Message from Residential Services Manager The University Residential Services Team welcome the opportunity to contribute to this information resource and continue to work in partnership with our Students’ Union Team.

Securing and confirming accommodation at various stages of a student’s progress through university is generally uneventful in terms of accommodation, however, on occasions when a problem is experienced, it can have a significant effect on day to day life. This advisory publication, offers many levels of information to help you plan accommodation choices, understand what you should be looking for and checking before accepting an accommodation agreement and how to manage both the property and yourselves during occupation. Supporting students during their time at university is a ‘Prime Objective’ for many university departments and the Students’ Union, however, it does need to be recognised that a great deal of your time will be spent in your accommodation and the close

working relationship of the University Residential Team and Advice Service and the Students’ Union is part of ensuring that, should you experience any challenges in terms of accommodation, there are points of contact and information resources available to help you manage any such occasions. With our colleagues within the Students’ Union, we would want to make sure you are aware of ‘Best Practice advice’ and where to seek support on any matter relating to accommodation. Please keep a note of where to find this helpful and useful resource which should make the mystery which is Student Accommodation a little clearer for all. Again we would like to thank our colleagues within the Students’ Union for offering the opportunity to collaborate in this project.

MICHAEL BALL -Residential Services Manager,University of Lincoln

06 Hello! Looking 11 Introduction/New To Lincoln12 Myths & Facts About Student Accommodation13 Landlords, Agencies & Properties14 Fees & Deposits16 Viewing Checklist

Moving In 21 Inventory & Problems Moving In22 Bills & Utilities23 Refuse & Recycling24 Living in the Community25 Vacating your Property for a Period of Time26 Dealing with Landlord/Agent27 Maintenance & Repairs28 Living with Housemates29 Moving In Checklist

Leaving 31 Cleaning32 Clearing Out34 Inventory / Sorting Bills & Mail35 Getting Deposit Back 36 Moving Out Checklist

37 Housing Jargon 39 Contact List

Hi everyone, thanks for picking up a copy of this year’s Student Housing Guide! We understand that moving away from home is both exciting and confusing, there is a lot more to living away from home than we all first expect. This booklet is designed to be a useful guide to help you navigate through this next stage in your life. Living on your own for the first time is great, and you will undoubtedly create many lasting memories with your housemates (I know I did!), but remember; best mates do not necessarily make the best housemates! Get to know your neighbourhood, this will make for a great all round experience away from home and there are many community events to get involved in along with those living around you. Don’t believe the myths, there are more than enough places to live here in Lincoln, so remember to take your time and choose your accommodation carefully. Don’t forget to come to the Housing

Fayre on the 2nd of December at the Engine Shed. We have included in this guide, a list of questions for you to ask when viewing properties and a handy list of contacts in case you need help throughout the year.

If you are living in a private rented house, it’s important you know your Rights and Responsibilities as a tenant, so we have put together another book for you designed to outline common issues. Please pick up a copy from the Students’ Union reception, it is called: A Tenants Rights and Responsibilities. So, here is to an amazing year here in Lincoln and I hope everyone enjoys their accommodation. If you do have any queries or need any help, please pop in and see me or send me an E-mail at welfare@lincolnsu.com And remember #WaitToRent

OLIVIA HILL, VICE PRESIDENT WELFARE & COMMUNITY

Message from your Vice PresidentWelfare & Community

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Looking Finding and securing a property doesn’t need to be daunting; lots of information can be found in this section.Living in private accommodation off campus is a big commitment. There are many things to take care of before you take this step. All those myths about having to get accommodation early and the actual facts are presented on the next pages.

Decisions about your accommodation and who you live with is something not to be rushed into.

You will truly get to know someone once you have lived with them. Get to know each other before you move in together, share your habits and hobbies and get to know each personality to avoid surprises later. Sometimes, best friends don’t make the best housemates.

HOW TO FIND A HOUSE MATE? - People you already live with or students from your course/ social life- Students’ Union Housing Fayre- Students’ Union Facebook page facebook.com/lincolnsu- Students forums and adverts

MAKE SURE YOU GET TO KNOW PEOPLE AND SPEND TIME WITH THEM BEFORE YOU DECIDETO LIVE TOGETHER.

