What we do:
The Accommodation Service provides students with University Approved accommodation on campus or with homestay.
Who I am:
For information, appointments:
For policies relating to Health & Safety please go to Communities and Facilities, Health & Safety on Learning Space
The Campus Support Assistants work between 07.30 and 20.00 Monday to Friday. This team will offer the support you need on a day to day basis and are located in the Campus Services Office.
The Campus Security Staff will provide support from 20.00 to 08.00 Monday to Friday and at weekends. They look after the safety and security of the establishment and will conduct regular patrols.
The Senior Warden, Resident Wardens and Senior Resident Student's are on a duty rota out of normal office hours.
The Senior Warden (Lance Doggart) is responsible for:
Campus can be a lively place to live with a diverse population and sometimes not everyone is able to "get along".
The Wardens and SRS team can help with noisy neighbours, feeling homesick, not knowing your way around and are the first port of call for any incidents or accidents.
Resident Wardens:
Senior Resident Students:
The Campus Support Team assist in making your stay on campus enjoyable whilst taking into account everyone's safety and wellbeing.
In the event of an incident please call 01752 636700 then extension 2222 and the Campus Support Assistants or Campus Security Staff will contact the duty SRS.
Good Conduct and Student Discipline apply as agreed by the Council of Management of the University. If you cannot conduct yourself in a socially acceptable manner you will be subject to the disciplinary procedures.
Bullying
Can be physical attacks and verbal, written or visual abuse, harassment, discrimination or intimidation.
Examples of bullying may be discrimination as a result of an individual's disability, gender, age, ethnicity, religion or sexuality. Exclusion or being ignored by your friends, pressure to take part in so-called 'initiation ceremonies' in order to be accepted or intrusion of privacy are also forms of bullying.
Any attention which is unwanted and causes you to feel harassed, fearful, alarmed or distressed is thought of as 'unacceptable behaviour'.
Any incident of unacceptable behaviour brought to the University's attention will be formally investigated and may, where proven, lead to the dismissal of a member of staff or the expulsion of a student.
ANYONE who has suffered a bullying incident is encouraged to report the matter, informally or formally, by following the appropriate procedure for students which are set out in the Student Handbook.
Quiet Enjoyment
You are expected to have quiet enjoyment and are requested to show a consideration to others with regard to noise.
Avoid at all times being a nuisance and annoyance to others. You are expected to show a healthy respect to one another. After midnight it is expected that residents will keep noise to a minimum.
Respect
A lack of respect for values and consideration for others, together with anti social behaviour of some individuals can make life a misery for others. We all have responsibilities as well as rights, civility and good manners.
We need to know if people are behaving in an unacceptable manner.
If you are being affected please report this to the Accommodation Office, Campus Support Team or Marjon Student Union or Student Support.
Deep Frying:
General cooking safety:
DO NOT LEAVE THE COOKER / STOVE UNATTENDED FIRE STARTS WHEN YOUR ATTENTION STOPS!
You must take time to complete your inventory on arrival and return to the Estates Office within 48 hours. This will be checked again when you vacate the accommodation and any damage, cleaning, removal of items will be charged against your deposit.
You are responsible for your room and shared areas.
Costs
For a guideline of costs please see the poster on your area notice board.
Rooms
Any damage repair or replacement of any equipment, fixture, fittings or furnishings belonging to the University or additional cleaning within your room will be charged and deducted from your deposit.
Shared Areas
Any damage repair or replacement of any equipment, fixture, fittings or furnishings belonging to the University or additional cleaning will incur a percentage of that cost being collectively charged with other student residents or the full cost charged to the individual responsible. This will be deducted from your deposit.
If you have to call an ambulance or fire brigade direct the number is 999 or from your mobile 112. Please ensure you inform Reception so they can direct the ambulance or fire brigade on arrival (extension 2222 out of hours).
First Aid
In cases of need contact Main Reception 01752 636700 or extension 0 or extension 2222 out of hours who will call for a first aider, or contact your SRS. Please note that ALL SRS's are first aid trained.
Minor Injuries Unit (MIU)
A MIU can advise, assess and treat you for minor injuries and ailments such as cuts, bruises, strains and sprains. Plymouth's Minor Injuries Unit is based at the Cumberland Centre, Damerel Close, Devonport.
