Private accommodation

Studentpad

Current private registered accommodation vacancies are listed throughout the year on Studentpad. Here you will be able to search for accommodation and post messages to other students, if, for example, you are looking for housemates. Students entering their second, third and fourth years of study can secure private accommodation any time during the spring or summer term, in preparation for their return to University the following September. Most landlords register their vacancies for next September on Studentpad from mid-December onwards. The site is password protected and if you are a current, enrolled student you can contact us to obtain this.

If you are a new student requiring private accommodation please email the Private Accommodation Team with your student registration number for a login password to Studentpad.

Please be aware that only university-registered accommodation is advertised on StudentPad. If you look in other places, such as letting agents or online, the accommodation is likely to be unregistered, may not comply with regulations or may not be safe.

Private registered halls

There are numerous private halls of residence in Preston, of varying sizes. All are extremely close to the campus. They offer en-suite rooms and standard rooms with shared bathroom facilities. Rents range widely and include all bills. Contract lengths vary from 42 to 52 weeks, however, it’s best to check as each hall may differ.

Studios/Self-contained flats

Some halls also offer studios which are self-contained apartments with a personal shower room and kitchen. The rent for this type of accommodation is approximately £100 to £170 per week. Contract lengths vary from 42 to 52 weeks, however, it’s best to check as each hall may differ.

Shared flats and houses

This type of accommodation usually involves having your own bedroom but sharing the communal facilities with other tenants. Average rents for this type of accommodation are approximately between £55 and £70 per week per person exclusive of gas and electricity bills. If bills are included your rent will inevitably be higher for example approximately £85.00 per week. Contract lengths are normally between 37 and 43 weeks, but make sure you check because some are longer.

How much can I afford?

In addition to the rent you may have to pay a damage deposit, gas, electricity, water rates and internet bills, if not included in the rent. You also need to check how often your rent is payable. Rent is normally paid termly in advance, however, you should check this with your landlord.

International students, without a UK based guarantor, are likely to have to pay the whole contract period in advance.

Who do I want to live with?

Decide how many people you want to share with and try to choose your future housemates carefully. You shouldn’t rush into this, especially if you are a first year student and have only been here a few weeks. There is plenty of accommodation and plenty of time to make sure you are really happy with your chosen house mates before you start your accommodation search.

Where do I want to live?

Most private houses are within a one mile radius of the campus and within easy walking distance. If you own a car you should check whether parking is permitted outside, or near to, the accommodation. However, you will not be able to bring your car onto the University Campus during the daytime.

When you do start looking for accommodation, give yourself plenty of time. If you are looking for a house, some landlords will not be able to meet you on the day you call. You don’t need to start your search until the spring or summer as there is a plentiful supply of registered halls of residence rooms and houses. Try to make appointments during daylight so that you can take a good look at the internal and external environments. Make sure all the people you intend to share with have a chance to view the property.

Ask the landlord for a copy of the contract to take away with you to read before signing. Make sure you understand all the terms and conditions. If anything is unclear, seek advice from the Student Accommodation Service. Let the landlord know whatever decision you reach as soon as possible as other students may be interested in the property. Above all, be patient. A comprehensive checklist is provided below. View a few properties so you get an idea of rent levels and standards of accommodation and never sign a contract without having made a thorough inspection. Do not take the first place you come across unless it meets all your requirements.

Tenant Fees

From 1 June 2019, the Tenant Fees Act 2019 limits the fees that a landlord can charge you.

The only payments a landlord can charge in connection with a tenancy are:

• the rent
• a refundable tenancy deposit capped at no more than five weeks’ rent where the annual rent is less than £50,000, or six weeks’ rent where the total annual rent is £50,000 or above
• a refundable holding deposit (to reserve a property) capped at no more than one week’s rent
•  payments to change the tenancy when requested by the tenant, capped at £50, or reasonable costs incurred if higher
• payments associated with early termination of the tenancy, when requested by the tenant
• payments in respect of utilities, communication services, TV licence and council tax; and
• A default fee for late payment of rent and replacement of a lost key/security device, where required under a tenancy agreement.

If the fee a landlord is charging is not on this list, it is a prohibited payment and you should not pay it. Please see detailed information in the guidance for tenants here.

