Landlords
HOUSING CONTRACTS
When signing a housing contract you are signing a legally binding document that is designed to not only protect your landlord, but to also protect you. It’s important to read the contracts, hopefully they will be straightforward but if they seem a little confusing take them to someone in your Universities Accommodation Office who are used to dealing with it.
STUDENTS AS TENANTS
As a tenant you have a number of responsibilities. These include
- Paying your rent
- Paying your bills
- Reporting any repairs to your landlord
- Giving notice
As a tenant you also have rights!
http://www.thesite.org.uk/homelawandmoney/home/tenancyrights/yourrightsasatenant
We’ve all heard horror stories about dodgy landlords and agencies that exist to screw us over but it’s important to know your rights in order to ensure these people don’t get away with it.
LANDLORD RESPONSIBILITIES
Landlords can’t legally put your rent up halfway through your tenancy if you are on a fixed term contract.
- Landlords can’t just turn up unannounced. You require notice.
- They can’t prevent your friends from visiting.
- If there is something that needs repairing you should contact your landlord and it is their responsibility to fix it.
For more information regarding the legalities of private housing and to read up on publications you can visit the Communities and Local Government site http://www.communities.gov.uk/housing/rentingandletting/privaterenting/
TENANCY DEPOSIT PROTECTION SCHEME
When you moved in to your house you would have paid a deposit. Hopefully you will have been notified within 14 days of the deposit scheme your landlord has used to protect your money. Tenancy Deposit law was introduced on 6th April 2007 and protects tenants by ensuring landlords and agencies can’t unfairly withhold a deposit.
For more information visit the Government website
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/TenancyDeposit/DG_066373
As with all accommodation concerns, as students your first contact should be your University’s accommodation office.
UWE: http://www.uwe.ac.uk/accommodation/index.shtml
UOB: http://www.bristol.ac.uk/accommodation/