No appointment is necessary. Patients are seen on a first come first served basis. The Centre is open 7 days a week (including Bank Holidays) from 9am to 5.30pm. For further information call the MIU on 0845 155 8003.
Derriford Hospital Emergency Department
The Emergency Department is located at Derriford Hospital and is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for anyone seeking healthcare for an urgent medical problem related to an accident or illness. It is a walk-in service so you do not need an appointment.
The Emergency Department can be very busy and should be used only by those seeking emergency medical attention. It should not be used instead of your GP, as many more minor or older problems are better treated by your own doctor.
Doctor
If you are living on campus you will need to register with a doctor. If you do not and become ill whilst living at Marjon you will have difficulty in being seen.
Marjon has good relations with Elm Surgery so why not take a few minutes and register now. www.elmsurgery.co.uk/
Out of Hours Doctor
Devon Doctors provides urgent out of hours service to registered, unregistered and visitors to the country. They can be contacted on 0845 6710 270. For information go to www.devondoctors.co.uk
Royal Eye Infirmary
Plymouth has its own eye hospital giving you specialist advice and treatment. Telephone lines open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call 01752 439330/439331.
Dentist
Emergency dental treatment for unregistered patients is available at Plymouth's Dental Access Centre. Call 0845 155 8070 for an appointment.
Electrical
The electricity supply is the UK standard of 240 volt at a frequency of 50 Hertz.
Your room is fitted with standard 13 amp 3 pin sockets.
Electrical Safety:
High rated appliances always need their own socket the University College reserves the right to remove any of your personal electrical equipment believed to be dangerous. This includes overloading sockets and having cables running across the room.
Gas
DO NOT touch any gas equipment. The University uses a Gas safety engineer.
Heating
Heating is controlled by the building management system. Please report if you are cold or your radiators or not working when they should be at http://help/portal
DO NOT COVER OR OBSTRUCT THE SURFACE OF AN
ELECTRIC HEATER.
Ironing
An ironing board is provided in each kitchen. Irons are not provided. When ironing use the ironing boards provided and never leave an iron on unattended.
Notice board
Each bedroom has a fixed notice board and you are expected to place your notices on it. Damage to walls will be charged against your deposit or to Resident Occupiers deposits collectively. Blue tac or white tac does mark the walls and you will be charged a contribution towards painting if blue tac or white tac has caused damage.
Telephones
There is at least one telephone in each hall of residence and village house. External calls cannot be made, however internal extensions can be dialled and incoming calls can be received.
HOW TO USE A FIRE EXTINGUISHER
PASS
HOW TO USE A FIRE BLANKET
For substances in flames:
For a person in flames:
Avoidance
Doors
Fire doors must be kept closed at all times. You are responsible for you own safety and security. Fire doors found wedged open will result in a fine of £150 being made against the Licensee and/or collectively with the Licensees of the area involved. Disciplinary action will be taken against anyone abusing this equipment.
Non Smoking Policy
All accommodation including your room is strictly non smoking. The University non-smoking policy prevents any person smoking within any building and within 5 meters of a window or entrance and this includes residential accommodation.
If there is evidence that you are contravening this rule you will be required to vacate your accommodation.
Misuse, malicious activation, tampering with and theft of any fire fighting or fire protection equipment will result in a fine of £150 being made against the Licensees of the area involved. Disciplinary action will be taken against anyone abusing this equipment.
Maliciously activating a fire alarm is a CRIMINAL offence, liable to Police action.
Fire alarms will be tested every Wednesday at 3.00pm
Code of Practice
The University aims to comply with and is committed to the standards of the Universities UUK/Guild HE Code of Practice for the Management of Student Housing. The code can be viewed at www.thesac.org.uk/
Complaints
In the first instance your complaint should be raised with the Accommodation Administrator. Should your problem not be resolved and you have cause for concern please refer to the Student Handbook for policies and procedures regarding how to complain.
Departure
On departure your room will be checked against your inventory. Study bedrooms together with communal areas must be left in a good clean manner, all belongings removed and all rubbish disposed of. Any additional cleaning or damage caused will be deducted from your deposit or to collectively to all deposits. Any items left in your accommodation after your departure will be disposed of immediately. The University will assume no responsibility.
Keys are to be returned to Main Reception. Failure to do so will result in the automatic charge of £70 against your deposit for replacement lock charges.
Energy Efficiency
The University tries to make all its buildings as energy efficient as possible.
