Rental requirements
Question
My boyfriend and I are both 21 and full-time students. We're hoping to rent together next term but don't want to live in a student house. Is it possible for us to live in a non-student house? Would they want a guarantor and references? We have both rented before but in student houses but we're just not sure what to do.
Answer
There can be lots of things to think about when you are looking to rent somewhere to live, and as students you have a number of housing options open to you.
If you and your boyfriend want to rent a house privately together as students, this shouldn't be a problem. You would have the same rights as any other private tenant, however there are a number of things that you may need to consider, particularly in relation to the cost.
To rent privately you should expect to provide references (i.e. from your previous landlord, work or bank), and in some cases a guarantor maybe requested. Whether you will be required to provide this information will probably come down to your individual landlord, or letting agent.
As I'm sure you are aware, most students have to live on very little money, and aren't entitled to housing benefit. Finding a suitable place you can afford can be difficult but will ensure that your studies aren't disrupted by housing problems. Some of the costs you might need to consider include:
- letting agency fees, but only if you are going to use one to find accommodation;
- a deposit, which is usually the total of one month's rent, payable at the start of a tenancy;
- rent in advance, most landlords require a month's rent up-front at the start of a tenancy;
- how you are going to pay the monthly rent;
- how you are going to pay the Council tax;
- how you are going to pay the utility bills, e.g. gas, water, electricity;
- how you will you afford to buy furniture for an unfurnished property if that's what you choose to rent.
Housing benefit could help cover the cost of rent but most full-time students in higher education are not entitled to claim it. As you're 21, you might be able to claim housing benefit if:
- you are on a part-time course;
- you are disabled;
- you are responsible for children;
- you are getting income support or income-based jobseekers allowance;
- you leave your course temporarily because of illness or caring responsibilities.
If you think you might be entitled, it's worth getting advice from your local CAB before you claim, as the rules are very complicated.
In addition, there are different types of tenancies, and the type of tenancy you have will affect your rights as a tenant. Most private rented tenancies these days are assured shorthold tenancies. This type of tenancy gives you a legal right to live in your accommodation for a period of time. Your tenancy might be for a set period such as six months (this is known as a fixed term tenancy). Or it might roll on a week-to-week or month-to-month basis (this is known as a periodic tenancy). The law gives you rights to:
- get information about your tenancy;
- control your home so that you can stop other people from freely entering;
- get certain types of repairs done;
- live in your accommodation until your landlord gets a court order to evict you.
You may also have other rights, for example you might have a right to get your landlord to do repairs or to challenge rent increases. But assured shorthold tenants can be evicted fairly easily, so if you try to enforce these rights you could risk losing your home.
Finally, if you need further assistance you can contact a local advice service for advice and information.
Updated: 29/09/2008
Question answered by Shelter
