University visits

[DisneyDaffodil]

Originally Posted by Bugsy

My DD just found out yesterday that she has the flat she wanted , just awaiting the electronic lease to be sent out to sign. They expect the keys on the 23rd. We also intend to go through ( 80 miles) and drop some basics etc off on or around that date.
Does anyone have any idea how bill paying will work. The landlord doesnt pay them so do they agree for one person to pay a bill and the rest transfer money monthly ? then another person to pay for another bill etc?

I think its only Gas and Electric and Broadband that they will have to pay so two bills

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Georgia’s bills aren’t included either. They’ve each taken on one bill each, so one is sorting broadband, another one electricity (no gas), another water rates. They are each setting them up and when the bill comes in they will all pay their share into the bill payer’s account.

The broadband and water are arranged, the person dealing with the electricity needed the reading from the meter yesterday which she took so she will set that up today.

Don’t forget they also need to contact the local authority to register as exempt from council tax payment as students don’t have to pay but it’s not automatic, they have to apply. If they are using the BBC they will also need a tv licence

[DisneyDaffodil]

Originally Posted by shirley

Thanks guys, just need to work out what we will take and method of transport, the bus is normally £11 single now £51! I will check out the trains but if they are pricey then Ill take my wee Panda with essentials, xx

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That’s a huge increase in bus fare 😡 Maybe take the essentials in the first load and pop back to see him in a week or so with a bit more? Good excuse to see him again too 😀

[Bugsy]

Originally Posted by DisneyDaffodil

Georgia’s bills aren’t included either. They’ve each taken on one bill each, so one is sorting broadband, another one electricity (no gas), another water rates. They are each setting them up and when the bill comes in they will all pay their share into the bill payer’s account.

The broadband and water are arranged, the person dealing with the electricity needed the reading from the meter yesterday which she took so she will set that up today.

Don’t forget they also need to contact the local authority to register as exempt from council tax payment as students don’t have to pay but it’s not automatic, they have to apply. If they are using the BBC they will also need a tv licence

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Good Advice, not sure what happens with water as water rates are included in Council tax bills in Scotland. Once they have the lease signed we can start arranging these things

[DisneyDaffodil]

Originally Posted by Col&Ali

We are going up to Ormskirk on Saturday to move some bits from Ry's old flat into his new flat (same block and same landlady so should be straight forward)

He hasn't been able to get a job at all so far at home to tide him over and he's getting on my nerves now lol. I might suggest he uses his new flat as a little bolt hole and go up before the end of September for a few short breaks - he hasn't seen his friends since March and has only left the house 3 times in all this time for a walk!

I'm sure this virus isn't helping with the mental health of our youth … he's never been the outgoing type and had only really this year got himself a nice little group of friends. Such a shame.

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This virus has been so bad for mental health issues for so many people. It’s been so upsetting to see how our youngsters have lost their independence and freedom when they had only really just settled in. I know Georgia has her sad days too and is keen to return to her life in Bristol and her friends and her course.

A few days staying in their new home is a good idea I think, especially if their friends can move in too. I know Georgia and her friends have considered doing this but, as they don’t have part time jobs or any spare income, they can’t really afford to do so until close to the start of term. I think they plan to move in a week or two before term starts to settle in properly though

Good luck for the move on the weekend 😀

[1972]

I am just looking through the contract that was signed back in January.

It is written quite well with all the clauses in black and what it actually means in red.

One made me laugh!

2.9 The tenant(s) will use reasonable endeavours to ensure the property does not become invested by insects, rodents, fungus and to ensure the property is adequately ventilated so as to avoid mildew mould and damp.

It then said underneath:

Ensure you keep the property in a clean and tidy condition. Do not leave half eaten burgers under beds or sofa and then wonder why you have mice. Empty kitchen bins regularly and keep kitchens and bathrooms clean.

It mentions that full time students are exempt from any council tax payment, but if their circumstances change it is the responsibility of the tenant to pay. It doesn’t mention them notifying anyone, so I wonder if the agency tell the council tax people that they are all students in the property?

I think I am going to email to check a few things with the agency as I am guarantor.

The agency pays all gas, electricity, water and broadband.

They also say the agency pay for the Premium Netflix package and that the TV licence for the property is their responsibility too.

So as far as I can see, apart from insurance, which I think is covered on our home insurance, there is nothing for my daughter or her house mates to arrange.

I will email the agency to double check.

[DisneyDaffodil]

Originally Posted by 1972

I am just looking through the contract that was signed back in January.

It is written quite well with all the clauses in black and what it actually means in red.

One made me laugh!

2.9 The tenant(s) will use reasonable endeavours to ensure the property does not become invested by insects, rodents, fungus and to ensure the property is adequately ventilated so as to avoid mildew mould and damp.

It then said underneath:

Ensure you keep the property in a clean and tidy condition. Do not leave half eaten burgers under beds or sofa and then wonder why you have mice. Empty kitchen bins regularly and keep kitchens and bathrooms clean.

It mentions that full time students are exempt from any council tax payment, but if their circumstances change it is the responsibility of the tenant to pay. It doesn’t mention them notifying anyone, so I wonder if the agency tell the council tax people that they are all students in the property?

I think I am going to email to check a few things with the agency as I am guarantor.

The agency pays all gas, electricity, water and broadband.

They also say the agency pay for the Premium Netflix package and that the TV licence for the property is their responsibility too.

So as far as I can see, apart from insurance, which I think is covered on our home insurance, there is nothing for my daughter or her house mates to arrange.

I will email the agency to double check.

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I shuddered to think of the burgers left under a bed 🤢 but nothing surprises me with student rentals.

It’s nice to have all the bills included as it’s easier for them to know how much they need to set aside. Although I’ve been impressed with how Georgia and her friends seem to have delegated the initial setting up and are sorting it out. It’s all good practise for them 😃

[Orlandobelle]

They'll get a council tax exemption certificate via their University's online system to send to the council

[DisneyDaffodil]

Originally Posted by Orlandobelle

They'll get a council tax exemption certificate via their University's online system to send to the council

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Georgia and her housemates filled in the exemption form and it said they may be asked for the certificate. However they filled the form in and they weren’t asked to upload a certificate, they just submitted their student ID. Obviously the council may still contact them for the extra info, or maybe they aren’t expecting the information this year due to the problems involved in getting the certificate with the pandemic at the moment but they didn’t have to submit it initially

[1972]

Originally Posted by Orlandobelle

They'll get a council tax exemption certificate via their University's online system to send to the council

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The agent answered my queries and said this about the council tax.

That saves them a job.

“Regarding Council Tax, we complete the exempt forms for the house and have all the details we need on the contract, so the tenants do not need to do anything. Council Tax only becomes applicable if they are not on a full time course or leave the course.“

[Cloverlady]

Hello all you experienced University parents!
Our son is due to start University this year and will be in self catered halls - just trying to work out an average of what to budget for food and socialising per week?
We have no idea!
I wonder if you could give me a broad idea of what it turned out to be please, now that you have all had experience?
Thanks!

And good luck to all your students in the coming year!