Housing and accommodation

Lodgings

These are rooms in private houses where the landlord or landlady lives on the premises and share the communal facilities i.e. bathroom, kitchen, and so on. They may be family households although many are offered by single people, often fellow students.

Accommodation is offered either on a Room Only (cook for yourself) or Half Board (two meals a day provided by landlord/lady) basis with rents calculated on a weekly basis. The weekly rate should include the cost of heating, lighting and hot water. Specific rates and services should be negotiated between householder and student.

Lodging arrangements are generally very flexible, offering freedom to both parties.

Will I be expected to sign a contract?

Not generally. All lodgings landlords advertising on www.portsmouthstudentpad.co.uk have been informed by Student Housing that contracts committing you to stay in the property for a fixed period of time are not acceptable. You should be expected to agree to, and perhaps sign, basic house rules. This could include: how much the rent is, when and how it is payable, what rooms you can use, restrictions on telephone, washing machine, and so on.

What if I'm asked to sign a contract?

It is important that you check the contents of the contract carefully before agreeing to sign. Lodgers cannot technically be called 'tenants'. A tenant is someone who has exclusive possession of a property and can exclude others from the property. A lodger is otherwise known as a 'licensee', that is someone who has been given permission from the homeowner to live in his or her property. If a landlord grants a tenancy but is resident at the property, the tenancy cannot be Assured or Assured Shorthold. It will generally be held by licence.

If you are asked to sign an agreement, it is important to check the length of it. If it is for a fixed term you will generally be held liable for rent for the whole period of the fixed term.

If possible ask the landlord to insert a notice or break clause. This will allow either party to give notice to break the contract if necessary.

Will I have to pay a deposit?

You will generally be asked to pay a small deposit when you move in. This is normally equivalent to two weeks' rent although there is not set amount. Ensure that you get a receipt for your payment.

What if I want to leave?

It is important that you agree notice periods before you move into a property. If possible get this in writing to avoid later complications. You may agree to give notice equivalent to one rental period, being one week, two weeks or one month's notice. If you leave without giving reasonable notice your landlord is entitled to claim one-rental period's rent in lieu of notice.

What if the landlord asks me to leave?

The resident landlord always retains the right to regain possession of his/her home and can evict you without going to court. This is provided that they have served you sufficient notice. Lodgers or licensees are not protected from the Protection from Eviction Act 1977.