Durham Students Union Advice and Help House Hunting

Durham Students’ Union Advice and Help House Hunting Guide

Stop • Moving out of college accommodation is an exciting time. • Don’t Panic! • Durham is a relatively small city with an abundance of privately rented accommodation. • Most of this accommodation is within a 20 to 30 minute walk away from the main University. • Help is at hand.

Think • There are many key questions to consider • This is the most important thing about house hunting • Ask yourself what ‘s important to YOU! • Don’t Sign until your ready

Location Viaduct 10 mins to town 20 mins to Library Claypath 10 mins to town 20 mins to Library Gilesgate 15 mins to town 20/30 mins to Libr Neville's Cross 20/25 mins to town 25 mins to Library Elvet 5 mins to town 5 mins to Library

Budget • Important to consider that it is not just rent you will have to pay for: § § § Food Socialising Bills Academic provisions Household Items • Do your sums before you commit yourself to a house.

Bills included/Not included Bills Not included You don’t have to worry about your bills Could work out cheaper You won’t have to chase each other for payment You can shop around However, You will gain practical life skills Bills will be charged for every month whether you are in Durham or not However, You will be paying more for your bills A member of your house will have to take responsibility for each bill Fair usage policy

Who you live with • Deciding who to live with is really important • You have only just met each other • Fill in our questionnaire together so that you are all on board with our THINK elements.

I don’t think I have met my future housemates yet…. • Don’t worry! • Attend your college and Durham SU’s Find a Housemate event; • Consider other options – living in or private halls; • If it all gets too much you can talk to your student support officer at your college.

Sign So what do you do when you think you have answered all our questions and done enough thinking?

Looking for Houses • Print our checklist • Making an informed decision is key; • Shop around. • Attend Durham SU’s Housing Fair

Contracts • Legally binding; • You should be given at least 24 hours to have your contract checked before you sign it; • Durham SU’s Advice and Help Centre can check your contract for you within 2 working days; • Most contracts are for 12 months! • Joint tenants – by signing a joint contract you are liable for each others rent.

Deposit and other Fees • Be aware of upfront fees; • Tenancy Deposit Scheme – a security deposit must be protected by law within 30 days of payment; • Details of the scheme used should be in your contract.

Guarantors • Your parents or guardian may be required to sign as Guarantor for your rental obligations. • They should seek advice • A guarantor must be based in the UK • If in doubt, contact our service for support.

Durham Students’Union Advice and Help Centre • We are open Monday to Friday 10 to 4; • You can contact us via email dsu. advice@durham. ac. uk, or phone us on 0191 3341777 or come and see us at Dunelm House. • We are here to support you with any issues you may have with your landlord and have assisted students with questions about their contracts, deposits, repairs and much more!

Stop. Think. Sign For more information contact Durham Students' Union Advice and Help Centre http: //www. durhamsu. com/main-menu/advice-andhelp/advice-and-help-service