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University of Glamorgan |
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International
Accommodation |
Private-Sector Accommodation
It is
recommended that it is worth looking at a number of
properties before accepting a room, and where possible
take time to visit the area and view the properties as
opposed to making a reservation for a room over the
telephone. Rooms are available in Halls of Residence
prior to the start of the Academic Year, for persons
wishing to stay overnight whilst looking for Private
Sector Accommodation. Please contact Accommodation
Services for further information.
Standards of properties vary considerably and price is
no guide! It is advisable to take a room with a landlord
who is registered with Accommodation Services and whose
property has complied with the minimum standard and
safety regulations.
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The
Vacancy List
The list of landlords offering Private Sector
Accommodation is updated regularly and is available
throughout the year from Accommodation Services. The list
is broken down into categories such as self
catering/nonresident landlord etc. The vacancy list will
show the following :-
-
landlords’ contact details
-
accommodation address
-
number
of rooms available
-
cost of
Summer retainer
-
contract
length
-
cost of
rent (usually per week)
-
other
information e.g. facilities
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The Local Area
The majority of students find accommodation
within a 1 mile radius of the University campus. Treforest, the
local village, is heavily populated with students and the nearby
town of Pontypridd is a 20 minute walk. There is a very good
public transport service and the Students’ Union organise a
minibus service in the evenings to take students to their
accommodations.
Money
Matters
1. Retainer
– depending on the time of year that you find suitable
accommodation, the landlord may request a retainer in order to
‘book’ the room until you move in at the start of the Academic
Year. For example, if you find a room in July, the landlord will
want financial assurance that you will turn up to occupy the
room in September. This money is usually non-refundable and can
vary from around £100 to £200.
2. Bond – this is an
amount held against any damage to the house during the Tenancy.
This deposit is refundable less any deductions for any damages.
It is advisable to point out any existing damage and missing
items from any inventory to the landlord as soon as you move in.
3. Rent – The rent varies
considerably and prices start from £35 per week for a single
room excluding fuel bills. The landlord would expect payment in
advance, usually per month or per term. Obviously, depending on
the type of accommodation that you are living at would reflect
the cost of rent e.g. having meals provided would incur higher
rent. Please note that when there is no rent book, it is
important that you get a receipt for every payment made.
4. Utility bills –
landlords request different methods of payment e.g. equal share
of quarterly bills, token meter etc. Tenants in the property may
be required to pay an equal share and are equally responsible
for the bills. It is best to establish a method of payment at
the beginning of the contract. Other bills may include
telephone. There is no charge for Council Tax if the property is
solely occupied by students.
Contracts
It is recommended that a written contract, clearly outlining
the terms and conditions of the tenancy is exchanged. Do not
sign anything without reading it very carefully and without
fully understanding it. It is good advice to take meter readings
as soon as you begin your tenancy to monitor fuel bills. This
avoids any ambiguity or confusion at a later date when settling
any outstanding bills.
Inventory
It is useful for both landlord
and tenant to know what furnishings are at the property at the
beginning of the tenancy and to agree their condition. If the
landlord has not provided a list of contents, it is advisable to
request that one be compiled. This should be used as a checklist
at the termination of the tenancy.
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