Unipol Bradford Tabloid February 2017

Housing The best advice around

unipol's guide to successful house hunting

www.unipol.org.uk/nottingham

November 2014

F E B R UA R Y 2 0 1 7

Rogues Avoid The

www.unipol.org.uk/BradfordHH The Unipol Codes Your perfect property awaits See page 3

Browse properties available for next academic year View from page 6

www.facebook.com/ unipolbradford

@Unipol_Bradford

Where to live in Bradford See page 10

2

FEBRUARY 2017

NEWS

Note from the editor U

nipol is THE place to start your search for your new home. From Monday 6th February you will be able to see hundreds of accredited properties on Unipol’s website www.unipol.org.uk/bradford.

In the meantime we have included in this edition a selection of properties from our code landlords.

Here at Unipol we have your wish list covered.

From all-inclusive properties of all sizes, to rooms in halls, to studio apartments, to single room lets and traditional shared houses. We have properties on the most popular streets and areas across Bradford all on one

website. You can easily compare properties, shortlist and book viewings without having to trawl around different letting agents.

House hunting is fun but can be stressful and tiring too - it is not unusual to feel like this so remember to take your time. Often after seeing lots of properties they will all look the same, so regroup, decide your priorities, remember your budget and do a second viewing if you can’t decide.

The great thing is that Bradford has a surplus of good accommodation and Unipol advertise properties throughout the year.

Resisting the rush can make it all a calmer and more successful affair!

From left to right Marina, Jo, Natalie, Elh

The Housing Hub - Here to Help T

Jo's hot tip: Don't forget to allow £15 a week for bills when you are looking at properties that don't include the bills.

he Housing Hub team holds a wealth of experience most are either former students in Bradford or current students like you. Help is at hand in all areas from how to choose the right property and finding other people to live with. A friendly bunch who have your best interest at heart and will always try to help but if we can't will put you in touch with someone who can.

Contents

Talk to us on webchat Visit our website for more details and look out for the Livechat invitation if you'd like to connect.

Find us at: Unipol Housing Hub, The Richmond Building, University of Bradford. BD71DP E:info@unipol.Bradford.ac.uk T: 01274235899 W: www.unipol.org.uk Open Monday to Friday 11am -4pm

Unipol Facts and Figures

The Unipol Codes

3

Contract Checking

4

Going House Hunting

5

Where to live in Bradford

annah

Property searches made through the Unipol Bradford website in 2016: 15,660 Landlords/agents covered by the Unipol Code 27 (and rising)

10 Bed spaces covered by the

Advice for students

Contact us Unipol -01274235899 info@unipol.bradford.ac.uk www.unipol.org.uk/bradford

11

Unipol Codes: over 30,000 Average rent of a Unipol Code property: £59.00

£

Providers asking for a guarantor: 13%

This tabloid is produced by Unipol Student Homes. It is for guidance only and is no substitute for the diverse legislation covers. Unipol Student Homes is a company limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales, No. 3401440, Registered Charity number No. 1063492. VAT Registration No. 698 8456 49. Unipol Student Homes accepts no liability whatsoever in respect of the advertisements prepared by Unipol Student Homes based on the contents on Accommodation Details Forms and in no circumstances (whether caused by negligence or otherwise) will Unipol Student Homes be liable for any consequential or indirect damage or loss of rent or loss of profit suffered or incurred by you or any third party howsoever caused. © Copyright 2017 Unipol Student Homes

THE CODE

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FEBRUARY 2017

The Unipol Codes are at the heart of everything we do. They are a set of standards, and ensure that your student home is safe and comfortable and your landlord will play fair.

Safe and comfortable

4 4 4

Your Code home:

Will conform to security and fire safety standards higher than legally required Will be ready and any refurbishment or building work finished before your tenancy starts , unless agreed with you Will be clean at the start of your tenancy

Any landlord who lets to students can choose to sign up to the Unipol Codes, and in doing so they agree to keep to the high standards set.

Landlords who sign up to the Codes show they are committed to improving student housing, starting with your home.

Fair Play

All Code homes and landlords should meet Code standards – if they don’t, we can provide help and advice, and you can use the Code complaints process to help you resolve the matter.

4 Will act professionally and courteously at all times 4 Will advertise properties without misrepresentation, and make all fees clear to you Will give you at least 24 hours to check over your contract before signing, and won’t let to 4 anyone else during this time 4 Will outline rent and bills clearly to you before you sign, so there are no surprise costs 4 Will protect your deposit in a protection scheme and manage it fairly Your Code landlord:

And there’s lots more!