New to Lincoln? When you first come to Lincoln, you are likely to live in halls or residents on campus. If you are considering living in off campus accommodation, you should book a short stay in a guest house. This will allow you sufficient time to view suitable places to live when your studies start and you can also become familiar with the neighbourhood.

Information about places to stay can be found under www.stayinlincoln.co.uk

It is not advisable to try and rent long term accommodation unseen over the internet. If this is not possible, e.g. with international students, use reputable website such as www.lincolnstudentpad.co.uk. Don’t send any money in advance to any landlord or agent until you are sure that they are who they say they are.

IF IN ANY DOUBT, PLEASE SEEK ADVICE FROM PEOPLE ON THE CONTACTS LIST ON PAGE 39.

Myths & Facts About Student Accommodation

MYTH There isn’t enough housing available in Lincoln to accommodate all students.

FACT The University increases their accommodation constantly and there is a large supply of private sector housing available in Lincoln which suits student’s needs.

MYTH I have to get my housing arranged for next year before Christmas.

FACT In order to make an informed decision, please wait until the Students’ Union Housing Fayre. You can meet different agencies and private landlords, which have lots of properties available. Only accredited landlords/ agents are allowed to attend. Take your time to make the right choice and don’t rush.

MYTH I’ll live far away from campus,if I don’t get housing sorted quick.

FACT There are loads of properties within walking distance of the University which are still available right up until September.

MYTH All affordable housing will be gone and landlords raise their rent after Christmas.

FACT It is usually quite the opposite. The more expensive properties go first (it doesn’t always mean better) and landlords won’t put their prices up as the year goes on. Landlords often reduce the rent later in the year in order to gain tenants.

MYTH All good houses will be gone before Christmas.

FACT There are good quality student houses in Lincoln available throughout the year.

Why Wait? The annual Students’ Union Housing Fayre is on the 2nd of December. This doesn’t mean you need to rent at this time, we just want you to have all the information before you sign anything. You can meet accredited letting agencies, landlords and other organisations and see their offers or arrange viewings.

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What is the Difference Between Landlords & Agencies? LANDLORDS You may live in a property which is directly rented to you by the landlord, who owns the property. They often manage the house themselves, including repairs in and around the house. Tenants usually deal with them directly.

LETTING AGENT The agreement varies, but usually the letting agent advertises and manages the property on behalf of the landlord. The landlord usually pays the letting agent a fee or percentage of the monthly rent for providing the service, though sometimes the agent simply deals with the tenancy. The letting agent is the direct contact to the tenant, all communications and necessary repairs go through them. Letting agents will often operate under the umbrella of an estate agent. Be aware not all letting agents offer student lettings; some just concentrate on working professionals and families.

Types Of Properties There are many different types of properties to choose from. Here are the most common summarised.

SHARED HOUSE/ FLAT This is the most used and cheapest type of student accommodation. This includes renting a room in a house and sharing the kitchen, lounge (if available) and sometimes bathroom with other students, though many en-suite options exist.

SELF-CONTAINED FLAT/ HOUSE Usually has one or two bedrooms with its own kitchen and bathroom. You don’t have to share the facilities. It is preferred by small families, couples or those who prefer a quieter lifestyle. It is rare to find and more expensive than the other options.

PARTNERSHIP HALLS (PRIVATE SECTOR LARGE DEVELOPMENTS) Privately owned development that will accommodate large amounts of students like Junxion, Brayford Quay, Pavilions, Hayes Wharf and Park Court. The property is usually divided in flats of 4 to 6 students, which will be rented to individual students (often with en-suite). The kitchen, bathroom and living space are part of shared facilities.

BEDSITS A bedsit is a room with some form of self-contained amenity, usually a small kitchen with separate washing facility. Bathroom and toilets are shared with others.

STUDIO A studio is self-contained and the living areas including kitchen, lounge and bedroom in one space.

LODGING (ROOM IN OWNER’S HOME) House rules can vary considerably, so it is best to find out from the owner how it works and what they would expect of you.

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Fees & Deposits Apart from the rent, you might be asked to pay a sum of money upfront when signing for a house. The table on the right will advise you on what other fees you may be charged when renting accommodation.

