A big part of college is living on or near campus. Many universities will offer on-campus housing that is either part of the school or private residences, but it comes at a high cost and doesn't always include complimentary amenities. This situation leaves students to find other solutions with off-campus living. If you find yourself in this position, you'll need to sign a lease. Here are some tips to safeguard your rights when securing student accommodations in Bournemouth.
Read It Carefully
Many parts of a lease agreement can take advantage of you if you don't read it carefully. If you miss something, the other party may have grounds for getting out of the contract or leaving you liable.
For example, some leases include clauses that protect the landlord from liability for accidents on their premises. This can include everything from slipping in the shower to being attacked by a resident of another unit. If you sign away your right to compensation and sustain an injury on their property, they'll have grounds to get out of paying for your damages.
Review the Deposit Requirements
You have three deposit options in the UK for student housing, and each is protected in a government-backed bank account for the duration of your lease. These include a tenancy deposit scheme, Deposit Protection Service (DPS), or MyDeposits. Each has specific requirements to access your deposit when you move out, so be sure to discuss these in detail with the landlord.
Verify the Guarantor Clause
Many student housing accommodations require a guarantor on the lease to pay rent or damages if you can't. However, if you secure the apartment or room with proof of your income and not your parents, it might not be necessary. This is usually your parents or legal guardian. Before you sign, check that the guarantor clause is still valid. If it's not, ask your landlord to remove or change it before signing the agreement.
List All the Details
Don't underestimate how a judge can interpret minor details. Even if you think it seems silly or inconsequential, anything that's not in writing could be grounds for leaving you responsible.
For example, if you moved out without handing over the keys to your landlord, it could be grounds for leaving you liable for the remainder of the lease.
That's why it's important to list everything in your contract, including when your rent is due, the payment method, how to terminate your agreement early, and what happens if you can't pay. The best tenant's lease can't protect you from everything, and if something isn't clearly stated, you might be vulnerable to fees or other ramifications.
So long as you carefully read the contract and have a guarantor on your lease, signing a student housing agreement doesn't have to be stressful. However, if you run into trouble or don't understand all the conditions of your lease, seek out legal assistance for peace of mind. Most students qualify for free legal advice.