For more info, pick up a copy of our Unipol Codes leaflet, or look online at:

www.unipol.org.uk/the-code Tip for house hunting Find out if your landlord or agent is a member of one of Unipol’s Codes at: www.unipol.org.uk/landlords/landlord-directory If you’re unsure, give us a call on 01274 235899 or email leedscode@unipol.org.uk

4

FEBRUARY 2017

FINANCIAL

Not sure you’re in the right house share?

There are many reasons why groups can fall through, if it happens to you don’t panic! There is plenty of help and advice available.

I was in a group but now I’m alone - help!

If your group falls through before you’ve even found a house you don’t need to worrythere are plenty of student bed spaces available and new friends to make. Many landlords offer bed spaces on individual contracts so you can sign for a room in a house, sharing with others. Unipol holds house hunting events to help you meet other house hunters from February onwards.

Also try our online student noticeboard, we have a dedicated board ‘forming a group to look for housing’ that helps hundreds of students each year.

I’m just not sure about living with these people If you have formed a group but you’re not sure about living with them it is best to speak up as soon as possible - don’t tie

yourself to a contract if you’re not 100% sure. Most student lets are nine months to a whole year and this is a long time to live with people that you feel may not be right for you. It won’t be easy but you will feel so relieved and they might be feeling the same. For further help and advice you can speak to your student advice centre at your students’ union.

We’ve found the perfect house but someone has just pulled out The good news is there are lots of students looking to join groups. Search for ‘student notice board’ on the Unipol website to direct you to a forum to help you contact others and post a message about your property and group. Keep the landlord informed.

We’ve signed for a house but decided to go our separate

ways - what can we do?

If you have already signed a contract and paid a deposit for a property and then the group falls through it is important to contact the landlord straight away. You will all be legally bound to the contract and the landlord does not have to cancel the contract because of your circumstances. Most landlords will release you from your liabilities if you find another group. Ask your landlord if they can re-advertise the property on their website and Unipol. You can use the Unipol student notice board to search for replacements. Spread the word on social media and ask course mates and friends if they know anyone who is still looking. Your landlord may charge an admin fee for the extra paperwork and time involved in swapping the group over so remember to ask about this in advance.

Contract checking

It’s super quick, free and understanding the small print can save you money

S

igning for a property with your friends is one of the best things you will do but before you decide to sign on the dotted line, remember to call in to your students’ union and get your contract checked.

They can point out any ‘shaky’ clauses and explain the tricky bits so you know exactly what you are committing to before signing.

The sorts of questions that are useful to ask are: n

What’s the difference between an Individual Tenancy and a Joint Tenancy and which am I signing? n What does my deposit cover and how is it protected? n What is an admin fee for? n What is a Guarantor? n What’s a HMO Licence fee? n Will I be dealing with the Landlord or with a Managing Agent? n Is there anything I should be wary of?

Don’t sign a contract if you are not happy with the terms or there are any aspects of the agreement you do not understand. A Unipol Code Landlord should always give you at least 24 hours to take a copy of the contract away and

look over it, so take advantage of this.

Many Unipol Code landlords are now using the Unipol Model Tenancy Agreement that offers clearly understandable terms and is recommended by the students’ unions

So remember: Once you have signed the contract it is legally binding on all parties so you can’t change your mind.

Faith's TOP Tips on Groups

What is a deposit?

A

deposit is a sum of money taken at the time of signing your contract. Your landlord should confirm in writing what the deposit covers. This may be set out in your tenancy agreement or your landlord may give you a separate document.

Your deposit is your money. If you've paid all the rent due and caused no damage, the full amount of your deposit should be returned at the end of your tenancy. Your landlord can make reasonable deductions from your deposit to cover certain losses. This can include money to cover any damage to the property; pay unpaid rent; pay for cleaning. Your landlord should let you know how much

What do you like about your current landlord/agent?

We only see them when we need them

money they're keeping from your deposit and the reasons why. Your landlord must return what's left of your deposit to you.

Tenancy Deposit Protection This is good news for students.

All tenancy deposits paid by an assured shorthold tenant have to be protected by the landlord in a government-backed scheme and the details of which supplied to you within 30 days of receiving your deposit.

To find out more about deposit protection visit: https://www.unipol.org.uk/advice /students/know-your-rightscontracts-and-muchmore/deposits

S tu d Com ent m en ts

Why is the Unipol Code good for students?

It helps to make the houses safe What is your favourite student area and why?