ARE YOU BEING ASKED TO PAY ANOTHER TYPE OF FEE THAT ISN’T ON THE LIST? SEEK ADVICE EXTERNALLY BEFORE YOU PAY IT! SEE OUR CONTACT LIST ON PAGE 39.

WHAT IS IT? REFUNDABLE OR NON-REFUNDABLE? WHY? QUESTIONS

TO ASK?

BOOKING FEE/ ADMIN FEE

Usually non-refundable

Charged to cover the administrative costs of booking a room, renting a property or drawing on a lease

What services does the money pay for? Is this reasonable amount?

REFERENCING FEE

Usually non-refundable

Covers the costs of a landlord or agent running a referencing check on an individual

If there is an admin fee, is the referencing cost already covered there?

DEPOSIT

Refundable upon agreement of both parties at the end of tenancy

Fee paid to secure against damage to the property or rent arrears at the end of a tenancy (at which time deduction may be made and the balance returned)

Is my deposit protected?

RENT IN ADVANCE

Non-refundable (deducted from future rent payments)

Paid to secure a room at the time of booking

Is it reasonable to pay this? Are you paying this along other fees?

RETAINER Non-refundable

Reduced level of rent paid to hold or ‘reserve’ a property for a student e.g. a student my pay a summer retainer over July and August, but their contract would not formally start on the property until September.

Will I be able to live/ store things in the property during this time?

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How much is the rent?

Are any bills included?

Is internet included?

Does the internet service provider have a good connection speed?

Is the TV license included?

How much is the deposit?

Which protection scheme isthe deposit in?

Can you easily get to andfrom University?

Can you get easily get to andfrom a supermarket?

Is the property secure?

Are the doors andwindows lockable?

Does it have double glazing?

Are there enough toilets for the number of people living there?

Is there enough fridge/freezer space?

Are there enough showersand baths?

Are you happy with thecommunal areas?

Are kitchen utensils supplied?Is there a washing machine?

PROPERTY A PROPERTY B PROPERTY C

Please take this along to your house viewing! These questions will allow you to compare up to three properties. We suggest you should go with the one which ticks the majority, if not all, the boxes.

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Have you seen the Gas Safety Certificate? (legal obligation, don’t sign without it)

Have you seen the electrical safety certificate? (not mandatory, but good practice)

Are there smoke detectors/ fire blankets/ fire extinguisher? (not always required)

Is there a carbon monoxide alarm? (not mandatory, but good practice)

Are there any signs of damp or mould? (If yes, you should discuss this with your landlord)

Are you happy with the condition of the house? If not, do you have any agreed repairs in writing?

Are you happy with arrangements for maintenance during your tenancy? Who will be your point of contact?

Have you spoken to current tenants about their experience/ views?

Is the local area well lit?

Would you feel safe at night?

Have you fully read the tenancy agreement and are yousatisfied with it?

Any other notes

PROPERTY A PROPERTY B ROPERTY C

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Check what’s included in the cost of your house as some don’t include Internet or utilities are capped. - JOHN PAUL, 2ND YEAR JOURNALISM STUDENT

Moving In Now you have chosen your property and are ready to move in. Here are some tips to make your new place your home.

There are some things to do when moving into a new property.

Inventory You should receive an inventory from your landlord/ agent. It lists in writing the condition of the property and it is used to track the condition of the property as well as the contents when moving out.

It is your responsibility to mark any defects e.g. blue tack marks or stains on the carpet on the inventory list before you sign it and hand it back to your landlord/ agent. The more thorough, the better. It will prevent you from being charged for previous damages.

Take pictures and include dates on them just to be sure. You should also hand over those photos to the landlord/ agent. Ensure you have your own inventory list, it will ease things you when you move out. An Example is shown below -

Room Item Condition Notes

LOUNGE CARPET GOOD BURN MARKS

LOUNGE SOFA SATISFACTORY SMALL STAINS

LOUNGE WALLPAPER EXCELLENT 3 PICTURE HOOKS

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Bills & Utilities Beware of hidden costs, maybe the house looks good and is reasonably priced, but it doesn’t include gas, electricity and water bills? Will you need to pay for Internet or TV license? Small costs soon add up and you could be paying more than you thought.

