For Let: Think Before you Sign!
House hunting can be a daunting task for anyone, especially if it’s your first-time renting! It’s important to consider every option before signing a tenancy agreement as they are legally binding! Your Students’ Union Advice team can help you check your tenancy agreement before you sign and go through points you don’t understand.
Did you know?
Your Students’ Union has its own letting service called GreenPad! They are based on our Stoke-on—Trent campus and they can help you find accommodation with local landlords!
House Hunting – Don’t Panic!
You may have heard ‘all the good houses are gone by Christmas’ in Semester 1. This isn’t true! It may feel like you need to rush into finding your first privately rented property, but there is no need to. If you rush into signing a tenancy agreement, you could find yourself paying more for a poor-quality property!
Here are some pointers for when you are viewing houses!
- Be aware of the local property market!
- House hunt with different landlords!
- Make sure you all view the property – everyone needs to be happy!
- Give yourself time to sign the contract! Get it checked by the Students’ Union Advice Centre
- Ask about bill arrangements!
Think! Red Flags
You must remember that when you sign a tenancy agreement, it is a legally binding agreement! If you rush into signing a tenancy agreement and it is a poor-quality house, you will most likely have to live there for a year!
When viewing properties, imagine yourself living there. If you see black mould on the viewing, its most likely it will be there for the entire year!
Check out these red flags and use them against houses you view!
- No Gas Safety Certificate
- No Electrical Certificate
- No EPC (Energy Performance Certificate)
- Not accredited to any landlord scheme#
- No deposit protection information
- Pressuring you to sign immediately
- Significant need for repair
- Misleading headlines on adverts
- Promises of refurbishment – this must be in the contract!
Contracts – Know your Rights!
If you sign a contract, you are liable and so is your guarantor! Joint contracts mean joint countability!
The majority of GreenPad contracts are individual contracts. Meaning you are not liable for the rent if another tenant drops out of contract. Be confident in who you are living with! You may have months before you move in together, make sure it is the right choice!
If you have concerns, you can negotiate an individual contract.