In addition, a landlord cannot evict you using the Section 21 eviction procedure until they have repaid any unlawfully charged fees or returned an unlawfully retained holding deposit.

Holding fee

When you find a property you would like to live in, the landlord may ask you to pay a holding fee. The holding fee is taken prior to signing the agreement. The payment is made to hold a property while a prospective tenant decides whether to accept the tenancy, and while the landlord undertakes a right-to-rent check. The amount a landlord can charge is a maximum of one week’s rent. Once a tenancy agreement is signed, the fee has to be refunded to the tenant - the suggested period for holding a deposit is 15 days, unless it is agreed in writing that the holding deposit will be deducted from your first rent payment. You should obtain a written receipt from the landlord when you pay this fee.

If you make any arrangement with the landlord to store your possessions in your new accommodation during the summer vacation, this will be at your own risk. Landlords do not insure your personal belongings. You may find that insurers will not insure your possessions if the property is to be unoccupied during the summer.

Damage deposit

A damage deposit is usually charged by private landlords either before or at the start of the tenancy. The amount can vary from one landlord to another but by law must not exceed the sum of 5 week’s rent. This deposit is returned at the end of the tenancy provided that you have not damaged the property (fair wear and tear excepted), and if your rent has been paid in full. The landlord, must, by law, secure your deposit in a government approved Tenancy Deposit Scheme. For more information go to the section “Tenants Responsibilities, Deposits and Inventories”.

Gas and electricity

Sometimes rents in small properties do not include fuel bills. If this is the case when you move in you will need to take meter readings and open an account with your chosen supplier of gas and electricity. When you leave, inform your supplier that you are leaving, take a meter reading and obtain a final account. A few properties have pay-as-you-go meters (coins or cards).

Water rates

Water rates are usually paid by the landlord but you should check your contract to see who is liable. If your contract states that the tenants are responsible for paying the water rates then you should arrange to make the payments monthly so that you only pay for the length of your tenancy agreement. You should also ensure that the supplier is aware of when your liability commenced.

Insurance

The landlord will be responsible for insuring the building and the furniture and furnishings he/she has provided. You are responsible for insuring your own personal possessions including any furniture that belongs to you. Several insurance companies offer student contents insurance, search online to compare prices. You can also check whether any cover for you is provided under your parents’ home insurance policy.

TV licence

Up-to-date information is available on the TV Licensing website. The law still applies to students. You must be covered by a TV Licence to:

• watch or record programmes as they’re being shown on TV or live on an online TV service, such as All4, Sky Go and YouTube, or;
• download or watch BBC programmes on iPlayer.

Council tax

Council Tax is payable to the local council and is based on the value of the property. If all the occupants of the property are full-time students during the period stated on the tenancy agreement, the property will be exempt from Council Tax.

So long as you are a full-time student and you inform the University of your term-time address, the landlords should be able to gain exemption for the property. If you do not do this you may be asked to obtain a Council Tax Exemption Form from the <i>. If the landlord is unable to gain Council Tax exemption as a result of your failure to inform the University of your term time address (or by providing an exemption certificate), it is likely there will be a clause in the tenancy agreement stating that the charges for Council Tax will be passed onto you.

If one adult occupant of the property is a part-time student or a non-student 75% of the Council Tax will be due on the property and if two or more adult occupants of the property are part-time students or non-students, full Council Tax will be due on the property.

If any of the occupants finish their course and continue to stay in the property over the summer vacation, a 90% charge may be payable. The landlord may ask you to agree to pay a higher rent to cover this charge.

If you are a part-time student you should discuss Council Tax with the landlord before you agree to take up a tenancy. A landlord may only accept you as a tenant if you agree to pay a higher rent to cover the Council Tax charges which result from your occupation of the property. If, as a part-time student, you are entitled to claim Housing Benefit, you may be entitled to claim an increase to cover the extra cost incurred. Any agreement made between you and the landlord should be in writing and signed by both parties.

I live outside Preston or the South Ribble—do I need an exemption certificate?

If you live outside these areas you can apply for a certificate via our online Council Tax Exemption Certificate Request Service or by contacting The <i> based in The Library at Preston Campus.

If you receive a bill do not ignore it! You must seek advice as soon as possible to ascertain if you are liable. Further information can be sought from The <i>, Students' Union Advice Centre or the Accommodation Service.

