STUDENTS RENTING SAFE FOR

2
is a team set up by the City of Edinburgh Council to provide advice, information and support to private tenants in Edinburgh, as well as private landlords and letting agents. offers a range of services, which include: Information on your legal rights as a tenant. Advice on everything to do with tenancies, including leases, tenancy agreements, inventories and leaving the property. Guidance booklets providing information on a range of tenancy topics. An advice line for private tenants. ’s services are available to all private tenants – just contact us for advice or information. The City of Edinburgh Council 500 Gorgie Road Edinburgh EH11 3YJ Tel: 0131 529 7454 E-mail: [email protected] HOW TO FIND ACCOMMODATION There are lots of landlords and letting agents in Edinburgh that offer rented accommodation. Try looking for the ones that are accredited as they have committed to meet a higher standard of management. Just look for the tick logo or go to www.edinburghlandlordaccreditation.co.uk You can also try; LOCAL NEWSPAPERS AND MAGAZINES The Evening News advertises properties on a Wednesday and the Scotsman on a Thursday. ESPC is a free weekly property guide produced on Thursdays and is available from ESPC at 85 George Street and many solicitor’s offices. The List is a fortnightly magazine available from major newsagents and bookshops. NEWSAGENTS, SUPERMARKETS AND POST OFFICES These sometimes have notice boards where people advertise property, often single rooms in shared properties. WEBSITES Here are some of the property search websites available; www.edinburghlandlordaccreditation.co.uk www.espc.com www.citylets.co.uk www.studentpad.co.uk www.edinburgh.gumtree.com www.lettingweb.com HINTS AND TIPS Normally it takes about a month to find and move into rented accommodation If you are struggling to find a property, talk to your university or college. They may have rooms available or may be able to provide you with lists of lodgings. Make sure you look around and don’t just take the first flat you see. Always view the property before you move in and try not to go alone. Check with the landlord what furniture, appliances and kitchenware will be included in the let. If they say they will repair or replace things before you move in, make sure they put this in writing. Don’t sign a lease until you are 100% happy. Remember that an agency cannot charge you for viewing or enquiring about a property, or for preparing a lease. Landlords are required to register with the local authority. If you would like to check whether somebody is registered, go to www. landlordregistrationscotland.gov.uk or call 0131 469 5293 MONEY TALK Moving into private rented accommodation will require some money upfront. You should be prepared to pay: Rent – Landlords usually expect the rent in advance, meaning that you will be asked to pay the first month’s rent as you move into the property. Sometimes landlords ask for more rent in advance if you cannot provide a guarantor in the UK. Deposit – The landlord or agent will ask for a deposit which should be returned to you at the end of the tenancy. However, if there is any damage to the flat or any unpaid bills they will be able to keep part, or all, of this. A landlord cannot charge more than the equivalent of two months rent as a deposit Reference and agency fees – Landlords may charge you the administration costs of letting you a property. They may also charge a fee for carrying out a referencing check. These charges may vary in name and cost depending which agency you use. When handing over any money, make sure you understand what it is for and get a receipt. LEASE AGREEMENTS Your landlord must give you a lease agreement. This will need to be signed by all parties. Before you sign, make sure that you understand the terms and conditions of the agreement. The most common type of tenancy is a short assured tenancy which lasts for a minimum of six months. Think about how this coincides with your academic year, as you will not be able to leave the tenancy before the end of the period stated in the lease. Be aware that you will have less rights if you are renting from a resident landlord (ie you are a lodger.) If you want somebody to have a look through the lease with you before you sign it, you can contact letwise at the City of Edinburgh Council on 0131 529 7454. INVENTORY The landlord should provide you with an inventory, and if they don’t you should make your own. This is a list of the contents of the property and a record of the condition of items (you may wish to take photographs). Check this thoroughly and if you make any additional comments (eg stain on carpet in Bedroom 2) you must make sure that the landlord gets a copy of this immediately. Make sure that all the appliances are functioning correctly and report any faults or repairs in writing. Make sure that you have your landlord’s contact details. HMO LICENSING Legislation in Scotland means that all properties occupied by three or more unrelated people must have a licence. This licence is called a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) licence and is granted by the Council. It means that most students sharing with two other people will need an HMO licensed property. These regulations were introduced to ensure that tenants are renting good quality accommodation that is safe and well managed. It is the landlord’s responsibility to apply for this and to ensure that the property complies with the regulations. Ask your landlord if the property has an HMO licence or speak to the Council on 0800 085 4667. SAFETY If the property has a gas supply, a landlord must have a gas safety certificate which should be kept in the property. This is an annual check that must be carried out by a CORGI registered gas engineer. If you smell gas at any point, contact Scottish Gas Networks on 0800 111 999. Check for any exposed wires at light fittings, plug sockets or any worn cables and report these to your landlord. Check whether the property has a smoke detector or fire alarm. The law is changing to mean that all rented properties will require some means of smoke detection. It is important to make sure that the property you are moving into is secure. Check all locks and make sure windows can be secured. You can get free advice on home safety and fire safety from the Police or Fire Service. BILLS COUNCIL TAX Most students do not have to pay council tax, but part time students or postgraduate students registered as ‘writing up’ must pay council tax. You can get an exemption form from the City of Edinburgh Council, Revenues and Benefits Section on 0131 200 2000. ELECTRICITY AND GAS Please remember that registering the flat with the electricity and/or gas supplier is likely to be your responsibility when you move in. Your landlord may be able to advise you who the current supplier is, or you can find out by calling the numbers below. You will need to know your postcode. Electricity – Energywatch – 0845 906 0708 Gas - National Grid UK – 0870 608 1524 If you wish to change the supplier and move to another company it is best to speak to your landlord about doing this. Check out www.uSwitch.com or one of the many energy comparison sites to compare prices. If you receive a bill for a previous tenant you should return this to the company with a note stating that the previous tenants are no longer at this address. PHONE AND TELEVISION Landlords must provide a phone line in HMO properties only. If you wish to have a phone in the property you will have to arrange for it to be connected. If you have a television, it will be your responsibility to get a television licence. Always contact your landlord for permission to install broadband and satellite TV services. ONCE YOU ARE IN THE PROPERTY Whilst the majority of private lets run smoothly, it is best to keep records of any repair issues or other problems that you have. This will help if things do go wrong and you need to prove that you have reported problems to your landlord or paid for repairs. THINGS TO LOOK OUT FOR: Property - You must report any breakages, damage and leaks to the landlord as soon as you are aware of them. It is best to do this in writing as you can then prove that you notified the landlord. Flatmates – If you are living with other people, especially somebody you don’t know, you should try not to leave cash, valuables or personal information like bank statements lying around. In the unlikely case that something does go missing, you can be sure that it wasn’t your flatmate. Sub-Letting - If you are hoping to sublet the property you must make sure that you have the landlord’s permission in writing. Subletting is very complex in law and you may put your tenancy at risk if it is not done properly. Always seek advice before entering into this sort of agreement. Neighbours – It is important to try and get along with your neighbours and it is a good idea to introduce yourselves to your neighbours especially if you live in a flat. • Try to keep the volume of music down. • Keep televisions, radios and speakers away from walls you share with neighbouring flats. • Tell your neighbours in advance if you are planning a party and try to keep the noise down. • Make sure that you are aware of your responsibilities – when to put the bins out and what the arrangements are for stair cleaning and garden maintenance. If you are having problems with neighbours in your stair you could contact the Edinburgh Community Mediation Service who aim to resolve disputes. They can be contacted on 0131 557 2101. Mice and Vermin – It is very important to keep your flat clean, especially the kitchen, to help avoid getting mice and vermin. Food and crumbs will attract mice. Old tenement flats in Edinburgh often have problems with mice. If you have a clean and tidy flat but still seem to have mice or vermin, contact your landlord. STUDENTS RENTING SAFE FOR MOVING IN GETTING SORTED ABOUT STUDENTS RENTING SAFE FOR

