Take a look inside
► Moving In
If you are planning to rent in the private sector you can start by looking at http://www.househustler.co.uk. Beds SUworks in partnership with this company and all of the properties advertised have to comply with a code of standards. If you are in the Mezzanine (Beds SU’s cafe and bar at Luton) we are running a pilot scheme and there is a kiosk where you can access this website to search for a place while you enjoy a coffee or juice. Some local councils (including Luton) have an accreditation scheme (a list of approved landlords and agents) so it’s worth giving them a ring to find out. You can also look at www.rightmove.co.uk to find a list of available properties to rent in your chosen area. If you use Rightmove we would recommend that you ring the individual agent rather than the 0843 number as this can become costly (especially from a mobile).
Remember it’s advisable to look at least three properties so you get a sense of what’s available, though people may choose to look at a lot more than that. It’s also a really good idea to take photos of everything so you can remember things realistically when you are making a decision later.
Please NEVER pay for a property you have not viewed and be careful if someone is pressurising you into signing a contract. A fair and professional landlord or agent should allow you to seek advice if you want to before signing anything.
We have put together a checklist for you to print out and take to viewings. This might seem a bit overly cautious but it will help you compare properties after viewings and weigh up the advantages and disadvantages of each one you view. Download the list here (please right click and select Save As)
Once you have found your new home and are ready to move in remember the following points so the move can be as stress-free as possible for you:
• Inform the gas, electric and water suppliers you have moved in and give them meter readings so they know that any previous debt is not yours. If you are sharing have the bills put in joint names or you may find yourself with a big bill in your name and others refusing to pay
• Buy a TV licence by going to www.tvlicensing.co.uk) to find out how
• Get a Council Tax Exemption Certificate from SID if you are a fulltime student and give a copy to your landlord, a copy to your local council and keep a copy for your records
• Make sure you have read and understood your tenancy agreement. If there’s something you don’t understand or which seems unfair, get some advice
• Make sure you give the University your address and full contact details or you may miss out on vital information
• Ask your landlord or agent for a Gas Safety Certificate. There is a legal obligation for the landlord to get gas appliances professionally checked every 12 months. If they don’t have one insist that they get it done
• Make an inventory as soon as you can and list everything that is dirty or broken. Put as much detail into this as possible and ask the landlord or agent to come and sign it
• If something goes wrong in your home like the heating breaks or the loo won’t flush, notify your landlord or agent immediately by phone and back it up in writing. That way they can’t say you didn’t tell them. See our section on ‘housing repairs’ for more detailed info
• Make sure you keep your home well ventilated by opening a window when you shower or cook and be careful about leaving lots of soaking washing on radiators. Condensation can cause mould and if you are the one helping to cause it you could end up losing some of your deposit
• Draw up a cleaning rota with your housemates and stick to it. Arguments about things like dirty bathrooms are avoidable but can escalate and cause stress for students who are sharing a house
If you have any problems or questions about housing you can contact:
We may need to refer you on but only to other professional organisations when we are unable to give specialist advice. One of these is Luton Foyer, a charity we work in close partnership with and who have specialist housing advisors. If we think someone else can help you better than we are able to we will contact the organisation if you want us to, set up and appointment, go with you if you would like us to and follow up to see if your queries or problems are resolved.
Moving In Top Tips….info from the UBSU Happy Housing project.
Finding a place to live
Check List
Moving In
