Tenancy Agreements

Tenancy Agreements Contract signed by each tenant In Bristol, usually 12 months Joint tenancy – all jointly responsible! Important that each tenant should receive a copy of the agreement What is in a tenancy agreement? Date the tenancy begins / Duration Are other people allowed to use property? Rent Any services provided by landlord Length of notice Changes to tenancy agreement must be recorded in writing (e.g. with regard to a disability)

The Landlord is responsible for: Keeping in repair the structure and exterior of the property, including drains, gutters and external pipes as well as installations for the supply of water, gas and electricity and for sanitation. Your landlord should provide you with: Their full name, address and contact details A copy of the valid, current Gas Safety Certificate A written warning of at least 24 hours before they enter the property to carry out legitimate maintenance checks and repairs.

Your responsibilities as a student tenant: Acting in a “tenant-like-manner” Not damaging the house Putting the wheelie bin out and bringing it back in again; it is illegal to leave it on the street! Locking all doors and windows Being reasonable about noise and parties Tenants are also responsible for the smaller tasks around the house, these include: Cleaning the windows and house when necessary Think about opening a joint bank account, to deal with bills. Student tenants should report all repairs, preferably in writing, to your landlord as soon as possible.

Eviction Express or implied terms broken Landlord may be able to evict you giving at least 2 month’s written noticeand obtaining a court order Inventory / Schedule of Condition Listing of all the contents of a property and a record of the condition of the property Receive the inventory on day of moving in Check it IMMEDIATELY and TAKE PHOTOGRAPHS Initial any changes and make a copy of the inventory sheet Checks from the landlord on a quarterly basis and final check on day of moving out

Example of inventory

Liability for damages and deposits

Deposits Financial security for unpaid rent or damage caused by the tenant Tenancy Deposit Schemes- prevent landlords from wrongly withholding your deposit. Deductions: replacing damaged contents, unpaid bills, repairing damage beyond fair wear and tear, marked walls/ carpet/ furniture. Ask for a breakdown of costs for any deductions made from your deposit.

Protecting your deposit Have a good look around the property before you pay. Report any disrepair to your landlord as promptly as possible. Look after the property: keep it clean, be careful with straighteners/ irons, be sensible if throwing a house party. Complete an INVENTORY- take your time, complete it accurately and in detail, make sure your landlord agrees and signs it once completed, support it with dated photographic evidence and make sure that all tenants and the landlord have a copy.

Paying rent and guarantors

Rent Read your Tenancy Agreement and check with landlord: How much to pay, How often to pay, and payment arrangements. Stay on time in paying rent. If there are difficulties, inform the landlord and the Accommodation Office ASAP. A fixed-term tenancy will have consistent rent charge throughout. The landlord cannot change this without your approval. Make sure you inform your bank to stop payment when you move out. You MUST NOT withhold any outstanding rent from the landlord for any reason before consulting with the Accommodations Office. Please gather evidence as mentioned before! Don’t pay anything to the landlord before the tenancy agreement has been signed and witnessed between you and the landlord

Guarantors Inform your parents or guardians before listing them as a guarantor. International Students: offer references from previous banks, universities, landlord, or employer. Shared Housing responsibility – guarantors of all joint tenants are liable for entire rent and damages for the property.

Noise Issues

Having a noisy neighbour Bristol University Neighbour problems: Talk to them The Council’s “Pollution Control Unit” Take the matter to court yourself Complain to their landlord Noise Diary !?

Being the noisy neighbour How to avoid disturbing others In general: common sense House parties: more common sense Consequences The University takes complaints seriously, they have several forms of punishment including cautions, fines, etc. The Council have more extensive powers, including fines of up to £5000 and the ability to confiscate equipment If you need advice contact the University Accommodation Office

Eviction and Contents Insurance Express or implied terms broken Landlord may be able to evict you giving at least 2 month’s written noticeand obtaining a court order

Contact details: University of Bristol Accommodation OfficeThe Hawthorns Tel: +44 (0)117 95 46640 Email:accom-office@bristol.ac.uk Citizens Advice Bureau 1 Quay Street, Bristol BS1 2JL For Telephone Advice call 0844 4994718 Just Ask – UBU Advice & Representation Just Ask Office – Student Union Information Point – Tyndall Avenue Tel: 0117 33 13511/541 Email: ubu-justask@bristol.ac.uk

HOUSE HUNTING – THINGS TO THINK ABOUT...

the MOST IMPORTANT THING is...DON’T PANIC! There are enough houses for everyone Most students look for a house in the Spring Term Don’t be pressured into signing for anything you don’t feel comfortable with Help is available!

Housemates This is definitely worth getting right! Who you live with is really important – remember it’s very difficult to get out of a tenancy agreement if you fall out...

and make sure you tell your housemates! think about what’s important to you...

Help! You can speak to a Just Ask adviser about anything that’s bothering you The Accommodation Office have a tenancy agreement checking service www.ubu.org.uk/justask/advice

Tenancy Agreements