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Private Sector Frequently Asked Questions
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I’m going on placement, but need somewhere to live before I go, what do I do?
- Living with a resident landlord means that your contract allows you to give a month’s notice before you move out, rather than having to sign up for the full 9, 10, 11 or 12 months.
Also, different departments have different time schemes for their placements. If you are doing a six month placement in one half of the year, you can try and find students whose course means they are doing a placement in the other half of the year and take out a contract together. Landlords may be more amenable about such an arrangement if both groups have 2 sets of 6-month placements over 2 years, as this means the house is guaranteed to be rented out for 2 years, not just 1.
- I’m on placement but need somewhere to stay when I come back, how do I find somewhere to live?
- What’s my next step when I’ve found some properties I like the sound of?
- You will need to contact the landlord, using the details provided through the database and arrange a viewing. It is advisable to go and view a property before signing a contract, as a year may not sound long, but…! If viewing is not possible, ask for photographs to be emailed or posted to you.
- Is there anyone who can check my contract before I sign it?
- The AWARE centre in 1 East have trained legal advisors who can check contracts through before you sign anything, this is a free service and is recommended. The Accommodation Office in 6 West can also check contracts.
- I haven’t found anyone to share accommodation with, what should I do?
- Don’t panic! Contact the Student Accommodation Office in 6 West and your contact details can be added to a list of people in the same situation – and you are then free to contact people you think might be suitable.
There is also the ‘House-hunting Weekend’ in August for returning undergraduate and postgraduate students. The University organises a social evening where you can hear about the properties available and are given advice about finding a suitable property, as well as meeting potential housemates in order to form a house-hunting group.
You could also consider living on your own – although in Bath this can work out quite expensive, and most places advertised are for groups of 4 or 5.
You might also consider living with a resident landlord. In most cases you would be living in someone else’s home, with your own room and shared facilities.
- What’s Council Tax? Do I have to pay it?
- Under the current legislation, Halls of Residence and houses occupied only by full time students are “exempt dwellings” and are therefore NOT liable for Council Tax.
However, you must contact the Council Tax Office when you move in to inform them of your student status. They will need to see written evidence of this – you can photocopy your institution registration slip and send them with a letter attached explaining your circumstances, and your names and address.
If there are students and non-students living in your property it is more complicated. If there is only one non-student living in the property then a 25% sole occupier discount is applicable. This is because the students are treated as invisible. A property with more than one non-student living in it will qualify for the full amount.
It is very important that if you are going to be living with one or more non-students that you decide who will be paying this bill. Students are treated as invisible when calculating the tax, but your housemates may find it unfair for you not to contribute.
It is worth remembering that non-students may be able to claim Council Tax benefit if they are on a low income.
- What is the difference between Accredited and Non-Accredited accommodation?
- Bath and North East Somerset Council operate an accreditation scheme for landlords to sign up to. It is a voluntary scheme for landlords, which seeks to encourage the upgrade of rented properties, including houses in multiple occupation (HMOs). It ensures that these properties comply with the various requirements of the Housing Act 1985.
The Accommodation Office in your Institution prioritises Accredited properties on their accommodation lists. The scheme is also supported by the local Landlord Association.
You can be sure of a number of quality marks if the property you are looking at is accredited under this scheme, find a summary of these below:
- The property is structurally stable
- The property is free from dampness
- That adequate kitchen (cooking, food preparation and storage) and bathroom facilities are provided
- That the maximum number of people being/to be accommodation is feasible for the size of property and amenities provided
- Satisfactory internal layouts, i.e. no internal habitable room without a window, no living rooms in hallways or on landings, no subterranean bedrooms or living rooms and non WC/bathrooms more than one floor distant from a bedroom
- That rooms are big enough in floor plan area for their existing or proposed use in accordance with set out acceptable minimum sizes for rooms
- Check that adequate natural lighting and ventilation is achieved, i.e. no conservatories up against rear living room windows preventing natural ingress of external air
- That hot and cold water services work
- That property is in general good repair
- What is a Retainer? And is it legal?
- Some landlords ask for a retainer to cover the property over the summer period when you are not in tenancy. In general it is half the normal rent, and it does not allow you to live in, or enjoy full occupancy of the property. This is legal.
However, there is no such thing as a full-rent retainer. If you pay your landlord full rent then you are entitled to remain in the property over the period for which it covers.
Retainers are not a legal requirement in a tenancy agreement, but most landlords ask for one. If you would rather not pay one then you can discuss it with your landlord.
- How do I find out when my rubbish and recycling is collected?
- Bath and North East Somerset Council (BANES) have up to date information on thier website.
- What is the Tenancy Deposit Protection Scheme?
- From 6th April 2007 legislation was introduced that means Landlords and Letting Agencies taking a deposit for an Assured Shorthold Tenancy must protect the deposit using one of the Government approved Tenancy Deposit Protection Schemes. For more detailed information please see the Governments website.
Page last updated 20 April 2009 ·
Contact: acc-web@rt.bath.ac.uk