Despite this, huge amounts of energy are used to heat and light the campus, its seven halls and village. Much of this energy could be saved by individuals being more energy efficient.
Tips:
TURN IT OFF WHEN NOT IN USE
Pets
No animal is allowed in accommodation or on the University premises. Guide dogs only are permitted.
Post
When addressing mail your 'Hall/House & Room Number' should appear as the first line of the address the:
The University of St Mark & St John
Derriford Road
Plymouth
PL6 8BH
Please call at the Campus Services office to collect your mail or parcels.
There is a Royal Mail post box situated outside the shop on your way to the Halls. It is hiding by the skips.
Television
Not all rooms have a TV point. Therefore you may need to purchase an indoor aerial for your television. It is a CRIMINAL offence not to have a valid TV Licence and you are responsible to purchase one for your room.
You will need a TV Licence if you install or use any television, receiving equipment, video recorder or PCTV, computer, to receive any television programme services including BBC, ITV Channels Satellite, Cable or other services. When applying for your TV Licence please give the full University College address plus your Hall of Residence or Village House number and room number.
If you receive correspondence from the TV Licensing Authority you must respond.
Residents caught without a TV Licence will be fined. You must inform the TV Licensing Authority when you change your address.
For more information: www.tvlicensing.co.uk/check-if-you-need-one/for-your-home/students-aud1
Vacations
You are on a fixed term student resident agreement and may occupy your accommodation during the Christmas and Easter vacations. You are required to vacate you accommodation at the end of your agreement before the summer vacation.
There are no storage facilities on campus and you are advised to make arrangements for storage with private companies.
Visitors
By prior arrangement with the Accommodation Office it may be possible, subject to availability, to offer temporary or overnight accommodation to visitors at a cost of £25 per person per night room only. Visitors are asked to make arrangements with the Accommodation Administrator. If you are having someone stay in your room please let us know their name and the nights they are staying.
Water
All water outlets in both the bedrooms and the kitchens are mains fed water and drinkable.
Withdrawing/Interrupting
In the event that you withdraw or suspend from your course you are required to inform the Accommodation Administrator. Your Dining In Scheme card will be cancelled and any monies due refunded, your room will be checked and your deposit refunded. Please note that unless you can find a suitable replacement for your room there is no refund of rent.
You are responsible for the general cleanliness of the kitchen including the cooking facilities, fridges and freezers and must take full responsibility. Any deep cleaning, or damage caused will result in a deduction being made against you and/or the Licensees collectively. You will be informed when a kitchen inspection is planned and if your kitchen is not to an acceptable standard then a "fine” (up to £250) will be issued and you will be charged for a professional clean (£150).
Outside of inspections if your kitchen is reported as unacceptable then your will be issued with a "red card” giving you 24 hours to clean up, failure to clean up will result in a fine (up to £250) and you will be charged for a professional clean (£150).
Cupboards under sink units are not suitable for food storage.
Clicker lighters for the gas cookers are available at the Estates Office.
Each village house has a washing machine. There are no washing machines supplied to halls of residence.
Launderette
There are 9 washing machines and 10 tumble dryers which you pay per use. Washing powder, by the cup, and change are available from the shop.
Recycling
Please recycle. Dry mix recycling bins are available in the accommodation and you can place paper, plastic and cardboard in these. Glass recyling bags are available. You are responsible for taking your recying and general waste to the skips around the campus.
There is no Refuge collection from accommodation.
COULD YOU BE DOING MORE TO PREVENT WASTE FOR LANDFILL?
Emergencies
For fire, flood, gas leak or electrical requirements that effect health and safety 01752 636700 extension 3076 or 01752 636776.
Out of normal office hours 01752 636700 then extension 2222.
Emergencies will be dealt with within 24 hours.
(Please see your contract for response times)
Routine Maintenance
Any concern you have regarding maintenance must be reported promptly to the Maintenance Department via the helpdesk at http://help/portal
Please do not ask, or expect your flatmates or other members of staff to report matters for you.
Where possible, please report maintenance problems in the morning in order to provide sufficient time for the work to be carried out. Non emergency repairs reported on a Saturday and Sunday will not be dealt with until the Monday of the following week.
