Ensure you have a copy of the contract Which scheme is holding the deposit?

2. Preparing to move in… • Ensure you have a copy of the contract • Which scheme is holding the deposit? • Take telephone number / address of Landlord • Arrange a time for the inventory

3. Moving in day… • Take an inventory – recording any marks/breaks using photographs • Read the electricity/gas meter • Find the water stopcock • Check house security locks/keys • Buy a TV license • Agree a fair way to buy essentials (toilet paper, washing up liquid, etc) and stock kitchen/bathrooms • Get insured • Introduce yourself to your neighbours

4. Bills… • Your tenancy agreement states the bills you need to pay • Ask the Landlord/Agent for details of current suppliers • Bills can be paid monthly or every 3 months • Who will pay the bills?

5. TV licence… • A joint tenancy agreement requires only One TV license for the house. • If nobody is in the property over the summer (3 months) you can apply for a refund for that period. • Current cost £145.50

6. Council tax… • You must inform the council that you have moved into the property. • Supply photocopies of student access cards to prove student status. • FULL TIME STUDENTS ARE GENERALLY EXEMPT FROM COUNCIL TAX • Do not ignore council tax letters • If a tenant ceases to be a full-time student seek advice

8. Repairs… • The tenancy agreement states who is responsible for repairs • The structure of the building/electrics/gas/sanitary facilities are the responsibility of the Landlord • The tenant is usually responsible for light bulbs/washers/blocked sinks • Items broken by the tenant are usually the responsibility of the tenant, with the exception of deterioration due to fair ‘wear and tear’.

9. Repairs… • The Tenants have a duty to take proper care of the property. • Tenants should ALWAYS seek advice before arranging repairs independently • If the Landlord cannot be contacted and the repair is hazardous, contact the local Environmental Health office or Student Advice. In life threatening situations move out and contact any relevant utility suppliers.

10. Repairs… • Tenants should inform the Landlord of damage promptly. • This can be done by phone, but should also be put in writing (email/letter). Keep copies of correspondence. • If the Landlord does not respond the tenant should send a 2nd email/letter (using recorded delivery). • If the landlord delays further or says it is the tenants responsibility, seek advice.

11. Damp, condensation, mould… • The average house with 5 tenants puts 10kg of moisture into the air every day through breathing, washing, cooking.

12. Damp, condensation, mould… • Main causes… • Too much water vapour or steam being generated through cooking, washing, bathing, showering and clothes drying which is allowed to travel throughout the house. • Wet or damp basements which have not been sealed properly • Gutters blocked by leaves • Leaks from internal plumbing • Problems with damp proofing • Inadequate heating/ventilation

13. Damp, condensation, mould… • The Landlord should: • Resolve building defects – leaking windows, roof, broken pipes, etc • Give information to tenants on ways to avoid condensation • Consider providing a dehumidifier • Ensure windows can be safely opened and fans used

14. Damp, condensation, mould… • The tenants should: • Open windows or using fans during showers/cooking • Close bathroom/kitchen doors during showers/cooking • Dry clothes in well ventilated rooms • Draw curtains at night • Keep beds and furniture a few centimetres from the walls to allow circulation of air • Ensure the house is not cold for long periods • Use a dehumidifier

15. A housemate wants to leave… If you have signed a joint fixed term contract the allmay do any one of the following: • Ask that person to continue paying rent until a replacement is found • Ask the other tenants to pay the rent until a replacement is found • Ask a guarantor for the rent • Take the tenant to the small claims court for outstanding rent • SEEK ADVICE IF THINGS GET COMPLICATED

16. The council is demanding council tax… • Photocopy your student cards and send them to the council with a letter explaining you are all students. • If you continue to receive bills, or if a tenant stops being a full-time student, seek advice. DO NOT IGNORE COUNCIL TAX LETTERS

17. Neighbour complaints… • Tenants have the right to live in the property as a home, so can play music and party in a reasonable manner. • Persistent anti-social behaviour can be reported to the Landlord, Local Authority or Police • The University can discipline students for unreasonable behaviour • The Landlord is reasonable for tenant behaviour and can apply to evict tenants who break tenancy terms and conditions

18. Landlord visits… • Tenants have the right to ‘quiet enjoyment’ of the property. • The landlord has the right to inspect the property, but this must be done with your consent, giving 24 hours notice. • The Landlord can enter the property in emergencies. • A tenant who lives with the Landlord has less legal rights

19. Threats of eviction… A Landlord must obtain a possession order from court before evicting the tenant. A possession order is granted if the tenant significantly breaks terms of the tenancy. Always SEEK URGENT ADVICE if eviction is threatened