Check the property has an in date gas safety certificate. It’s a legal requirement

and by checking could save your life.- JAMES, 3RD YEAR

LAW STUDENT

Bring lots of bits from home to make it as cosy as possible! We have bunting and fairy lights everywhere! Living in a house is quite different from halls as you are more independent. You also have to take the responsibility in respecting your neighbours around you.- NAOMI, 3RD YEAR DRAMA

On your moving in day, take a few minutes to get the meter reading and give the utility company a call - let them know you have moved in and the current reading.

HERE IS A LIST OF THE MAIN UTILITIES, WHICH MIGHT NEED CONTACTING AND SETTING UP: - Gas- Electricity- Phone line- Internet connection- TV licence- Water companies(keep in mind, some of them are covered in all-inclusive rental agreements)

Now you just have to figure out how you’ll be paying for the bills, so that everyone is comfortable with their contribution towards it. Best is that everyone sets sufficient money aside each month to cover the bills. Ensure that there is enough funding to settle the bills.

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Refuse & Recycling Familiarise yourself with the bin collection dates for your area. You can find the bin collection calendar under www.lincoln.gov.uk. Usually, one week recycling (brown bin) is collected and the other week refuse (black bin). Bins should be put outside no later than 7.00am on the designated collection days and should be brought in again soon after collection.

REFUSE COLLECTION DAYS West End: Friday High Street/ Sincil Bank: Wednesday Monks Road: Wednesday Uphill Lincoln: Thursday/ Friday

You can introduce yourself to your neighbours and find out how it works in your area. The council should also provide you with a leaflet on recycling – put it up in your kitchen as a reminder for everyone. It is important to keep on top of your bins, to keep your property in good condition and also keep the neighbours happy.

Living in the Community Housing is one of the most critical factors in ensuring that students can thrive both personally and academically, and as such, moving into a new home can be one of the most stressful times in a student’s life. It is also the starting point for all of the relationships students will build with their neighbours and the community as a whole.

You are living in a community along with other residents from all walks of life and you should have consideration for your neighbours. Many residents may have been living in the same street for years unlike most students, so you must remember and respect that.

HERE ARE SOME TIPS FOR LIVINGIN THE COMMUNITY &BEING PART OF IT:

MEET YOUR NEIGHBOURS Ensure to introduce yourself to the neighbours when you move in. It is good to get to know each other, so you can find help, if needed.

ALERT YOUR NEIGHBOURS OF ANY NOISELet your neighbours know in advance if you invite friends around for a party, or plan something which is potentially disruptive for them. They might be appreciative if you ask for permission and agree on a noise level / end time – just ensure you stick to those. Remember that your neighbours will invariably have to get up for work the following day.

GET INVOLVED IN YOUR COMMUNITYThere are many opportunities to get involved and feel part of the community, it also helps change the perceptions of students for the better. Go along to your local residents association, take part in community events or other volunteering opportunities e.g. Carholme Community Gala, litter picks, Brayford clean up etc.

More information about community volunteering can be found underwww.lincolnsu.com/volunteering

Remember that whilst living in the community you are representing the student population and the University.

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Before Vacating your Property for a Long Period of Time During the holiday season e.g. Christmas or Easter, most students head home for a few weeks.

HERE IS A SHORT CHECKLIST OF THINGS TO DO BEFORE YOU LEAVE:

INFORM YOUR LANDLORD/ AGENT and your neighbours that you are leaving. It is important to tell your landlord that you’ll be leaving, so he will be aware that the property is vacant during this period. Ensure that your landlord has your current contact details, just in case. It is good to inform your neighbours as well as they’ll keep an eye on your property.

SECURE YOUR PROPERTY and leave it in a clean condition. It is a great feeling to come back to a clean property, which hasn’t been burgled. Double-check if the property is secure before you leave - check if all doors (including your bedroom door) and windows are securely locked and no valuables are left visible from outside. This alone will help to prevent any potential burglars from attempting to break into your property.

SETTLE BILLS AND SORT OUT UTILITIES Ensure you settle all outstanding bills to avoid red letters or even threats of court action for unpaid bills when you arrive back. Save energy as well as money over the vacation period by turning off not used electrical supplies.

