlord. Dont agree to move into a house that

needs a lot of work. A building site in June may sll be one in October.

qIn the event of re in the main access passageways of the

house, could you get out of the house?

qAre smoke detectors or re alarms ed? Do they work?

qDoes the house have any re doors?

qIs there a re blanket in your kitchen?

qGas and electricity - is everything checked and tested?

qIs the heang in the house adequate - will you be warm in the

middle of winter?

qDo the electric/gas res work? Does the cooker work?q If the cooker is a gas cooker, does the thermostat work?qEnsure you have your gas and electricity meters read

immediately aer you have taken responsibility for the

property. Keep a record of these readings.

qEnsure you ask to see a copy of a Gas Safe safety cercate

for each gas appliance. Check the date as these expire aer 12

months. (See page 21 for more info on Gas Safe cercates).

All the gas appliances in the house should be listed.

q Is the area right for you?qIs transport easily available?

qAre there shops and services nearby?

q Ensure your landlord conrms any agreed repairs/

renovaons in wring on your tenancy agreement (contract).

See clause 12 of the SASSH approved contract.

qIs the house secure?q Is there a burglar alarm that works?qAre all the external doors solid?

q Have all external doors been ed with strong and securelocks?

qAre ground oor windows ed with security catches?

qHave you idened your own possessions by pung your

home postcode on all your valuables?

qAre the ground oor bedroom curtains lined or thickenough?

qMake sure you have names, addresses and telephone

contact numbers.

q Does the roof look sound? You can check for damp from

the inside of the house as well as the outside.

qHave the guers got plants growing out of them?

qAre the drains clear?

qIs any of the woodwork rong or unsafe?

qAre gardens, walls, fences and boundaries maintained?

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REMEMBER - the condion of the property is likely to giveyou an indicaon of the response to any repair requests.


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qDo any repairs need doing?

qHave you told the owner in wring what needs doing -

have you agreed what will be done, in wring, before you

sign the Tenancy Agreement?

qDoes the decorang need doing?

qIf so, who is doing it and who is paying? Has the owner

set any upper limit on the cost of materials if you are

decorang the house yourself? Get conrmaon in wring.

qIs the house clean?

qIf not, have you told the owner what the condion is in

wring?

qDo you have the equipment to keep it clean?

qDo all your prospecve housemates have the same

understanding as you about dying up?

qAre there any signs of pests, e.g. mouse droppings, slug

trails, eas in the house?

qDoes the plumbing work?

qHave you tried all the taps?

qDo the sinks drain?

qDoes the toilet leak?

qIs there any hot water and how do you pay for it?

qIs there a shower and does it work?

qAre there enough bathrooms/WCs for the full number of

housemates sharing?

qCheck out whether there are sucient and adequate

facilies for you and your housemates. As general

guidance, all SASSH accredited properes should have

sucient and suitable bathroom and kitchen facilies.

q Has the house got enough furniture for the full number of

housemates sharing?

qIs there sucient space in the kitchen to store and prepare

food?qIs any of the furniture the property of exisng tenants?

qIs all the furniture in good condion?

qIs the furniture re retardant?

qDo you wish to be insured? The Students Union Advice and

Informaon Centre can advise you.

qWhat are you paying for in your rent? How does it compare

to other rents? Have you paid a deposit? If so, what is it

for? Have you got a receipt for what you have paid? Are you

responsible for water charges?

qHow much will heang the house cost?

qWhat services does the owner provide for you, if any?

Window cleaning, gardening, lighng of common parts,

refuse disposal? What are the parking arrangements?

qDo you know what your contract means? Read this guide

and pick up a copy of the Guide to Your Contract from the

Student Services Centre or online at

www.soton.ac.uk/accommodaon

qHave you talked to the previous occupants of the house

and asked them if they have any comments that would help

you?

qAsk for a copy of the Tenancy Agreement endorsed by

SASSH.qMake an appointment to discuss your Tenancy Agreement

with the Accommodaon Service or SUAIC sta.

NFOHANDY


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STUDENTS UNION ADVICE & INFORMATION CENTRETel: 023 8059 2085 Email: [email protected]

UNIVERSITY ACCOMMODATION SERVICE

Tel: 023 8059 9599 Email: [email protected]

UNIVERSITY COUNSELLING SERVICE28 University Road, Higheld, Southampton.

Tel: 023 8059 3719 Email: [email protected]

CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU3 Kings Park Road, Southampton

Tel: 023 8022 1406

PRIVATE RENTED SOCIETYThe Private Rented Society was formed in 2008 by students,

for students. Its purpose is to help 1st years, who either did

not make it into halls or chose not to go into halls, with renng

their houses and provide means for them to socialise witheach other. hp://privaterented.susu.org/index.html

GASTo nd out who supplies the gas to your property phone

Transco on 0870 608 1524.

Gas escape emergencies - Tel: 0800 111 999

ELECTRICITYTo nd out who supplies the electricity to your property phone

Southern Electricity on 0845 744 555 having your meter serialnumber at hand. Interacve website for payments, meter

readings and moving house details:

www.southern-electric.co.uk

SOUTHERN WATER PLC

Emergency 24 hr helpline 0845 278 0845

Billing Enquiries - Tel: 0845 272 0845

POLICEEMERGENCY Tel: 999

CENTRAL SWITCHBOARD Tel: 0845 0454545

NON-EMERGENCY Tel: 101

UNIVERSITY SECURITY

Tel: 023 8059 2811

NHS DIRECT

Tel: 0845 4647

HEALTH & SAFETY EXECUTIVE GAS SAFETY ADVICE LINE

Tel: 0800 300 363

TRANSCO/GAS ESCAPES EMERGENCIES

Tel: 0800 111 999

BRITISH TELECOM

Tel: Free phone 0800 800 800

COUNCIL TAX INFORMATION

Tel: 023 8083 2349

DOMESTIC REFUSE BULK COLLECTION (Aconline)

Tel: 080 0519 1919

NIGHTLINE (condenal listening service)

Tel: 023 8059 5236

PRIVATE HOUSING SERVICE (Environmental Health)

Tel: 023 8083 2606

INFO

PLEASE NOTE that at me of publicaon every eort was made to ensure the accuracyof the informaon given in this handbook. The University cannot accept responsibility for

errors, omissions, or subsequent changes in legal requirements.

It is not an authoritave statement of law. If you are in any doubt about any of the informa-

on in this publicaon you should seek legal advice.

Here are some useful numbers and addresses that you might need.

www.susu.orgwww.soton.ac.uk/accommodaon

2010-2011

HANDY

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