City Centre, because it’s close to uni and other students

Marina Serdar

HOUSE HUNTING

5

FEBRUARY 2017

We're going house hunting Who do I want to live with?

Think about who you want to live with.

You may be asked to sign a joint contract in your 2nd & 3rd year, so can you can rely on your friends to pay the rent and the bills?

Are you very sociable and like to go out a lot or do you prefer a quiet house and place to study?

there are four of us!

Using the Unipol website Our website gives you access to more properties than any other in Bradford so there is no better place to start your search.

IBLE FULLY COMPAT BLET WITH YOUR TA NE. OR SMART PHO

Get the right info Start with Unipol, either a visit to our website: www.unipol.org.uk/bradfordHH or call into the Housing Hub in the Richmond Building. Unipol has terminals to search for properties, free phones to arrange viewings and staff on hand to give advice.

What area should we live in?

Consider: n n n n n

where you study where you work how much public transport costs what amenities an area has going out on a night

Booking a viewing You can book by phone or through the website - every advert has the contact details it's really easy. n

n

Viewings for the green pins (Unipol properties) can be booked directly with staff at Unipol or phone 01274 235899.

Blue (Code) and black pins give details of the owners' contact information so contact them directly toarrange a viewing

Viewing the property Take the checklist from inside the Unipol House Hunting Guide when you go around a property.

It will remind you to check things you might not think of and ask questions of the current tenants. What do they think of the house? Have there been any problems?

landlord said deposit is in TDS

Signing the Tenancy Agreement Read through the tenancy agreement and make sure you understand what you are signing for.

Check the start date and finish date, how much you are paying and when.

Chances are you will not be able to change your mind.

Note to Self: must remember to get contract checked....

Paying a deposit Most landlords require a deposit at the time of signing a contract. This is refundable at the end of the tenancy. The group make sure they get a leaflet from the landlord giving them information about which scheme the money will be protected in.

If you are not paying a deposit, make sure the signing fees, booking fees and rent level are not increased or used in replacement of it. What might be appealing, may not add up financially.

Sorted There is nothing more for this lot to think about until they move in to their new home. ..‌they seem pretty happy!

feeling happy :-)

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8 BD7 | 2 Bed

Pemberton Drive

The following adverts are from individual landlords.

They are arranged by bedspaces and street name >> Horton Grange Rd.

Rare and different student property Lovely semi Gardens with parking for 4 cars Large bedrooms Separate living room Quality furnishings

BD7 | 3 / 4 Bed

Leather suite Lawned gardens maintained by gardener Must be viewed to appreciate Not your usual student let Book early

Rent: £45 pppw Contact: Sharaz 0783 002 1896 Gt. Horton Road

BD7 | 4 / 5 Bed

Superb student property. Literally only 5 minutes walking distance to campus. All amenities available locally in an established student area.

House is fully furnished with modern furniture.

Reasonable rent for good location. Book early to avoid disappointment. Will consider bills inclusive. Also suitable for 5 students.

Rent: £45 pppw Contact: Sharaz 0783 002 1896

Fieldhead Street

BD7 | 3 Bed

This is a very comfortable and well decorated two bedroom flat with its own kitchen and bathroom. Ideally located within 100 metres from the main campus, it’s been very popular with undergraduates and couples. Rooms are available individually if required.

Three

bedroom house in quiet residential area Close

to university and amenities Excellent

condition Summer

concession Unipol

golden owner

Rent: £55 pppw Deposit: £250 pp Contact: Chandu Mistry 0785 219 6699

Rent: £44 pppw Contact: Josie Smith 0771 531 5053

Fieldhead Street

BD7 | 4 Bed

Great Russell Street

BD7 | 4 Bed

Four

bedroom house in quiet residential area Close

to university and amenities Excellent

condition Summer

concession Unipol

golden owner

Four bedroom house in quiet residential area with excellent facilities,. Close to Uni & amenities. Recently renovated with 2 bathrooms & furnished to an excellent standard. Separate living area with leather sofas. Will consider all inclusive of bills.

Summer concession

Rent: £38 pppw Contact: Josie Smith 0771 531 5053

Rent: £40 pppw Deposit: £200pp Contact: Azhar Khan 0758 0132 403

Gt. Horton Road

BD7 | 6,7,8,9,10 Bed

Only seconds away from campus Very large rooms Fully furnished For groups of 6,7, 8, 9 or 10 Separate WC Not to be missed - first to see will take!