Transcript of STUDENTS RENTING SAFE FOR

Page 1: STUDENTS RENTING SAFE FOR

is a team set up by the City of Edinburgh Council to provide advice, information and support to private tenants in Edinburgh, as well as private landlords and letting agents.

offers a range of services, which include:

• Information on your legal rights as a tenant.• Advice on everything to do with tenancies,

including leases, tenancy agreements, inventories and leaving the property.

• Guidance booklets providing information on a range of tenancy topics.

• An advice line for private tenants.

’s services are available to all private tenants – just contact us for advice or information.

The City of Edinburgh Council500 Gorgie RoadEdinburghEH11 3YJTel: 0131 529 7454E-mail: [email protected]

How to find AccommodAtion

There are lots of landlords and letting agents in Edinburgh that offer rented accommodation. Try looking for the ones that are accredited as they have committed to meet a higher standard of management. Just look for the tick logo or go to www.edinburghlandlordaccreditation.co.uk

You can also try;

LocaL newspapers and magazines• The Evening News advertises properties on a

Wednesday and the Scotsman on a Thursday.• ESPC is a free weekly property guide produced

on Thursdays and is available from ESPC at 85 George Street and many solicitor’s offices.

• The List is a fortnightly magazine available from major newsagents and bookshops.

newsagents, supermarkets and post offices• These sometimes have notice boards where

people advertise property, often single rooms in shared properties.

websites Here are some of the property search websites available;• www.edinburghlandlordaccreditation.co.uk• www.espc.com • www.citylets.co.uk• www.studentpad.co.uk• www.edinburgh.gumtree.com• www.lettingweb.com

Hints and tips• Normally it takes about a month to find and

move into rented accommodation• If you are struggling to find a property, talk to

your university or college. They may have rooms available or may be able to provide you with lists of lodgings.

