Student Accommodation
Guide 2015/16
Guide to Renting: The Basics
Contents
Guide to Renting
Housing benefit
Pg 3 - 5
Pg 6
HomelessnessPg 7
College Halls of Residence Pg 8 - 9
Private Letting Useful Contacts
Pg 10 - 11
Back Page
Lease
Whether you decide to live in halls of residence, rent
on your own or share a flat, you should always sign
a contract; this contract is normally called a tenancy
agreement or a lease. The agreement which sets out
the terms of your lease should be signed by you and
the landlord.
A standard tenancy agreement normally includes the
following information:
• Your name, your landlord’s name and the address of
the property
• The date the tenancy began
• The duration of the tenancy
• The amount of rent payable and the dates on which
it is due
• Details of who is responsible for payment of the
utilities and Council Tax
• Whether your landlord will provide any services e.g.:
laundry, maintenance of common parts
• The length of notice required by both parties to
terminate the contract.
Deposits / Rent in advance
This guide is designed to help you find
accommodation. Whether you are staying
away from home for the first time or you are a
seasoned flat hunter, this guide should help.
IMPORTANT – Please note that private
accommodation is not vetted by the College.
It is advisable (where possible) to view any
property before committing to a tenancy. While
we cannot take responsibility for your landlord
or problems that may occur while living in
accommodation found using this guide, we can
offer you support if such problems arise.
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Before you move into your accommodation it is likely
you will have to provide the landlord with certain
payments. A deposit (up to two months’ rent) is paid
by you to cover any unpaid rent and bills or damage to
the property before you move out. Provided you have
not breached your tenancy, your deposit will normally
be returned to you in full once you move out, although
this can be a source of contention for many who rent
privately. By law, to ensure that your deposit is retained
and returned to you fairly, landlords and letting agents
should be adhering to the ‘rent deposit scheme’ which
is run by independent companies that are approved by
the Scottish Government. Your landlord or letting agent
should leave your deposit with one of the companies
and at the end of your tenancy they apply to the
company for the repayment of your deposit. Their
application will include details of deductions and the
amount of the deposit to be returned. You will then be
contacted by the independent company to see if you
agree with the amount of deposit that is to be returned
to you. You can either agree or disagree – letting the
independent company know. If your landlord is not
within a rent deposit scheme you are within your rights
to have them charged which could result in them
paying you up to three times your deposit. For more
information please visit:
www.mydepositsscotland.co.uk.
When you sign your tenancy agreement always check
the details to see what your deposit will cover and
how it will be returned. You should also ask for an
inventory of contents of the property. If there are any
items missing or damaged, let the landlord know
immediately.
As well as a deposit, most landlords will ask for a rent
payment upfront. This is commonly referred to as “rent
in advance”. Generally, but not exclusively, landlords
ask for one month’s rent in advance, together with the
deposit.
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Guide to Renting: The Basics
Health & Safety
Standards that an HMO property should meet include:
Gas Appliances
Your landlord is responsible for providing fire detection
equipment for your home. There should be at least
one smoke detector on each floor of the property, and
if the alarms are installed after September 2007, they
should be mains powered rather than battery powered.
• Bedrooms should be able to accommodate a bed,
a wardrobe and a chest of drawers.
• Kitchens should include one sink for every six
tenants, adequate food storage for the number of
tenants, adequate work surface, and one cooker for
every six tenants.
• There should be one WC for every five tenants and
one bath or shower for every six tenants.
• Each bedroom and living room should have a fixed
heating appliance.
• Each bedroom and living room should have
adequate natural lighting and ventilation from a
window. Kitchens, bathrooms and toilets should
have either natural ventilation or adequate
mechanical ventilation.
• There should be at least one electric lighting point
in every room space which measures an area of two
square metres or more.
• The property must have adequate fire precautions,
including provision for detection, escape from the
building, and fighting fire.
• The property should have secure locks on all
access doors and on the doors of residents’ rooms
where appropriate.
Your landlord has a duty to ensure that any gas
appliances are maintained and are in good working
order. Gas boilers should receive an annual safety
check by someone who is registered with the Gas
Safe Register (this replaced the Corgi Register). Your
landlord must also keep a record of any such checks
and be willing to share these with you if you request
them.
If you live in accommodation that is classed as ‘House
of Multiple Occupancy’ (HMO) the rules for fire safety
are slightly different. See below for further details. If
your landlord buys new equipment for the property
such as a microwave, kettle, toaster etc, make sure
they provide you with the instructions.