Depending on the urgency and nature of the problem the fault will either be passed to one of our residence handymen, or to an external contractor. Issues are dealt with at varying speeds depending on the importance and pressure of work for the various trades persons involved. Please bear with us in this respect as we do endeavour to have work carried out as quickly as possible.
Once a fault has been reported an authorised person will enter your room to access or carry out a repair. Please note that no prior notice will be given and you should allow access to the room in order to avoid the repair being delayed.
Access
It is your responsibility to permit the University contractors or staff to enter your room to inspect the condition of the room and to carry out repairs, maintenance and cleaning. It is your responsibility to therefore, maintain a safe environment for the employees who may have to enter the premises. Please do not litter or obstruct the Room or the Shared Areas and keep all passageways, stairways, exits and fire exits on the premises clear of obstruction and combustible materials.
Litter
The accommodation grounds are tidied on a regular basis and should be kept free from litter and rubbish. You are expected to keep the grounds clean and tidy. All litter must be taken to the bins. It is completely unacceptable to dispose of any rubbish out of windows and any student found to be doing this could face disciplinary action.
Redecoration
The University reserves the right to move you to alternative accommodation on campus for redecoration or maintenance purposes. A redecoration and maintenance programme is underway so some movement will be necessary. There will be no adjustment to residence fees.
You are responsible for your room and your area.
Keep the outer main door of accommodation areas and bedroom doors locked at all times.
All fire doors must be kept closed at all times.
Please do not allow entry into accommodation or to your bedroom to any unauthorised or unknown persons at anytime. If in doubt, seek help by calling main reception. University staff and contractors have identification badges so feel free to ask to see it.
You must to take special notice of security. Always let your friends know when you will be away even if only for a night or a few days. If you have any reason to be concerned about the safety / absence / whereabouts of anyone please inform the Accommodation Administator or Student Support immediately.
Campus Watch! Things go missing! Lock your room! Keep your property secure! Do not leave your laptop unattended at any time!
This campus is an "open” campus and you cannot guarantee that people about are students or staff, accommodation doors must be kept locked and secure at all times.
Devon and Cornwall Police strongly recommend that residents mark all belongings and equipment with a UV marker pen for identification purposes and suggest you use your postcode as identification.
If your wallet or purse is stolen, immediately inform your bank and cancel your debit cards.
Mobiles are by far the most popular items stolen from young people. Dialling *#06# will give you your unique mobile registration (IMEI) number. Make a note and register it at www.immobilise.com. If your phone is then lost or stolen, a quick call to the immobilise hotline (08701 123 123) will result in your handset being blocked on all the networks.
Do be suspicious of e-mails or phone calls requesting too much personal information and destroy papers carrying bank or credit card details. Identity theft is on the increase.
Devon & Cornwall Constabulary
Local Police Station is located at
Budshead Way, Crownhill, Plymouth, PL6 5HT
Contact details
Telephone 101. Minicom 18001 101. For more information go to www.devon-cornwall.police.uk
Insurance
Your contents are insured whilst you are a Licensee. A copy of your policy is in your room on arrival or visit www.cover4students.com/blockhalls
Keys
You will be held responsible for your keys. Should you mislay or lose your keys a charge of £70 will be deducted from your deposit for a lock change.
How to mediate and resolve conflict!
EMERGENCY NUMBERS
Dial 01752 636700 extension 2222 or from a mobile 999 or 112 for
USEFULL TELEPHONE NUMBERS/EMAIL
Accommodation Office 01752 636711
FinanceOffice 01752 636805
Catering Department 01752 6362062
Chaplaincy Centre 01752 636700 extension 6528
Computing Services 01752 636700 extension 4333
computingservices@ucpmarjon.ac.uk
Copy Shop 01752 636700 extension 2811
Disability Advice and Inclusion Team 01752 636833
Doctor (Elm Surgery) 01752 776772
Launderette 0800 092 4068
Library libraryenquiries@ucpmarjon.ac.uk
Main Reception 01752 636700 extension 0
Shop 01752 636700 extension 6418
Sport Centre 01752 636876
report maintenance at http://help/portal
Give yourself time to sort out your grouping before you finally decide on who you are going to share with and then start looking for your housing. You will feel pressure to get this arranged as early as October but please wait until January/February when Marjon Student Union will have advice and guidance for you.
Only view a property when the whole group are able to attend. Never go alone. Make sure you are united as a group in the final decision making. Insist on seeing all areas of the premises offered. Do not be rushed into anything.