• Make sure you look around and don’t just take the first flat you see. Always view the property before you move in and try not to go alone.

• Check with the landlord what furniture, appliances and kitchenware will be included in the let. If they say they will repair or replace things before you move in, make sure they put this in writing. Don’t sign a lease until you are 100% happy.

• Remember that an agency cannot charge you for viewing or enquiring about a property, or for preparing a lease.

• Landlords are required to register with the local authority. If you would like to check whether somebody is registered, go to www.landlordregistrationscotland.gov.uk or call 0131 469 5293

money taLkMoving into private rented accommodation will require some money upfront. You should be prepared to pay:

rent – Landlords usually expect the rent in advance, meaning that you will be asked to pay the first month’s rent as you move into the property. Sometimes landlords ask for more rent in advance if you cannot provide a guarantor in the UK.

deposit – The landlord or agent will ask for a deposit which should be returned to you at the end of the tenancy. However, if there is any damage to the flat or any unpaid bills they will be able to keep part, or all, of this. A landlord cannot charge more than the equivalent of two months rent as a deposit

reference and agency fees – Landlords may charge you the administration costs of letting you a property. They may also charge a fee for carrying out a referencing check. These charges may vary in name and cost depending which agency you use.

when handing over any money, make sure you understand what it is for and get a receipt.

Lease agreementsYour landlord must give you a lease agreement. This will need to be signed by all parties. Before you sign, make sure that you understand the terms and conditions of the agreement. The most common type of tenancy is a short assured tenancy which lasts for a minimum of six months. Think about how this coincides with your academic year, as you will not be able to leave the tenancy before the end of the period stated in the lease.Be aware that you will have less rights if you are

renting from a resident landlord (ie you are a lodger.)If you want somebody to have a look through the lease with you before you sign it, you can contact letwise at the City of Edinburgh Council on 0131 529 7454.

inventoryThe landlord should provide you with an inventory, and if they don’t you should make your own. This is a list of the contents of the property and a record of the condition of items (you may wish to take photographs). Check this thoroughly and if you make any additional comments (eg stain on carpet in Bedroom 2) you must make sure that the landlord gets a copy of this immediately. Make sure that all the appliances are functioning correctly and report any faults or repairs in writing.

make sure that you have your landlord’s contact details.

Hmo LicensingLegislation in Scotland means that all properties occupied by three or more unrelated people must have a licence. This licence is called a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) licence and is granted by the Council. It means that most students sharing with two other people will need an HMO licensed property. These regulations were introduced to ensure that tenants are renting good quality accommodation that is safe and well managed. It is the landlord’s responsibility to apply for this and to ensure that the property complies with the regulations.

ask your landlord if the property has an Hmo licence or speak to the council on 0800 085 4667.

safetyIf the property has a gas supply, a landlord must have a gas safety certificate which should be kept in the property. This is an annual check that must be carried out by a CORGI registered gas engineer. If you smell gas at any point, contact Scottish Gas Networks on 0800 111 999.

Check for any exposed wires at light fittings, plug sockets or any worn cables and report these to your landlord.

Check whether the property has a smoke detector or fire alarm. The law is changing to mean that all rented properties will require some means of smoke detection.

It is important to make sure that the property you are moving into is secure. Check all locks and make sure windows can be secured.

You can get free advice on home safety and fire safety from the Police or Fire Service.

biLLscounciL tax Most students do not have to pay council tax, but part time students or postgraduate students registered as ‘writing up’ must pay council tax. You can get an exemption form from the City of Edinburgh Council, Revenues and Benefits Section on 0131 200 2000.

eLectricity and gasPlease remember that registering the flat with the electricity and/or gas supplier is likely to be your responsibility when you move in. Your landlord may be able to advise you who the current supplier is, or you can find out by calling the numbers below. You will need to know your postcode.

electricity – energywatch – 0845 906 0708gas - national grid uk – 0870 608 1524

If you wish to change the supplier and move to another company it is best to speak to your landlord about doing this. Check out www.uSwitch.com or one of the many energy comparison sites to compare prices.

