► Types of Accommodation

UNIVERSITY MANAGED ACCOMMODATION - ON CAMPUS ACCOMMODATION

On campus accommodation is available in the Coleraine, Jordanstown and Magee area. The Belfast campus has no accommodation of its own, but a small number of students can be accommodated in the Residences on the Jordanstown campus. The majority of places are allocated to first year students with a small percentage of places given to final year students.

There are a number of points to remember when you are living in campus accommodation:

1. Read the handbook, which you are given when you move into Halls. It tells you what rules and regulations you have to observe, e.g. when you are having an overnight guest.
2. On campus accommodation comprises of different types of accommodation, from the traditional Halls of Residence to shared houses. The rules for the different types may differ slightly.
3. Make sure you read the agreement before you sign it. Check if you are expected to vacate the room during holidays. It is not usually possible to move out unless you find another student to take your place. On campus is convenient, however, rules do apply. Do bear in mind that failure to pay rent or pay for damage, like any debts to the University may have repercussions for your academic progress.

HEAD-LEASING AGREEMENT: The University, under this scheme leases furnished properties from owners and sub-lets them to students for a fixed period of time. Properties are of good quality and fully furnished. The University is your landlord and application should be made through the Accommodation Office on campus. The rent can be expensive, however, and as before, arrears can have an academic effect.

Little protection is offered by legislation for licensees renting in Halls or Head Leasing.

STUDENT HOUSING ASSOCIATION ACCOMMODATION (SHAC): offer accommodation in the Triangle area around Coleraine, Derry, Carrickfergus, Whiteabbey and at various locations throughout Belfast. SHAC will attempt to house students who apply together as a group as far as possible. Rent is reasonable and legislation protects tenants in a Housing Association such as SHAC quite well.

The biggest advantage with SHAC is that tenancies are not fixed term, so provided you give 4 weeks notice you can move out anytime you wish. Shared properties are fully furnished and should you fail to get along with your fellow tenants you may apply to transfer to another flat. Students with children may also apply for SHAC housing.

SHAC also have a repairs policy and a proper channel for complaints. For more details or application forms contact SHAC head office at 29 Bedford Street, Belfast, Tel: 01232 246811. Or your nearest SHAC Office, V.P. Education and Welfare in the Students' Union.

PRIVATE RENTED SECTOR ACCOMMODATION:is the option that the majority of students choose, usually for financial reasons. Rent can be cheap but quite often you get what you pay for. Depending on your landlord, repairs can be slow and the standard of accommodation varies greatly. Shop around and don't sign anything until you are sure you will be happy to remain there for the rest of the year. Problems can be avoided so see the Education and Welfare Officer is you are concerned about anything regarding your accommodation.

BASIC TENANT RIGHTS IN PRIVATE SECTOR ACCOMMODATION

Every tenant has 5 basic rights regardless of whether or not a lease has been signed. These rights are statutory under the Rent (NI) Order 1978 and are listed below:

1) The Right to a Rent Book
Landlords are required to supply tenants with a rent book. Failure to do so can result in a fine of up to £1,000. The rent book must contain certain items of information, including the address of the landlord, the amount of rent and rates payable, the day on which they fall due and the amount and description of any other payments the landlord requires the tenant to make such as charges for electricity.

2) The Right to Claim Housing Benefit
Private tenants are entitled to claim Housing Benefit and all landlords must inform tenants of this in the rent book.

3) Freedom from Harassment
Harassment doesn't necessarily have to be from the landlord. It can include withholding of services such as electricity, acts of violence, or unlawful entry. Eviction must be done legally, and so harassment and unlawful eviction can be a criminal offence. Anyone found guilty of either of these can be fined up to £2,000 and/or be imprisoned. District Councils can now take proceedings, i.e. sue for damages etc.

4) Freedom from Illegal Eviction
In order to evict a tenant, a landlord must follow the correct legal procedures. This applies even where a tenant refuses to move out when the tenancy has expired. The landlord must obtain an Order of Possession from a court and have it enforced through the Enforcement of Judgements Office. Any attempt to force a tenant out is illegal.

5) Notice to Quit
Except in the case of fixed term tenancies, a landlord is required to serve the tenants with a notice to quit in writing, prior to any proceedings for possession. Notice to quit should give the tenant four weeks. This also works if the tenant wishes to leave. Failure to leave on expiry of this notice may entitle the landlord to retain any deposit received from the tenant.

These are your five basic rights as a tenant. If you believe your landlord is in breach of these obligations you should seek legal advice as soon as possible.

TENANCY AGREEMENTS

If you are presented with a lease read the items carefully. Ask a Solicitor or Education and Welfare Officer to check it to be sure of what you are getting yourself into. A tenancy agreement is a legally binding document. If you do not have a lease you could suggest one to your landlord. Sample leases are available from the Education and Welfare Office in your Students' Union.