What you should do

It is important for you to understand what your responsibilities are when you agree to move into a property.  It is just as important to know what things you can do to make sure you do not have unnecessary problems.

Find out if you have any joint responsibility to cover your housemates’ rent if they don’t pay

If you agree to rent and move into a property with other people and all sign the same contract at the same time, you could have joint liability to cover any rent that is outstanding.  This means that if someone moves out or simply does not pay the landlord can ask you and other tenants to pay. 

If there is any rent owed at the end of the contract the landlord can take it from everyone’s deposit.  The landlord also has the right to take people to court for any unpaid rent.

So before you agree to sign a contract make sure you are happy with whom you will be moving in with and that everyone will have enough money to pay their share of the rent and bills.

Make sure the property contains everything you need before you sign

Any changes you want making to the property must be agreed before you sign the contract.  Everything must be written into the contract with the landlord signing what has been agreed.  If agreements are not written into the contract you will have no proof of what was agreed.

Once you have signed the contract the landlord does not have any responsibility to make improvements.  If you move in and decide that your bedroom is too small or the property is too cold, it will not be possible to move out without still having to pay the rent.  Use the checklist to make sure that the property has what you want. Don’t forget to think about security and how you would feel living in the area, especially returning home at night.  If you are not happy with the security of the property or the area you live in, you can not simply move out.  So make sure you think about these important issues before agreeing to sign a contract.

 

Check out the landlord before you sign up.

If there are any tenants living at the property ask them what they think of the landlord, for example how quick are they to carry out repairs, do they give notice before coming round?  Ask them why they are moving.  Their responses should give you an idea as to what the landlord is like.  If they are not happy with the landlord or the property then you should think carefully before deciding if to rent the property.

Check the Rate Your Landlord results to see what other students think of the landlord.

Can you really afford the property?

Work out how much the weekly rent will be over the year to check if you have enough money from your sponsor or savings to pay.  The average rent is between £55-65 for a room in a shared house.  Flats and studio’s will be a lot higher between £90-£120.  You may also have to pay a double deposit before you move in, this can be anything up to £600

Remember you will have to pay utility bills which can be over £10 per week.  If the utility bills are not included in your rent, it is your responsibility to contact the companies to let them know you have moved in.  They will then send you a bill. 

If anyone has a television in the property you must have a ‘television licence’.  It is a criminal offence not to have one.

Visit the TV licensing agency's pages.

 

Get your contract checked before you sign it.

There is a lot you need to think about, not just whether you like the property.  Some landlords make lots of promises about what work they will do, or they may make the property sound cheaper than it is.  There are many good landlords in Leeds but there are some who will take advantage of International students.

Remember IT IS TOO LATE to make changes, get your deposit back, change your mind or move out AFTER you have signed the contract.

Make sure you have enough money to pay for the whole year, including the deposit.

 

Looking after the property

If there is anything damaged or the property is not clean, write and tell the landlord

During your stay at the property make sure you tell the landlord as soon as anything stops working or needs repairing.  If you don’t they may take money from your deposit when you move out.

It is always better to put all the details in writing, with dates the problem started.  This way you have proof that you told the landlord.  Before contacting the landlord, check your contract to see who is responsible.  For example if you need a light bulb replacing that would be your responsibility not the landlords.  

Tell the landlord if you or your guests cause any damage (even if it was an accident).   It is better to be honest that wait until you have move out.

Other things you should do:-

 

Pay rent on time as there is usually a penalty in the contract if you don’t. Talk to the landlord if there is an emergency and you think you will have to pay late. He/she may not charge if you notify him/her in advance.

Keep the house and garden clean and tidy.  Make sure the rubbish is put in the bins outside.  Cleaning the property especially the bathroom and kitchen is important.  Any grease from cooking should be cleaned daily.

Put the dustbins out for the binmen on the right day and make sure you use the recycling bin properly.

Turn off the water supply if you go away in the winter to stop the pipes freezing.  If the pipes burst the landlord could pass on any damage charges to you.

Clear food out of the sink so it does not get blocked.  Avoid putting oils/fats/rice down the sink as this can cause a blockage.  If the landlord has to pay to get the sinks unblocked this would come out of your deposit.

Don’t use bluetak or sellotape on the wall.  When you take the pictures down the wallpaper/paint may come off and the landlord could charge for redecoration.  

Never stop paying rent or move out because of problems in the property.  Always get advice before taking such action.  To help you with a case you need to make sure all problems are put in writing to the landlord with them given a chance to resolve issues.   Keep a copy.

If problems are not sorted out by the landlord contact the Student Advice Centre for confidential advice and information

The landlord can take you to court for not paying your rent even if you feel the amount is reasonable compensation for work he has not done.

Page Created: 18th Apr, 2008
Last Updated: 11:28am on 18th Apr, 2008 by Anne-Marie Canning