accommodation 2014

Student AccommodationGuide 2014/15

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Contents

Guide to Renting Pg 3

College Halls of Residence Pg 8

Private Halls of Residence Pg 8

Private Letting Pg 10

Useful Contacts Pg 11

This guide is designed to help you find accommodation. Whether you are staying away from home for the first time or you are a seasoned flat hunter, this guide should help.

IMPORTANT – Please note that private accommodation is not vetted by the College.

It is advisable (where possible) to view any property before committing to a tenancy.

While we cannot take responsibility for your landlord or problems that may occur while living in accommodation found using this guide, we can offer you support if such problems arise.

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Guide to Renting: The Basics

LeaseWhether you decide to live in halls of residence, rent on your own or share a flat, you should always sign a contract; this contract is normally called a tenancy agreement or a lease. The agreement which sets out the terms of your lease should be signed by you and the landlord.

A standard tenancy agreement normally includes the following information:

• Your name, your landlord’s name and the address of the property

• The date the tenancy began • The duration of the tenancy• The amount of rent payable and the dates on which it is due• Details of who is responsible for payment of the utilities and

Council Tax• Whether your landlord will provide any services e.g.: laundry,

maintenance of common parts • The length of notice required by both parties to terminate the

contract

Deposits / Rent in advanceBefore you move into your accommodation it is likely you will have to provide the landlord with certain payments. A deposit (up to two months’ rent) is paid by you to cover any unpaid rent and bills or damage to the property before you move out. Provided you have not breached your tenancy, your deposit will normally be returned to you in full once you move out, although this can be a source of contention for many who rent privately. By law, to ensure that your deposit is retained and returned to you fairly, landlords and letting agents should be adhering to the ‘rent deposit scheme’ which is run by independent companies that are approved by the Scottish Government. Your landlord or letting agent should leave your deposit with one of the companies and at the end of your tenancy they apply to the company for the repayment of your deposit. Their application will include details of deductions and the amount of the deposit to be returned. You will then be contacted by the independent company to see if you agree with the amount of deposit that is to be returned to you. You can either agree or disagree – letting the independent company know. If your landlord is not within a rent deposit scheme you are within your rights to have them charged which could result in them paying you up to three times your deposit. For more information please visit: www.mydepositsscotland.co.uk

When you sign your tenancy agreement always check the details to see what your deposit will cover and how it will be returned. You should also ask for an inventory of contents of the property. If there are any items missing or damaged, let the landlord know immediately.

As well as a deposit, most landlords will ask for a rent payment upfront. This is commonly referred to as “rent in advance”. Generally, but not exclusively, landlords ask for one month’s rent in advance, together with the deposit.

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Health & SafetyYour landlord is responsible for providing fire detection equipment for your home. There should be at least one smoke detector on each floor of the property, and if the alarms are installed after September 2007, they should be mains powered rather than battery powered.

If you live in accommodation that is classed as ‘House of Multiple Occupancy’ (HMO) the rules for fire safety are slightly different. See below for further details.

If your landlord buys new equipment for the property such as a microwave, kettle, toaster etc, make sure they provide you with the instructions.

HMO LicencesAn HMO (House of Multiple Occupancy) property is accommodation that is shared by three or more tenants who aren’t members of the same family. HMO landlords must have a licence from the council for every HMO. This ensures that the property is managed properly and meets certain safety standards. This is done by the landlord providing each tenant with a clear statement. You should keep this for reference as it explains what is expected of you and what you can expect from your landlord. This includes details of rent (as stated above) and the responsibilities of the landlord and the tenant when dealing with any cleaning, maintaining and repairing of the property.

Standards that an HMO property should meet include:

• Bedrooms should be able to accommodate a bed, a wardrobe and a chest of drawers.

• Kitchens should include one sink for every six tenants, adequate food storage for the number of tenants, adequate work surface, and one cooker for every six tenants.

• There should be one WC for every five tenants and one bath or shower for every six tenants.

• Each bedroom and living room should have a fixed heating appliance.• Each bedroom and living room should have adequate natural lighting and ventilation from a window.

Kitchens, bathrooms and toilets should have either natural ventilation or adequate mechanical ventilation. • There should be at least one electric lighting point in every room space which measures an area of two

square metres or more.• The property must have adequate fire precautions, including provision for detection, escape from the

building, and fighting fire.• The property should have secure locks on all access doors and on the doors of residents’ rooms where

appropriate.

There should be one WC for every five tenants and one bath or

An HMO (House of Multiple Occupancy) property is accommodation that is shared by three or more tenants who aren’t members of the same family. HMO landlords must have a licence from the council for every HMO. This ensures that the property is managed properly and meets certain safety standards. This is done by the landlord

this for reference as it explains what is expected of you and what

tenant when dealing with any cleaning, maintaining and repairing

microwave, kettle, toaster etc, make sure they provide you with the

An HMO (House of Multiple Occupancy) property is accommodation that is shared by three or more tenants who aren’t members of the


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Gas AppliancesYour landlord has a duty to ensure that any gas appliances are maintained and are in good working order. Gas boilers should receive an annual safety check by someone who is registered with the Gas Safe Register (this replaced the Corgi Register). Your landlord must also keep a record of any such checks and be willing to share these with you if you request them.

