ACCOMMODATION Housing is one of the most common issues that students bring to the Advice Centre, whether they are unsure about their tenancy agreements; are having problems getting their deposits back; concerned with the disrepair of the property they are living in or feeling stuck in a house they no longer want to live in. 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Where should I live?
This will depend on your circumstances, many first year students find it easier in their first year to live in University Accommodation (Halls of Residence), others prefer to live in private rented accommodation, or if they live locally, at home. For continuing students this will most probably be in private rented accommodation or at home. 

How much will I have to spend?
Your accommodation costs will form your largest financial outlay. It's important that you work out how much you can realistically spend.  Halls accommodation for 2008/9 (40 week contract) is between £89.55 - £98.49 per week, (includes utility bills). A room in a shared house can cost around £280 - £320 per month with bills on top. A one bedroom flat can cost £500 - £650 with bills on top.

Who should I live with?
This is such an important decision because once you have signed the tenancy you may have to live with your housemates for the full term of the agreement. You may not know the people you will be living with, but try to find out what sort of people they are, whether they have a similar lifestyle as yourself. Living in a shared house can be difficult when some of the household need peace and quiet but the others prefer inviting their friends round for a noisy evening.

How and where can I find a house in the Private sector?

• Check out the Tremough Campus Services Accommodation Website. They hold a list of available accommodation in the surrounding area.
• Speak to other students and see if they can recommend anyone.
• Look on the Student's Union notice boards.
• Look in the local newspapers.

I think I have found a house to share what do I do now?

Make sure you have done your sums as to whether you can afford it or not. If your rent is £300 per month you will probably have to pay one month in advance plus the same again as a deposit = £600. This is without any admin fees an Agent may charge - typically about £50.  FXU have comprehensive leaflet to help you check the house you are thinking of moving into is suitable.  Read more ...  Househunting checklist 

What is a Tenancy Agreement?

All housing agreements seek to establish your legal rights and responsibilities. A tenancy agreement creates a legally binding contract between you the tenant and the landlord. It relates specifically to the tenant's and landlord's responsibilities regarding the property being rented. At its most basic it may include an agreement for you to pay a set amount of rent on a given date and for the landlord to provide a safe property for you to live in for a given period... but it should include much more! Ask for a copy of the contract prior to signing. Get it checked over by a FXU Adviser if you can - look out for Unfair Terms, like high penalty charges for late payment of rent etc. Read More ...Checking a Tenancy Agreement

I have paid a deposit how do I get it back at the end of the tenancy?

If you paid a deposit before April 2007, and have not renewed the tenancy for another fixed term, you will have to take your landlord to court  if you disagree with any monies they withhold at the end of the tenancy (if you are thinking of doing this come and see a FXU Adviser to talk through your options).  If you have taken an Assured Shorthold Tenancy after April 2007 your deposit must be protected in a tenancy deposit protection scheme . Read more..... Tenancy Deposit Scheme

NUS and Unipol have produced an Enforcement Pack to enable students to understand the scheme and recover their deposits in the event of a dispute. 

What happens if I need something repaired?

If you rent a property from a private landlord you have certain rights to ensure that the property remains in a good state of repair.  Although a letting agent may be acting on your landlord's behalf, it is ultimately the landlord who has responsibility for this. If the property you are thinking about moving into needs work doing to it or is missing furniture or electrical items, don't just take the landlord's word that it will be done. Ask to have it put in writing detailing any work or items that will be supplied before your moving in date. Remember, if you sign an agreement to move in and the work promised has not been done before you move in, you may either be stuck with the disrepair or subject to the inconvenience of the work being carried out while you are living there.   Read more... Housing Repairs

My house is damp what can I do?

Cornwall is one of the three wettest counties in England, and as a consequence damp can be a problem in some private rented accommodation in Falmouth and Penryn. Many of these houses are older style properties that may have inadequate ventilation. If you are concerned about damp and mould in your accommodation make sure you are ventilating the property properly - drying clothes over radiators or on racks in rooms with the windows closed may be the cause. There may be something wrong with structure of the house which needs rectifying. You should write to your landlord/lady or the Agent acting for him/her to notify them of the problem, and ask them to visit the property to see how the problem can be rectified.  If your landlord/lady will not do anything about the damp you can contact the department of the local council responsible for private rented property in your area e.g. Carrick District Council 01872 224317, Kerrier District Council 01209 614000. They will send an Environmental Health Officer to view the property and, if necessary, order the landlord to do the necessary work. Take photographs of any damage to your own property. You will need these as evidence if you want to ask for compensation from your landlord.

I can smell Gas what should I do?

Carbon monoxide (CO) has killed ten students since 1992, and thousands more have been made ill as a result of exposure to it. CO is produced by faulty or poorly installed gas appliances, or when flues or other means of ventilation are blocked, and it can kill within hours. Since the mid 1990's legislation has existed which compels landlords (which includes universities and colleges) to undertake an annual gas safety check. They must also be able to prove that this inspection has occurred and that a competent (CORGI) registered gas engineer had conducted it. CORGI is the Council for Registered Gas Installers who protect the public from unsafe gas installations. If you smell gas or think an appliance is dangerous ring 0800 111 999 (Gas Emergency Service).

My Landlord is being difficult what can I do?

Most landlords/ ladies are considerate and approachable, and will be helpful with any problems or difficulties you may have. However, if this is not the case, there are certain steps and approaches you can take to resolve matters. Read More... Difficult Landlords 

Do I have to pay Council Tax?

Council Tax is a charge on domestic "dwellings" (places where someone can live), but there is a personal element. If you are a full-time student you should not have to pay Council Tax. Read More..... Council Tax

Do I need a TV License?

The law requires everyone, including students, to be covered by a licence if they use any device to receive television programmes as they are being shown on TV. Read More.... TV Licensing

Where do I go if I am having a problem with living in Halls?

If you have a complaint or question about University Halls of Residence, in the first instance, it is best to contact the Accommodation department directly.  Alternatively, if you have an issue you need support or representation on, you can make appointment to see an Adviser or email us at : advice@fxu.org.uk 

The FXU advisors are available to discuss and advise you over any concerns you have with housing or any other issue that is troubling you.  Call us to arrange an appointment at Tremough Campus: the FXU reception opposite the refectory/bar or by telephone 01326 370447 or Woodlane Campus: the FXU reception in the Library Building, Main Campus, or by telephone 01326 213742. Alternatively you can email advice@fxu.org.uk

Useful Links

Shelter 

TCS Accommodation Office

Citizen's Advice Bureau

Private Sector Housing: (Carrick District Council)

Private Sector Housing (Kerrier District Council)   

Housing Ombudsman Service

Information on housing

Deposit Scheme (Tenancy Deposit Scheme)

Council Tax: 

NUS and Unipol Information pack on Tenancy Deposits

The Deposit Protection Service (The DPS)

Tenancy Deposit Solutions Ltd (TDSL)

The Tenancy Deposit Scheme (TDS)

TV Licence

Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in these advice pages. However, they cannot be regarded as a substitute for statutory regulations, or individual advice which is available from FXU Advisers.