A Housing Forum was hosted by the Student Accommodation Office and AWARE on Wednesday 10th
February 2010 to provide essential information on house hunting and tenancy
agreements - you
can download
the Housing Forum PowerPoint presentation if you missed it.
This checklist has been compiled to assist you in finding suitable accommodation. It may not be comprehensive and is not a substitute for professional legal or other advice. The University accepts no liability for loss or damage whatsoever resulting from using this checklist or occupying any property (except for death or personal injury due to the University's negligence).
Finding Accommodation
Choose how many and who you are going to live with very carefully.
Confirm that the gas appliances have been checked within the last 12 months and certified as safe by a CORGI registered installer (After 1st April 2009 these checks must be carried out by a Gas Safe registered installer).
Do the electrical fittings comply with current Institute of Electrical Engineers Regulations e.g. are appliances earthed correctly and do they have the right fuses and appropriate wiring?
Do the furniture and soft furnishings comply with the latest regulations? Look for the label "CARELESSNESS CAUSES FIRE". As a guide anything which looks more than a few years old is unlikely to be acceptable and must be replaced.
Are suitable fire extinguishers provided and are there any smoke and/or heat detectors in place?
What is the general condition of the property? Is it clean, dry, well maintained and adequately heated?
Who is responsible for the maintenance of the garden if there is one?
Make sure you have covered the checklist given in the Bath Student Housing Handbook 2010.
The contract
DON'T be pressurised into signing anything without getting advice first from either the SU AWARE Centre or the Accommodation Office.
Understand what you are signing. What type of tenancy is being offered and for how long? What bills are included in the rent and what bills will be your additional responsibility? Is a deposit charged and what does it cover? Don't forget to obtain a receipt for any deposit paid. Any deposit taken for an Assured Shorthold Tenancy must be protected by a tenancy deposit protection scheme. Your landlord must give you details of which scheme they are using wthin 14 days of you paying the deposit. Is a retainer charged for the summer break period? Is there a 1 month opt-out ?
If a property is due to undergo renovation or repairs in between the current tenants moving out and you moving in, get any assurances from the landlord in writing, and sign the contract subject to these assurances being met.
Make sure that you have a copy of the contract.
Moving in
Two weeks in advance - Confirm the date you are scheduled to move in, where you are to collect the keys and when the inventory is to be checked with the landlord.
Check the inventory thoroughly- not just what furniture and equipment is provided but the state of the furnishings and the fabric of the building. If possible take photographs to go with your inventory. Care at this stage could save a lot of problems in the future should there be any dispute over deductions from deposits etc.
Arrange electricity, gas and telephone connections as necessary and tell the Council of your student status in the property.
Find out when your recycling and rubbish is collected so you know what to put out when. The Council's website has further advice including collection day information.
Living in quiet enjoyment
Take reasonable care to avoid causing damage to anything in the property.
Report quickly to your landlord any damage or repair works needed and confirm it in writing.
Make suitable arrangements for your landlord to carry out works.
Be aware of the need for security and safety - be vigilant in locking doors and closing windows when leaving the property. Keep staircases and hallways free of obstructions and rubbish. Don't overload electrical circuits, don't disconnect any fire door self-closures and keep fire doors closed. INSURE YOUR PERSONAL POSSESSIONS.
Remember that you have neighbours! Please avoid excessive noise or late night disturbances. If you wish to hold a party, inform your neighbours (or invite them!) and finish at a reasonable time. If you have a vehicle, remember that neighbours also need to park close to their properties and so park considerately.
In return you can expect your landlord to undertake to manage the property effectively and to respect your privacy.
[Please note that these are external links and not connected to the University of Bath. Whilst we endeavour to ensure that any external links from this page are suitable for all, we cannot accept any responsibility for content, errors, omissions, or misleading statements therein as their content is not under our control.]
Do remember if you feel worried or threatened by anyone connected with your accommodation confidential advice and support is available from the AWARE Centre, 1 East Level 3. Tel No. 01225 386906
Student Accommodation | University | Search | A-Z Index | Contact Us