house hunting - Falmouth Exeter Plus...house hunting a guide to private sector accommodation Introduction You will find that Cornwall, especially the area around Falmouth and Penryn,

house huntinga guide to private sector accommodation

1 Introduction

2 One : Getting started

6 Two:findingyourwayaround

9 Three:differenttypesofaccommodation

12 Four:healthandsafety

13 Five:moneyandaccommodationcosts

17 Six:livinginthecommunity

19 Seven : where to get help

21 Appendix : house hunting checklist - health andsafety

house huntinga guide to private sector accommodation

Introduction

You will find that Cornwall, especially the area around Falmouth and Penryn,is a great place to be a student and you will already have had some information about the area in your prospectus.

Finding accommodation in the private sector housing for the first time canseem daunting. However it is important to realise that the majority of studentsstudying at the Tremough Campus in Penryn or at Woodlane in Falmouth livein private sector accommodation.

The purpose of this booklet is to cover some of the most common concernsand questions that students ask and equip you with basic knowledge aboutthe private sector in and around the Falmouth/Penryn area.

Of course, even with the best preparation, things can still go wrongsometimes. But even if they do, there ishelp available for you - theinformation contained in this booklet willassist.

1 www.tremoughservices/accommodation.com


Where to start looking:

The Accommodation Office’s online listWe produce an accommodation list on our website (www.tremoughservices.com/accommodation).This gives detailed information about current available properties in the local area specifically for students of both University College Falmouth and University of Exeter. The list normally opens in January/February, although landlords register with us throughout the subsequent months so don’t worry if you don’t find anything suitable straight away. The list is updated regularly so keep logging on.

Word of mouthTalk to other students who may have had first hand experience of findingaccommodation (both good and bad).

Student chat forumLog on at http://helpme.falmouth.ac.uk/ - available to both students of University College Falmouth and University of Exeter students.

Local NewspapersThe West Briton and Falmouth Packet have accommodation sections. Tryaccessing the classifieds on www.thisiscornwall.co.uk

Lettings Agents and Estate AgentsSome agents have links on our own accommodation website although for afull list of agencies try viewing: www.thisiscornwall.co.uk.

Notice BoardsAround the Tremough Campus - fxu notice boards, accommodation officeand the porters’ lodge at Glasney Parc (the on-site student residences); onthe Woodlane Campus outside the Library, fxu notice boards and in theRefectory.

Shops/newsagents windowsNot very reliable but worth keeping an eye out for, especially in the immediatevicinity of the area(s) you may wish to live in.

Onegetting started

How the Accommodation Office can help:

Accommodation FairsThe Accommodation Office team organise a number of ‘Accommodation Fairs’ during the spring and summer months. They are held at University College Falmouth’s Woodlane Campus in Falmouth and at the Tremough Campus in Penryn.

Saturday 7th May 2011 Tremough Campus 10am - 3pmSaturday 4th June 2011 Woodlane Campus 10am - 3pmSaturday 2nd July 2011 Woodlane Campus 10am - 3pm Saturday 6th August 2011 Tremough Campus 10am - 3pm Saturday 10th September 2011 Woodlane Campus 10am - 3pm

What happens?The Fairs are ideal opportunities to look for accommodation. Students areinvited to come along, see what isavailable, arrange property viewings andmeet private landlords and staff from the Accommodation Office. SomeLettings Agents may also attend depending on what properties they haveavailable. We also try to have some current students who have hadexperience in the private sector on hand to talk to you. It’s a good opportunityfor you to ask questions about the localarea, get advice and to meet up withother students who are looking for accommodation, and possibly get a grouptogether to share. We would recommend

that you arrange several viewingsbefore making a decision, which you can do prior to coming down to the fairs.



What if I cannot attend a fair?If you cannot make the fair dates just keep an eye on the website. Newproperties are added to the list when we have notification from landlords.Contact landlords directly and arrange to view a number of properties at amutually convenient time.

Telephone and e mail supportRemember you don’t have to wait for oneof our Accommodation Fairs if youwould like to discuss anything with usabout house hunting. You can alwaystelephone or e mail us at our officethroughout the week. Or if you are oncampus, just pop in for a chat!

