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 and also buy into the Dining-In-Scheme. Contact the 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. https://www.plymouth.gov.uk/counciltax/contactoptions. The University will inform your local council of your status as a full time student.
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 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:
- Never leave a chip pan unattended with the heat on
- Never leave clothes on top of any gas fire or electrical appliance
- Never leave an electric iron on unattended
- Never empty an ashtray into a waste bin last thing at night
- Never cook late at night
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 . Please refer to the current Student Regulations Handbook. https://www.marjon.ac.uk/about-marjon/institutional-documents/student-regulations-framework-2019-20/
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, 0300 330 9043.
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.