Will consider all inclusive

Separate living room Parking for 4 cars 3 bathrooms 2 kitchens Rare property Directly opposite University gym Super location View Early!

Rent: £45 pppw Contact: Sharaz 0783 002 1896

Merton Road

BD7 | 7 Bed

This is a 7 bedroom with excellent facilities. It has 6 bathrooms of which 4 are ensuite. It also has a double kitchen facilities. From the 7 bedrooms, one is a studio flat with its own ensuite and kitchen. Rooms are available individually. Rent range is between £46 to £75 per week.

Rent: £46-£75 pppw Deposit: £250 pp Contact: Chandu Mistry 0785 219 6699

9 BD7 | 9 Bed

Pemberton Drive

Laisteridge Lane

BD7 | 10 Bed

This house consist of 2 studio flats + a two bedroom flat + another 5 bedrooms of which 3 are en-suite plus another house bathroom.

The 5 bedrooms share 2 kitchens. £45 To £85 pppw rent. Golden owner landlord. Rooms available individually.

Merton House is a gold star property with ten self-contained studio apartments with own kitchen & en-suite. Free WIFI (BT Infinity) also free use of washing machines.

24/7 on call manager.

Private Garden

Rent: £45-85 pppw Deposit: £250 pp Contact: Chandu Mistry 0785 219 6699

Rent: £81pppw Deposit: None

St. Margarets Rd.

BD7 | 4 Bed

Brand new, large modern 4 bed house in good decorative order.

7 minute walk to university.

Furnished to suit students Option to start the contract 1st July or 1st September.

Will rent to individual or group of 4 Rent is inclusive of bills.

Rent £54 - 50pppw contact:

K Shan 0779 1169689

All our featured adverts are covered by the Unipol Codes

Contact: Sijad Housing Group 07831 557730

Rothersay Terrace

BD7 | 5 Bed

Ashgrove

BD7 | 8 Bed Quality house one minute walk from university campus.

7 double bedrooms 1 single bedroom Two kitchens, three bathrooms all newly refurbished.

Suitable for undergraduates, postgraduates in groups of 2-8.

Avg Rent £295 pcm pp

Rent inclusive of bills.

5 bed council licences house in good deco.

2 bathrooms. 5 minutes walk to university.

Option of starting the contract 1st July or 1st September.

Will rent to individual or group of 4 Rent £55 - 75pppw contact:

contact:

K Shan 0779 1169689

S Laycock 07946 619 266

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Bradford

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FEBRUARY 2017

LOCATION

Where to live in Bradford Deciding which area to live in is likely to be one of your top priorities. Below is a list of popular student locations City Centre Bradford City Centre has increased in popularity with students in recent years and there has been an expansion in housing provision, largely in converted warehouses and offices. All of the accommodation available is within walking distance of the facilities, entertainment and amenities and the university and college.

The convenience of living in the city centre appeals to many students with the array of local amenities just outside your front door and none of

those pricey taxis home after a night out. However, much of the accommodation comprises of a variety of flats and if you are looking for shared housing the neighboring university area would give you more choice. There are some larger developments however that may offer options for students wishing to live together in groups so you will still get a shared living experience.

Local amenities and places of interest The city centre boasts a wide range

of shops, pubs, restaurants, museums and public spaces.

Travel to university and college The university and college are just a short walk away and the city bus runs regularly linking the city centre and the educational establishments.

There are two railway stations in Bradford, The Interchange and Bradford Forster Square. Trains run regularly from both stations to Bradford and beyond.

University Area A popular area with students. There is a wide variety of accommodation available, including halls of residences, flats, terraced houses, back to backs, semi detached and detached properties.

also regular bus routes from most of the university area to the city centre.

Local amenities and places of interest There is not a shopping centre but there are numerous shops, restaurants, pubs, take outs and much more.

Travel The city centre is between 5 and 15 minutes walk and a city bus links some of the area with the city centre. There are

Great Horton

Frizinghall Close to the University of Bradford School of Management,Frizinghall is an area mixed with familes and students.

Local amenities and places of interest Various shops can be found in Frizinghall, mostly along Keighley Road. As with neighbouring Heaton, Frizinghall is next to the award Lister Park, home to an art gallery, boating lake, Mughal Gardens and more.

Travel There are frequent bus services to the city centre run by a number of different operators. The journey takes approximately 15 minutes and services run every 7 minutes during weekdays. There is also a free bus which runs directly between the School of Management (a few minutes walk away) and main university campus during term time.

