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Housing Rights...what are they?

Landlords seem to think that students are put on this earth to be taken advantage of! Students are always complaining about, lazy landlords, broken boilers, carbon monoxide poisoning, broken contracts and unreturned deposits.

Many of these problems could be avoided if you take a little more care in your choice of dwelling and ask all the right questions before signing on the dotted line.

In 2001 NUS surveyed students up and down the country about their accommodation, bare this information in mind when you move into your new home.

• 16% of students live in vermin infested houses
• 50% reported damp
• 40% reported mould (most prevailed in bedrooms, bathrooms and kitchens)
• over 50% reported that some repairs were needed
• 20% did not have a smoke detector (I wonder how many were checked to see if they were working)
• 50% had no locks on doors or windows
• 12.5% reported that they suffered health problems such as chest infections and asthma due to poor standards of accommodation

Almost half have never seen a copy of a gas certificate, which by law landlords are obliged to show them each year.

Taken from NUS' Housing and Health Survey 2001

Checklist for Private Accomodation

There are some general bits of information that 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.
• Remember don't just settle for anything, as long as students continue to take on inadequate housing it will continue to exist - know your rights!
Sources of Advice & Information

Greenwich Housing Rights 020 8854 8848
Greenwich Housing Aid Centre 020 8921 2618
Shelter Nightline Freephone Service 0800 8004444
Greenwich Housing Rights 0208 854 8848
Council Tax office at your local council
Look in your local yellow pages

Remember ...

Whatever your problem the Students Unions' Advice and Information Service are here to help.

Looking for a green alternative?

Check out www.getethical.com
for alternative household goods and energy supplies.

Want to recycle?

Look in the local yellow pages or contact your local council for information near you!

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