SET THE HEATING LOWER Set your heating to have low heat going through the house once or twice a day. This will prevent your pipes from freezing or bursting. As tenants in control of the heating system in the property, you are personally liable for any for any repairs. You can protect yourself by arranging insurance when you move into the property.

DISPOSE OF PERISHABLE FOODS AND PUT OUT THE BINS. If you are leaving for a longer period, you should dispose all your perishable food. You could take it with you or if items are unopened give them to homeless shelters or your neighbours. Don’t forget to defrost and clean out your fridge and empty all bins before you leave. If you put the bins out for collection while you are away, ask your neighbours to put the bins in again to keep the street looking tidy.

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Dealing with your Landlord or Agent Written communication is essential for the relationship between landlord and tenant. It is advisable to keep a good record of communication, and emails seem to be the most convenient way for all.

Be polite, respectful and factual when dealing with your landlord/ agent whether it is it in person or writing. Try to avoid lengthy or too brief conversations.

Always ask if they can put any actions in writing for you. The easiest way is to set up a folder for landlord communications in your mailbox and save both the emails you have sent and the ones which were sent to you. This gives you a record of what has happened and will help you if any issues arise.

If you have any issues with your landlord/ agent and you can’t resolve them yourself, use the contact list on the back for support.

Maintenance& Repair You are obliged under the terms of your tenancy agreement to take good care of the property. Be aware that you are responsible for any additional damage on the property from failure to report a repair or breakage. Therefore you should report any breakages/ maintenance problems immediately to your landlord/ agent during office hours, so it can be dealt with speedily and avoid further damage. Most agents will provide a number for emergency out-of-hours issues.

If you encounter any problems with your house, report all of them straight away so

that they are aware, and they don’t hold you accountable later on in the year

- BEVERLY, 3RD YEAR

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SOME TIPS CONDENSATION – One of the most common problems is condensation which appears as mould to walls and ceilings where warm air meets a cold area and surfaces become moist. Good ventilation and circulation (ensure all extractor fans are working correctly), an even temperature which isn’t too high (18 – 21 degrees) will help avoid condensation.

DRAINS - A common cause of blocked drains is food, fat and hair being washed down the sink. Put unwanted food in the bin and don’t pour fat down the sink or toilet. Remove any hair clogging the drain in the shower or bath.

WASHING MACHINE – Always check the suitability of items for the washing machine. Don’t overload the drum. Please check the filter on a regular basis as it is one of the most common causes for washing machine failure and can be remedied quite easily by cleaning the filter.

HERE IS A LIST OF TARGETRESPONSE TIMES* CENTRAL HEATING FAILURE within 48 hours during the winterand 72 hours all other times

BURST PIPES within 24 hours

LEAKS, DRAIN AND TOILET BLOCKAGESwithin 24 hours

ELECTRIC FAILURE within 24 hours

LOCK REPLACEMENTS within 24 hours

NO HOT WATER within 48 hours

SHOWER FAILURE within 48 hours

FURNITURE REPAIR/REPLACEMENT within five working days

DOOR EASING within five working days

RESEALING BATHS AND SHOWERS within five working days

TV AERIAL PROBLEMS within seven working days

KITCHEN/BATHROOM REPAIRS within seven working days

CARPET REPAIRS within five working days

*These are estimates taken from one Lincoln letting agent. Responses from others might vary.

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Living With Your House Mates Living with your house mates can lead to tensions between you all, often over things likes bills and other costs, cleanliness of the property, noise and other potential disagreements. Try to resolve that tension before they get out of control. Have regular chats, cook meals and spend time together and avoid isolation.

If you can’t resolve the issue, get in touch with Olivia Hill, your Vice-President Welfare and Community at the Students’ Union for support.

Moving Into halls I would say buy a door stop so you can have your door open to get to know flat mates straight away! Friendliness is always good moving into housing. - Naomi, 3rd Year Drama

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Inspect the property with your landlord/ agent

Ensure you have a copy of your tenancy agreement and contact details of your landlord

Get a copy of your Tenancy Deposit Scheme from your landlord

Make sure you have a copy of your inventory and take some photos

Take meter readings and contact utilities provider

If there is a phone line you are responsible for contacting the telephone company to register new occupants

Complete a council tax exemption form

Get a TV license

Introduce yourself to your new neighbours

Arrange insurance

Check you have a valid gas safety certificate. This is a legal requirement here is a helpful website if you have any problems.