If you are looking for advice on council tax benefit as opposed to council tax exemption please contact the Students’ Union Advice Centre.

Make sure you read the tenancy agreement very thoroughly and that you understand all the terms before you sign it. If you have any queries please come to speak to us.

Where a property is let to students, the length of the contract, if fixed term, will normally be between 37 and 51 weeks. The period may be subject to negotiation between you and the landlord. Such a period gives you security for the academic year but means you, as well as the landlord, are committed to the tenancy for that period. The landlord can serve a Section 21 Notice, at any time during the tenancy, stating that he wishes to seek possession of the property at the end of the fixed period in the tenancy agreement.

Assured shorthold tenancies

Tenancy agreements for students are nearly always for a fixed term. If you want to terminate your fixed term tenancy agreement before the end of the tenancy, you can only do so if there is a clause in the contract that permits it, however, this is extremely unlikely. Your landlord can agree to it or your landlord can allow you to find a suitable replacement. If you are held to contract you must pay the rent for the full period whether you live in the accommodation or not. If you don’t pay the rent the landlord can take you to court. You may also be able to terminate the contract if the landlord has significantly breached the tenancy agreement, but seek legal advice first.

If you have to withdraw from the University for health reasons and you can supply supporting medical information the landlord may agree to release you, however, this would be a matter for your to discuss directly with the landlord.

Your landlord can seek to evict you if you breach the terms of the tenancy, for example, by causing a nuisance to your neighbours or if you have not paid rent and it is more than two months overdue. There is a procedure that landlords must follow if they are seeking to evict you. If you require advice please discuss this with the Accommodation Officers or Students' Union Advice Centre or seek independent legal advice.

Joint tenancies

Landlords who register their properties with the University agree to abide by our Core Requirements, and in doing so agree to issue single tenancy agreements to individual students. You should avoid signing a joint tenancy agreement - this is where all tenants sign a single agreement and the agreement states that tenants will be held jointly and severally liable for the rent.

If you are a student with a family, or a couple, and you will be the sole occupants of a property, it is acceptable to sign a joint tenancy.

Gas Safety

Legislation requires your landlord to carry out a gas safety inspection on all gas appliances at least once every 12 months. The servicing must be carried out by a CAPITA/GAS SAFE engineer. You have a right to a copy of your landlord’s current Gas Safety Certificate and should request a copy prior to entering into the tenancy agreement and a renewed copy if the certificate expires during the tenancy or any work is done on the boiler.

Carbon monoxide

Carbon monoxide is a gas which is highly poisonous. It has no colour, smell or taste and so can be difficult to recognise. With enough air, burning domestic fuels produce carbon dioxide and water vapour in safe amounts and these products are normally taken away by a chimney or flue. However, if there is too little air and the air vent, chimney or flue is blocked, any carbon monoxide produced cannot escape. Look out for stains, soot or discolouration around a gas fire. There should not be a strange unusual smell when a gas appliance is on. The flame on a gas fire or heater should not burn yellow or orange.

The main symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are: unexplained headaches, sleepiness, streaming eyes and general lethargy. If you are at all worried that a gas appliance is faulty, switch it off immediately. Call National Grid Gas Emergencies (Formally Transco Gas) – 0800 111 999 (This is a 24 hour emergency line) immediately. Contact your landlord and notify them about the problem. If they have not made any effort to rectify the problem after a reasonable period of time, contact the Health and Safety executive via their website. If National Grid Gas Emergencies disconnect a heating appliance then the landlord must provide you with emergency heating.

Remember - never attempt to repair a gas appliance yourself and never block up air vents, even if there is a draught.

Electrical safety

Landlords have a legal duty to ensure electrical equipment and the wiring is safe. Check that your landlord has had all wiring and electrical appliances inspected by an approved contractor and ask to see his/her Electrical Safety Inspection Report. (N.B. All electrical appliances should be tested for safety annually. Fixed installations and wiring should be tested for safety every five years.) Remember - never attempt to repair electrical faults yourself. Always report the fault as soon as possible in accordance with the method agreed with the landlord.

