► Private Rented Sector

Private Rented Sector

When looking for information about the private rented sector, it might be helpful to consider at what stage you are currently at: Pre tenancy, currently in a tenancy or about to leave a tenancy. We have provided information to help you at each stage.

The golden rule of looking for accommodation is to take your time. There are plenty of properties within the private rented sector in Newcastle. Please don't rush into signing a contract for the first place you see!

Contract's are legally binding, so think carefully about the property, the rent, and the people you are choosing to live with. Pressure from local letting agencies, advertising campaigns, and peers mean that a lot of first years are tempted to sign leases for the next academic year within term one. We advise that you try to resist the pressure, as you may change your mind, your circumstances may change, or might see a better offer later in the year. However if you really cannot wait and wish to sign up early, we hope that providing some information for you here may assist you and if you are in any doubt or have any concerns please contact us to discuss.

Book an Appointment

The Student Advice Centre offer a Housing Contract Review Service. If you require the Student Advice Centre to review your housing contract, you must book an appointment with the Housing Advisor and drop off a copy of your contract 48 hours prior to your appointment so the advisor has time to read through the contract and relevant housing legislation in time for your appointment.

Contracts will not be reviewed  at drop-in sessions - but by appointment only.

The key to finding and signing up for property and then moving in is preparation. The Department for Communities and Legal Government (DCLG) can provide a great deal of information on Housing issues with its own dedicated section on booklets for private tenants. 

More Information

For information on your rights, obligations, safety and standards the UK Government website, Directgov, has its own section on Home and Community. The Home and Commuity section has a sub section on Private Renting. There is also a dedicated section on Student Housing.

If you are currently renting in the private rented sector and want to find out more about what sort of tenancy and rights you have, Shelter provide useful information.

We feel it is important to highlight a few specific information about private renting, pertinent to students:

Safety

Houses of Multiple Occupancy

Community

Tenancy Deposits

 

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