To be seen pottering along the highways and byways of Luton in her Mini Clubman, her trusted Scottie Malcolm at her side, our super sleuthing property rental expert Ms Lucinda Newell is on the case on your behalf!
Rising Damp and Peeling Paper!
Following a recent meeting with the good people at Lenwell, I was struck by how many young people were milling around the centre of Luton. Of course - it was Fresher's Week, a time when the town is inundated with eager young things, minds refreshed and wills renewed (to quote my old Headmaster!) after their long summer break. 
It occurred to me that here was a body of individuals that made up a huge proportion of the rental market and, as a rule; they were forced to put up with substandard and often outright dangerous accommodation. So, whilst trying not to feel too old and creaky, I decided to put pen to paper (well fingers to keyboard) and provide a bit of useful information on what to look out for when renting for the first time as a student!
You do not need to pay a fee for a list of properties available! As bizarre as this may sound there are still agents out there who do this. Under the Accommodation Agents Act 1953 this is not allowed. An agent can only charge for reserving a property, and an inventory etc.
Check that the property you are renting has a valid Gas Safety Certificate. This should be no more that 1 year old as it is required to be renewed every year.
You will, inevitably be asked to either pay the full contract terms rent up front or be asked to provide a Guarantor. When this happens, ask your agent, in writing, not to pay all of the rent to the Landlord immediately, but only as the rent becomes due. This way, if the unforeseen happens (like your Landlord fails to pay his mortgage) you have not lost more than 1 months' rent.
In addition, be prepared to sign a 'Joint and Severable Liability' Contract. Very few landlords will be happy to rent a whole house as individual rooms with separate contracts for each tenant. Most reputable Agents will advise their clients (the Landlords) to have one contract with all the tenants i.e. if one tenant does not pay the rent the Landlord can look to the other tenants listed on the contract for payment. Basically, one amount is owed to the Landlord and he/she will not care which tenant pays it.
Make sure the property you are renting complies with the new Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO) Legislation. I have written about this at length, so if you don't have a copy of my previous article, get in touch with me through my email and I will forward you a copy.
As with all my articles, the one constant theme is to use a regulated, bonded Agent such as Lenwell. Someone you know has a protected deposit scheme, bonded client account and are themselves not going to run off with you money or use it to stay afloat and trade; it happens all the time - trust me!
editor@lenwell.com
