Moving In
SAY HELLO - It’s laid out on our Community Values page but to stress it again, it’s a good idea to say hi to your neighbours when you first move in. Get to know their names and let them know how they can contact you.
INVENTORY
When you move in you should be given an inventory of all the goods that are in the house, from desks to the fridge. If you don’t get one, request to see it. If you still don't get one do, one yourselves, you can download a template from the accommodation office website and take lots of photos especially if anything is damaged when you move in.
Once you have it think about the following questions:
- Is the list accurate?
- Are the items on the list in good or bad condition?
(it’s important to note this in case there are disputes at the end of your tenancy)
If there is something in your house that is not on the inventory but you believe to be not up to standard, take a photo of it as soon as you move in, send it to the landlord, and keep note. That way when it comes to the end of your tenancy you can’ t be blamed for what was already there.
If in doubt ask the landlord to go through it with you and if you need help dealing with your landlord just contact your universities Accommodation Office
Make sure the inventory is signed and dated and that you have a copy!
DEPOSIT
Upon moving in you would have paid a deposit. Remember to get proof that you have paid. You should usually receive notification within 14 days that your deposit has been protected through a deposit scheme. If you don’t you should contact your landlord or agency. If you still hear nothing contact your University’s Accommodation Office.
BILLS
If bills are not included in your rent you should get to grips with what you should be expecting and make sure all the relevant bills are changed to be in your and your housemates names. The bills could include gas, electric, water, phone, and internet, depending on what your house uses.
This is important for ensuring you don’t get left with the bills from previous tenants.
INSURANCE
Students are 3 times more likely to be the victims of house theft as a result you might want to think about taking out contents insurance for your house. Shop around, as different banks and companies will be offering you different things.
BINS
As soon as you move in it’s a good idea to know when your refuse and recycling gets collected.
ELECTORAL REGISTER
Once you have moved in get yourself signed up to the electoral register. Read about registering to vote on our Voting page.
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The University of Bristol Accommodation Office has a good guide to moving into private property and to the wider community and you can view the document here: http://www.bristol.ac.uk/accommodation/usefuldocs/movingon09.pdf