Posts with tag: student accommodation

Student accommodation check-in guidelines from The DPS

Published On: September 15, 2020 at 8:22 am

Tags: student accommodation,students,The DPS

An updated list of guidelines from The Deposit Protection Service (DPS) has been released to support students, landlords, and letting agents.

These guidelines for check-in reports have been put together to help when arranging accommodation moves during the coronavirus pandemic. It encourages all involved to follow Government rules aimed at reducing the spread of the virus.

Matt Trevett, Managing Director at The DPS, said: “Some students may not know what to expect when moving during the pandemic, and many landlords and agents are still adjusting to how public health measures affect setting up new tenancies.

“This guidance, which takes into account latest government advice on moving, will help ensure a safe and efficient move in line with the regulations, as well as help avoid disputes at the end of a tenancy.”

These are the nine student accommodation check-in guidelines provided by The DPS:

1. Understand government restrictions on moving

Members of only two households can enter a property at any one time in England. Students form a ‘household’ when they move into a property together, which means physical check-ins with either a landlord or letting agent can take place. Separate guidance exists in Wales and Scotland.

2. If possible, reduce the number of tenants attending the check-in

If tenants are undertaking a joint tenancy for the property, they are acting as a single party, so only one needs to attend the check-in. If each student has a separate tenancy for their individual room, everyone should attend as well as receive and sign their own inventory.

3. Perform a check-in when the house is empty

If possible, it is best to perform a check-in when the property is empty to reduce the risk of the virus transferring from the belongings of existing tenants to visitors.

4. Electronic check-ins are also permitted

If a non-physical check-in is preferable, landlords or agents can prepare the report in advance and then pass it to the relevant tenants via email or post, along with any photographs.

5. Stick to the facts

The check-in information should be thorough, factual, and accurately describe the condition of the carpets, walls, furniture, and garden. It should note items’ age, wear, and existing damage. Using a third-party inventory service to record the condition of furniture and fixtures can also help prevent disputes at the end of a tenancy.

6. Take photos of the property

Good quality, colour photos, along with the check-in report, provide the best evidence during any dispute. Date-stamped images taken on or close to the check-in date are optimal. Tenants who want to take their own photographs should agree with the landlord or agent a suitable time to enter the property.

7. Tenants should study the draft report and send back written amendments within seven days

If tenants don’t amend a draft check-in report within seven days of receiving it in person, via post or by email, the landlord or agent can assume the tenants agree with it.

8. Put conversations about the property’s condition in writing

Tenants, landlords, and agents who speak about the property’s condition should also follow up by post or email in order to keep a record and remove doubt should anyone need to refer to their conversations at a later date.

9. The tenants’ agreement is vital

Landlords, agents, and tenants should hold onto the final, agreed version of the report as well as any email trail or postal receipts relating to it. A landlord who can’t get a digital or physical signature from a tenant should ask them for an email or text confirming their agreement – and keep a copy.

Student check-out tips to help follow government COVID-19 guidelines

Published On: July 3, 2020 at 8:25 am

Author: Em Morley

Categories: Tenant News

Tags: student accommodation,student landlords,The DPS,Top tips

With COVID-19 introducing new restrictions to the lettings industry, The Deposit Protection Service (DPS) has issued seven check-out tips to help students and landlords in England and Wales.

The DPS highlights that physical visits to properties in England and the creation of rental check-out reports are now possible as long as letting agents, inventory clerks, and contractors follow government guidelines.

Matt Trevett, Managing Director at The DPS, said: “We understand that the ongoing lockdown restrictions could create anxiety for students and their landlords at the end of tenancies.

“These guidelines, which reflect the latest rules on working in other people’s homes, should help ensure a more efficient and safer handover of the property in line with most recent Government policy.”

The organisation says that the Government’s guidance for landlords and tenants should be read by students, property owners and letting agents to make sure they are aware of the new rules in place due to COVID-19.

Below are The DPS’ seven guidelines:

1. Take date-stamped pictures for the check-out report

Taking time-stamped photographs or videos of the property’s condition on moving out helps landlords to verify the check-out report, could avoid a dispute and encourages the efficient return of deposit money. Landlords in Wales, where restrictions on house moves from occupied properties continue, should consider asking their student tenants to collect this evidence.

If the check-out didn’t take place as a result of the lockdown, keeping a clear record of what happened (and when) enables The DPS to assess each case on its merits and arrive at a fair outcome.

2. Keep contact details up-to-date and stay in touch about the check-out report

If a check-out report is possible, tenants and landlords should swap up-to-date mobile numbers so they can call, text or email each other throughout. Keep copies of all communications, especially if there is a delay or dispute because an adjudicator will want to see the steps the landlord took to reach an agreement.

