Housing advice
Renting a property in the private sector can be overwhelming. In the sections below we’ve put together some key guidance to help you navigate the private rental sector.
Deposits
Tenancy deposits are taken to protect landlords and tenants in cases of damage to a property. Landlords can ask for up to five weeks’ rent as a deposit.
Deposits must be protected by the landlord using one of the following schemes:
At the end of your tenancy, you should receive your deposit back as long as you do not owe any rent and you leave the property in the same condition you found it.
Zero deposit options or deposit replacement insurance
This is an option sometimes suggested by landlords that avoids a larger payment up front. Instead of a deposit that can be refunded, any payments made as part of a deposit replacement insurance scheme are nonrefundable.
You cannot be forced to use a zero-deposit scheme. It can only be offered as an alternative to a tenancy deposit.
Inventories and claiming your deposit back
When you first move into a property, it is important you document the condition it is in. Most lettings agents should provide an inventory with the current condition of the property and items that are included.
You will need to inspect the property and confirm you agree with the conditions recorded.
We would also recommend taking photos of any existing damage, wear and tear, and the general condition of all rooms in the property as a record. This is important if you need to challenge deductions to your deposit at the end of the tenancy.
Guarantors
Most landlords and lettings agencies will require a tenant to provide a guarantor. A guarantor is usually a family member (but does not have to be) who agrees to pay your rent if you are unable to.
Different landlords and agencies will have different requirements for a guarantor, but some common requirements are:
- They must be a UK resident
- They must be able to demonstrate a certain level of income
Not all landlords will require your guarantor to meet these requirements, but many will.
Housing Hand
If you are struggling to find an eligible guarantor, you can make use of Housing Hand, a guarantor service partnered with the University of Salford who will act as your guarantor for a fee.
Rent upfront
If you aren't able to provide a guarantor, some landlords might ask you to pay some of your rent before you move in - but they're only legally able to ask for a maximum of one month's rent upfront.
Bills and council tax
Make a note of the meter readings for your electricity, gas, and water supplies (if applicable) on the day the tenancy starts and contact the relevant companies to give them the readings and tell them you're the new tenants.
Some ‘all -inclusive’ tenancy agreements with utility bills in the price may include a fair usage clause which limits the amount of energy your landlord will pay for. This means that for anything over this amount, you could be expected to cover the cost.
Full-time students are usually exempt from paying council tax, but you are required to complete a form to notify your local council. You should do this as soon as possible to confirm that you are exempt and prevent any bills being sent to you in error. When you complete this form, you will need to include your Council Tax Exemption Certificate, which you should have received via email when you registered. If you don't have this, you can request a Council Tax Exemption Certificate from askUS.
TV licence
You need a TV licence if you watch live TV on any device, or if you watch programmes on the BBC iPlayer. If you share a house with other students and have a joint tenancy agreement, you will only need one licence. If you have individual tenancies, you will each need a licence.
Contents insurance
It's worth considering purchasing insurance to protect your possessions in case of events such as a fire or burglary. You can also get policies that will cover accidental damage to the landlord’s possessions.
Repairs and maintenance
You need to be aware of responsibilities for repairs and maintenance when living in a privately-rented property. In most cases, as long as they are reported by the tenants, a landlord is responsible for repairs and must complete them within a reasonable timescale dependent on the severity of the disrepair. Shelter offers more detailed advice and information about repairs.
If your landlord is failing to fix issues and you have already complained to your housing provider, Salford City Council or the SILKS Law Clinic can help.
Getting support
Students' Union Advice Centre
The University of Salford Students' Union (SU) offers free, impartial, confidential, and independent advice. Whether you are living in Salford or commuting from further afield, they have housing advisors to help you with a range of issues including:
- Tenancy agreement checking
- Advice on renting safely, e.g. avoiding scams, deposits, guarantors, etc.
- Information on the rights and responsibilities of tenants and landlords
- Benefits advice
To get in touch, email advicecentre-ussu@salford.ac.uk or make an appointment via the SU Advice Centre's online booking form.
SILKS Law Clinic
The University of Salford Law Clinic (SILKS) is here to help you understand your rights and what you can do if you need help with any housing problems. Advice is given by qualified lawyers, helped by University of Salford law students working under supervision. They can help with issues such as:
- Disrepair
- Evictions
- Landlord harassment
- Withheld deposits
- Guarantor liability
You can can submit a legal advice request form to get support.
Salford City Council
Salford City Council ensures landlords within Salford comply with the conditions of their HMO licences, enforce housing standards, and handle complaints about landlords.
The council can support with:
- Private rented properties in disrepair
- Landlords not doing repairs
- Fire safety in private rented properties
- Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO), when a house is shared by two or more people (and they are not related to each other)
- Complaints regarding licensed properties
- Complaints regarding licensed landlords
Contact Salford City Council's MHO department by emailing teamhmo@salford.gov.uk.
You can also make a complaint about a rented home or private landlord online.
Shelter
Shelter is a housing and homelessness charity. They are able to help you with everything housing-related, from reclaiming your deposit to applying as homeless.
You can access their emergency helpline, view housing advice, and speak to an advisor over web chat via Shelter's website.
Citizens Advice
Citizens Advice a charity that gives practical advice and knowledge on a range of issues, including housing.
Visit the Citizens Advice website to find out how to access free, confidential advice online, over the phone, and in person.