Our Private Sector Liaison Officer, Richard Wilkins, is available on 01326253741 or 07979 700627 or [email protected]

House hunting sessionsFor current students looking for a place alive for their second or third years we also run House Hunting sessions at both campuses. These usually takeplace in January and the dates publicised widely.

Where to live?

The vast majority of students studying at Tremough and Woodlane live in either Falmouth or Penryn although some choose to live in the more “rural”surrounding areas such as Stithians, Ponsanooth or Mawnan Smith.

FalmouthTraditionally Falmouth has the most popular choice for students attendingUniversity College Falmouth and University of Exeter. The WoodlaneCampus is situated right in the heart of the town. Though a relatively smalltown, Falmouth is a lively and friendly place to live with plenty of amenities shops, bars, clubs, restaurants and beaches - within easy walking distance.Indeed, many students who study at the Tremough Campus choose to livehere and find the relatively short journey from Falmouth each day worthwhile.Tremough is only about 3.5 miles from the centre of Falmouth and there areexcellent transport links between the two. (See “Transport”)

PenrynThere is a growing private sector market in Penryn. The small town within walking distance from Tremough Campus and about 3 miles from Falmouth. Falmouth buses go through Penryn (there is a stop on Tremough Campus) and there is a train station, so students of either campus will find Penryn a good option.

The properties tend to be slightly more affordable and they are preferred by students who want somewhere quieter as Penryn has slightly fewer amenities than Falmouth.

Other areasThere are student properties available in more rural locations - Mabe,Flushing, Mylor, Ponsanooth, Constantine and Stithians, but remember to check out the bus routes as parking at Tremough is limited to pay and displayand is at a premium around Woodlane.


Twolocation

Transport

It is important to remember if you are studying at Tremough and living inFalmouth that you will not be able to park on campus unless you have a bluebadge or use the pay and display car park.

BusesThere are regular buses that run between Falmouth, Penryn and Tremough.Tremough Campus operates a Green Transport Policy, which means thatstudents are able to take advantage of subsidised public transport. The journey time is about 20 minutes from the centre of Falmouth to the Tremough Campus. Further details of the service can be found atwww.cornwall.gov.uk/

RailFalmouth and Penryn are on the newly refurbished Truro branch line. There is a regular service which connects Falmouth, Penryn and Truro. Falmouth has three stations (Falmouth Docks, The Dell and Penmere) with one in Penryn. The Dell isclose to the Woodlane Campus and the station at Penryn is about ten minuteswalk from Tremough Campus.


Safety

You will generally be viewing properties during the day. Always consider whatit would be like at night and in the winter months, how safe would you feel inthe area and whether there is public transport nearby.

Falmouth and Penryn are considered safe environments. Take someone with you when viewing a property. If this is notpossible, tell a friend or colleague beforehand the address you are going to and what time you expect to return.

If you feel uncomfortable whilst at the property you might want to make it clearto the person showing you around that friends know where you are and whattime you are expected back.

If you need further advice on location please contact the Accommodation Office or come along and see us at one of theAccommodation Fairs.

A useful website when considering safety issues is www.suzylamplugh.orgAlso remember the student chat forum so you can get feedback from studentswho may be familiar with or already live in the area

- http://helpme.falmouth.ac.uk/


Threedifferenttypesofaccommodation

Self contained (flats, apart-ments, shared houses)

Most self contained/shared accommodation where the landlord does not live on the premises will be let on an Assured Shorthold Tenancy. This is a legally binding contract. It gives you a LEGAL RIGHT to live in the property and it gives you as the occupier “exclusive possession” of the premises.

Contract length:There is no minimum period of a contract (although they are rarely less than 6months), but it can be 9, 10 or 12 months and you may hear this period referred to as a “fixed term”.

A fixed term gives a clear start and end date and once signed, the landlordand the tenant are bound by this agreement. Some landlords who grant a 12 month contract will offer 2 months at half rent over the summer vacation, butthey do not have to.Whatever the agreement, make sure you have it in writing and check itthoroughly before signing. (You can have your contract checked over by theFalmouth and Exeter Student Union Advisors - see appendix 1 - ‘Where toget help’).

