The following information is provided for guidance only and should only be
used for personal reference when dealing with student accommodation matters.
What is a contract? ^top
The contract is generally several pieces of paper that sets out the details
of your intended occupancy of a premises (flat or house) to which you will
formally sign to, agree that you accept all of the details as written. You
should have read and understood the implications of all the clauses written.
It should also be understood that are two parties to the contract. i.e. the
Landlord is also part of this agreement and should stand by their side of the
agreement.
Most contracts offered for student accommodation are "Shorthold Assured
Tenancies" which offer a number of fixed features such as:
A start date and an end date
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These dates are fixed and can only be changed will formal consent with the
landlord. Also these are the dates for which you have control of the premises
and can occupy as and when you prefer, within the terms of the contract.
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A figure stating the annual rental agreed
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This is the total sum you are required to pay for the period between the
start date and the end date.
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Terms of payment
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The dates of payment and how much will be paid at the stated times.
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The address of the property
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Exact postal address and sometimes the number or location of the room you
will be allocated.
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The tenants (i.e. you) obligations
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Hopefully all the things that you can and can not do while you are in control
of the premises, and any instances where you are responsible for repair, upkeep,
or reinstatement.
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The Landlords obligations
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Those matters to which the landlord is responsible either by routine or
following reports from the tenants.
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The acceptance
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The part you and/or your co-tenants have to sign and date to accept the
arrangements previously read and understood.
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Why have a contract? ^top
Some owners have been known to offer accommodation without making a formal
arrangement, and that in itself can cause problems.
The contract is:
- A document that states the name of the persons involved with the contract
(the occupier(s) and the landlord or agent who is offering the contract.
- Included in the contract will be the obligations expected of all parties
signing the contract.
- By both parties (occupier(s) and landlord/agent) having a copy of the
contract then should it be necessary to refer to the contract during a dispute.
Both parties are then able to use the document to clarify their obligations.
So, all of the clauses in the contract must be easy to understand,
although some parts must be written in formal legal terms. It is reasonable for
you to have explained to you, the implied meaning of such language or
terminology, and remember, if you do not understand something then it is for
your own good that you ask for advice.
What if there is a problem? ^top
Consider all of the information and comment that is provided before you
accept the terms of any accommodation offered to you. At this point the main
problem would be that you do not understand the details of the contract offered,
so take a copy of the document away to ask for advice.
Who can help? ^top
The Accommodation Service
Advice and Information desk - Lincoln
Campus
The Student Union
When should I sign? ^top
You should only sign the contract when you are happy that you understand the
details of the contract and are sure that you can meet all the
responsibilities expected of you detailed within the contract. .
What if I don't want to sign the contract?
^top
If you are in this position then assume that you are not sure of the
following:
- The general terms of the contract
- Meeting the payment terms of the contract
- The people you are going to share with
- Some of the conditions of the property or size of the room you will use
If any of the above apply you should wait until you are completely
happy with the arrangements which will be in force for your next year of study.
You will, at this stage, need to consider other providers of accommodation and
other offers of contract.
Phrases and words to be aware of!
^top
The tenant(s)
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This is you and anyone else who has signed the contract for the same
house/flat
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The landlord
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The person who owns the house/flat
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The agent or contractor
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A person(s) working on behalf of the landlord
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Premises
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The place you will live
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Joint and several
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All persons signing a joint
contract will be equally liable for all the rent and bills of the household.
(i.e. rent, bills, charges for damage)
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Deposit
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A sum of money you give to the landlord to be held against any charges which
may be applied after your departure at the end of the tenancy
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Tenant like manner
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The way in which you will live in the house so as not to cause any damage,
dilapidation or disturbance
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Decorations
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Make sure the contract is clear on what you can or can not do to decorations
within the house or your room
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Cleaning
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Make sure that the contract specifies if you will be charged for cleaning and
under what arrangements. you should look for a comment "where necessary" to be
in the same clause.
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Equipment
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Most landlords will provide some items of domestic equipment, i.e. fridges
cookers. Make sure that both you and the landlord agree on the expected level of
cleaning required before you leave after the end of the contracted period.
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^top
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