Hereford College of Arts offers a brokerage service to help students who are 18 or above to find accommodation in Hereford and its surrounding area while they are studying. The contract students sign will be between the student and the landlord and the college is not responsible for this, so please make sure that you check everything is right for you before you sign anything. Please check the guidelines for information on what to look out for before you sign your contract.
Guidelines
Inventory
You should check the inventory given to you by your landlord, or make your own, and you should both keep a copy of it. Note anything that is missing...
Property checklist
Check the condition of the property when you go to look around it: look for signs of damp (look in corners and be suspicious of furniture...
Choosing a property
It is really important to go and look at some properties before you make a decision, as the condition and location will vary and you need to ensure...
Contracts
Signing a contract with a landlord means that you are committing yourself to staying in the accommodation. A contract can be verbal but for your...
Landlord's name and address
Make sure that you have your landlord's name and address details (they are required by law to give you these) and ask for an emergency contact
Home Cert accredited housing
Most of the properties that Hereford College of Arts recommends to students have been accredited by Herefordshire Council as part of their Home...
Other bills
Rent does not usually cover the cost of your utility bills (gas and electricity etc.). You need to check whether the water rates are included...
Reducing your bills
Being careful with the energy you use can help the environment and save you money on your bills. Remember to switch lights off when you leave...
Other fees
A landlord or their agent is allowed to charge fees as long as they are up front about them and include these fees in their marketing information....
Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO) License
The Housing Act 2004 introduces a new definition of Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO). The new definition is very complex. Generally a house...
The landlord's right of access
Tenants have a responsibility to allow access to the landlord at a reasonable time of day in order to complete his or her maintenance obligations,...
Harassment
The law protects people living in residential property against harassment and illegal eviction. It does this in two ways: by making harassment...
Tenants' responsibilities
You have a responsibility to be a good neighbour and to keep noise levels down, particularly after 11pm. You should make sure that rubbish does...