Can I get out of the contract?Generally speaking the answer will be “no”. If you have signed a ‘fixed term’contract, then you are usually tied into paying rent until the end of thetenancy. Some tenancies do have a ‘break clause’ but this is not commonpractice. If you wish to leave early you will usually need the landlord’s permission. This is only normally given if you find another tenant to replaceyou.

If you do find a replacement, make sure the landlord draws up a new tenancy,because if a new tenancy is not drawn up and the replacement tenant doesnot pay the rent or defaults on the agreement you could still be liable! Seek advice if you find yourself in this situation. See Section Seven - where to get help!


Joint or single contracts?

Assured Shorthold Tenancy agreements can either be ‘single/individual’ or‘joint’. A single/ individual contract will typically be for a specified bedroom anduse of the communal areas with the rent stated as the amount for one person- ie what YOU are responsible for (eg £300 per month)

A joint contract will typically have all the tenants’ names on it and will state therent for the whole property (eg £1,000 per month). In this case the group willbe renting the house as a single entity.

Beware: joint contracts make all the tenants ‘jointly and severally’ liable for thewhole rent. In other words, if one tenant cannot, or will not, pay their share,the landlord can pursue the other tenants for it. This may seem unfair but it islegal.


What will I be responsible for?

A tenancy doesn’t only give you rights - it also brings responsibilities. It’simportant you stick to the rules and don’t break your tenancy agreement, andfor you to get advice as soon as possible if you have problems. Most tenantscan be evicted (providing the correct legal procedures are followed) if theydon’t follow certain basic rules.These include:• Not paying your rent• Not looking after the property• Causing a nuisance• Not giving the landlord access when necessary• Damaging the property.

What is the landlord responsible for?

If you are a tenant your landlord has certain obligations. The rules andprocedures vary depending on the type of tenancy you have, but certain basicrules are always the same:• Carrying out certain repairs• Meeting legal safety standards• Not disturbing their tenants• Following the correct procedure if they want the tenant to leave

ImportantIf you have a licence rather than a tenancy, you may not have all of theserights. Get advice if you’re not sure whether you’re a tenant or a licensee.

See www.shelter.orq.uk/advice for further details about your rights andresponsibilities.

“I don’t think it’s fair!”Just because a clause exists in your tenancy does not mean it is automaticallylegal and binding. Any tenancy agreement should be written in clear andunderstandable languageand should not reduce your statutoryrights. The Office of Fair Trading (OFT)issues useful guidance on unfair terms in tenancy.

Negotiating with your landlordSome landlords may be willing to negotiate with you regarding the contractlength, rent and other terms. As with any arrangements of this natureALWAYS get promises in writing. If your landlord or agent genuinely intendsto provide you with something that is not in the property at the time of viewing,they will not mind guaranteeing to do so in writing. You can even draw up an “ad-dendum to a contract” document which can secure any such promises made.

The Accommodation Office has an example of one of these so please contact us.

Get advice!Important - this booklet gives a very simplified guide to a very complex areaof law.

You should always ensure you understand everything BEFORE you sign a contract. Once you have signed there is normally no easy way out. Whereverpossible get your contract checked before you sign and if in doubt, seek advice.


Lodgings

This normally means sharing with a live-in landlord. In these circumstancesyou are being given personal permission to live in a property, and as a resulthave substantially less rights than a ten-ant with an assured shorthold tenancyagreement. Although most students’ first preference would probably be toshare with other students, it is worth con-sidering the advantages of thisarrangement as well as the disadvan-tages.

AdvantagesRent can be slightly cheaper and bills are often included in the rent.Properties are usually kept in better repair than rented properties.You are not tied into a contract so it’s a good way of getting to know the area,meeting other students and making a decision about where and who to sharewith once you have started your course.

DisadvantagesIt is not your home and if you fall out with the landlord/landlady, you willusually have no option but to find somewhere else to live - sometimes at very short notice!

You will have less freedom to bring home guests and friends which couldleave you feeling isolated from other students.You will be living by somebody else’s rules regarding using the kitchen,playing music etc.



