Paying Deposits & Signing Up
Once you have found a property, you may be asked to sign a contract straight away. However, in many instances you will be asked for personal details, to provide a deposit and be asked to return later to sign a contract.
Deposits
A landlord is entitled to charge a refundable deposit as security against the tenancy. It is separate from rent payments; and is refunded after the tenant has moved out, the keys have been returned and the landlord has checked the property. A landlord may make deductions from a deposit to cover the cost of any repairs or damage that result from the negligence of the tenant, including any necessary cleaning.
Deposits are now required to be held in a Tenancy Deposit Protection scheme, the aim of which is to ensure all tenants receive part or all of their deposit back if they are entitled to it, provide an arbitration service in the event of a dispute, and encourage landlords and tenants to make a clear agreement at the start of the tenancy on the condition of the property. You can go to My Deposit website if you require more information re the above.
Properties let through NUstudenthomes Property Management Service are classed as Educational Lets and do not come under this scheme; however the University will endeavour to return all deposits as quickly as possible.
Tenancy agreements, advice and guidance
The most common form of contract is an Assured Shorthold Tenancy agreement, which is a legally binding agreement setting out the rights and responsibilities of both the landlord and the tenants. The vast majority of contracts in Newcastle are for a fixed period of 12 months with students paying full rent over the summer vacation. In some limited cases the landlord may offer a tenancy for a shorter period of time.
The only release from a contract is to find a suitable replacement person (usually another student) who has agreed to take over your contractual responsibilities. The Accommodation Office will be able to advertise for a replacement tenant for you free of charge via our sharelist facility.
Joint contracts
Most student properties in Newcastle are let on a joint tenancy basis. This means that all tenants sign the same agreement and are equally liable for the full rent due on the property. If any of the tenants fail to pay their share of the total rent, the landlord can hold the other tenants in the property legally liable for the portion of the rent that remains unpaid. If there is any damage to the property, or if cleaning is required at the end of the tenancy, this is also the joint responsibility of all the tenants. The only exception to this is if one or more of the tenants claim responsibility for any damage and agree to meet the repair/replacement costs themselves.
Single contracts
Some landlords are now beginning to offer single tenancy agreements. NUstudenthomes now offer single contracts on all our managed properties. This is where each student in the property signs their own contract taking sole responsibility for their portion of the rent. Under this contract they are responsible for any damage done to their study bedroom, but retain joint responsibility for the common areas of the property. Single contract dates of the tenancy may vary between members of the same household.
If single contracts are offered, this will often be noted on the property advert. When searching for properties, it may be worth asking the landlord if they would provide single contracts. Bear in mind that such agreements are still in the minority.
Tenancy advice and guidance
The Accommodation Service, Level 2, King's Gate offers advice to students living in the private sector. We cover such issues as finding accommodation, discussing tenancy rights and help on how to carry out a successful tenancy. We are also on hand to check over tenancy agreements or any other related documents. If you are having difficulties with your landlord we can also investigate your concerns and help mediate between both parties.