Living in a shared house
Getting the keys to your new student house is an exciting experience, but there are some things you should check before you get comfortable to ensure that you are fully protected, safe and secure in your new home.
Housemates
Building and maintaining a good relationship between housemates can help to avoid issues escalating into problems. A good relationship will also make living in the house more enjoyable for everybody. This does not necessarily mean being best friends but should involve a level of mutual respect that allows everyone to feel comfortable.
It is unfortunately very common for disputes to arise between housemates. A clash of lifestyles and differing expectations and standards around cleaning, noise, guests etc. can easily cause conflict. A small issue can quickly escalate and sometimes the breakdown in the household relationship is such that a person might wish to move out. One contract holder wanting to move out of a shared house can be extremely difficult for everyone and can have serious financial implications.
Make sure that you are all on the same page and that everyone has the same expectations Try to have regular housemate meetings to discuss any issues before they escalate.
Bills
When you first move on to the property it is really important that you take meter readings and notify the energy provider.
If you are paying bills in a shared house, it is usually possible to have more than one name on each of the utility bills. If only one person signs for the supply and has their name on the account, the utility company will deem that person liable to pay the bills. That person can pursue the other tenants if they do not contribute as agreed but that can be a difficult position to find yourself in and one best avoided. It is a good idea to come to an agreement that means different tenants take on different utilities and add multiple names if the supplier allows it.
In a shared student house, it is important that you have a conversation with all tenants about how you want to go about paying the bills. It is very important and means that you avoid missing payments, having difficulties with your utility suppliers, or ending up with a very big bill to pay in one go.
Property Condition and Repairs
The standards of your rented home are determined by your tenancy agreement and statutory laws enforced by Shared Regulatory Services (SRS). A landlord has a number of legal obligations, and these include ensuring that the house is fit for human habitation and safe to live in during your tenancy.
Fitness for human habitation in law looks at, amongst other things, freedom from damp, having appropriate drainage, sanitary conveniences and facilities for the preparation and cooking of food. The property must also be free from hazards, such as damp and mould growth, fire risks and faulty boilers.
When an issue arises, your landlord has a legal obligation to repair it within a reasonable time. What is reasonable depends on what the issue is. A reasonable timescale to repair a broken boiler in winter, for example, is likely to be a lot less than repairing one of two showers at a property.
Living in your Cardiff Community
Remember you are part of your local community. It is important to care for the area you live in and respect your neighbours.
Make sure you put your rubbish out on time and in the correct way.
Keep your gardens tidy and free from rubbish and litter.
Looking after your home
As a tenant you need to look your accommodation. This includes:
- Preventing damp, mould and condensation
- Keeping front and back gardens tidy and free from rubbish
- Reporting repairs to your landlord or agent as soon as you notice them
More information can be found here.
Living in Student Halls
Living in student halls is the first choice for many students studying at Cardiff University.
There two types of Halls, University owned accommodation (Residences) and those provided by a private company. Most first year students and international postgraduate students are guaranteed a place in Cardiff University Residences. Private Halls are available to all students and are located across the city of Cardiff.
Facilities and Catering
Cardiff University Residences may offer common room spaces. Private Halls may offer gyms, common spaces, private meeting rooms and a bar. Each Private Hall provider may offer different facilities so it is worth checking with each individual provider what they are able to offer.
Some Cardiff University Residencessome provide meals. More information can be found here.
FAQs
I am having issues with my housemates, what can I do?
If you can try to arrange a meeting so you can discuss your concerns. If however your relationship has broken down and you no longer wish to live at the property contact Student Advice for further advice and support.
If you are living in University Residences or a Private Halls of Residence, you should contact your Accommodation Office or building manager to discuss the possibility of a room transfer.
I need to get out of my housing contract. What can I do?
Most student fixed standard occupation contracts are joint and several and do not have a break clause. This means that all contract holders are bound by the contract until it ends. If you need to surrender early and there is no break clause your landlord and all other parties will need to agree you can. In most cases you will be able to surrender if you or your housemates can find a replacement tenant. More information can be found here.
Contact Student Advice for specific guidance.
How do I find a replacement?
You can add your details to the Student Advice Housing List for students advertising a spare room.
You can also avertise your room on websites and forums such as Spareroom and 'Overheard at Cardiff University'.
Do I have to pay Council Tax?
Full time students studying internally are exempt from Council Tax and you can obtain an exemption certificate via Sims online. More information can be found here.
Can I withhold rent if my Landlord has not actioned repairs?
If you withhold rent you are deemed as committing a repudiatory breach of contract and the Landlord may then take action against you to recover the outstanding rent. Contact Student Advice for advice regarding maintenance issues and your rights as tenants.
The property is in a poor condition – what do I do?
You will need to report the issues to your Landlord and/or letting Agent in writing and give a timeframe for a response – 14 days is reasonable Take photographs or a video as evidence.
If the Landlord is not willing to undertake the repairs - contact Student Advice for further advice.
Shared Regulatory Services (SRS) can help you if you are a contract holder living in a private rented property and are experiencing difficulties.
Do I need insurance for my possessions?
It is highly unlikely that your Landlord’s insurance will cover your belongings so it is advisable that you purchase cover for items of value.
If we get a fine for using the bin system incorrectly will we have to pay?
The simple answer is yes. It is your responsibility to ensure that you comply with the Council’s recycling policy. More information can be found here.
If you are deemed to have littered, you may be issued with a fixed penalty notice (FPN). If you pay the fine, the offence will be discharged, therefore you will not be prosecuted.
If you do not pay your FPN, you may be required to respond to the allegation in the Magistrates Court. At this point, you will not be able discharge the offence, and if you are found guilty of littering, you will be prosecuted. This can have implications on your criminal record.
Can we have extra parking permits?
Cardiff’s parking permit scheme allows for one resident permit and one visitor permit only. More information can be found here.
We are being chased for an outstanding bill for a former tenant, what can we do?
There are occasions when you may receive an outstanding bill that isn’t yours. Even though it’s not addressed to you, try not to ignore it as it won’t go away.
Non-payment of bills, even if is not your bill, could lead to a call or visit from a Debt Collection Agent. If a debt isn’t yours, you can file a dispute claim to make sure that the provider doesn’t pursue you incorrectly. Make sure that you take action on a debt validation letter within 30 days; if you take longer than this to respond, the provider can move forward with the collection process.
Contact Student Advice for further information.
How can I prevent damp, mould and condensation?
The main cause of mould is damp or excessive condensation. To thrive, mould needs oxygen, water and a food source such as wood or cellulose (which is found in building materials).
Steps to reduce condensation and avoid mould:
- Wipe windows that appear wet
- Open your window for short periods daily
- Avoid drying clothes in your room if possible
- Ensure window vents are left open
- Ensure bathroom extractor fans are on when showering
- Do not use kettles and/or any cooking equipment in bedrooms
I have been told to move out, but my contract has not ended - what can I do?
Your contract/tenancy agreement will provide you with security of tenure. As such your Hall provider/landlord cannot just ask you to leave. If you have been asked to move out contact Student Advice.
Can I complain about my halls of residence?
Cardiff University Residences – in the first instance you should email your Residence Reception. If the matter is not resolved then you can use the University Complaints Procedure.
Private Hall Providers – raise you concern with your hall reception or manager. All Halls should let you know how to make a complaint so check your contract and/ or welcome pack. If the information is not there seek guidance from the National Code.
Contact Student Advice for specific guidance.