Bed and Breakfast/Guest Houses

Being a popular holiday destination, Falmouth and Penryn are well servedwith temporary accommodation such as Bed & Breakfasts, Guest Houses,Hotels and Backpackers. We do advertise a selection on the accommodation list.

A more comprehensive range is available through the Tourist Board which iscontactable on 01326 312300 or visit www.visitcornwall.com

Some students choose to stay in tempo-rary accommodation in the summer oreven at the start of the autumn term while looking for more permanentaccommodation. It can be a good way of finding something suitable withoutmaking a rushed decision. Each year a small percentage of students withdrawfrom their courses and their housemates then need to find replacements totake over their rooms and contracts.

Note: This can work out to be an expen-sive option if you stay for an extendedperiod.

Like anyone providing a service, especially one as important asaccommodation, landlords have a duty of care toward their tenants. They alsohave to comply with various legal and statutory obligations regarding a widenumber of health and safety issues.

This is especially true for landlords offer-ing the more traditional sharedstudent accommodation (known as Houses in Multiple Occupation - “HMO”s).Indeed larger HMOs have to be licensed with the local authority. (Usuallythese are houses on 3 storeys with 5 or more students)

These can include such issues as:• Fire safety measures• Gas and electrical safety• Fire retardant furniture and furnishings• Sufficient toilet(s)/washing facilities• Sufficient waste disposal facilities

Landlords who register properties with the Accommodation Office andadvertise on our list have to show that they meet these requirements but wealso produce a Health and Safety checklist which we recommend you takewith you when you view any accommodation.


Health and safety checklist

On pages 21 & 22 you will find a checklist of health and safety issues which you may find useful when house hunting.

This is not a complete check but just a quick guide as to some of themain issues you should look out for and ask the landlord or agent aboutbefore you sign a tenancy agreement.

Fourhealth&safety


Work out what you can afford

Do your figures before you start looking and be realistic about what you canafford. The following websites can be of use providing a range ofcomprehensive advice on funding, managing money and budget planning:www.insolvencyhelpline.co.uk/students orwww.ucas.com/students/studentfinance and Falmouth and Exeter student union: www.fxu.org.uk - under Advice -’Livingon a Budget’ leaflet.

Weekly rentsThese can start at £50 for a “box” room, although we recommend to landlordsthat students are usually looking for prop-erty at £60 to £70 per week for areasonable sized room. However the rents can be £80+ depending onlocation/quality/size and if services are included.

Fivemoneyandaccommodationcosts

Are owners prepared to negotiate?Some owners will vary rent levels and may offer to improve the house/installmore facilities. Whatever you agree, write it down and get the owner to sign it,so there is no confusion later.

Weekly or monthly rentRemember if you are paying your rent monthly it works out slightly more thanfour weeks rent. For example, a weekly rent of £50 is equal to £216.67 permonth (50 x 52 ÷ 12) and not £200 (50 x4).

Deposits

Security depositsMost landlords will want to take a deposit at the start of the contract. Typicallythis will be a month’s rent, though it can vary. A security deposit will normallybe taken to cover potential damage or loss to the property or even for unpaidrent during the term of the contract.

If you sign an Assured Shorthold Tenancy and your landlord takes a depositthey MUST secure them in one of 3 government sponsored DepositProtection schemes.

The schemes were introduced in 2007 to protect all tenants fromunscrupulous landlords and ensure that you will get your deposit back at theend of the tenancy as long as you are entitled to it. The schemes also providea service to sort out any disagreements about the deposit without the need togo to court.

For more detailed information the Falmouth and Exeter Students Union (fxu) produce a useful guide and you can also before moving in or when the tenancystarts.

Find more information atwww.direct.gov.uk

Holding depositsMany landlords will ask for a “holding deposit” particularly as students oftenagree to take a property many months before moving in or when the tenancystarts.

Often the landlord will deduct this from the security deposit or simply use theholding deposit as the security deposit when the tenancy begins. The law oversuch deposits is not always clear but they are not illegal.

Be aware however that unless you actu-ally take up the tenancy you may wellfind the holding deposit is non-refundable. Particularly if you decide not to move in and find alternative accommodation.