Furniture

All upholstered furniture including mattresses should be fire safe by conforming to the Furniture and Furnishings (Fire Safety) Regulations 1988. Look for sewn on labels that state that the furniture complies with these regulations. If there are no labels ask the landlord for proof that the furniture does comply with the regulations. The landlord must replace any furniture that is not compliant with the law. If they refuse you can report them to Trading Standards, which could result in them being fined.

If you find that your landlord is not complying with the above legislation you should contact:

• Housing Standards, if it’s a General housing standards issue
• Environmental Health, if there are Health Hazards and/or Noise Pollution
• Health and Safety Executive, for Gas & Electricity issues
• Trading Standards, if you have Furniture and Furnishing concerns

You should also inform the Accommodation Office. Landlords can incur very heavy fines for non-compliance with legislation.

Houses in multiple occupancy (HMOs)

Private houses rented to students are classed as Houses in Multiple Occupancy (HMOs).

This is where:

• The occupants of the house are not related to each other,
• You have your own bedroom, and;
• You share the kitchen, lounge and bathroom with the other occupants.

There are regulations in place that put the landlord under a legal duty to manage this accommodation properly and that state what amenities and fire safety requirements it is reasonable for tenants to have (i.e.) toilets, fire escapes, facilities for food storage etc.

The University’s Registration Scheme requires landlords to become compliant with these regulations.

If you move into a property that is not registered with the University you need to understand that it will not have been checked by any accommodation staff and therefore you will need to make every effort to check the property is up to standard and the landlord is fulfilling his/her obligations to the HMO requirements. If you have any concerns about the safety of your accommodation, contact your landlord immediately. If you need advice, contact the Student Accommodation Service or Housing Standards at Preston City Council.

Repairs

Landlords are legally bound to keep the house in a good general state of repair. This means they must:

• Keep the structure and exterior of the property in good repair (i.e.) roofs, windows, gutters, pipes etc.
• Keep all plumbing installations in good repair (i.e.) toilets, sinks, boilers etc.
• Keep all electrical wiring and installation in good repair.
• Keep all heating and water heating installations in good repair.
• In addition all homes must be "fit for human habitation" (i.e.) the property must have or be:
• Structurally stable
• Free from serious disrepair
• Free from damp prejudicial to health
• An adequate water supply
• Adequate lighting, heating and ventilation
• A suitably located toilet
• A suitably located bath, shower and wash basin
• An effective drainage system
• Facilities for preparing and cooking food

If you are not happy about any aspect of disrepair the most important step is to write to your landlord stating exactly what repairs need to be made. Keep a copy of the letter/text/email. Give the landlord a fixed time to get the repairs done and inform him that if the repairs are not implemented you will take further action. If the repairs have not been completed after this time you should contact the Student Accommodation Service or Students’ Union who can appeal to the landlord on your behalf. Sometimes a phone call from the University is all that is required. If, however, this has no effect Student Accommodation Service will advise you to contact Housing Standards at Preston City Council. A Housing Standards Officer will normally come out to investigate your complaint and take action if appropriate. Do not stop paying rent during this period as you will be breaching the terms of your tenancy agreement. There is a strict procedure if you are going to stop paying rent. Seek advice first.

Examples of problems which may occur are:

• Dust, smoke and noise pollution
• Falling plaster
• Defective fire doors and alarms
• Dry rot, mould growth and damp
• Defective wiring
• Broken fires and heaters
• Severe condensation
• Leaking roof
• Infestation

The above list is not exhaustive and if you believe your accommodation is defective or unhealthy you should follow the advice given above. When you begin your tenancy make sure you find out from the landlord what you should do in the case of an emergency or an urgent repair.

It is a statutory requirement of the Landlord and does not have to be written into your contract to be binding on the landlord. Harassment is a criminal offence and does not have to be extreme or intentional before you can do something about it. Examples of harassment are:

• Visits without warning (your landlord has to give you at least 24 hours’ notice in writing before visiting your home and this must be at a mutually agreeable time).
• Entering your home when you are not there or without permission unless in an emergency.
• Threatening eviction (your landlord does not have to attempt eviction to be harassing you, the threat is sufficient to constitute harassment).
• Threatening you with or actually carrying out violence against you.
• Removing or restricting services such as hot water or heating, or failing to pay bills so services are cut off.
• Allowing the property to fall into disrepair so you cannot safely continue living there.

