Useful Services
When you wish to rent a property in the UK, you may need the contact details of some advice services, in case you run into difficulties. You may be able to find answers to some of your questions by researching on the internet. If you have friends or family living in the UK, you can ask their advice on renting and rental finance. If you are a student moving to the UK or relocating within the UK, ask the University to which you have been accepted whether they can offer any assistance in your accommodation search.
Most Universities will have an accommodation service which manages the University-owned accommodation but can also offer insights into rental possibilities and procedure in the local area. If you have difficulties finding accommodation or are worried about signing a contract which you do not fully understand, get help.
It is far easier to ask for assistance before you have signed a contract than find yourself in a difficult or unfair position afterwards. The Citizens Advice Bureau is an advisory service with branches across the UK; they offer objective, professional assistance if you are in difficulty and will either solve the problem themselves or refer you to someone who can help. For more advice on renting a property, consider the following options.
Internet
In addition to specific information on typical contracts, tenancy rights and available properties there are many web forums where members discuss their own rental issues and ask others to offer advice. You can also find the websites of solicitors, letting agencies and advisory organisations if you need them.
University
Contact the student's union of your University or your prospective University - This student assistance body will have the details of University staff who can help with your search for accommodation, contract queries and problems with your landlord or the property you are renting. Some Universities will offer a counselling service or advisory service of their own, enabling you to discuss your difficulties with a trained consultant. The students union will also have details of who you can contact if you are living in University-owned accommodation and have any questions or problems.
Local Council
Each town and city will have a local council - These are regulatory organisations which enforce the law throughout the community and assist the local people. Each council will have specialised teams who deal with specific aspects of local life, such as rubbish removal and property rental. You will be able to explain your situation to a member of the relevant team and ask advice. Your local council is listed in your local telephone directory, and can also be found on the internet.
Many local councils have a 'private housing team' who deal with all aspects of housing in the area. They usually aim to improve housing conditions and reduce the number of local homeless people, but they are also able to offer free advice on all aspects of housing including rehousing, repossession, rent increases, deposit repayment etc. Your council may give its housing team a different name, but they will operate in much the same way.
Your council will also have a team of legal specialists who can offer free advice on how to handle legal aspects within the private housing sector. They can help if you wish to take legal action against a landlord or if you wish to protect your rights as a tenant. You may be referred to the legal team after speaking to the housing team, if they believe you should pursue the matter through the courts.
Complaints
If you wish to register a formal complaint against a landlord and/or letting agency, the best way to do so is to contact trading standards. Trading standards is a governmental body, set up to investigate and deal with complaints from consumers: it is essentially a consumer protection service. The website www.tradingstandards.gov.uk offers advice leaflets on a range of topics and information on registering your complaint.
Citizens Advice Bureau
The Citizens Advice Bureau is an advisory service offering free, confidential and objective advice on a range of different subjects. They operate nationwide, and have over three thousand offices throughout the country. Advice can be given over the phone, via email or through a personal visit. Your local Citizens Advice Bureau, or CAB, can be found in your local telephone directory. They should be able to offer general advice on finding a property, signing a contract and dealing with difficulties. For more information see their website www.citizensadvice.org.uk.