Great Horton area of Bradford is popular with students due to its proximity to the University and the College. There are many take-away outlets, shops and restaurants throughout the area mostly situated on Great Horton Road.

Local amenities and places of interest There is also a large Tesco Extra in Great Horton though this is a little further away than the main student area. Horton Park is a popular park

in Great Horton benefiting from leafy gardens, a duck pond and play area.

Travel There are frequent buses to the city centre with the journey taking between 5 and 15 minutes. Buses run every 10 minutes during weekdays and many of the services pass the university and college. The main student area is close to the university and college and is around a 10 minute walk.

For detailed information on the areas of Bradford from local amenities to transport information and rental costs please visit our online guide at: living-in-bradford/where-to-live-in-bradford

ADVICE

FEBRUARY 2017

FEBRUARY 2017

11

ADVICE

Bradford College Students’ Union advice for House Hunting H

ouse hunting for the 2017 academic year begins in Bradford on Monday 6th February. You may never have looked for accommodation before and house hunting can be a scary experience.

However, At Bradford College, the accommodation service is provided by a specialist student housing charity, Unipol, ensuring you get the best advice to help you find the perfect home.

With the help and advice available from your student union and Unipol, you are fully prepared for successful house hunting. Don't forget how important it is to rent Unipol Code accredited properties and the importance of getting your contract checked by your

student union before signing.

Remember, once you have signed a contract it is a legally binding agreement.

With the support of your student union and Unipol, you will be fully prepared and ready to go. Plan for house hunting, seek advice and your house hunting experience will be much easier. There's a surplus of accommodation so above all else, do not panic and rush.

Take your time, seek advice.

Visit Unipol to collect a House Hunting guide, find out about deposit protection, ask about the Unipol Code and why you should only rent accredited properties.

Bradford College Student Union Advice offers a free contract checking service. Any

good landlord will give you time to do this and all Unipol Code landlords will give you at least 24 hours to have your contract checked. Don't be put under pressure to sign too quickly. Read through the contract yourself but if there is anything you're unsure of or you have any questions, please contact SU advice by email suadvice@bradfordcollege.ac .uk or by phone 01274 433007

Happy House Hunting!

Katy says don’t panic, don’t rush in!

House hunting has begun and you may think you have to rush out and take the first house you see because it’s just right for you. But stop!

Bradford has a huge surplus of student accommodation which means you can plan, prepare and take your time to pick the accommodation that’s right for you. In the long term this means you will be happier and you might even find accommodation you wish to stay in next year too.

Contracts Anyone who knows anything about accommodation will tell you to get your contract checked! There’s no reason not to - Unipol Code landlords must give you 24hrs to have your contract checked and any reputable landlord will allow you to have your contract checked too. If you would like someone to check it come to the student advice centre and ask for an appointment with the

welfare advisor. You should know that your tenancy agreement can be negotiated if YOU are not happy with it.

Tenancy agreements are a legal contract and protect you throughout your time in the house so you want it to be right and to understand it fully. If you’ve made any agreements with the landlord before signing for example, agreeing to redecorate or replace the mattress’ etc. make sure it’s

written into the tenancy, a verbal contract doesn’t give any proof of agreement and is difficult to argue should there be disputes. Unless something is very wrong with the house, contracts are almost impossible to terminate early. So make sure you’re happy before you sign.

Which agency/landlord shall I go with?

The University of Bradford recommends, that students sign with agencies or landlords that accredited by the Unipol Code.

All Unipol Code properties are inspected and it’s free for landlords to join. If a landlord or agency isn’t a member of the Code you need to ask why?

Once you decide to sign for a property make sure you know exactly who you are dealing with – an agency may have shown you around but once you’ve signed the landlord becomes your main contact.

Make sure you have all their details and try to meet them/find out more about them before you sign. The agency could be great, the landlord may not be.

Budget!

Money is one thing that is always on a students’ mind and renting a house is expensive.

Only you can know how much you can afford so make sure you have a proper think about your income and be honest about what you can afford.

Make sure that you have a good talk with those you intend to share with as you may have different budgets and none of you want to be in a position next year where you can’t afford to pay for the house.

By Student ad visor Katy Hargrea ves

Budget

Doris Birdsall Tenancies from 1st July or 11th September 2017 ÂŁ82.00 pp pw fully inclusive with Personal Possessions Insurance and Wifi

Office: 0127 443 6400 n Housing Hub: 0127 423 5899 lettings@unipol.org.uk n www.unipol.org.uk Visit: Unipol Housing Hub, Richmond Building, University of Bradford, BD7 1DP