Your Officer Team 2011/12
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NOW YOU'RE MOVED IN…….
This week we are looking at the wonderful world of living in private accommodation. There are many areas which need to be considered to make sure you have a stress free time in your house. The areas below are just some of the things to check when living in private rented accommodation.
Council Tax Exemption
The majority of full-time students will be exempt from paying council tax. For more information on part time courses and shared housing, check out the following link.
Bills
It’s important that you’re clear about what bills you need to pay. We strongly advise that you get all names listed on utility bills to ensure that one housemate doesn’t get left to pay everyone’s bills. It is important to budget for bills e.g. telephone, gas, electric, water, TV license, and insurance. Help with bills for disabled persons is offered to some as part of the disabled student allowance. Remember to take meter readings when moving in and out of properties. For more advice contact the ARC or Community Wardens.
Housing Certificates
All rented accommodation by law requires an annual Gas Safety Certificate, if you haven’t seen this or your landlord can’t show you a valid certificate contact the Community Wardens.
Properties containing five or more residents across three or more floors with shared facilities (i.e. bathroom or kitchen) require an HMO license click here to find out more.
You may or may not have rented your property through an Accredited Landlord or Agent, but it’s always best to try and get a landlord who is. If they are accredited they have received training and have agreed to follow a code of conduct. Follow this link to find out if your landlord is accredited or to find out more about the scheme.
By law deposits have to be protected by your landlord who should register the deposit into one of three government authorised tenancy deposit schemes (TDS). The landlord or agent must provide you with details about the TDS used For more information about this click here.
Bin Days
If you live in the Bournbrook area of Selly Oak Monday is BIN DAY (excluding George road). Don’t put your rubbish out until after 6pm on Sunday evening and make sure you do this before 6am Monday, with all rubbish being placed in black sacks on the pavement. For more information on recycling check out the flyers being distributed by the Community Wardens.
Safety Tips
One in three students are a victim of crime during their time at university. Here are some simple steps you can take to reduce your chances of being burgled.
We also recommend that you register (free of charge) your possessions with immobilize.com which have over 250 cases a week where property is returned to its rightful owner.
The Guild of Students runs a text message service called Selly Watch which can help you keep one step ahead of the burglar, check it out here.
General Rights and Responsibilities
When it comes to housing there is a lot to know. Follow this link for a breakdown of your main rights and responsibilities.
And, here is a copy of the Housing Fair booklet from last year which has an easy to digest and simple section on what to do when you move in and your rights and obligations.
