Beware Dodgy Student Housing – for the Sake of Our Young Ones

19 May 2012

Damp walls, leaking ceilings and freezing cold bedrooms... For many, the idea of student housing will conjure images of the decrepit shambles in TV shows like The Young Ones or Rising Damp.

For years it has just been accepted that living in appalling conditions for three years while studying is just a part of growing up - but what was once considered 'character building' is now, simply, against the law.

Student housing may not directly be a major issue in Northumberland, but we're certainly not short of gifted young people - and proud parents - who at this time of year are looking towards arranging accommodation for September onwards.

Most people who may have happily put themselves through discomfort in the 70s and 80s will almost certainly not want to see their children going through the same thing - unless they have a particularly mean streak!

The fact is that while huge strides have been made in student housing across the UK, particularly as universities continue to invest heavily in their own student halls, there are still private landlords out there whose properties fall below an acceptable standard.

There are a range of pitfalls that students and parents need to look out for with repairs and health and safety at the top of the list. Students are paying tenants and deserve a certain standard of accommodation, so whether it's leaking pipes, dysfunctional heating or mildew and damp, their landlord should take care of the problems.

The best way of making sure issues will be dealt with when they arise is to check the details of the tenancy agreement before it's signed - it might seem dull and time consuming, particularly when you're 19 and having the time of your life, but even asking the right questions will show any prospective landlord that you are savvy and not there to be taken advantage of.

Help is at hand, though, if things do go wrong - if you're a parent or a student, don't be afraid of seeking help if you suspect a landlord is not fulfilling their part of the rental agreement.

Beyond maintenance and upkeep of buildings, money also causes more than its fair share of problems. There is help and advice available for those with financial issues - including contractual disputes, claims on deposits and bill sharing.

In reality, major issues are few and far between and dealing with disputes is a part of life, but those disputes can be handled so much more effectively by going to experts as quickly as possible.

Northumberland parents and students can contact DAWN Advice - at any time of the year - for free support and legal advice on a range issues, including debt, housing, employment, welfare benefits and family law, through the new advice line on 0844 4111 309.