Guarantors

Increasingly, landlords or agents may ask your parents or guardians tobecome guarantors. Ultimately this means they’ll have to pay your rent if youdon’t. If you are signing a joint contract with other students, your guarantorcould also be asked to pay the rent of another tenant if they default (unlessthe agreement they sign specifically mentions what they are responsible for egin a house for four, one quarter of their son/daughter’s liability). If you arenot happy about finding a guarantor, some landlords do not require one, soyou could look elsewhere.


Bills

Inclusive/exclusive rentIn a typical shared house your rent may include some bills (e.g. water)although it is rare to have all bills included. Therefore, you may need to think about some or all of the following expenses:• Rent: typically £60 - £80 per week• Gas and electric: from around £5.00 - £12.00 per week• Water• Contents Insurance• TV licence• Broadband• Telephone

Also consider the condition of the property, the type of heating, how you heat the water and the size of rooms. A well insulated house with a recentlyinstalled central heating system will be cheaper to run than a lower pricedproperty in poor condition with electric heating.

Heating/hot waterFind out how the heating and hot water works and whether, for instance, youmight be paying for hot water you may not use. Some houses that look cheapto run may turn out to be expensive when you add up running costs, whereasothers that appear more expensive could cost you less in the long run. Weighup the pros and cons before you sign up!

TV licencesIf you have a joint contract, then one TV licence will cover all the TVs in thehouse. If you have an individual/single contract, then you will each need anindividual licence for a TV in your room. Information is available atwww.tvlicensing.co.uk/information/stu-dents.jsp

Council TaxThe vast majority of full-time students are exempt from council tax (includingover the vacation). The Admissions Department at Falmouth & the RegistryTeam at Exeter notify the local authorities at the beginning of the newacademic year. However the situation does become more complex if you

share with non-students. Remember if you take on a tenancy before you begin your first year (e.g. if your tenancy begins on 1 July and your coursebegins in September) you may be liable for some or all of the Council Tax forthis period.For further information see the information on Council Tax on the Falmouth and Exeter student union website www.fxu.org.uk - under Advice.

Lettings/Estates Agents chargesBefore you start to use a letting agent you should ask them for a comprehensive list of all the fees that they charge - typical charges could be:Contract fee (drawing up the contract).Reference checking fee.Finders fee.They cannot however, charge you just to show you the accommodation or anaccommodation list.



Falmouth has a relatively high student population and certain parts and roadsare considered to be ‘student’ areas. Wherever you decide to live, most of your neighbours will almost certainly be residents who have lived in the area a lot longer.

Whilst most local residents welcome the liveliness and creativity studentsbring, and understand that you are here to enjoy yourself as well as study,please understand in return that everyone has the right to enjoy a peaceful night’s sleep.

University College Falmouth and the University of Exeter are both well established and respected institutions, and work very closely with the Police, the town and district councils, landlords and the local community to ensure that students are integrated positively into the local population; that harmonious relations are fostered and maintained; that complaints about latenight noise are kept to a minimum; and that anti-sociable behaviour is dealtwith.

The Police and the district council have powers to prosecute and do usethem. If noise levels are found to be ex-cessive, Fixed Penalty Fines of £100can be issued. Non-payment can result in a court appearance, and a further fine of up to £1,000.

Bringing the institutions into disrepute isalso a disciplinary offence. We will take action if a student-occupied houseis causing problems for local residents.

Please therefore do everything youcan to be a good neighbour:

Keep the noise down after 11pm (and remember to control noise levels therest of the time too).

If you’re coming home late at night, don’t talk too loudly outside or bangcar doors.

Close doors and windows when you play music.

Sixlivinginthecommunity

Introduce yourself to your immediate neighbours and ask them to popround if they have issues they’d like to discuss

Consider the impact of your behaviour on people who live behind or in front of you, not just those who live to the left and right

Warn your neighbours if you’re planning a party and turn the music down if they ask

Control gatecrashers and consider the health and safety implications ofhaving too many people in your house

Keep your garden/yard tidy and be house proud. If the outside of your house looks untidy put pressure on your landlord or agent to tidy it up

Use the local authorities’ kerbside recycling service

Put your rubbish out on the right day in strong black bags (to outwit theseagulls!)

