Introduction – Sue Jacobs, Accommodation Officer, University of Oxford, Accommodation Office

The University Website, Inventories and Energy Performance Certificates – Sue Jacobs, Accommodation Officer

Tenancy Agreements and Tenancy Deposit Schemes – Ruthanna Barnett, Turpin Miller

Differences between letting agencies and managing agencies and their fees – Rosanna McBeath, OUSU

Living in Multiple Occupancy Houses and Environmental Issues and Enforcement – Gail Siddall, Environmental Health Team

6. Questions to the panel – All Speakers

TALK ON ‘LIVING OUT’AGENDA

University Private Accommodation Website

WWW.admin.ox.ac.uk/accommodation

Before you live out ask the following questions;

What type of accommodation do you want to live in?

Who do you want to live with? How many people do you want to live

with? How much can you afford?

Why Use the Accommodation Office?

We are not an Letting Agent Our Service is FREE We advertise properties on the network for

students and staff We hold Landlord’s gas safety certificate, EPC,

Tenancy Deposit Scheme and HMO information on the Landlord’s properties

We run a complaints procedure for properties advertised through our website for students and landlords

And there’s no queuing!

What do we do?

Assist students and staff looking for accommodation in the private rented sector

Provide information for students and staff when renting in the private sector.

Offer advice and guidance to landlords and students

How to get the information

Go to our website and pick up and complete the registration form.

Email this to the relevant accommodation assistant

Accommodation assistant emails the username and password back to you

Access database & search for accommodation online and contact the landlords directly.

Average Rents in Oxford

Room in a shared house £300-£450 per calendar month plus share of bills

Room with resident Landlord £300-£450 per month may be some bills

Studio Flats - £500-£650 dependent on size and location

1 Bedroomed Flats - £650-£800 dependent on size and location

Questions?

Visit our Website – www.admin.ox.ac.uk/accommodation/privateOpening Hours: 10am – 12.45, 1.45 - 4.00pm Monday to Friday

Inventories

What is an inventory?

An inventory is a document which lists the condition of the contents of the property both in the positive and negative, i.e. decoration, newly painted etc.

It is usually carried out at the start of a tenancy and details the state of the items and property at that time.

This includes everything: the furniture, fixtures and fittings - doors, walls, ceilings, lights, flooring and so on.

When signed by the landlord and tenant it becomes a legally binding document and an integral part of the rental agreement

Sample Inventory Filled In

Who needs an inventory All properties, including rooms, should have an

inventory. If you are not supplied with one then create one yourself, take photographs and send a copy to the Landlord/Agent with a letter and keep a copy for your files which is dated.

Every landlord and tenant should have an inventory for each property, because the report outlines not only what’s in the property, but also the condition it is in.

If nothing is noted on the inventory then it is assumed that it was all ok when you took over the property. This document will form the background for any challenge on deposit returns which goes to arbitration.

Don’t rant, record!

Do I still need a inventory if the property is unfurnished?

What happens if you are in a shared house, who is responsible for making the notes? Don’t forget that you are all jointly and severally liable so make sure everyone has a look at the inventory before it

is returned back!

Why use photographs?

A picture paints a thousand words!

What is a periodic inspection?

What is a check out report?

A check out report will usually be completed on the day your tenancy terminates and will include:-

Condition of property and any notes against items damaged

Meter readings Forwarding addresses and bank accounts

for deposit returns

Questions on Inventories

Energy Performance Certificates - What are they and how can I

use them?

Most older Victorian and older houses are between code E & F!

Any questions?