Are you looking for rented accommodation?

A student new to the area, or thinking about moving out of Halls into rented accommodation?

Did you know?

There are very few legislative controls and absolutely no formal training required to set up as a letting agent.

The following tips may help you avoid the pitfalls when looking for somewhere to live:

• Choose an agent that is a member of a reputable trade association. This may provide you with assistance if things go wrong.
• You may have to pay up to one month’s rent as a deposit, so choose an agent who will hold your deposit in a separate account.
• Ensure that there is an inventory and check the items before you sign it. You may lose some or all of your deposit if items are damaged or missing at the end of your let.
• Before even considering viewing a let, ask about administrative fees. These are often charged for reference vetting and are non-refundable. However, it is an offence for an agent to demand or accept a fee for registering the name of a prospective tenant, or for supplying addresses or particulars of properties.
• Sign nothing until you are satisfied with, and understand, the terms and conditions.
• If you leave the let before the end of your lease, you may be responsible for your rent, together with the rent of those you share with, for the remainder of the agreement.
• At the end of the agreement you should be entitled to your deposit back. If you have difficulties in getting this back, you may have to consider court action or use an arbitration scheme offered by the trade association if the letting agent is a member.
• It is the responsibility of your agent/landlord to make sure all electrical and gas appliances are regularly checked and are safe. A public register of properties of multiple occupancy is compiled by the local Environmental Health Department. Gas appliances at the addresses on this register are monitored by the Health and Safety Executive.
• Your agent/landlord may be liable for the safety of all upholstered furniture included in the let. It is a requirement that all such furniture should comply with current fire safety regulations. If you need more information on these Regulations you should contact your local Trading Standards office.

Useful Addresses:

The Association of Residential Letting Agents,
Maple House,
53 - 55 Woodside Road, Amersham,
Bucks HP6 6AA
Telephone 01494 431680

The National Association of Estate Agents,
Arbon House, 21 Jury Street
Warwick, CV34 4EH
Telephone 01926 496800
The Independent Housing Ombudsman,
Norman House,
105-109 The Strand,
London WC2R OAA
Telephone 08457 125973