Think you've found your next student home? We want to ensure it doesn’t cost you any more than it has to. We know that looking for a student home is exciting, however, it's easy to overlook some of the essential bits. That's why the Advice Centre offers a free contract checking service.
Think you've found your next student home? We want to ensure it doesn’t cost you any more than it has to. We know that looking for a student home is exciting, however, it's easy to overlook some of the essential bits. That's why the Advice Centre offers a free contract checking service.
Signing a housing contract is a big decision and a huge financial commitment; this may be the first major legal document that you ever sign. Renting is full of potential pitfalls, so it is important to make sure that you know what you are getting into.
Housing contracts can contain lots of legal jargon that make them difficult to understand. Therefore, before signing your contract, you might want to have someone else read it over.
- The SU’s Advice Centre offers a free contact checking service to help you avoid unintentionally agreeing to something you shouldn’t.
- We can check your contract for unfair terms which may cause problems in your accommodation, explain any unclear terms and also help you understand your rights.
- Our contract check feedback will help you avoid unfair deductions from your deposit.
Take a look at the information on the Advice Centre webpage about looking for accommodation, so you are aware of your rights as a prospective tenant.
- If you have already signed a contract, it is still beneficial to get your contract checked by us, as legally unfair clauses are unenforceable and we can point them out to you and give you tips about how to avoid issues with your landlord or estate agent.
- It can be difficult getting your landlord to fix things after you’ve signed a contract. If your landlord/estate agents make promises to fix things during viewings, always ask them to put it in writing.
- Read through the checklist of important things to consider/ask during viewings.
Remember: NEVER rush into signing a contract. You are entitled to sufficient time to review the terms and consult someone. Pressure sales are illegal.
How do I get my contract checked?
Email us a copy of your contract using the subject ‘contract check request’, and we can look through it and explain key areas of the contract in plain English so that you can make an informed decision about signing for that property.
We also offer group appointments where we can go through the feedback and answer any questions that you and your housemates may have about student accommodation and contracts. Just send us an email and we’ll take it from there!
Alternatively, if you have any immediate concerns, you can join one of our Zoom drop-ins which run on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 1.30pm-3.30pm. You can find the details, including the Zoom link, listed in the SU Events Calendar.