Repairs It is the responsibility of the tenant to look after the property and inform the landlord of any repairs that need to be carried out. As a tenant you must keep the property clean and make sure the fixtures and fittings are kept in good working order (allowing for normal wear and tear). If there is any damage to the property, you should inform the landlord immediately. If the landlord fails to carry out reported repairs you can contact:

Shelter Scotlandwww.shelterscotland.org.u

k

0808 800 4444 Mon-Fri: 09:00-17:00


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Council Tax

Housing Benefit

Student Services

0141 566 42810141 566 4217

Council Tax is a charge on residential properties that you pay to your local Council. Only those over 18 are liable, although most full time students are exempt from Council Tax charges. You will, however, still have to claim the exemption. To do this, you will have to complete an exemption form and get this stamped by the College.

If you live in the Glasgow City Council area, you can pick up an exemption form from Student Services. For other Local Authorities, you should be able to download an application form from their website.

If you share a flat with someone who is not a student and that person is liable to pay the Council Tax, they are able to claim the 25% rebate.

Housing Benefit is a benefit that helps people meet the cost of rent; it is administered by local Councils.

Most full–time students are not eligible for Housing Benefit, although there are some exceptions.

If you are studying a course of further education (e.g. Access, NQ, Intermediates, Foundation), you can claim Housing Benefit if you:

• are aged under 19 OR• are aged under 22 but you were under 21 when you started the course. (Your entitlement will stop when you

reach 22 unless you are eligible under different rules) OR• are in receipt of Income related ESA, Income Support or Jobseeker’s Allowance (income based) OR• are a lone parent with a child under 16 (or under 20 if you still receive Child Benefit for your child) OR• are disabled (i.e. if you get DLA or long term Incapacity Benefit), Personal Independence Payment OR• have been incapable of work for the past 28 weeks OR• have a partner who is also a student and you have a dependent child OR• are aged 60 or over or have a partner who is over 60

Where to applyGlasgow Residents should apply to: Housing Benefit Revenue Centre, 45 John Street, Glasgow, G1 1JE.

If you live in another Council area you should visit your local Council office or download a Housing Benefit application from their website.

If you are unsure of your entitlement or if you would like further information, please come in to see a Student Advisor in Student Services at:

• Student Services at City Campus North Hanover Street • Student Services at Riverside Campus• Room 300 at Rogart Street

Alternatively you can phone us or email us: 0141 566 4281/ [email protected]

Glasgow City Council’s Statutory Homelessness Duty Glasgow City Council’s statutory homelessness duties are managed by Homelessness Services. They can provide support to anyone who is homeless, threatened with homelessness, or is in need of advice about homelessness issues through their Community Casework Services. If you think you are homeless, or at risk of becoming homeless, they will support you to secure an interview at your local Community Casework Team, or outwith normal office hours at the Hamish Allan Centre. Homelessness Services also provide a key link to preventing homelessness and providing advice and assistance.

Homelessness

Area Address TelephoneNorth East Community Casework Service

33 Burnmouth Road, Glasgow G33 4ST 0141 276 6153 & 0141 276 6160

North West Community Casework Service

30 Mansion Street, Glasgow G22 5SZ 0141 276 6169 & 0141 287 3158

South Community Casework Service 1st Floor, TwoMax Building, 187 Old Rutherglen Road, Glasgow G5 0RE

0141 276 8201 & 0141 276 6180

Out of Hours Service The Hamish Allan Centre, 180 Centre Street, Glasgow G5 8EE

Free phone: 0800 838 502 The centre is open from 4.00pm to 9.00am on Monday to Friday. Open 24 hours on Saturday, Sunday and public holidays.

If you become homeless but do not live within the Glasgow City Council local authority, your local council will have similar services available. The Student Advisors will be able to offer guidance and support on your options.

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Student Halls of Residence

City of Glasgow College Student ResidencesSelf-catered accommodation is situated directly across from the Riverside Campus offering high quality en-suite accommodation for students in single rooms and a small number of shared rooms. The accommodation consists of flats which have up to 6 single rooms with residents sharing the kitchen and dining/living area. The flats are fully equipped with cookers, fridge freezers, cooking equipment, utensils, crockery and cutlery. Each bedroom is equipped with attractive furnishings and all bed linen is provided, however students are required to provide their own towels. All bedrooms have an internet access point. Please enquire when booking as terms and conditions apply. Fees include the cost of accommodation, heating, lighting and a cleaning service for common areas in the flats and a weekly service of bedrooms within the flats. This student residence combines high quality living at an affordable price, representing excellent value for money. Some ground floor flats are specially designed to help those with mobility problems. This residence is offered on a 40 week contract basis.

Name Location Cost Deposit

St. Lukes0141 565 2884Email [email protected]

Opposite Riverside Campus

£108 per week

£300 should be paid towards rent at time of booking. This advance payment of £300 is non refundable should the accommodation be cancelled.

