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Time to move on

PR1When you move into your first rented place there are many things to consider.  Finding a home in the right location with the right housemates are just some of the practical issues.  The costs are another matter.

Before you start looking for a place, it’s a good idea to work out how much you can afford to spend on your monthly living expenses.  You should also consider additional costs which often get overlooked.

Before you move in

If you rent from a letting agent you may need to pay an administration/agency fee. The exact amount will vary from one agency to another, but expect to pay about £125-150 as a one-off non-refundable payment.  If renting from a private landlord direct or from the University this cost could be avoided.

If you find a property you like, the agency may charge a holding deposit while they take up references (this would be in addition to the agency fee).  Any holding deposit you pay should be deducted from the amount of rent or deposit you have to pay once your references come through. The agency might ask for references from your employer, bank and/or previous landlord.  If you don't move into the property you may lose your holding deposit.  If you think the agency has unfairly kept your money seek advice from an organisation like Shelter http://england.shelter.org.uk  or telephone 0808 800 4444 (free)

Most landlords or agencies require a deposit before you move in. Usually this will be a month’s rent in advance, or £300 if you are renting in a University managed house. However, if you are an International or EU-student with no guarantor in the UK, you might have to pay a much higher deposit.  This could be up to 6 months’ rent in advance.

Landlords and agents are required to protect deposits in a Government backed ‘tenancy deposit scheme’. This means you should get the correct amount back when you are entitled to it, and if there are any disputes at the end of a tenancy they will be resolved by an independent service. Follow this link for useful practical tips: www.nus.org.uk/en/Student-Life/Housing-advice/Your-deposit

Regular costs

Besides the cost of the rent you should be aware of Utility charges. These are extra costs to cover fuel such as gas, electricity and water. These are unlikely to be included in the rent, so it is important to remember include them in your budget. The National Union of Students Student Experience Report 2008 stated that nationally the average charge of utility costs was just over £30 a month per student.  

Ask whether a property has things like gas central heating & water meters when looking at rented accommodation.   It is also a good idea to check online comparison websites to see which providers are offering the best deals, but remember to check if they have minimum term tie-in contracts.

Most full -time students don’t need to pay Council Tax, but if you are sharing a house with people who are not students you may be asked to share the cost of Council Tax.  You will need to obtain a Council Tax Exemption Certificate from Registry as evidence you are not liable.

Think about Telephone and Internet costs.  Is it easier and cheaper to get separate contracts or combine and share equally amongst the house?

Another cost you should include in your budget is Contents Insurance.  Visit an online price comparison website to get a realistic quote of how much cost of insurance will be.  You will need to know the value of your personal belongings such as your laptop, mp3 or other device, musical instruments, television and clothes.  You can usually include a bicycle in your contents insurance if it’s value is less than £350

Useful links

The Student Advice Service can help with budgeting and give generic advice around living independently, however we are not experts and we are not legally qualified to give housing advice.

The University does have a Community Liaison and Housing Advice Officer , Andrew Keeffe, who may be able to help with landlord and general housing related issues and rent deposit queries. You can see him at Brighton, Eastbourne and Hastings contact a.w.b.keeffe@brighton.ac.uk or 01273 641894