Private Accommodation

If you want to experience real independence this could be the option for you. Typically students take this option in their second or consecutive years, although it should be stated that not every fresher is lucky enough to get a place in halls. A week?s accommodation can cost anything from £50 per week upwards plus food and bills. All landlords who register their properties with a university must agree to and abide by a Code of Practice and all properties are inspected. The letting arrangement for private houses and flats is between the landlord and the tenant.

Accommodation agencies
As an alternative it may be worth approaching an accommodation agency. These act as agents for private landlords and deal with rented flats, houses and bedsits.

If you approach an agency please consider the following points:
What are you paying for?
Get receipts
All agreements should be in writing
Get a copy of what you sign
Are there any extra terms and conditions?
See safety certificates
Get an inventory
Know your rights and responsibilities
If you don't understand it, don't sign it.
Get the service you're paying for - It is illegal for an agency to charge simply for registering someone or supplying a list of addresses.
Local papers and their websites
Look at the Student Housing and the Students' Union noticeboards
Look in newsagent shop windows and local supermarkets

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