A landlord cannot evict you from a property without a court order. Throwing you out of the property or changing the locks whilst you are out are examples of illegal eviction. In these instances, or if you are being threatened with violence, call the police and contact the Housing Advisory Service at Preston City Council. They can help you enforce your rights.

Harassment from other tenants

Occasionally students suffer harassment from their fellow house mates. If this happens to you, and you feel unable to resolve the situation, you should try and discuss this initially with your landlord. You can also come for advice to the Student Accommodation Service or the Students' Union Advice Centre. It is unlawful to harass another person, and it is also a breach of the regulations for students, so seek help if you require it.

You must:

• Allow the landlord, at all reasonable times, (so long as 24 hours’ notice has been given, except in an emergency) to enter rooms for any purposes connected with the carrying out of his duties.
• Give the landlord, at his request, any information he reasonably requires for the purpose of his duties.
• Comply with arrangements made by the landlord regarding means of escape from fire, other fire precautions or for the storage and disposal of refuse. If you do not comply with these arrangements you could face prosecution.
• Take reasonable care not to damage anything which the landlord is obliged to keep in repair, and report faults and maintenance problems promptly.

Deposits

A deposit is paid to the landlord at the start of the tenancy to safeguard against any damage caused to the property beyond normal wear and tear or against any unpaid rent. Most student landlords take a deposit of around £150 - £250 but you should check with each landlord to see how much they are asking for. By law the deposit cannot be more than the sum of 5 weeks’ rent.

Tenancy deposit protection

When you pay a deposit to a landlord, it must be protected by law. The landlord must safeguard your deposit using a government authorised tenancy deposit scheme. This means that you will be able to get your deposit back when you are entitled to it, and if there is a dispute over the return of the deposit it will be easier to resolve.

When you sign a tenancy agreement you should pay the deposit as requested by the landlord. Then, within 30 days, the landlord must give you details about how your deposit is being protected, including:

• The address of the rented property
• How much deposit you have paid
• How the deposit is protected
• The name and contact details of the tenancy protection (TDP scheme) and its dispute resolution service
• The landlord or letting agent’s name and contact details
• The name and contact details of any third party who paid the deposit
• Why the landlord would keep some or all of the deposit –eg because you damaged the property and it needs to be fixed
• How to apply to get the deposit back at the end of the tenancy
• What to do if you can’t contact your landlord at the end of tenancy
• What to do if there’s a dispute over the amount of deposit to be returned at the end of the tenancy

If the landlord does not mention anything to you about deposit protection, make sure you ask him! You can check if your deposit has been protected in a scheme here.

Inventories

We would normally expect landlords to have made an inventory already when you move in, and ask you to check and sign it, but if you are not given one, make a detailed inventory of the contents and condition of the house as soon as you move in, listing all the defects (if any), and give a copy to the landlord when s/he has agreed it. If the landlord refuses to check the inventory with you, ask an independent witness (a friend will do) to agree and sign it with you. A sample inventory is available from the Student Accommodation Service.

Take photographs of any damage that is there when you move in. Photographic evidence can be very useful if there is a dispute at the end of the tenancy. Report any breakages to the landlord in writing and keep a copy. When you are due to leave the property you should arrange a check-out inspection with your landlord. However, if this is not possible, take photographs of the property to compare with earlier photographs to establish any damage/deterioration.

Check the circumstances in which your landlord could have a claim on your deposit. Always remember that money cannot be deducted for reasonable wear and tear.

The tenancy deposit schemes

The three government approved schemes are as follows:

• Tenancy Deposit Solutions Ltd
• The Tenancy Deposit Scheme
• The Deposit Protection Service

You can check if your deposit has been protected in a scheme here.

Further Advice

• GOV.UK - Tenancy deposit protection
• Shelter
• Citizens Advice

If your landlord has not protected your deposit

You can apply to the local county court. The court can order the landlord to repay the deposit to you or protect it in a scheme.

If your landlord has not protected your deposit he will be ordered to repay three times the amount of the deposit to you.

At the end of the tenancy

You should try and leave the property in the same condition that it was given to you at the start of the tenancy, fair wear and tear excepted.

Make sure you have paid your rent and utility bills. Agree with your landlord how much of the deposit should be returned to you. You should receive this agreed amount within the next 10 days.

