|
UAL Housing Service
University of the Arts London provides students with the Housing Service, which is a resource to assist you applying for accommodation in the residences or to search for a home in the private sector in London. They are available on:
T: 0207 514 6240
Ground Floor, The Hub, 65 Davies Street, London, W1K 5DA
Website: www.arts.ac.uk/housing
|
| |
|
What the Students' Union can do?
In the event you have problems with your Halls of Residence, and where the Housing Services cannot help, we can offer you advice, support and representation. The Advice Workers can advise you on how best to resolve your issues, and advise on the procedures and processes for raising your concerns.
To get your views heard and to leave feedback on your experience in University accommodation visit the Students' Union Housing Campaign by clicking here.
|
|
|
University of London Housing Services (ULHS)
We are also a member of the University of London Housing Services (ULHS) that can help you with searching for accommodation, and provide you with advice and support. They are available on:
University of London Union, Malet Street, London, WC1E 7HY
T: 020 7862 8880
E: housing@lon.ac.uk
Website: www.housing.london.ac.uk
|
| |
|
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
Your Rights and Responsibilities as a Tenant
|
|
As a student you will most likely live away from home, and in many instances, it could be the first time you have. Whether you are in halls of residence, sharing with a landlord, living alone, or living with others, you have both rights and responsibilities. These may vary depending on the type of accommodation you live in, which can affect how protected you are from problems with your landlord. Your landlord has also got responsibilities to you as the tenant, and to find these out as well as any other information on your rights as a tenant click here for a Shelter Private Tenancies guide. This guide will help you to understand the following,
- Find out what type of tenancy or licence you have
- Understand your rights and responsibilities associated with your tenancy or licence
- Know what steps a landlord must take to evict you
- Understand rules about rent and rent increases
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
Things to think about?
|
|
Council Tax
This is a system of local taxation on domestic properties collected by local autorities. Most students are entitled to some form of exemption or discount. For more information on council tax exemption contact the Housing Services or the SU Advice Team. For a written fact sheet on whether you are exempt or not click here.
In order to be exempt you must notify your local council of your student status by giving them your exemption certificate available from your School Office or Registry (in some cases this may be different). To find out who your local council is or how to contact them click here.
|
| |
|
Gas safety
Landlords have a legal duty to get all gas appliances in their properties inspected on an annual basis. This is very important as faulty gas appliances can cause several serious problems including fires and carbon monoxide poisoning wihich can and do kill people every year.
All landlords have to have a valid gas safety record for the gas equipment in the property they rent out. A copy of the record must be provided to the tenant. The record will list all appliances, including those owned by the tenant, although landlords are only responsible for the appliances that they own. Before you move into rented accommodation, you should always ask to see a copy of the current gas safety record. For more information on Gas Saftey and your rights click here.
|
|
|
Deposits
From 6 April 2007, all deposits taken by landlords and letting agents for Assured Shorthold Tenancies in England and Wales, must be protected by a tenancy deposit protection scheme. For more information on this click here.
|
| |
|
Utilities
If you do not live in halls of residence, you will most likely have to pay gas, electricity, and water, unless the landlord has agreed to pay it (check your contract). You may have a pay as you go key/card meter, or pay a standard bill that is often sent out to your address quarterly. There are different practices in being charged for utilities and different ways to pay, so it is best to contact your supplier to find out (see useful links).
To see who your cheapest supplier is visit www.uswitch.com.
|
| |
|
TV Licence
If you use your TV you must have a licence for it. If you are a student in halls then it is likely that you will have to get an individual licence per room. If you live in a shared house then you would get one licence for the house. For more information and find out how to pay click here.
|
|
| |
|
| Useful Contacts |
|
Shelter
Shelter provides a free, national telephone advice line staffed by trained housing advisors. They can give advice on practical immediate problems, explain your rights and the landlords responsibilities, offer advice and guidance, and suggest specialist or local support services that may be better placed to help you.
T: 0808 800 4444
Website: www.shelter.org.uk
|
| |
|
Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB)
Your local CAB may be able to help you with certain problems. You can find your local CAB through the following website.
Website: www.nacab.org.uk
|
| |
|
Ofgem
The regulator for Britains Gas and Electrical industries funded by the DTI and provides advice on changing suppliers, price comparisons and information on Bills, safety and services.
T: 020 7901 7000
Website: www.ofgem.gov.uk
|
| |
|
Energy Watch
Consumer Information and complaints service about gas and electricity suppliers.
T: 0845 906 0708
Website: www.energywatch.org.uk
|
| |
|
Office of Fair Trading
Complaints about Unfair Contract Terms.
Web: www.oft.gov.uk
|
|
|
NUS
Help and info on housing from the National Union of Students.
T: 0871 221 8221
E: nusuk@nus.org.uk
Website: www.nusonline.co.uk/info/housing/
|
| |
|
TV Licensing
T: 0844 800 6790
Website: www.tvlicensing.co.uk
|
| |
|
Health and Safety Executive
Regulatory Board
T: 08701 545 500
Website: www.hse.gov.uk
|
| |
|
Gas Safe Register
Replaced CORGI in Great Britain and the Isle of Man. The register exists to protect you, your family, and your property from dangerous gas work.
T: 0800 408 5500
Website: www.gassaferegister.co.uk/
|
| |
|
Transco
Gas Leaks
T: 0800 111 999
|
| |
|
Ofcom
UK regulator of the communications industry.
T: 020 7634 8700
Website: www.oftel.gov.uk
|
| |
|
Small Claims Court Customer Service Unit
Help with the process of law.
Tel: 020 7210 2266
Web: www.courtservice.gov.uk
|
|
| |
|
|
marketing & advertising opportunities click the media pack button.