Do not accept a house if you have ANY DOUBTS.
Bathroom/Shower/Toilet Facilities
The requirement for 4 or fewer occupiers is a bathroom with a fixed bath/shower and a toilet.
Every 5 occupiers is a bathroom with a fixed bath/shower with a separate toilet and wash hand basin.
5 occupiers of more is a bathroom with a fixed bath/shower with a separate toilet and wash hand basin and a wash hand basin in each housing unit.
No bath, shower room or toilet should be more than one floor away from any user. Neither a bath nor shower can be provided in a kitchen area, neither can a kitchen door open directly into a bathroom/toilet area. External WC’s are not acceptable and cannot be included in the above ratio.
Common Room
If possible rent a house with a lounge/communal area
Curtains & Carpets
All rooms should be suitably supplied.
Fire
A fire extinguisher and fire blanket must be provided as appropriate to the type and size of property.
Food Storage
Each occupant should be provided food storage space, preferably wall mounted [space below a sink unit is not accepted as food storage space].
Furniture
Upholstered furniture must comply with the Regulations covering flammability and should have a label stating this.
Heating
All habitable rooms shall be adequately heated by a fixed space heating appliance of either gas or electricity.
Kitchen & Cooking facilities
Approved standard size gas or electric appliances must be provided.
Refrigerator/freezer, pots, pans, cutlery, crockery, kettle, iron and waste bin are standard items. Check this is so prior to accepting a property. Also find out when your refuse collection day is.
Smoke Detectors
It is essential that smoke detectors/alarms are fitted in your accommodation and should be linked to each other via the mains electricity.
Study Bedroom
Your room should be suitably heated and adequately furnished to provide a study/bedroom, including a worktable/desk and desk chair [both essential], easy chair [space allowing], wardrobe, drawer space/chest of drawers, bed, bedside table, shelving for books, waste bin and mirror. The room must be carpeted and curtained and have an acceptable form of heating.
A student house share may be classed as a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO), Plymouth City Council require the following properties to be licensed:
Three or more storeys which is occupied by five or more people who live in two or more separate households.
A license will normally last for 5 years and will ensure that the HMO is suitable for:
Your Agreement is an essential and very important document. Do not sign your Agreement until you have read it individually and collectively as a group and you all understand every part of the Agreement. If in doubt seek assistance.
Before you sign anything ask if there is a charge and, if so, what the charge will be to you and what it is for.
CHECK
Get any Agreement in writing.
Don't be afraid to ask any questions. Voice your concerns regarding your tenancy to your landlord/agent before accepting a property. You have the right to know. Ask all your questions before you sign an Agreement.
NEVER sign an Agreement to take on accommodation you have not viewed or that is in the process of "being purchased" or is in the process of "being done up".
You will be asked to pay a deposit when you sign your Agreement. The amount can vary considerably from one week to two months rent in advance. Always obtain a receipt for your deposit and make sure you know precisely what the deposit covers.
Your landlord/agent has to protect your deposit by placing it in a Tenancy Deposit Protection Scheme, within fourteen days of taking it from you. You should then be given the following details:
You have a responsibility to return the property in the same condition that is was let to you, allowing for fair wear and tear.
Your landlord will have to check that you are eligible to rent a property in the UK.
You will need to show him one of the following documents and allow the landlord to take copies, prior to the tenancy starting:
OR two of the following documents in combination:
ARRIVAL AT YOUR ACCOMMODATION
Know your address and the telephone contact of your landlord/agent. Find out exactly when and where you get the keys. Your landlord/agent should be at the property to check the Inventory with you, read the meters, and deal with any property advice/instructions on your arrival.
BILLS
Be prepared! The average costs for bills is approximately £10 per person per week. You must have light, warmth and hot water! By placing approximately £10 per person per week aside towards payment, the kitty, will help soften the blow when bills come pouring in. There are always more payments than you think!
BURGLARY
The Police ask that you mark your belongings with an ultra violet marker with your postcode and student number. The Accommodation Officer advises you to take home with you all items of value and items valuable to you during a period of absence, particularly vacation times, and place all other items remaining in your accommodation out of sight, where possible, in cupboards, etc.
Houses with alarms are far less likely to be the target for burglars.
Make sure you have adequate contents insurance.