HMO Licences
An HMO (House of Multiple Occupancy) property
is accommodation that is shared by three or more
tenants who aren’t members of the same family. HMO
landlords must have a licence from the council for
every HMO. This ensures that the property is managed
properly and meets certain safety standards. This is
done by the landlord providing each tenant with a
clear statement, in a form they can understand and
keep for reference, of what is expected of them and
what they can expect from the landlord. This includes
details of rent (as stated above) and the responsibilities
of the landlord and the tenant when dealing with any
cleaning, maintaining and repairing of the property.
Repairs
It is the responsibility of the tenant to look after the
property and inform the landlord of any repairs that
need to be carried out. As a tenant you must keep the
property clean and make sure the fixtures and fittings
are kept in good working order (allowing for normal
wear and tear). If there is any damage to the property,
you should inform the landlord immediately. If the
landlord fails to carry out reported repairs you can
contact:
Shelter Scotland
www.shelterscotland.org.uk
0808 800 4444
Mon-Fri: 09:00-17:00
Council Tax is a charge on residential properties that
you pay to your local Council. Only those over 18 are
liable, although most full time students are exempt
from Council Tax charges. You will, however, still have
to claim the exemption. To do this, you will have to
complete an exemption form and get this stamped by
the College.
If you live in the Glasgow City Council area, you can
pick up an exemption form from Student Services.
For other Local Authorities, you should be able to
download an application form from their website.
If you share a flat with someone who is not a student
and that person is liable to pay the Council Tax, they
are able to claim the 25% rebate.
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5
Housing Benefit
Homelessness
Housing Benefit
Where to apply
Housing Benefit is a benefit that helps people meet the
cost of rent; it is administered by local Councils.
Glasgow residents should apply to: Housing Benefit
Revenue Centre, 45 John Street, Glasgow, G1 1JE.
Most full–time students are not eligible for Housing
Benefit, although there are some exceptions.
If you live in another Council area you should visit your
local Council office or download a Housing Benefit
application form from their website.
If you are studying a course of further education (e.g.
Access, NQ, Intermediates, Foundation), you can
claim Housing Benefit if you:
• are aged under 19 OR
• are aged 21/22 but you were under 21 when you
started the course (your entitlement will stop when
you reach 22 unless you are eligible under different
rules) OR
• are in receipt of Income Support or Jobseeker’s
Allowance (income based) OR
• are a lone parent with a child under 16 (or under 20 if
you still receive Child Benefit for your child) OR
• are disabled (i.e. if you get DLA or long term
Incapacity Benefit) OR
• have been incapable of work for the past 28 weeks
OR
• have a partner who is also a student and you have a
dependent child OR
• are aged 60 or over or have a partner who is over 60
If you are unsure of your entitlement or if you would
like further information, please come in to see a
Student Advisor in Student Services at:
• Student Services at City Campus, North Hanover
Street
• Student Services at Riverside Campus
• Room 300 at Rogart Street
Alternatively you can phone us or email us:
Telphone: 0141 566 4281/ 4217
Email: studentadvisors@cityofglasgowcollege.ac.uk
Glasgow City Council’s Statutory
Homelessness Duty
Glasgow City Council’s statutory homelessness
duties are managed by Homelessness Services. They
can provide support to anyone who is homeless,
threatened with homelessness, or is in need of advice
about homelessness issues through their Community
Casework Services. If you think you are homeless, or
at risk of becoming homeless, we will make sure that
you are offered an interview at your local Community
Casework Team, or outwith normal office hours at the
Hamish Allan Centre. Homelessness Services also
provide a key link to preventing homelessness and
providing advice and assistance.
Area
Address
Telephone
North East Community Casework
Service
33 Burnmouth Road, Glasgow G33 4ST
0141 276 6153 &
0141 276 6160
North West Community Casework
Service
30 Mansion Street, Glasgow G22 5SZ
0141 276 6169 &
0141 287 3158
South Community Casework Service 1st Floor, TwoMax Building, 187 Old
Rutherglen Road, Glasgow G5 0RE
0141 276 8201 &
0141 276 6180
Out of Hours Service
Free phone: 0800 838 502
The centre is open from
4.00pm to 9.00am on
Monday to Friday. Open 24
hours on Saturday, Sunday
and public holidays.
The Hamish Allan Centre, 180 Centre
Street, Glasgow G5 8EE
If you become homeless but do not live within the Glasgow City Council local authority, your local council will
have similar services available. The Student Advisors will be able to offer guidance and support on your options.
