- I'm looking for accommodation
- I don't understand my tenancy agreement
- My landlord won't return my deposit
- I'm not getting on with my housemates
- I'm having problems paying the bills
- My landlord won't repair the boiler
- I have received a Council Tax demand
- I'm having problems in my Hall
- My housemate can't pay the rent
- I'm looking for housemates
- I want to move out
Whilst studying at University, most students either live in Halls of Residence, privately-rented accommodation, with their family, or a combination of these. Most students are happy in their homes but at times problems can arise. If you need housing advice, please visit The Hub and speak to a Student Advisor.
Housing Talks
At RUSU, we also help students make that transition from living in Halls of Residence to renting in the private sector. At the beginning of the spring term, we visit most Halls of Residence and present talks on renting in the Reading area.
We advise not to sign a tenancy agreement until you have attended a Housing Talk. These take place early in the Spring term. The University Accommodation Service will not advertise any privately rented student accommodation until Mid February of each year. Don't be pressured into signing a contract before then!
Housing Packs
During the talks in Halls, we provide students with a Housing Pack which includes a lot of useful information on the following:
- Housemates Agreements
- Looking for Houses
- Cost of renting in Reading
- Contract information and checklist
- A guide to viewing property
- Home security
- Moving in/moving out checklist
- Inventory
- Recycling information
- Useful numbers
Contract Checking
The Student Advice team can also check your tenancy agreement before you move in to a property. Bring your unsigned tenancy agreement to The Hub during our drop-in sessions if you want a Student Advisor to help with this. We run drop-in sessions every weekday: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Fridays from 10am until 1pm and Wednesdays from 2pm until 5pm.
The Tenancy Deposit Protection Scheme
Good news for students! From the 6 April 2007, when you pay a deposit to a landlord or agent, they must protect it using a government authorised tenancy deposit scheme. Your landlord must take part and tell you which scheme your deposit is being held.
This scheme was put in place to ensure that your deposit is protected. The scheme aims to ensure that you receive your deposit back at the end of your tenancy agreement. If a dispute arises between you and the landlord or agent, the scheme should make it easier and quicker to resolve. Any problems, visit The Hub and speak with a Student Advisor.
Council Tax
Council Tax is a charge made by the local authority (council) on every residential property. Most adults are liable to pay council tax, however if you are registered as a full-time student you will be exempt from paying in most cases. However, in order to claim exemption, the duration of your full-time course must be at least 24 weeks. If your full-time course is less than 24 weeks in duration, you will be liable to pay council tax.
However, please be aware that once your course is completed or if you withdraw from your course, you will be liable to pay during the months you remain responsible for the tenancy. You can pick up more information about Council Tax from the Student Advice team.
Useful websites
University Accommodation Office www.extra.reading.ac.uk/accommodation
Reading Borough Council www.reading.gov.uk/housing
Wokingham Borough Council www.wokingham.gov.uk/housing
Shelter www.england.shelter.org.uk
Housing Ombudsman Service www.ihos.org.uk
Information on housing www.communities.gov.uk/housing
Student housing www.homesforstudents.co.uk
Tenancy Deposit Scheme www.direct.gov.uk/tenancydeposit
If you need any housing advice, visit The Hub and ask to speak to a Student Advisor.
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