Tips for surviving in a student rental

As students across NI get their “A” level results we've come up with some handy tips for anyone, and particularly for new students, who is planning on taking on a new rental tenancy. Many students heading off to college or university will choose to rent privately.  The sector has grown rapidly in recent years and now makes up for 17% of all households, nearly 130,000 homes in Northern Ireland. 

Setting up home for the first time can be both exciting and daunting.  Students heading off to College or University can often be unsure about their rights and responsibilities when renting privately. It can be difficult to get out of a tenancy if you change your mind about the place, so get advice immediately if you can’t continue with the contract or if you're having any problems in your new rented home.  Ursula Toner, Advice Services Manager, Housing Rights

Housing Rights top tips for tenants

1. Viewing a property is really important - shop around and keep an eye out for signs of damp or disrepair.  If you spot a problem, get written confirmation from the landlord before you sign the contract that the problem will be dealt with.
2. Make sure you fully understand what any money you pay over to an agent is going to be used for and under what circumstances it will be refunded.
3. If you have to provide a guarantor, check that this person understands exactly what they’re responsible for and make sure they get a copy of your agreement– they could be asked to cover your flatmates’ arrears or damages as well as your own.
4. Read your tenancy agreement carefully and don't sign it unless you understand and are happy with all the conditions.
5. Check the inventory of items in the property, noting their condition and cleanliness before you sign it.
6. Your landlord must be registered and your deposit must be protected. Make sure to check that your landlord has complied with these requirements.
7. Check that you’ve been given a gas safety certificate for any gas appliances and that all alarms and safety measures work
8. Get your own contents insurance, the landlord’s insurance won’t cover any damage to your belongings.
9. Make sure you've budgeted for all the costs associated with having your own home - don’t forget your living costs as well as your rent, rates and utility bills.
10. Know your rights and responsibilities as a tenant and where to get advice if things go wrong.

Understand your rights

The NI Private Tenants Forum produced a 3 minute video that is designed to help people find private rented accommodation and understand their rights.

Finding out more about renting privately

You can read more about your rights and responsibilities when you're renting privately at www.housingadviceni.org