The most common problems in the rental process in Leeds

1. The agency’s fee issue.

If you are looking for an agency, you need to pay special attention to the fees. Apart from the agency fee, the agency has no right to ask the client for registration fee, viewing fee, etc. Generally, the agency fee is equivalent to the cost of one week’s rent, so don’t be overcharged.

2. Ask the agency for a complete list of fees before agreeing to sign the lease agreement.

Check the fee entries in the contract regarding the deposit, booking fee, agent’s fee, cleaning Leeds student accommodation fee, etc. During the actual payment process, be aware that the reservation fee is required to be refunded or reduced to the rent.

3. Clarify the responsibilities and obligations of both parties in the rental contract (including the responsibility for maintenance of items, Bill situation).

Read the terms and conditions carefully when signing the contract. If the facilities of the house are damaged or old and need to be replaced, the tenant generally has the right to ask the agent or the landlord for replacement or repair without paying any further fees.

4. Identify second landlords (i.e., non-landlords who rent out their homes as landlords in order to cheat them out of their fees) with a clear eye.

If you search online and find a house with extremely low price, don’t trust it. Ask the agency to provide documents proving their identity and qualifications when renting, and ask them to show proof of ownership if they are the landlord, otherwise, it is best not to wade through the muddy waters.

5. Use Google Maps to search the location of the house and check the details of the district you belong to.

Ask the landlord or agent for the zip code of the house, and enter the zip code directly into Google Maps, and the exact location will be displayed. In addition, you should also consider the access control system of the community, preferably with security guards at the gate and swipe cards to enter.

6. Before looking for a house to do a number of things in mind.

Even if you are in a hurry and have zero experience, there are several important requirements in your head, such as location (either close to the school on foot, or direct access to public transport), security (Indo-Pak and black areas must be avoided as much as possible), convenience of life (whether there are supermarkets and stores nearby), to meet these basic conditions, will make your first days in the UK much better. My student accommodation in Leeds is located around the white financial district of CanaryWharf, except for a 20-minute bus ride to school, other conditions are very suitable.

7. Find a regular agent and do not sign a contract in advance.

For one thing, do not sign a contract with the landlord in advance. Since it is not convenient to sign a contract in China, some agents will ask the tenant to sign the contract and then send a scanned version. In fact, this is very risky. It is not too late to sign the contract after you have seen the house at the place. Secondly, it is best to find an agency with a certain scale, either Chinese or British-run, preferably with a fixed office and storefront in the area.”

Another common rental fee is the administration or application fee. This fee covers the costs associated with processing your tenancy application, including reference checks, credit checks, and administrative work. However, it is worth noting that as of 1st June 2019, the Tenant Fees Act came into effect in England, which prohibits landlords and letting agencies from charging tenants certain fees. This includes fees for referencing, credit checks, and administrative work. Therefore, tenants should be cautious if they encounter any such fees and ensure they are in compliance with the law.

Students have diverse housing preferences and requirements. Offering a range of accommodation options ensures that the needs of all students are met. On-campus residence halls, off-campus apartments, shared houses, and private studios are common choices. Providing options for different room sizes, occupancy types, and amenities allows students to find a living arrangement that aligns with their preferences, budget, and lifestyle. The availability of a variety of housing options enhances the overall satisfaction and well-being of students.

In addition to the security deposit and administration fees, tenants may also encounter other fees such as holding fees or reservation fees. These fees are usually paid to secure a property before signing the tenancy agreement. However, it is important to note that holding fees are also subject to restrictions under the Tenant Fees Act. They are typically capped at one week’s rent and must be refunded or put towards the first month’s rent or security deposit if the tenancy proceeds.