IT ’S NEARING THE END OF THE YEAR; YOU’RE PACKING UP ALL YOUR BELONGINGS AND GETTING READY TO MOVE ON. THERE ARE A FEW REALLY IMPORTANT THINGS TO DO TO MAKE SURE YOU’RE READY TO GET GOING.

Cleaning

Make sure you check your tenancy agreement to see what it says about the landlord’s expectations regarding how the property needs to be left. Disagreements in this area could lead to you losing part or all of your deposit.Some landlords will expect the property to be left in a pristine condition ready for the next tenant, so leave it how you’d like to find it (even if it wasn’t like that when you moved in!) Others will accept a reasonably clean condition – just be clear on what this means as far as your landlord is concerned.

Most landlords won’t argue with the odd bit of wear and tear, however this is often the cause of disputes. In the long run it’s probably best to just make things easy for yourself when the time comes to leave: keep it in good condition while you live there and give it a really good clean just before you leave; this should prevent you having any problems getting your deposit back.

If you think that your property is in need of a professional clean, it’s best to sort it yourself before you leave – this will give you control of when the cleaning is done, to what standard, and how much you pay. Be sure to keep receipts and invoices as evidence that you’ve had cleaning done.

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Clearing Out

When clearing out the rented property, it is important to ensure you dispose of things properly. Don’t leave anything behind and don’t move more than you need to. The tips and information below will guide you on how best to do this.

Rubbish disposal is something which is easy to get right and will make your clearing out more organised and considerate of the environment. Different kinds of rubbish need to go in different colour bins, as detailed below:

Brown Bins: Glass – clear, brown, green and blue glass jars and bottles

Paper – newspapers, magazines, telephone books, junk mail and cardboard

Metals – steel and aluminium food and drink cans and aluminium foil

Plastics – plastic bottles and other similar plastic containers

Black Bins: General waste and any unclean rubbish that would normally go into the brown bin.

Green Bins: Not all properties will have green bins. If you have one, use it for food waste, any plant cuttings, etc.

Find rubbish collection dates for your postcode at: www.lincoln.gov.uk

Location RecyclingContainers for:

STUDENTS’ UNION, BRAYFORD POOL

Printer cartridgesMobile Phones

GRANDSTAND, CARHOLME ROAD Glass bottles/ shoes

MORRISONS, TRITTON ROAD

Clothing/ shoes/ glass bottles/ paper/ tins & cans/ printer cartridges/ batteries/ plastic bags

TESCO, CANWICK ROAD

Clothing/ shoes/ glass bottles/ paper/ tins & cans/ printer cartridges/ batteries/ plastic bags

TESCO, WRAGBY ROAD

Clothing/ shoes/ glass bottles/ paper/ tins & cans/ printer cartridges/ batteries/ plastic bags

RECYCLING SITE,GREAT NORTHERN TERRACE

Books/ tapes & discs/ Clothing/ shoes/ glass bottles/ plastic bottles/ paper/ tins & cans/ printer cartridges/ batteries/ plastic bags/ hard plastics/ garden waste/ paper/ cardboard/ tetra pack cartons

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Being Sure you Have Everything you Need

There is always a bit of a panic when you’re packing your life into boxes to move out – not just ‘where am I going to put everything?’ but ‘have I packed all of my stuff away?’ too. To keep track of all your belongings and ensure you’ve got everything when you leave, it is a good idea to make an inventory of the items you have brought with you – particularly things which are expensive or personal.

Being Selective

During your time at University you’ll no doubt gather a lot of extra stuff on top of the car-full you brought with you on your first day. Some of it will be really useful, some will be memories like photos and some will be new clothes – but some of it you just won’t need anymore.

When you’re getting ready to leave a property, take a good look at all of your belongings and decide what things you have used a lot, what clothes you’ve hardly worn and what things you didn’t even know you had. There is no point taking loads of things with you to your next property that have hardly been used; take the essentials and donate things you don’t need.

There are various places in Lincoln where clothes and other goods can be donated for charity . Some of our local charity shops are: Age UK, Barnado’s Shop, British Red Cross, Cats Protection, Nomad Trust, Oxfam Shop, RSPCA, Scope and St. Barnabas Hospice Shop.

