{"id":3346,"date":"2017-09-22T13:30:25","date_gmt":"2017-09-22T13:30:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.riaabarkergillette.com\/uk\/?p=3346"},"modified":"2024-11-19T19:59:03","modified_gmt":"2024-11-19T19:59:03","slug":"giving-rookie-renters-helping-hand","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.riaabarkergillette.com\/uk\/giving-rookie-renters-helping-hand\/","title":{"rendered":"Giving rookie renters a helping hand"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Parents can help guide the rookie tenants through the process but may themselves not be aware of how things have changed since their uni days or first-time flat rental.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Parents and students often focus on the emotional upheaval or logistics rather than the important details of checking out the property and ensuring the landlord is a safe bet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Privately-owned student accommodation is likely to be a house of multiple occupation (an HMO<\/a>) if it accommodates three or more students. AN HMO places extra obligations on the landlord. For example, an HMO must satisfy special requirements regarding fire and general safety, utility supplies and management of communal areas, which could include fire alarms, extinguishers and fire blankets on every floor. You can also ask to see the landlord’s HMO licence. If a landlord doesn’t have a licence when they should, they can be prosecuted, and you may reclaim up to 12 months\u2019 worth of rent paid during the time that the HMO was unlicensed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Whether the property is classed as an HMO or not, all landlords should ensure<\/a> that gas appliances are covered by an annual check, that all electrical installations are checked every five years by a qualified electrician and that any appliances like washing machines, kettles or toasters have a PAT certificate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Any agreement will likely be based on an assured shorthold tenancy (an AST) in privately owned student accommodation. This can be for a fixed term, such as the academic year, for 12 months, or periodic, which may run from month to month. Most lets include the summer holiday period these days, with either full or reduced rent due.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The landlord should provide a written agreement, and as a minimum, this should be a statement of the main terms, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n