Living as a Tenant: Your Rights and Responsibilities

Tenancy agreement

As a student, it is more important than ever that you understand exactly what your rights are when you’re paying your rent to a landlord or letting agent. All landlords will charge a varied amount for the student accommodation that they offer and will provide you with a tenancy agreement before you move in, this should state the agreed rent and the rules that need to be followed by both parties, having a good knowledge of your tenancy agreement can only work in your favour. Your agreement will also tell you your allotted time at your accommodation, this time will be more than likely a year for a university student. Finally, your agreement will contain the rules that are set out, this can change depending on the landlord and the property. These rules can include any of the following; maintenance, allowance of pets and what a tenant can and cannot change (e.g. painting, wall mounts).

 

Rent Deposits

The majority of landlords and lettings agents ask that their tenants pay a deposit when they let a property to them. This deposit acts as security against non-payment of rent and damage. However, it is important to remember that that deposit should be returned. If the tenants failed to leave the property in a clean and respectable condition prior to vacating, the landlord will deduct as much as is required to fix or clean the property.

It is possible that a situation could occur in which a landlord feels justified in refusing to give the tenants deposit back, even if the property was left as it was found. A useful tip for new tenants at a property is to ensure you have photographic evidence of the state that the property was found in. That way, if it comes to it, you can prove that you left the property in the same state as it was found.

Additionally, a scheme was put into place in England and Wales in 2007 that is a huge benefit to tenants. This scheme offers protection to tenants’ deposits regarding assured shorthold tenants.

It is mandatory for the landlord to use a tenancy deposit protection scheme to safeguard the deposit that’s been paid when renting accommodation.

As a result, if the landlord has no need to make deductions due to any damage to the property that may have been caused, you should find the process by which you get your deposit back at the finish of your tenancy much less difficult.

Repairs

It is the legal responsibility of the landlord to adequately maintain your home, and, as a tenant, you have the right for your rented home to be kept in a state of repair that is reasonable. This includes the interior of the building, such as toilets, drains, sinks and gas appliances as well as external doors, windows, walls and roofs.

Repairs and Tenant Rights

You should contact your landlord if you notice that any repairs are required on your rented property. You should do this in writing and provide a deadline for completing these repairs. Due to your tenant rights, you have the option of taking the issue further as a way of forcing your landlord to complete the repairs if he or she unreasonably delays or refuses to complete the repairs.

There may be the possibility of you being able to take court action. Also, if the situation arises whereby the disrepair is creating a serious health and safety risk, you can contact the Environmental Health Department of your local council. It may be reasonable in some instances to make the arrangements yourself for the repairs to be carried out before claiming the costs later.

It is worth pointing out though, that prior to you talking action in response to the disrepair in your accommodation, you should read through your tenancy agreement. Given that putting in a request for repairs to be carried out can make it easier for landlords to end certain tenancy agreements, you could face the prospect of being without your home.

  

Responsibilities, Rights and Shorthold Tenancies

The rights and responsibilities of the tenant and landlord are listed in the contract that is agreed upon when you begin renting your property as a tenant. Your legal rights will be determined by the nature of the tenancy agreement, that exists between you and your landlord.

Tenancy agreements come in a range of various types. Most of these tenancy agreements state which specific type they are. In England and Wales, the majority of tenancies entered into on or subsequent to 28^th February, will be shorthold tenancies. This form of tenancy has these characteristics:

• The property must be the main home for at least one of the tenants.
• The tenants must be individuals.
• The tenants are free to use the property as their own (meaning that other people, including the landlord should not be using or treating the property as their own).

Enjoying Your Student Life

Student life has many facets. The main objective is the hard work and discipline of study, with a specific goal of achievement. Alongside that, there is the making of friends and building of relationships. Perhaps a little hidden, but just as important, is the care and development of yourself as a whole human being. In order to make the most of your time at university it's important to create a good balance of these three, with good patterns and habits. Remember that the knowledge, experiences and relationships that you gain at university will impact and shape the rest of your life.

Study

Lectures and seminars 

They may be early in the morning and you might not want to climb out of bed but your discipline (or lack of it) in attending your lectures will determine the grade you get and your future success in your working life. Four years down the line, when you’re in a stable job and on a good salary, you will be thankful you went. Not only this but, as I’m sure you’re well aware by now, you’re paying a considerable sum of money for this, so get down to your next lecture or seminar and get learning.