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Inventory When you moved in, you should have been given an inventory of the property – features, existing wear and tear or damage, items in it, etc. A month before the end of the tenancy it’s time to get the inventory back out and check over things. Go through it line by line and make sure every item meets the condition stated on the original list.

It’s really important to be present when a date is agreed for your formal ‘check-out’ from the property so that there are no disagreements about the inventory and how the property was left. If you are there you can agree or disagree with anything that is discussed and this could save you being charged unfairly for anything. If you can’t be there, make sure you take lots of photos before you leave – it’s best to cover your back.

Sorting Bills/Mail Make sure you get all your bills paid before you move out; call the relevant utility companies, let them know you are leaving and provide any final meter readings on the day you actually leave. Settling bills is incredibly important as leaving any unpaid bills could affect your future credit rating.

Contact Royal Mail to arrange redirection of any post and notify relevant organisations of your new address.

Getting Your Deposit Back Everyone wants to get their whole deposit back – after all, they’re not usually very cheap. After leaving a property, your landlord should write to you if they want to make any deductions from the deposit.

Check in your tenancy agreement about when you can expect to get your deposit back. There will be an agreed time in which they need to complete the check-out, propose deductions to you and return your deposit.

If the deductions are reasonable and you agree, you simply write or email them and agree to make the payments. The remainder of your deposit will then be returned.

If you don’t agree with the amount your landlord wants to deduct, don’t feel pressured to accept it. You can try and compromise with your landlord yourself but you can also have your case passed to the deposit protection service that will make a non-biased judgement on the suggested deductions.

You can get the undisputed amount back while one of the deposit protection services reviews the evidence. Simply tell your landlord that you don’t accept their proposal and you require your deposit to be passed to the deposit protection services. Some schemes have deadlines, so do this sooner rather than later. Alternatively contact the scheme yourself and submit a dispute case.

Remember, your deposit is your money before it’s anyone else’s. Your landlord is responsible for making the case that they are entitled to make a deduction. Equally, you are responsible for making sure you leave the property in a good condition. The landlord-tenant relationship is a two-way-street so you should both be doing your bit.

If you are disputing your deposit, take a look at www.thedisputeservice.co.uk/ resources/files/A-guide-to-deposits-disputes-and-damages.pdf for a more detailed guide which covers all three deposit protection services.

If you need help regarding your deposit or submitting a dispute, please do not hesitate to contact Olivia Hill, Vice-President Welfare & Community at your Students’ Union (see contact list on page 39).

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Make sure your house/ flat is clean

Take Photos

Pay all rent up to date and all final bills

Give your final meter readings to the utilities companies

Remove everything that is yours from the property

Dispose of all rubbish correctly

Inspect the property with your landlord/ agent

Inform all relevant people of forwarding address to post

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Housing Jargon-Buster ARREARS: Money unpaid by a tenant in whole or in part after the due date specified in the tenancy agreement.

ASSIGNMENT: A transfer of tenancy from a sole tenant to another person, which is a result of a request from the sole tenant to hand over their tenancy (‘assign it’)

AST (ASSURED SHORTHOLD TENANCY): Assured Shorthold Tenancies give the tenant the right to occupy the property for a fixed period of time, provided that they keep to the terms of their Tenancy Agreement. At the end of the fixed period of time, the landlord or the tenant has the right to terminate the tenancy. Assured Shorthold Tenancies can be renewed for another fixed period of time if both parties agree to it.

BREAK CLAUSE: A clause in a tenancy agreement allowing either or both parties to follow a set procedure to break the agreement.

CONTRACTUAL TERM: A fixed period of time stated in a contract or agreement as being the time for which the contract will last.

COUNCIL TAX: The annual payment for public services due from all householders to their council. Student occupied households can claim exemption from this tax. Advice and forms to claim exemptions

are available from www.lincoln.gov.uk/student-discount-and-exemptions/109985.article.

DEPOSIT: A sum of money agreed between the parties and paid to the landlord by the tenant as security for the satisfactory completion of the tenancy.

DPS (DEPOSIT PROTECTION SERVICE): One of the deposit protection schemes.