3. Read the small print about cleaning

Around 63% of landlords who enter The DPS’ Dispute Resolution Service cite cleaning amongst their reasons for a claim. During the pandemic the landlord may have to organise a full professional clean after the tenant leaves the property to minimise potential spread of the virus but, unless one took place before start of the tenancy or the tenancy agreement stipulates one is required, the tenant generally does not have to cover the cost.

4. Students and landlords cannot use deposit money to pay rent

Students should tell their landlords if they experience financial issues so that both sides can discuss options, e.g. rent deferments. Students experiencing problems paying their rent cannot ask for their deposit money to make up the shortfall or cover the final month’s rent before moving out. Landlords that have reduced a tenant’s rent cannot make a claim from the deposit to make up the payment. Landlords offering payment holidays should spell out in writing, e.g. via email to the tenant that they must pay the deferred rent once the crisis is over.

5. Use photographs to estimate repair costs

Contractors should not access a property to carry out non-urgent repairs if the tenant is self-isolating (or the property is occupied and in Wales). In these cases, the tenant can send a photograph electronically to the landlord who can pass it on to a contractor to obtain an estimate for repair work after the self-isolation/lockdown period ends.

6. Problems compiling dispute evidence during lockdown

Let the DPS know immediately of problems compiling dispute evidence so it can help to find a solution, for example, The DPS may be able to allow an extension for evidence submissions.

7. Checking gas or electrical safety certificates

The Government says that landlords should make every effort to keep gas and electrical safety checks up-to-date but that if the tenant shows coronavirus symptoms, is self-isolating, shielding or does not agree for the landlord or a contractor to access the property, the inspection should not take place.

The DPS has also created a series of detailed FAQs on how to organise check-ins and check-outs during coronavirus, available via its website.

£25m Cambridge student accommodation project receives planning permission

Published On: October 4, 2019 at 8:49 am

Author: Em Morley

Categories: Property News

Tags: cambridge,Future Generation,student accommodation

Planning permission has now been obtained for a £25m student accommodation scheme in Cambridge.

Developer Future Generation has secured planning permission for a 154-bedroom project to begin in December. A contractor has yet to be appointed.

There was an 18-month consultation prior to this agreement, which resulted in design changes and the majority of consultation respondents backing the scheme.

The student development is due to be named ‘Barnwell Gate’. Its aim is to help satisfy a strong local demand for purpose-built student accommodation.

Andrew Southern, Chairman of Southern Grove and Future Generation, has commented:“This attractive scheme is going to continue to show off our strengths when it comes to designing spacious living quarters that don’t cut corners when it comes to design and quality of life for students.

“While demand for student accommodation in some parts of the country is beginning to tail off, there is huge ongoing demand for purpose-built student accommodation in Cambridge.”

Most of the accommodation will consist of clusters of rooms with shared living and kitchen facilities. However, there will also be 20 self-contained studio apartments available to students as well.

Future Generation has highlighted that the location of this accommodation will be only a 10-minute cycle ride away from the University of Cambridge.

The site at 444 Newmarket Road is currently occupied by a car dealership. The business will be relocating to other premises.

Future Generation is the Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) arm of developer Southern Grove.

Sorting student accommodation – have you got a rent guarantor?

Published On: August 13, 2019 at 8:17 am

Author: Em Morley

Categories: Tenant News

Tags: rent arrears,student accommodation

With A-level results due to be released throughout the country this week, many students and parents will also have their minds set on sorting student accommodation.

Save the Student highlights that 54% of all student accommodation is with private landlords and estate agents. Many of these are Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs), of which there are over 500,000 in England, according to National HMO Network figures.

Only My Share, part of the Housing Hand group, points out that for students and those who act as their guarantors, renting a room in a shared home like this carries a particular risk: if one housemate doesn’t pay their rent, the others (and the guarantors) may end up liable for their share.

Terry Mason, Group Operations Director of Only My Share, says: “There are countless cases of students and their guarantors having suddenly become liable for monies owed to HMO landlords as a result of other tenants not being able to pay their rent.

“Only My Share seeks to protect students and their guarantors from being in this situation so that they can have peace of mind and enjoy their university experience to the full.”

This problem of rent arrears is widespread. The National Landlords Association (NLA) reports that 32% of landlords have suffered from rent rears. Court order evictions rates and rental default claims are also rising.

Terry continues: “Issues around providing rent guarantors can be a real source of stress for students. With little to no credit history, many have to rely on their parents to act as guarantors.

“While many parents are happy to do so, they are less keen to sign up to potentially cover their child’s housemates’ rent as well – and with one in ten students dropping out in their first year, that risk is far from insignificant.”

2018 figures from Save the Student show that average yearly student rent is £6,792. Cushman & Wakefield report that private rental sector (PRS) increases are outstripping those of university bed spaces, at 3.0% and 2.6% respectively from 2017/18 to 2018/19.

Luxury Student Accommodation on the Rise, but can Anyone Afford It?