Assignments

These are definitely not anyone’s favourite thing, but they are worth doing well. Not only are they vital in helping you to achieve your desired grade but every moment you spend on them will further your overall learning. Aim to get your assignments in early, this will help you to retain the knowledge you gather. If you rush your assignments at the last minute, you are likely to forget most of what you learn.

Exams

Quite possibly the most stressful time for students will be the exam period. So much pressure and so many expectations and aspirations depending on this one or two pieces of work, done in such a short period of time. Again, make sure you prepare well in advance. Take your time. Don’t rush it all at the end. Make sure you know your stuff well before it comes to exam week, that way you’ll be confident instead of anxious. The most important thing to remember in this instance is to keep a level head, don’t overwork yourself, and don’t lose sleep over them. Do the best you can and you will be fine.

Social life

Clubs

One of the best ways of making friends and building friendships, as well as having a lot of fun, is to join a club or society. Birmingham university, like few others, has an extremely wide variety of different clubs and societies that you can be a part of. So whether you want to meet with people who are sporty, or creative, or intellectual, or gamers, or who share your faith, you are sure to find a group of people meeting who also enjoy sharing those things. This is a great place to let your hair down and relax. It's important to create space in your life for fun and enjoyment and for the things that you are passionate about. Get out there, enjoy yourself and meet new people.

Housemates 

The people you are most likely to connect with during your time at university are the people you live with. These are the people who will see you at your best and at your worst and whom you will rub shoulders with everyday. They will challenge you and encourage you and you will have to learn to live alongside them in harmony. This is not always easy. People have all sorts of different beliefs and expectations. Learning to accept and understand each other is one of the key things you will learn in your time at university. Make sure you spend time with those you live with and socialize with them, whether this is sat on the sofa or out partying. If you take the time to really get to know and get on with the people around you, they will be some of your closest friends for years to come.

Friends back home 

Your friends back home have a significant role to play too. They have seen where you’ve come from, they’ve grown up with you and they know your family and your ways. Although your new life will be very exciting and time consuming, don’t let overwhelm you so that you forget those old friendships. Invite your friends to stay, make time to visit them at home, or to visit them wherever they have gone. Be there for them and when you are in trouble, or missing home, they will be there to encourage you and to pick you up.

Mental well being

Plan your time

You can never be over-prepared for university. Be aware of all your deadline and completion dates. Don’t fall into the trap of leaving everything till the last minute, this can cause stress affecting your quality of work and your general life. Create a work plan that enables you to finish work well in advance and leave you stress-free.

Accommodation next year

Get your student accommodation sorted early. It’s never too early to secure accommodation for your next year at university. It is important that you feel comfortable and relaxed in your living environment. A mad dash at the end of the year could mean that you end up living the next year in a space that isn’t right for you. Get looking today, and find your ideal space in good time.

Physical activity

Exercise is a great way to not only keep yourself physically fit but maintain your mental well-being. Exercise has an ability to enhance a person’s self-esteem and confidence helping to fight mental issues such as anxiety and depression.

Finance

Be careful with your money, it can disappear very quickly.  Have you tried budgeting? This involves setting out spending targets in order to manage your overall spending over a week or a month. Students often overspend during their nights out and leave themselves short for food and other essential amenities. Also, never lend money to or borrow from your friends. Small debts can quickly build up and will often leave you or your friend in a worse situation, they can even destroy your friendship altogether. Being able to look after your money is one step to avoiding stress, which is something you’d rather do without during your time at university.  

Christmas

Saving money at Christmas

It’s now December and we couldn’t finish this blog without mentioning Christmas. This is an expensive time of the year for anyone, often costing students more than the average month. To combat the stress of spending all at once, we suggest that you get your presents early. This way you can spread the cost over a period of time and often find things at a discount price, saving you a bit of money. Another simple way to save money at Christmas is by organizing a ‘secret Santa’, this way you’re only buying one gift for one of your friends, instead of many, but it’s still a great deal of fun.

Enjoy time with your family

Finally, the most important part of Christmas is being with your family. Don’t forget who has supported you and encouraged you to get to where you are today. Enjoy the festive holiday with the people you consider to be your closest friends and family, and remind them of what they mean to you. 

Enjoying your student life

In conclusion, it's important to make the most of your student life. Studies are important because they will shape your future working life, and putting in the discipline to achieve good results requires discipline and hard work. However, building good friendships and looking after yourself, although often overlooked, are just as important. So get into good habits now with a balanced life style: hard work, a healthy body, mind and spirit and good relationships with others, and you'll be well on your way to full enjoyment of your student life.