GUARANTOR FORMS: It is common for landlords/ agents to ask for a guarantor form, this is normally a parent or guardian. The landlord will chase them for any unpaid rent or damage costs if they can’t get them through you and they are legally obliged to pay if you can’t.

HOLDING DEPOSIT: The holding deposit shows good faith on the part of a prospective tenant enabling the landlord to take further action in the confident knowledge that the applicant is serious and fully committed to the property. It is not returnable if you withdraw from renting the property and does not have to be protected by a TDP service.

INVENTORY: An inventory is a list made prior to the letting, detailing all fixtures, fittings and freestanding articles. This should incorporate the condition of the items.

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JOINTLY AND SEVERALLY: A legal expression where two or more persons are held responsible under one tenancy. Each can be held responsible for the whole of the tenancy as well as their share.

LANDLORD’S GAS SAFETY CERTIFICATE: Commonly called the ‘Gas Certificate’, issued by a Corgi registered contractor. This is required by law.

LANDLORD: The owner of the property which is lent to a tenant.

LEASE: A document which grants possession of a property for a fixed period of time and sets out the obligations of both parties, landlord and tenant, such as payment for rent, repairs and insurance. This may also be outlined in the tenancy agreement.

LESSOR: Person responsible for granting a lease – normally the landlord.

PRESCRIBED INFORMATION: Information the landlord must legally present you with regarding the tenancy deposit protection.

RESIDENT LANDLORD: Where the landlord occupies part of the dwelling as his main or principle home and lets the rest of it.

TDP (TENANCY DEPOSIT PROTECTION): Is the generic term for tenancy deposit schemes.

TDS (TENANCY DEPOSIT SCHEME): Is one of the deposit schemes.

TENANCY: This is the temporary possession of a property by an individual or individuals, the details are described in the tenancy agreement or lease.

TENANCY AGREEMENT: A legal document outlining the terms and conditions of the tenancy. This is used to protect the rights of both the tenant and the landlord.

TENANT: Person occupying a property, normally subject to the terms of a lease or tenancy agreement agreed with the landlord.

TERM OF CONTRACT: Clause in a contract describing any stipulated rights or responsibilities.

TERMINATION: The ending of tenancy.

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Contact List Here are some useful numbers.Get in touch!UNIVERSITY OF LINCOLNSTUDENTS’ UNIONReception@lincolnsu.com01522 886 006@lincolnsufacebook/lincolnsu

OLIVIA HILL, VICE- PRESIDENT WELFARE & COMMUNITY welfare@lincolnsu.com 01522 886 166@ULSU_Welfarefacebook.com/ulsu.welfare

UNIVERSITY OF LINCOLN STUDENT ACCOMMODATION FINDER www.lincolnstudentpad.co.uk

EMERGENCY SERVICES 999

LINCOLNSHIRE POLICE101 (non-emergency)

UNIVERSITY OF LINCOLNACCOMMODATION OFFICE 01522 886 051

LINCOLN COUNTY HOSPITAL 01522 512 512

CITY OF LINCOLN COUNCIL 01522 881 188

LINCOLN COUNTY COUNCIL 01522 552 222

NHS DIRECT 111

UNIVERSITY OF LINCOLN GENERAL ENQUIRIES 01522 882 000

RESIDENTS PARKING PERMITS01522 873 497

NOISE AND NUISANCE COMPLAINTS01522 873 249

ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR TEAM01522 873 434

NATIONAL GRID (GAS EMERGENCY)0800 111 999

UNIVERSITY OF LINCOLN STUDENT SUPPORT01522 837 080

UNIVERSITY’S POLICE LIAISON OFFICER PC 1089 Luke Caseyluke.casey@lincs.pnn.police.uk 101 (Extension 5468)

MOORLAND NEIGHBOURHOOD OFFICE (SOUTH) 01522 689 986

ABBEY NEIGHBOURHOOD OFFICE (CENTRAL) 01522 541 470

ST GILES NEIGHBOURHOOD OFFICE (NORTH) 01522 544 500

ANGLIAN WATER08457 91 9 155www.anglianwater.co.uk

TV LICENCE www.tvlicensing.co.uk0300 7906131

ELECTORAL REGISTRATION 01522 873 374www.aboutmyvote.com

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