Resolving disputes

If you cannot agree with your landlord how much of your deposit should be returned to you, there will be a free service offered by the scheme protecting your deposit to help resolve your dispute. Your landlord is obliged to provide you with this information when he protects your deposit in his chosen scheme.

Your landlord cannot serve notice stating that he wishes to repossess the property at the end of the tenancy until he has protected the deposit and given you all the details about this.

The University, whilst not wishing to unduly restrict the freedom of individuals, is committed to ensuring that local residents and students are able to reside peacefully alongside one another

Our student guide to regulations requires that students behave in a socially acceptable manner and refrain from conduct which may damage the University’s good name. This applies to behaviour both on and off the University’s premises.

Students living in the private sector should be aware that they may be living in an area where neighbouring families have young children, or there are elderly people who need to have undisturbed rest. There may be neighbours who work on shifts and require sleep during the day. Students should be aware that it is unlawful to create unacceptable noise disturbance or to behave in an intimidating manner towards those living nearby and the general public.

• Students should not cause any damage to property.
• Students should be particularly careful not to contravene any legal requirement.
• Students should not tamper with any fire alarm system or fixtures when there is no fire, or act in any malicious way that will impede the fire service.
• Students should not use violent, indecent or threatening behaviour.
• Students should not possess/use/threaten to use any weapon or take part in any criminal activities.

The University may take action against any student living in private sector accommodation who breaches the Regulations for Students by behaving in an unacceptable manner. All complaints made to the University will be recorded and investigated. Serious breaches in the Regulations for Students can result in suspension or expulsion from the University.

Core requirements

There is no typical landlord. Some landlords do as much as possible to help their tenants whilst others offer a less than perfect service. To address this, the University has a set of Core Requirements for private sector landlords. Copies are available from the Student Accommodation Service.

Landlords who register with the University must sign to agree that they are willing to abide by these requirements.

The purpose of the Core Requirements is to encourage landlords to conduct their business in a professional manner and to carry out repairs promptly. The criteria have been chosen to reflect common sense obligations and responsibilities and to set standards which are achievable.

You may find some of the sources of support below helpful.

University support

• Wellbeing:+44 (0)1772 89 3020 or email wellbeing@uclan.ac.uk
• Security:+44 (0)1772 89 2068 – if you have an emergency that requires immediate assistance, please call this number which is available 24hrs a day, 7 days a week.
• Student Accommodation Service: +44(0)1772 892517 
• Burnley Accommodation Service: accommodationBurnley@uclan.ac.uk
• Students’ Union: +44(0)1772 513200
• Student’s Union Advice Centre: +44(0)1772 894880

Other useful telephone numbers:

• Preston City Council: +44(0)1772 906000
• Housing Advisory Service: +44(0)1772 906412
• Housing Standards:+44(0)1772 906907
• Environmental Health: +44(0)1772 906907
• Health and Safety Executive: +44(0)1772 836200
• Trading Standards: 0345 404 0506
• Consumer Direct: (First line legal advice for trading standards) 0345 404 0506
• Council Tax Office: +44(0)1772 906900
• Citizens Advice Bureau: 0345 4040506

Disclaimer: This is intended as a guide only and is not a complete statement of the law. Its contents are without prejudice to legal rights. If you are in doubt about your legal rights or obligations you should seek legal advice.

Please note: We visit most but not all premises listed as appropriate for student accommodation solely to ascertain their general suitability in respect of accommodation and facilities offered and the normal upkeep of premises. Registered properties are re-visited from time to time, but no assurance can be given by us that the properties are being maintained properly between visits. Each student should, however, make his or her own inspection before agreeing to take a tenancy.

We do not undertake any detailed inspection of electric wiring, fitments or appliances, gas installations and appliances, water heaters or other similar appliances that may be on the premises. A recommendation or listing of any premises by the University does not imply a guarantee of the safety of any such fixtures or fittings, which are the responsibility of the landlord. If at any time a student has cause for concern over such features, or generally in respect of the accommodation, he or she should contact the landlord immediately.

We do not accept any responsibility in contract, tort (including negligence) or otherwise for any loss or damage whether direct, indirect or consequential suffered by a student as a result of the student using the registered property listings.