Moving Into Private Accommodation: 4 Things To Look Out For

Moving Into Private Accommodation: 4 Things To Look Out For

Private accommodation allows students to have a bit more control over their living situation. Whether you opt for shared accommodation or solo living, our student properties have all of the students essentials you could need! Before moving into your private accommodation, there are a few things you should keep in mind.

Location: 

As a student, you will likely want to live either within walking distance of the University or have good public transport links into the city centre. At Unihousing, all of our student properties are ideally located in the student hub of Selly Oak, surrounded by shops, cafes, restaurants, a shopping centre and much more! Living in Selly Oak will give you access to all of the students essentials you’ll need during your stay and you will also be in a community that is filled with students, just like you!

Council Tax: 

By choosing Unihousing, you will have the amazing benefits that come with private accommodation, like utility bills being included in the price of rent and quick maintenance and repairs when needed. You will, however, need to sort out your council tax exemption when you move in. As a full-time student, you will likely be exempt from paying any council tax. However, you will need to declare your position as an enrolled student and provide your University details. 

Once you have done this, you will not need to worry about it again until you move into a new property at a later date. If you decide to live with friends who are not students, you will still be exempt from paying council tax as long as you prove you are enrolled. The tax will then only be applied to the other tenants.

Take Note of The State of The Property:

On the first day that you move into your new property, it’s a good idea to make a checklist and take photos of all items, furniture and the overall condition of the accommodation. This will help ensure that you have all of the essentials that you were promised and it will also make things run more smoothly down the line when you move out.

Be Mindful of The Prices of Utilities:

At Unihousing, all of our student studios have utility bills and high-speed broadband included in the price of rent, which saves you the time and effort of researching and setting up new accounts when you move in. Alternatively, if you are moving into shared accommodation, it will likely be your responsibility to handle some of the bills. At Unihousing, some of our shared properties come with the gas bill included in the price of rent, which means you have fewer providers that you will have to chase down when you move in.

Looking for Student Accommodation? Unihousing Can Help!

Unihousing is a student accommodation provider near the University of Birmingham, operating since 1984. All of our accommodation in Selly Oak is owned by us, so we can respond quickly to any requests using our qualified team of tradesmen. Our property office is located on Bristol Road, only a short walk away from all of our accommodation. This means we can deal directly with our tenants.

Unihousing was selected as the Number 1 Student Letting Agent in Birmingham by the UK's biggest fresher community, Unifresher.

Contact Unihousing today to find out more!

Preventing Fires in Your Student Accommodation

 Preventing Fires in Your Student Accommodation

Preventing fires in your student accommodation is necessary for the safety and well-being of everyone residing there. Here are practical steps you can take to minimise the risk of fires.

Practice Fire Safety in the Kitchen: Cooking-related fires are a frequent reason for residential fires. It is crucial to stay in the kitchen while cooking, particularly when using stovetops or ovens. Keep flammable items such as dish towels and oven gloves away from heat sources. Additionally, clean the cooking appliances regularly to prevent the buildup of grease, which can ignite and cause a fire.

Be Careful with Candles and Open Flames: If candles are allowed in your accommodation, use them safely. Keep them in sturdy holders on stable surfaces and away from flammable materials such as curtains and bedding. Never leave candles burning unattended.

Be Cautious with Heaters: Don't hang clothes on heaters as they can start a fire. Keep flammable materials away from heaters and turn them off before leaving or sleeping to prevent accidents.

Regularly Check and Test Your Smoke Alarms: It is recommended to have smoke alarms installed in every bedroom, living area, and hallway and to test them regularly to ensure they are functioning properly. Batteries should be replaced as needed. At Unihousing, we regularly check our properties to ensure they meet the regulatory standards.

Keep Exits Clear: Make sure that all exits, including doors and windows, are clear of obstructions. In a fire, you'll need a clear path to escape quickly.

Use Electrical Appliances Safely: Avoid overloading electrical outlets or sockets and never run cords under carpets or rugs as this can cause overheating. Always unplug electrical appliances when not in use and do not tamper with electrical outlets.

Don't Smoke Indoors: If you smoke, do so outside and dispose of cigarette butts properly in designated receptacles. Smoking indoors increases the risk of accidental fires. 

Store Flammable Items Properly: Store flammable items like cleaning supplies and aerosol cans in a cool, dry place away from heat sources. Follow instructions for proper storage and disposal.

Educate Housemates: Collaborate with your housemates to establish a fire-safe culture. Discuss prevention strategies and ensure everyone knows their role in maintaining safety.

Report Safety Concerns: If you notice any safety hazards or maintenance issues that could increase the risk of fire, report them to your landlord, housing office, or maintenance staff promptly.

Stay Sober and Alert: Alcohol and drugs impair judgment and reaction times, increasing the risk of accidents. Avoid cooking or using appliances while under the influence. Being proactive about fire safety is crucial. You should also be aware of the fire safety plan for your accommodation, including the location of fire exits, fire alarms, and fire extinguishers as this will help you in preventing fires, and creating a safer living environment in student accommodation.

Looking for Student Accommodation? Unihousing Can Help!

Unihousing is a student accommodation provider near the University of Birmingham, operating since 1984. All of our accommodation in Selly Oak is owned by us, so we can respond quickly to any requests using our qualified team of tradesmen. Our property office is located on Bristol Road, only a short walk away from all of our accommodation. This means we can deal directly with our tenants.

Unihousing was selected as the Number 1 Student Letting Agent in Birmingham by the UK's biggest fresher community, Unifresher.

Contact Unihousing today to find out more!