Published On: October 25, 2017 at 8:59 am

Author: Em Morley

Categories: Property News

Tags: Only 38% of student landlords experienced rent arrears,student accommodation,students

Gone are the days of basic bedrooms, dodgy dorms and awful apartments. Nowadays, students can look forward to a new breed of luxury student accommodation – kitted out with flat-screen TVs, en-suite bathrooms, and access to communal cinemas and gyms – but can anyone afford it?

In the middle of a student accommodation crisis, it is being questioned whether students can really afford these new facilities.

Prices for luxury student accommodation in London can range from £170 per week for a standard twin (double bed, fitted wardrobes and en-suite) to £369 per week for an ultra studio (double bed, communal area and en-suite). These prices are equivalent to £680 and £1,476 a month respectively.

Luxury Student Accommodation on the Rise, but can Anyone Afford It?

Whilst investment into student developments is on the rise, as property investors try to cash in on high demand from university students, it seems that some of the latest luxury student accommodation blocks are far out of reach.

Last year, over £4.5 billion worth of student accommodation (68,000+ beds) were traded between property investors – this is projected to increase to £5.3 billion by the end of 2017.

Student accommodation is considered low risk for investors, who are safe in the knowledge that there is a guaranteed income from students, as higher education is projected to grow by the end of the decade.

StudentTenant.com, however, believes that relying on private developers to tackle the accommodation crisis means that the new supply of beds will target the most affluent, rather than the majority of, students.

Danielle Cullen, the Managing Director of StudentTenant.com, says: “The emergence of luxury student accommodation isn’t serving the majority of students. Whilst there is demand for this type of luxury accommodation, and a handful of students are willing to pay the higher prices, the new wave of housing is just too expensive for most.

“Students aren’t asking for much when looking for somewhere to live. They just want somewhere with a decent sized bedroom, a double bed and good internet. They want affordable prices – they don’t need dishwashers, en-suite bedrooms or even onsite gyms. We need to see development of affordable student housing in populated areas, offering a good quality of living, close to universities.”

She continues: “Whilst the headlines in recent years have focused on the impact of £9,250 annual fees for degree courses, the cost of student accommodation has been soaring. This is thanks to a combination of factors; driven partly by universities, partly by developers and partly by students themselves.

“Plenty of universities, students and landlords are eager to point the finger at private developers when it comes to rising accommodation costs. When it comes down to it though, universities have allowed for the privatisation of accommodation. Universities have sold off old stock to investors, and have even invested the money themselves in less affordable accommodation, which has resulted in higher rental costs across the board.”

She concludes: “If we really want to attract people into higher education, we can’t turn student accommodation into a reserve for the wealthy.”

If you’re a student landlord, how are you responding to the accommodation crisis?

New Student Developments are Soaring Across the UK

Published On: October 25, 2017 at 8:06 am

Author: Em Morley

Categories: Property News

Tags: student accommodation,student landlords,students

The number of new student developments is soaring across the UK, as accommodation providers attempt to meet the rising levels of students forecast to study here over the next ten years.

According to recent research by Savills, Bath is the UK’s top hotspot for student developments, due to strong demand, high occupancy levels, solid rents and good prospects for rental growth.

New Student Developments are Soaring Across the UK

In second position is Birmingham, followed by Brighton, Bristol, Edinburgh and Exeter. This year saw three new locations move into the top ten, including Exeter, Guildford and Leeds.

Top ten student developments hotspots

Bath
Birmingham
Brighton
Bristol
Edinburgh
Exeter
Guildford
Leeds
London
Manchester

The London market represents the largest city in the UK for student developments. According to JLL, London’s full-time student population is expected to rise by 50% over the next decade, which will exacerbate the existing shortfall in student housing supply.

Savills reports that investment in student developments is set to reach £5.3 billion in 2017 – up by 17% on 2016 – as investor confidence returns following the EU referendum.

For landlords, the top ten list above highlights the key locations for those considering an investment into student developments.

Jeremy Robinson, the Managing Director of Housing Hand – a secured and reliable insured UK guarantor service for students and working professionals – comments: “Just this month, the University of Brighton was granted planning permission for a new student accommodation project for £60-80m, which will see the development of 804 rooms in two towers, with construction due to be completed by September 2019.

“These new developments are popping up all over the UK and are good news for students. Historically, many have found it difficult to find affordable accommodation close to universities and have had to opt for purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA). Typically, rents are high in this type of accommodation, although the spec is high, which proves very attractive to international students.”

He continues: “According to Savills research, the UK attracted 112,000 full-time students from the EU and 285,000 from other countries last year, making up just under 23% of the full-time student population. These students contribute £25 billion [Universities UK] to the UK economy each year through tuition fees and other spending, such as accommodation and services.

“Forecasts show that international student numbers are to rise by 6% per year over the next three years. University applications from Chinese students have almost doubled over the last decade, to 14,000 in 2016. With the sterling–yuan exchange rate 8% lower than it was before the EU referendum, this growth is expected to continue.”