CATERING
Students can purchase meals at the University College and also buy into the Dining-In-Scheme. Contact the College Catering Department 01752 636862 for further information.
COUNCIL TAX
A house that is solely for the occupation of students attending a full time course in Higher Education is normally exempt from Council Tax charges. Council Tax enquiries office is 01752 304278.
DAMAGE
It is always advisable to inform your landlord/agent immediately of any damage to the property, fixture, fittings, during the period of your tenancy. Any concerns should be dealt with to avoid any misunderstanding at the termination of a tenancy. Inventories should also be amended accordingly.
DECORATION
Do not attempt any redecoration or structural alterations to the property. Always consult your landlord/agent in the first instance.
ELECTRICITY
Unless otherwise stated you will be responsible for all electricity consumed plus quarterly charges during the period of your tenancy. Always take a meter reading on arrival, keep a safe record and inform the supplier of the reading, date and tenants names immediately you take up a tenancy. Make sure your landlord/agent has a current safety certificate for all the electrical appliances.
FINANCE
All financial arrangements are between you and the landlord/agent. The University College cannot enter into any negotiations in this matter and assume no responsibility.
FIRE
Make sure you are aware of emergency escape routes, discuss this with your landlord/agent and know how to call the Fire Brigade.
Some precautions:
GAS
It is required by Law for a landlord/agent to have gas appliances checked for safety at least once a year by a Corgi registered gas installer. You must ask your landlord/agent for proof of inspection and safety.
Unless otherwise stated you will be responsible for all gas consumed plus the quarterly charge during the period of your tenancy. Always take a meter reading on arrival, keep a safe record and inform the supplier of the reading, date and tenants names immediately you take up a tenancy.
GOOD CONDUCT
Good conduct and student discipline apply as agreed by The Council of Management of the University College. Please refer to the current Student Regulations Handbook.
INSURANCE-CONTENTS
Each student is strongly advised to take out their own adequate contents insurance cover.
INSURANCE—PROPERTY
Property insurance is not the responsibility of a student. This should be undertaken by your landlord/agent - make sure it is.
INVENTORY
This should be provided to each tenant detailing the contents of each individual room and all communal areas. Check this document with care at the commencement of a tenancy and write any queries, amendments, discrepancies, breakages, damage, you come across and point all these out, in writing, to your landlord/agent immediately. Time spent doing this at the commencement of a tenancy will avoid misunderstanding or dispute at the end of a tenancy when you check the items again, and need to negotiate your deposit refund.
KEYS
Each tenant should receive a set of keys. While you are in possession of keys to the property you are liable for rent.
LEGAL POSIOTION
If you are not clear about your legal position, get advice. The Citizen's Advice Bureau will assist you, 08448 269717.
MAITNENANCE
Find out what to do if you require maintenance (blocked toilet, broken tap, lights out). Most landlords/agents have cover in place. At all times contact your landlord/agent for advice before taking any action.
POSTERS
Normal procedure is to have permission from your landlord/agent to place posters on internal walls of the accommodation. Placing posters without permission could affect your deposit.
QUIET ENJOYMENT
In order to safeguard your privacy it is normal to ask your landlord/agent to give 24 hours notice of entry and the personal permission of a tenant to enter his/her own room, except in cases of emergency.
SECURITY
At all times make security a priority and habit in your home. Keep doors into the property locked at all times. You will be held responsible for your accommodation and the behaviour of other people entering that accommodation.
TELEPHONE
In most cases the telephone is entirely the responsibility of tenants.
TELEVISION
You must have a TV Licence to use a set within your room. The penalty for not being able to produce a valid TV Licence could lead to a fine. A TV Licence is the responsibility of tenants. You can refer to customer enquiries at www.tvlicensing.co.uk.
VACATIONS
It is standard practice that full weekly rental is payable during both the Christmas and Easter vacation periods. You are, of course, entitled to use your accommodation while you are paying full rent.
VENTILATION
All habitable rooms shall be ventilated directly to the external air by a window. Kitchen, bathroom, water closet, that have no external window should be provided with mechanical ventilation.
WATER CHARGES
Some tenants are liable for the water rate for the duration of a tenancy. This charge can be costly. You must find out whether you are liable and how much the quarterly charge is before signing your Agreement. Ask to see the cost of charges incurred previously. You are strongly encouraged to arrange for this payment to be made by your landlord/agent.