Frequently asked questions about.....housing
Below are some of the most common questions we get asked about housing and our advice:
What is Manchester Student Homes?
Manchester Student Homes (MSH) is a joint operation between Manchester's Universities and Students' Unions. They are our only recommended source for private student housing in Manchester. Their landlords can sign up to the MSH Code or Code Plus which require landlords to meet certain standards in safety and security as well as commiting them to resolving problems quickly. MSH can also assist in mediating with those landlords.
How do I find a house (Manchester)?
We recommend that you either go the Manchester Student Homes in Fallowfield or you check the database via their website. If they can't find you anything, other alternatives include letting agencies, local press and private notices/adverts. Be aware that going through agencies other than MSH will not give you the same bonuses that MSH can offer with it's student-tailored services. Finally, DON'T PANIC. MSH lists don't go out until February so there will be pleanty of properties available and you don't need to rush your choice of future housemates.
How do I find a house (Cheshire)?
No MSH-like organisation exists in Cheshire, however the Accommodation and Welfare Office do produce annual lists of local housing every year. Finally, DON'T PANIC - the list isn't released until mid way through the year so there will be plenty of properties available giving you loads of time to choose your future housemates.
I’ve found somewhere that I want to live and the landlord wants me to sign a contract. Is it OK to sign it – the landlord says it’s a standard contract?
We recommend that you ALWAYS get your contract checked by an adviser before you sign it. We can advise you of whether the contract contains any ‘unfair’ terms and we can also explain your responsibilities as a tenant and the landlord’s obligations. If the landlord pressures you to sign a contract before it’s been checked, or won’t let you take the contract away with you – BEWARE! Any landlord worth dealing with should be happy to let you get advice before you sign up to anything or pay any money over.
I’m moving into new accommodation - is there anything I should remember?
When you move into your new accommodation, make sure that you make a written inventory of everything that your landlord has provided with the property you're renting (e.g. furniture, curtains, kitchenware). Make sure that you note anything that was already damaged or marked before you moved in. It is also a good idea to take photos of the property. An inventory and photos can help avoid a dispute over your deposit when you move out because it proves what state the property was in when you moved in. You should also be aware of the new Tenancy Deposit Scheme mentioned below - we have leaflets that you can pick up from The Advice Centre for both you and your landlord. It is also a good idea to take metre readings at the start of your tenancy and give those readings to the utility provider to ensure you aren't charged for someone else's usage. Finally, it's important to check the Landlord's Gas Safety Certificate - by law they must supply one for any property with gas appliances. They are valid for 12 months so make sure that a replacement is sorted when the original runs out.
I'm moving out of my house, what do I need to do?
First of all, check your contract for any terms relating to getting your deposit back. Often landlords require proof that bills have been paid in full before being willing to return the deposit. How this will work in the new Tenancy Deposit Scheme is yet to be seen. Regardless, it is a good idea to provide the utility companies with the date you moved out and a final metre reading to avoid paying for utilities you aren't using. You should also re-do your inventory check and ensure that any new damage is recorded and discussed with your landlord as deductions can often be made from your deposit for damage. You should also ensure you clean the house to a suitable standard to avoid the landlord charging you for cleaning costs. If you can, arrange for the landlord to come and inspect the property as you move out and agree to your inventory notes and cleaning standards. You should also consider your arrangements for post - will you leave a forwarding address, or arrange to collect any post?
My landlord won't return my deposit.
If you paid you deposit after 6th April 2007 then it should have been placed in a Tenancy Deposit Scheme. You should have received information about which scheme was used and how to deal with any disputes. Come and see us for further information about the scheme (including leaflets you can use with your landlord) or for advice and assistance if you paid your deposit before 6th April 2007.
Our ceiling has just collapsed / the shower's stopped working / the kitchen cabinet has broken, etc...
OK, we're stretching the definition of "frequent" in the specific examples above, but repair questions do come up quite a lot. As to whose responsibility it is and what to do about it, we can't say straight away. We would need to see the tenancy agreement, and know what the problem is. If you signed up to a house through Manchester Student Homes and the landlord is signed up to their code then MSH may be able to help you deal with the landlord. Either way, you can come and see us about it.
I've fallen out with my housemates and want move out. Can I?
Without seeing your tenancy agreement, it's difficult to say. Most students in privately rented houses are subject to a joint and severally liable assured shorthold tenancy with a fixed term of 12 months. What this means is that if you do move out you are likely to be liable for the rent for the whole of the agreed period (12 months). If you can find someone willing to move in, the landlord may be happy to allow that, although the situation may then become muddy if there are problems later on. Come and see us though as your contract may be different - some may only have a 6 month fixed term or may be individual tenancies.
The landlord is trying to evict me, what can I do?
In this case it is important that you come and speak to an adviser as soon as possible and bring any paperwork you have (your tenancy agreement, any notice, any court papers, any rent account statements etc.). We can advise you of the procedure that the Landlord has to follow if s/he is to stay within the law, and the legality of his/her actions. We can advise you on your rights and how you may be able to prevent things. There are different rules depending on who your landlord is and what your tenancy agreement says.
As a student, do I have to pay Council Tax?
Halls of residence (including private halls) are exempt from council tax. If you are a full-time student living in a house or flat, you will not normally have to pay council tax as long as you provide the council with a copy of your Council Tax exemption certificate. Exemption certificates are available from your faculty office, or your departmental office. Remember that your exemption certificate only means that you are exempt from council tax, if you are sharing accommodation with other people they may still have to pay. Part-time students are not exempt from paying Council Tax – contact the Advice Centre for more information and to check whether you may be entitled to Council Tax Benefit, or look at our booklet for more complete examples and information.
My landlord keeps letting him/herself into our house without giving us any warning, is there anything we can do?
Your landlord has the right to ‘reasonable access’ to carry out repairs, but s/he should always ask your permission and give you 24 hours notice. In addition to the notice, there should be a genuine need for the landlord to enter - general snooping is not a valid reason. If your landlord is not giving you reasonable notice, it is usually worth negotiating with them in the first instance as they may not realise that there is a problem. If this doesn’t work, contact your local Tenancy Relation team at the local council, who can speak to your landlord on your behalf. Manchester City Council Tenancy Relations Officers can be contacted on 0161 234 4815. You can contact us for more information or assistance.
Do I need a TV licence if I’m living in halls of residence?
If you have a television you normally need a TV licence whether you are living in University halls of residence or private accommodation. A colour TV licence currently costs £135.50 – more details about how to get a licence are available at the TV Licensing website (see our links page).