Students in new rental warning

Published 24th Aug 2007

September is looming and thousands of students across the UK are preparing to move into rented accommodation for the first time...

An estimated 90% of students will live in the private rented sector at some point in their academic career, which can cost them more than they expect if they forfeit part of their deposit at the end of the tenancy.

According to SUIS/DCLG figures, up to 867,000 students have suffered the loss of all or some of their deposits in the past.

But students returning to university this year are the first to benefit from government legislation preventing their deposits from being withheld without due cause.

Tenancy Deposit Protection became mandatory on 6th April 2007 - landlords must now provide tenants with legitimate reasons for withholding all or part of their deposits at the end of the tenancy. And according to the NLA over half a million students[ii] will benefit from the protection afforded by TDP schemes when they sign their new leases this September.

Top tips for students living in rented accommodation:
• Make sure both you and your landlord take date-stamped photographs of the property, signed by tenant and landlord, so there is a record of its condition at the date of entry.
• If your landlord repairs any damage or replaces something you have broken always ask for a copy of the receipt.
• Do It Yourself. If you found the property you want to live in through an agency, you may also have to pay an agency fee – which can be the equivalent of 35% of your deposit.
• Be flexible and accommodating with your landlord – good communication can help you avoid disputes later on.
• Ask the accommodation office at your university to check over the contract for you

David Salusbury, chairman of the NLA, said: “At the end of each academic year, we hear anecdotes of students who feel hard done by, having part or all of the deposit on their rented property withheld.

“In a few cases, the landlord has clearly acted unreasonably and from this year the new tenancy deposit protection rules will enable the tenant to obtain redress. But it won’t help students get their money back if they have failed to deliver their side of the deal.”

“The truth of the matter is that a minority of students do not look after the premises in accordance with their contract, they damage the fixtures and fittings, or leave the place in a mess. In these circumstances, the landlord is within his rights to repair any damage and clear up the mess at the tenants’ expense.”

Be prepared
Mr Salusbury continued: “It’s in the interest of both sides to avoid the hassle and expense of using the dispute resolution service under tenancy deposit protection. By following some simple rules, students can enjoy the experience of living away from home without losing their deposits.

“They should ensure they agree a detailed inventory, including photographs of the condition at the start of the tenancy and be aware that they must return the premises basically in the same condition at the end of the tenancy after some allowance for fair wear and tear.

“They should look after the property as if it were their own – or their parents’ – and let the landlord know if there’s any problem, such as a leak or a breakdown.”

“We have no truck with landlords who exploit tenants in any way. With fair play and mutual respect, most problems can be avoided.”

Source: ' Move Channel Ltd '

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