We are here to Ease Your Anxiety
Yes, finding a home can be stressful, however it’s also exciting to be independent and living with your friends, making the most of the opportunities ahead of you. Our aim is to try and make the whole process of finding a home as easy as possible.
The process starts in finding that property that will become your home, signing the contract and moving in. SUHomes have managed properties where you’re in contact with us directly and we also have properties where we introduce you to the landlord.
As a student you will need a guarantor who guarantees the rent – a guarantor is usually a family member or friend, living in the UK and who is working full time in a permanent job.
Once you have found your property and all references including your Right to Rent checks have been approved, then you sign your Tenancy Agreement. This is done electronically for ease and efficiency using Signable. Your agreement that you sign is a legally binding contract.
You would also at this point pay your deposit. A deposit must be registered with a Government Approved Scheme. We as a team want to try and ensure you receive this deposit back at the end of the tenancy by working with you, and explaining the expectations that a landlord may have when it comes to you handing back the property and moving out.
It’s always a good idea to take out Contents Insurance for your personal belongings. You can also add additional accidental cover to your insurance which would cover you for accidental damage to the landlord’s property e.g. iron burn marks to the carpet, hair straightener burn marks, knife marks on the work tops etc.
When it’s time to move in you will be issued with; Gas Safety Certificate (if there’s gas at the property), Electrical Inspection Condition Report (EICR), Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) and How to Rent booklet and Inventory – Schedule of Condition. We will also schedule a Check In, and you will be met at the property by the Landlord, Agent or a Representative with the Inventory and keys.
Finding that property
Our available properties are advertised from the beginning of January each year for you to secure for the next academic year. We can provide a video tour so you can virtually see a property you are interested in before viewing in person if this is what you wish to do.
Guarantor
To qualify as a guarantor they need to have base earnings in excess of £20K per annum, if you are struggling with this then there are other options for you. Paying in advance on a stage payment plan is one option, or there are service products available both from Housing Hand www.housinghand.co.uk and Your Guarantor www.yourguarantor.com. Both products are available to home students based in the UK as well as our international members.
Right To Rent
Right to Rent was introduced under the Immigration Act 2014 and it is really important for both tenants and landlords to understand the implications of this act. It places restrictions on illegal immigrants accessing rented accommodation in England by making all adult occupants prove they are in the UK legally before being granted a tenancy. This is done through a process called a Right to Rent check.
Tenancy Agreement
The Tenancy Agreement that you sign will either be on an individual basis e.g just you on the agreement, or joint and severally liable, meaning if you move into a property with your friends and you are all named on the agreement then you are all equally responsible for the condition of the house and the monthly rent to be paid on time.
Deposit
We currently register deposits with the Deposit Protection Service. Some landlords may choose to use an alternative approved scheme.
Contents Insurance
We are able to offer contents insurance to students for as little as £25 per year through Endsleigh Insurance. This covers their contents and accidental damage to the landlords property.
Inventory and Schedule of Condition
We work alongside The Inventory Shop who are a professional company that issues the Inventory and check alarms etc on the day you move in. The Inventory forms part of your Tenancy Agreement, so keep it safe. If you agree with the inventory and the Schedule of Condition sign it and keep a copy for your records. This is used at the check-out and helps get your deposit back.