Student guide to renting - the do's
Tamara Price, Lettings Manager, takes us through a few of the do's that a student tenant should follow before renting student accommodation...
Many new students are not only experiencing university for the first time but are also discovering what it takes to rent for the very first time. This can be a daunting and seemingly complicated experience, but if done correctly with everything well organised in advance it should also be exciting and great fun.
Before you begin your search for a student property ahead of a new academic year it's worth knowing a little more about the do's and don'ts of student renting, so hopefully that's where this guide can step in!
Read on to learn more about some of the do's below and then head over to the second part of this student guide to learn more about some of the don'ts.
Do have your documentation well organised
Before hunting for the perfect student accommodation you should make sure your finances are in order and references are to hand.
In order to successfully secure a property, a student tenant will most likely need to:
- Sign the tenancy agreement
- Pay the required deposit
- Provide bank statements from the past three months
- Show confirmation of course enrolment, term time and home addresses
- Produce a landlord reference from university if previously in halls of residence
- Produce a character reference from a professional (lawyer, doctor, accountant etc.) if not in halls of residence or if first time renting
- Name a UK resident guarantor
Do consider who you'll be living with
The most common tenancy contract is known as an Assured Shorthold Tenancy agreement (AST) and this is most likely to be the tenancy agreement used in your case. This agreement usually states that all occupants are to be jointly named as the tenant on a contract. This means that any negative actions from your housemates during the tenancy can have an impact on you and vice versa. The deposit is considered one single fund, so if there is a reason for funds to be held back from the deposit at the end of the tenancy due to something a housemate did, it'll hit you in the pocket as well whether you hold any accountability or not.
Do use a reputable accredited letting agent
Using a reputable letting agent with the correct accreditation and specialised experience in the student market within your local area can be a tremendous help. Check that your letting agent is accredited with a suitable professional body for letting agents, such as ARLA. This sort of professional accreditation proves that the agency meets certain standards of practice.
Do ensure you read through the tenancy agreement
It may be a large document but it's vital you take the time to thoroughly read through the tenancy agreement to ensure you fully understand it before signing. If there's anything you're unsure of or concerned about, don't hesitate to raise the point immediately. The tenancy agreement is there to equally cover both you and the landlord and is a legally binding contract that outlines all the basics of the agreement along with any specific terms that may have been negotiated.
To learn more about renting as a student, be sure to check out our Student FAQ's and in-depth Student Guide. For help and advice with sourcing the perfect student accommodation, don't hesitate to contact us here at CPS Homes today. You can call 02920 668585, e-mail enquiries@cpshomes.co.uk or pop into one of our three Cardiff branches.