Respect the fact that you are living amongst families and elderly residentswho live different lifestyles to you.


The Accommodation OfficeTremough Campus ServicesThe Annex, Tremough CampusTreliever Road,PenrynCornwall, TR10 9EZTel: 01326 253741Fax: 01326 253649 [email protected]

Oliver LaneOperations ManagerRichard WilkinsPrivate Sector Liaison OfficerTeresa SmithAccommodation Assistant

The Accommodation Office is not able to give advice on contractual law, butcan signpost you to the appropriate help. If you have a problem you will needto ensure you have all your paperwork and any supporting documents, egletters written to the landlord, to hand.


Sevenwhere to get help

Falmouth & Exeter Students Union (fxu) - www.fxu.org.ukTelephone to make an appointment to see a student advisor.01326 370447(Woodlane) 01326 213472 (Tremough)email: [email protected] & Exeter Students Union have a number of leaflets on the privatesector, including ‘checking a tenancy agreement or contract’, ‘living on abudget’ and ‘difficult landlords’. All can be viewed on their website underAdvice at www.fxu.org.uk

Citizens Advice Bureau, Mulberry Passage, Market Strand, Falmouth, TR113DB, Tel: 01326 313340

Shelter - Cornwall Housing Aid Centre, West End, Redruth Tel: 08445152300Please phone for appointment.

Cornwall Council’s Healthy Homes Team Carrick House, Pydar Street,Truro, TR1 1EB, Tel: 01872 224317. www.cornwall.gov.uk

Shelterline: Nationally available emer-gency helpline: 0808 800 4444 orwww.shelternet.org.uk

Advice on tenancy deposits:www.direct.gov.uktenancydeposit

Office of Fair Trading (OFT) issues use-ful guidance on unfair terms intenancy agreements:Office of Fair Trading, Consumer Help-line: 08457 224499 www.oft.gov.uk



Fire

Smoke detectors in Communal areas Fire blanket Fire extinguishers Emergency lighting

Yes No Are the detectors battery or mains powered (or both)? Is the fire safety equipment in good working order and checked regularly? Has the landlord carried out a fire risk assessment?

Gas

Gas Safe Register - landlords safety certificate

Ask the landlord to provide this

Electricity

Current electrical test certificate (NICEIC or equivalent)

Ask the landlord to provide this

Furniture

Sofas, chairs, beds, mattresses, pillows, bean bags, garden furniture etc should all be fire retardant

Look for labels on the furniture which should state that the item complies with “The Furniture & Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations 1988”

Security

Window locks Door locks

Do they look secure? Make sure the landlord provides window lock keys

Heating

Gas Central Heating Storage Heaters Other

Ask your landlord how to work the heating system Ask your landlord (or current tenants) how much the heating bills are

Waste

Are there sufficient bins for the number of students in the house?

Check on which day the council waste and recycling services are

Appendixhousehuntingchecklist-healthandsafety


Insulation

Loft insulation Double glazing

Yes No You may need to ask your landlord about this

Damp or condensation

Are there any patches or damp, mould growth in any of the rooms?

Ask your landlord to treat the affected areas and check that there is adequate heating and ventilation throughout the house. Also check whether there are extractor fans in the kitchen and bathroom(s)

Gardens

Who is responsible for maintain the garden?

Is you are expected to do so, are there sufficient tools provided?

“HMO” licence

If the house has 3 storeys and will be let to 5 or more tenants, it must, by law, be licensed by the council

Ask your landlord to see the license or check with the local authority

Tenancy agreement

Assured shorthold tenancy agreement

Ask to see a copy of the agreement BEFORE you sign. Check if it is an “individual” or “joint” contract

Inventory

There should be a complete inventory (in writing) of what the landlord is providing including the condition or age of each item

Check through thoroughly BEFORE you sign

This is not a complete check but just a quick guide as to some of the main issues you should look out for and ask the landlord or agent about before yousign a tenancy agreement.

Documents

house hunting - Falmouth Exeter Plus...house hunting a guide to private sector accommodation Introduction You will find that Cornwall, especially the area around Falmouth and Penryn,