Most students find it daunting when signing for their first house as they are giving themselves responsibility to achieve their goals, yet it appears that it is a phase all students go through. However, there are mistakes students often make when signing for their first house and that is either they don’t read their contracts properly, or they sign to a house under pressure because of landlord’s scaremongering. Here are some easy steps on how to survive contracts from student accommodation, taken from my own experience.
Always read the contract.
Landlords usually try to apply pressure into signing people up for houses, because they are looking for quick money, but you should make sure that all your bills are covered and the contract is individualised. This can help you save money in the long run when you do build a house.
Keep a copy of the contract with you at all times, including any changes the landlord makes.
This is so that you can hold the landlord accountable for any breaches in the contract, but also communicate any changes you wish to make, such as individualising the contract. Any changes must also be countersigned by the landlord.
Always check the landlord’s credibility with your council.
It is important that you check that the landlord has permission for multiple residency with the council as it is against the law if the council has disapproved them for allowing multiple residency without their authorisation. This could lead to you losing your contracted home
These are some things to keep in mind, always check and remember if you have a bad feeling about any landlord, you must investigate further. Always report to your advice centre if you have any questions or queries.