If you receive a bill for a previous tenant you should return this to the company with a note stating that the previous tenants are no longer at this address.

pHone and teLevisionLandlords must provide a phone line in HMO properties only. If you wish to have a phone in the property you will have to arrange for it to be connected. If you have a television, it will be your responsibility to get a television licence. Always contact your landlord for permission to install broadband and satellite TV services.

once you are in tHe propertyWhilst the majority of private lets run smoothly, it is best to keep records of any repair issues or other problems that you have. This will help if things do go wrong and you need to prove that you have reported problems to your landlord or paid for repairs.

tHings to Look out for:property - You must report any breakages, damage

and leaks to the landlord as soon as you are aware of them. It is best to do this in

writing as you can then prove that you notified the landlord.

flatmates – If you are living with other people, especially somebody you don’t know, you should try not to leave cash, valuables or personal

information like bank statements lying around. In the unlikely case that

something does go missing, you can be sure that it wasn’t your flatmate.

sub-Letting - If you are hoping to sublet the property you must make sure that you have the landlord’s permission in writing. Subletting is very complex in law and you may put your tenancy at risk if it is not done properly. Always seek advice before entering into this sort of agreement.

neighbours – It is important to try and get along with your neighbours and it is a good idea to introduce yourselves to your neighbours especially if you live in a flat.

• Try to keep the volume of music down.• Keep televisions, radios and speakers away from

walls you share with neighbouring flats.• Tell your neighbours in advance if you are

planning a party and try to keep the noise down.• Make sure that you are aware of your

responsibilities – when to put the bins out and what the arrangements are for stair cleaning and garden maintenance.

If you are having problems with neighbours in your stair you could contact the Edinburgh Community Mediation Service who aim to resolve disputes. They can be contacted on 0131 557 2101.

mice and vermin – It is very important to keep your flat clean, especially the kitchen, to help avoid getting mice and vermin. Food and crumbs will attract mice. Old tenement flats in Edinburgh often have problems with mice. If you have a clean and tidy flat but still seem to have mice or vermin, contact your landlord.

STUDENTS

RENTINGSAFE

FOR

moving in

getting sorted

About

STUDENTS

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use this check list to make sure you find out everything you need to get the home that’s right for you.

wiLL you Have enougH?: Room for everyone Furniture Storage space Heating Ventilation Cooking facilities Electric sockets Lighting

does everytHing work? Windows Heating Water heating Toilet and shower Cooker Fridge Vacuum cleaner

watcH out for: Smell of damp Smell of gas Stains/soot on gas appliances Bare electric wiring Sloping floors Draughts Pest droppings

wiLL you be safe from fire?: Smoke detectors Fire doors Fire blanket Safe upholstered furniture (check the label under cushions)

wiLL you be safe from crime?: House secure Well lit access Door entry system

is tHe gas safe?: Current gas safety certificate

do you know?: Who the owner is Who the manager is Exactly what you will get Exactly what sort of tenancy you have How long it will last If the property needs an HMO licence And if so does it have one

wHo is responsibLe for?: Fuel bills Repairs Cleaning communal areas The garden

can you afford it?: How much is the rent Must you pay the rent and the deposit in advance

Are there any agency or management fees

If for any reason things are not working out in your accommodation, or you are concerned about the service you are receiving or condition of the property, there are a number of people and agencies that can help and advise you.

Your University or college Student Services or Students Association can be a good source of advice and support. Other useful organisations are;

The City of Edinburgh CouncilChesser House500 Gorgie RoadEdinburghEH11 3YJ0131 529 [email protected]

Edinburgh Landlord Accreditation The City of Edinburgh CouncilChesser House500 Gorgie RoadEdinburghEH11 3YJ0131 529 [email protected]

Shelter Website: www.shelter.org.uk/adviceonline Housing Advice Helpline: 0808 800 4444 Shelter Housing Aid Centre, Edinburgh: 0844 515 2400

Citizens Advice Bureau 58 Dundas StreetEdinburghEH3 6QZ0131 558 3681

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Fountain Bridge Library, 137, Dundee St, Edinburgh, Midlothian EH11 1BG

1st floor, Spectrum House, 2, Powderhall Rd, Edinburgh, Midlothian EH7 4GB

661, Ferry Rd, Edinburgh, Midlothian EH4 2TX 8a-8b, Bath St, Edinburgh, Midlothian EH15 1EY 166, Great Junction St, Edinburgh, Midlothian

EH6 5LJ 58, Dundas St, Edinburgh, Midlothian EH3 6QZ

Letwise The City of Edinburgh Council, Chesser House, 500 Gorgie Road, Edinburgh, EH11 3YJ

campus Locations 1 Heriot Watt University (Riccarton)

2 Stevenson College (Bankhead)

3 Edinburgh’s Telford College (West Granton)

4 Queen Margaret University

5 Jewel & Esk Valley College

6 The University of Edinburgh (Kings Buildings)

7 Napier University (Craiglockhart and Craighouse Campus)

8 Napier University (Merchiston Campus)

9 Napier University (James Gillespie Buildings)

10 The University of Edinburgh (Pollock Halls)

11 The University of Edinburgh (Potterow)

12 The University of Edinburgh (Moray House)

13 Edinburgh College of Art (Lauriston)

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