(1) University Registered Accommodation Always consider a property that is registered with the University accommodation services. The University carries out checks to make sure all houses registered comply with current safety standards. All the properties advertised on letsgorent.com are also registered with the University. Some important points to check before renting a property are that the landlord can provide the following information. A letter confirming it is a registered H.M.O. (house in multiple occupation) if there are four or more occupants. A valid Corgi gas safety record. A letter confirming that the furnishings comply with Trading Standards Regulations.

(2) Plan ahead Although you may not move into next years accommodation until September, it is advisable to start house hunting well in advance if you want to have the pick of the best properties available. For the majority of students it will be the first time you have to think about rent payments, contracts, utility bills, sharing with relative strangers, puting the bin out ect. The properties advertised here are almost all self catering and you will also be responsible for your own cleaning and laundry. Consider carefully what your requirements are, who you want to live with and how you want to live. There is little point in looking for a palace to live in if you then turn it into a pigsty. Your landlord will expect you to leave a property in the same condition as you take it, otherwise there will be financial penalties.

(3) Viewing the property Viewing must be by appointment only and you should always be accompanied by the Landlord or his representative. Properties on viewprior to the summer break are usually occupied by the current years students. They will inevitably look `lived in' and you may have to make some allowances for this. Please have regard for the privacy of the tenants in residence, it is only with their good will that you can view occupied houses. We would recommend that whilst no property should be rented unseen, you should try to keep viewings to a minimum

(4) Furnishing and Décor Trading Standard requirements only address the Fire Retardant qualities of furnishings, unless they are a health hazard, so make sure that they meet with your requirements. This also applies to showers, fridges, cookers, carpets etc. Satisfy yourselves on this before signing a contract. Satisfy yourselves that the decor is acceptable to you and that routine maintenance is carried out to keep the property up to standard. Be sure of your position before you sign as your landlord will be unwilling to release you from your contract after it has been signed. Again satisfy yourselves before signing a contract.

(5) Rent Levels Rent levels vary considerably and do not necessarily reflect the quality of the accommodation. Shop around to find the standard of accommodation you require at the best price

(6) Contracts U.G.R.L.A. has produced a Short-hold Tenancy Agreement that is used by most of its members. The main point about such a Short-hold Tenancy Agreement is that it creates a legally binding contract for a specific room in a house, and a specified rent for a set period of time. The Contract will also set out whether the rent is inclusive or exclusive of fuel and water rates, and any council tax (which is not applicable at the moment to full time students). Make sure you take into account the additional cost of fuel and water rates when you consider the cost of accommodation. Some agencies may charge an administration fee and may have longer contract lengths. So take /total costs into account before booking!

(7) Guarantor A guarantor may be requested and would generally be a parent or guardian. The purpose of a guarantor is that they will have to pay any unpaid rent in the event of a student not paying the accrued debts

(8) Holding fees (Retainer) This is an amount of money given by a student to secure a room over the summer vacation and is non-refundable

(9) Bond money / Deposit This is an amount of money held against any damage to the house during the Tenancy. This money is refundable at the end of the Tenancy less any deductions for damage. It is a good idea to point out any existing damage and any missing items from the inventory to the Landlord as soon as you move in.

(10) Inventory This is a list of items supplied by your landlord for your use during the tenancy. Make sure all the items listed are in the house when you arrive and are in working order. Your landlord will refer to the inventory when calculating the return of your bond money at the end of the Tenancy.

(11) Maintenance Ask your landlord what arrangements he or she has if you have a maintenance problem during your Tenancy, this is especially important if your landlord lives some distance away.

(12) Relations with your landlord Landlord Most landlords are approachable and if you have any problems, they are far better discussed at the time in a pleasant manner, with respect on both sides. I would think most of us regard a student house as being our house and your home. Our aim is that your stay with us will be a pleasure.