This page will take you through each of the stages of securing a student property off-campus, so start at the beginning or skip ahead to find the information you need.
For more off-campus housing information, Kent Union's Advice Centre should be your go to with their independent support service.
Finding the right property can be a daunting prospect. But don't fret and don't rush in. Take your time and make sure you've chosen the right house mates, location and type of property.
Before looking for a house, think about who you're going to live with. It's important to spend time with people before living together. If you're a new student, why not stay in a guest house or hotel and take some time to view places to live?
Always look out for local accreditation schemes as these mean the registered landlord or letting agent have agreed to meet the minimum legal requirements for letting accommodation. They will have greater concern for your safety, health and welfare:
StudentTenant.com - many student landlords in Canterbury and Medway advertise their accommodation online with StudentTenant.com
Medway Accreditation Scheme - part of an umbrella of accreditation schemes managed by the London Landlord Accreditation Scheme (LLAS).
Canterbury Studentpad - Canterbury Studentpad work in association with Kent Union and local landlords.
If you plan to live off-campus, you may be asked by the landlord or letting agent to provide a reference. The University does not provide individual tenant references for students so we recommend you submit a copy of your current accommodation agreement. If you currently live in campus accommodation, print a copy of your student accommodation agreement online via you MyAccommodation Portal.
You should also provide a statement of your University student account which shows details of your accommodation payments to the University. Copies can be obtained from the Income Office, in the Registry building and for more information on collecting this you can email incomeoffice@kent.ac.uk or call +44 (0)1227 824242.
You can also utilise independent providers such as Your Guarantor who will agree to act as a reference or guarantor for you if the above is not sufficient for your new landlord/letting agent.
You've chosen a property and you're ready to move in, but don't stop there. There are still a few things you need to do before you enter the house and during your tenancy.
When you move in to your property, there are a few things you need to do.
Your landlord or agent should provide you with an inventory. If they don’t, write one for yourself.
It is really important that you indicate on the inventory any defects such as burn marks on carpets or torn curtains. Sign it and hand it back to the landlord or agent to avoid being charged for pre-existing damage.
You may move in to a property where bills and utilities are included in your rent. This makes planning your budget much easier every month. If your bills aren't included, you'll need to call your utilities companies when you move in and give them meter readings that day.
The main utilities you need to plan for:
Eligible students are exempt from Council Tax between their course start and end dates. To be granted exemption you will need to supply your council with certified evidence of your student status which can be obtained from the University. If your tenancy agreement starts or ends after these dates you will be liable for Council Tax during that period.
If you share private accommodation, try to fit in with your local community, plan and budget carefully, and communicate with your landlord or agent.
It's important that you respect local residents. Many live there all year round so take the time to meet your neighbours and introduce yourself. And if you're having a few people round, let them know and set agreed noise levels and end times. Don't forget that you're representing the student community and the University.
Student life can be financial challenging so you need to budget carefully for your rent, utility bills and spending money. Budgeting help and advice on sources of additional funding (including hardship funds) is available from your Student Advice Centre. Take a look at www.moneysavingexpert.com or blackbullion for money and budgeting advice
Landlords have a responsibility to provide a safe environment for you to live in. This includes gas supply and appliances, the installation of smoke alarms, electrical wiring and appliances, and water systems.
Good written communication is essential for a successful relationship between landlords and tenants. Email is convenient and helps both sides keep a record of what was said on which date. This will also come in handy if any problems arise.
Your tenancy agreement is coming to an end. Before you move out, there are a few things you'll need to do to get your deposit back.
In the weeks before you leave the property, there are a few things you need to do:
Check your tenancy agreement to see what it says about handing back the property at the end of the tenancy. Hopefully it includes clear guidance as to what the landlord expects the tenants to do. Some landlords expect the property to be left in a pristine condition whereas others will accept a reasonably clean condition.
Leaving your property in a really clean condition will help prevent you having any problems getting your deposit back,regardless of how you feel the condition was when you moved in.
With this in mind you might want to think about having the carpets cleaned and having a professional cleaner in. This means you can control when the cleaning is done, to what standard, and how much it will cost. Keep your receipts and invoices to prove you’ve had this done.
About a month before the end of the tenancy it’s time to get out that inventory. Make sure you have a copy, if not ask your landlord or agent for one. Go through it line by line and make sure every item meets the condition indicated on the original list.
It is really important to try and be present when a date is agreed for the formal ‘check-out’. This is when the landlord or agents goes through the inventory and checks the condition of the property. Being there gives you the opportunity to agree or disagree with anything that is discussed and this could save you being charged unfairly for anything.
If you can’t be there, take lots of dated photos before you leave.
Make sure all your bills are paid before you move out. Call the utility companies and let them know you are leaving and provide any final meter readings on the day you actually leave. Settling bills is incredibly important as leaving any unpaid bills could affect your future credit rating.
If you've got any questions or concerns about looking for or living in off-campus accommodation, Kent Union's Advice Centre can help. They have lots of useful housing information online or you can email, call or drop-in during office hours.
