GUIDE TO HOUSING PROBLEMS

For most students the move to University can be the first time living away from home. This can be traumatic time and many students are unaware of their rights and responsibilities with regard to accommodation.

The Advice and Information Service advise on both university accommodation and off campus accommodation. We also provide leaflets and literature on a range of issues affecting your rights and experiences including council tax, deposits, gas safety, household bills, inventories, legal rights and responsibilities, safety of appliances and water rates.

There are some general bits of information which could help you avoid housing problems...

• Always view the property and find out the exact terms of the tenancy before agreeing to occupy.
• Get the tenancy agreement in writing.
• Ask for 24 hours to check the written agreement before you sign, seek advice if there is anything you don't understand.
• Obtain a receipt for any deposit paid, and a statement from your landlord/lady detailing exactly what the deposit covers. Keep a copy of your deposit for the end of the tenancy.
• Always co-sign a written inventory to the landlord detailing the furniture and fixtures within the property as well as their general condition at the start of your tenancy. This is essential in helping to protect you against any loss.
• Landlords/ladies must not enter the property without giving 24 hours notice.
• Student houses are prone to burglary, and it is therefore a good idea to have your personal possessions insured.
• Your landlord/lady is responsible for structural repairs, and for keeping water, gas, electricity and sanitation installations and fixtures in proper working order.
• Unless your landlord/lady lives on the premises and you share rooms with him/her, you can not be evicted unless s/he first goes to court and is granted a 'Possession Order' (an order of eviction)
• Any attempt by your landlord/lady to evict you illegally or harass you is a criminal offence.

TENANCY DEPOSIT SCHEMES

From 6th April 2007, for an assured shorthold tenancy, the landlord or letting agent must protect your deposit through a government tenancy deposit scheme. For more information, please make an appointment with a Student Adviser.

Sources of Advice & Information

Greenwich Accommodation Office:

Greenwich 020 8331 8884/9758
Avery Hill 020 8331 9664
Medway 016 3488 9063

External Sources of Support
Greenwich Housing Rights -020 8854 8848
Greenwich Housing Aid Centre -020 8921 2618
Shelter Freephone Service -0800 8004444
Greenwich Housing Rights -0208 854 8848