Information for Students

Studentville Guide for House Hunting Students

As a letting Agency we often field calls asking for general advice about renting in the private sector. We have put together the following answers to frequently asked questions.

• Who will I share a house with?
  
  It is important to decide who you want to share a house with before you start looking at properties. Most flats and houses are let on a Joint and Several Tenancy basis; it is possible to find individual rooms in shared houses but much easier if you are already in a group. Remember, you will have to sign into Joint and Several Tenancy which means if one of your housemates does not pay the rent, the rest of you can be called on to do so. Live with people you like and trust.
  
  
• When should I start to look for a house?
  
  The competition for properties may seem fierce but there is no need to panic. Even after the initial January rush when many houses are snapped up, a steady trickle of student properties enter the market and students who leave searching as late as August are often still able to find good quality places, although the choice can become more limited. If you are a bigger group – 5 or more people – the choice will be less so you will need to take that into account.
  
  
• How many bedrooms will you require?
  
  It is best to have your group size finalised before you start viewing houses as agencies are incredibly busy in January and February and may not be able to show you houses of different sizes on the same day; this could mean that by the time you make a decision the property you want has already been taken.
  
  
• What area of Reading would you prefer to live in?
  
  A sensible approach is to take a street map of Reading and draw a ring around the area within a few miles from your place of study. We are happy to advise if you have any specific enquiries regarding location.
  
  
• How do I calculate the monthly rent?
  
  Most first years who have been/ are currently in halls of residence are used to paying rent on a weekly basis inclusive of bills. Rents in the private sector are usually paid on a monthly basis and are exclusive of all bills. It is important to calculate your maximum rent making an allowance for payment of utility bills and then look for properties in that bracket!
  
  
• How long do you need the contract for?
  
  Most student lets run for a 12 month term from 1st July - 30th June. There is some availability for lets starting in September; if you want to save your money over the summer, keep an eye out for September availabilities or alternatively you could delay looking until closer to the time; although there will be a smaller choice in properties.
  
  
• Who is in charge of managing the property?
  
  Ask anybody who is an old hand at renting properties and you will find that they prefer properties managed by a professional agent. Many agencies provide two different services to landlords; a set-up service and a management service. If you choose a property which is managed by the agency, all of your queries and problems can be directed at the agency and they are responsible for sorting them out. However, if you choose a property where the agent is simply responsible for finding the tenant you will have to deal directly with landlord for any future problems as the agency has no legal right to deal with any matters relating to a non-managed property once the tenancy agreement has been signed.
  
  
• What costs are associated with renting in the private sector?
  
  Most letting agencies charge agency fees, administration fees or referencing fees – some charge all three! Studentville charge a one off administration fee of £50. We do not charge further admin or referencing fees unless a guarantor fails the referencing process where we may impose a £25 charge.
  
  
• How much is the deposit?
  
  The size of the deposit is at the landlord’s discretion; however, there is a limit to the amount. This varies from 1 months rent to 1 1/2 months rent. The deposit will be placed into a government backed scheme. Please contact us for further details.

When you find a property you would like to reserve, contact us. You will be asked to pay a £100 holding fee. You will also be asked to complete a couple of forms, some of which will need to be signed by your parents or someone acting as a guarantor on your behalf.