Collegelands0141 565 2884Email [email protected]

Havannah StreetGlasgow G4

£112 per week

Private CompaniesIn addition to the College’s Halls of Residence there are privately run halls close to the College. This type of accommodation is specifically aimed at students and the prices can vary, so it is important that you look at all options. You can choose to live in single en-suite room and share kitchen facilities, or you can rent a flat on your own; generally it is cheaper to share accommodation. Rent is usually inclusive of utilities but is important that you check this before committing to a tenancy. Opposite are some of the privately run student residencies that are close to the City Campus.

Please note all of the rooms shown opposite are the cheapest available. Prices vary.

Private Halls of Residence

Company Location Cost Deposit

Unite0800 783 4213www.unite-students.com

BlackfriarsBlackfriars RoadGlasgow G1 1QL

From £106 per week - includes bills and internet

£250

Buchanan View 35 Calgary StreetGlasgow G4 0XG


£250

Gibson StreetGlasgow G12 8SY


£250

Kelvin Court30 Yorkhill StreetGlasgow G3 8RY


£250

Thurso Street1-3 Thurso StreetGlasgow G11 6PE


£250

Victoria Halls0141 354 4100www.victoriahall.com

171 Kyle StreetBells PotteryGlasgow G4 0JQ

From £95 per week £200 Initial rent payment

Fresh Student Living0141 552 1915www.freshstudentliving.co.uk

Collegelands10 Havannah StreetGlasgow G4 0VB


£250 plus booking fee

Tramworks107 Kelvinhaugh StreetGlasgow G3 8PX

From £125 per week includes bills and internet

£100

Liberty House0141 248 9949www.libertyliving.co.uk

59 Miller StreetGlasgow G1 1EB

From £111 per week - includes bills and internet access

£200

Mansion Firhill Flats0141 530 1429www.mansionstudent.co.uk

150 Firhill RoadGlasgow G20 7BB

From £96.50 per week Instalment fee: £100Connection Fee: £100Utility Fee: £195

Prime Student Living0141 332 5915www.primestudentliving.com

Prime Student Living1st Floor359 Sauchiehall StGlasgow G2 3HU


£250

Gallery Apartments0844 3715668www.crm-students.com

Claremont HouseGlasgow G3 7LE


Enquire

The Ballet School261 West Princes StGlasgow G4 9EE


£250

Gallery Apartments2 Port Dundas PlaceGlasgow G2 3LD


£350

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Private Letting

There are a number of ways to find property with a private landlord. Some landlords manage the letting process themselves, whilst others use letting agents who help them rent and maintain their property. Newspapers and magazines also have regular adverts for flats/bedists for rent, including The Herald, Daily Record and Evening Times.

The internet is also a good place to start with any accommodation search. Many students use Gum Tree to look for flatshares. If you are responding to any advert from a private landlord or flatshare and you arrange a viewing, it is always advisable to take a friend with you.

Letting Agents in Glasgow

FineholmUnion Chambers114 Union StreetGlasgowG1 3QQ

0141 221 7993www.fineholm.co.uk

Harvey & Co5 St Vincent PlaceGlasgowG1 2DH

0141 204 1100www.harveylet.com

Let-It123 Stockwell StreetGlasgow G1 4LT

0141 552 7728www.let-it.co.uk

Merchant Lettings26 Springfield Court2nd floorGlasgow G1 3DQ

0141 221 2998 www.merchantlettings.com

Primesite637-639 Pollokshaws RoadGlasgowG41 2QG

0141 423 5522 www.primesiteproperty.co.uk

1-2-Let104 Bellgrove StreetGlasgowG40 2QR

0141 550 8888www.1-2-let.co.uk

Websiteswww.rightmove.co.uk

www.s1rental.com

http://glasgow.spareroom.co.uk/

http://www.flatshare.com/glasgow-flat-share/

http://www.roombuddies.com/preview/rooms/strathclyde/glasgow

http://glasgow.gumtree.com

http://www.citylets.co.uk/glasgow-property/

http://www.fineholm.co.uk/

http://www.harveylet.com/

http://www.let-it.co.uk/

http://www.merchantlettings.com/

http://www.primesiteproperty.co.uk/

http://www.1-2-let.co.uk/

http://www.citylets.co.uk/flats-rent-glasgow/

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Useful Contacts

City of Glasgow College Student AdvisorsCity Campus: 0141 566 4274/4281

Riverside Campus: 0141 566 4217

[email protected]

City of Glasgow College Halls of Residence0141 565 2884

[email protected]

Rent Deposit Schemewww.mydepositsscotland.co.uk

Glasgow Housing Associationwww.gha.org.uk

Shelter Scotland www.shelterscotland.org.uk

0808 800 4444

Mon-Fri: 09:00-17:00

HomelessnessGlasgow Social Work Services for Homelessness Support

0141 287 0555

www.yoursupportglasgow.org

www.cityofglasgowcollege.ac.ukScottish Charity No SC036198

accommodation 2014

Documents

rent deposit scheme

unpaid rent

rent payable

months rent

standard tenancy agreement

contract deposits rent

private halls of residence

private accommodation