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College Halls of Residence
Hall of Residence - Riverside Campus
Health and Safety
Hall of Residence: St Luke’s Terrace
The New Hall of Residence at Riverside Campus is
due to open in September 2015 and will provide a
safe, secure, clean and welcoming environment for all
students who stay there. The building will be licensed
by Glasgow City Council under the Houses of Multiple
Occupancy Scheme.
Staff will carry out weekly health and safety
inspections in all public and communal area and two
weekly inspections of bedrooms.
About St Luke’s
St Luke’s Hall of Residence is across the road from
Riverside Campus and provides a safe, secure, clean
and welcoming environment for all students who stay
there. The building is licensed by Glasgow City Council
under the Houses of Multiple Occupancy Scheme.
Staffing
Student residents will be provided with help, support
and pastoral care 24 hours a day. We aim to ensure
that we provide a welcoming environment for student
residents and refine services as and when required
to ensure that they are happy in their home. All staff
are committed to the wellbeing of student residents
and therefore adopt a sympathetic and understanding
approach. A member of College staff will be on duty
7 days a week from 0730 -2200. A monthly residents
meeting will be held which will provide the opportunity
to suggest improvements which may enrich their living/
learning experience.
Facilities
The ground floor houses an open reception and games
room area that will be available to students 24 hours
a day. There is also a flexible area for residents to
participate in group study which should enhance their
student experience.
A daily cleaning service will be provided to ensure we
meet high standards of hygiene and cleanliness at all
times. We will also provide a bed linen change on a
two weekly basis to all long term residents.
Each flat consists of either four or five bedrooms with
en-suite facilities and a shared living area with colour
television. Kitchens are fully equipped with microwave,
toaster kettle, utensils and crockery and cutlery.
Independent Living
A considerable number of students are either
International students or under the age of 18, therefore,
catering and fending for themselves for the first time
may be a challenge. To ensure they are equipped and
supported staff will provide comprehensive induction
training in life skills shortly after the students arrive
at the accommodation. We also provide information
folders in each flat with hints and tips on independent
living, shopping and cooking. All student cadets and
any resident who is under 21 years of age are not
permitted to consume alcohol in the accommodation
at any time.
Prices:
Room Type
Includes
Cost
Single bedroom
with en-suite
toilet & shower.
Internet,
heating & light
charges
£110.00
per week
Twin bedroom
with shared
en-suite toilet &
shower.
Internet,
heating & light
charges
£80.00
per week
Staffing
Student residents will be provided with help, support
and pastoral care 24 hours a day. We aim to ensure
that we provide a welcoming environment for student
residents to ensure they are happy in their home.
All staff are committed to the wellbeing of student
residents and therefore adopt a sympathetic and
understanding approach. A member of College staff
will be on duty 7 days a week from 0800 -2200. A
monthly residents meeting is held which provides
the opportunity to suggest improvements which may
enrich the living/learning experience.
Facilities
Car parking is available for students staying in St
Luke’s. Each flat consists of either five or six bedrooms
with en-suite facilities and shared living area. Kitchens
are fully equipped with microwave, kettle, utensils,
crockery and cutlery. Students are able name flat
mates that they would like to share the same flat with.
Prices:
Room Type
Includes
Cost (from
September
2015))
Single bedroom
with en-suite
toilet & shower.
Internet,
heating &
light charges
£108.00
per week
Twin bedroom
with shared
en-suite toilet &
shower.
Internet,
heating &
light charges
£78.00
per week
Contact us:
To find out more about our Halls of Residence or to
book a room contact us at:
Email: hall.of.residence@cityofglasgowcollege.ac.uk
Telephone 0141 565 2884
Independent Living
A considerable number of students are either
International students or under the age of 18, therefore,
catering and fending for themselves for the first time
may be a challenge. To ensure they are equipped and
supported staff will provide comprehensive induction
training in life skills shortly after the students arrive
at the accommodation. We also provide information
folders in each flat with hints and tips on independent
living, shopping and cooking.
Health and Safety
Staff carry out weekly health and safety inspections
in all public and communal areas. Bedrooms are
inspected at regular intervals.
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Please note all of the rooms shown below are the cheapest available. Prices will vary.
Private Letting
Company
Location
Cost
Deposit
Unite
0800 783 4213
www.unite-students.com
Blackfriars
Blackfriars Road
Glasgow G1 1QL
From £117 per week includes bills and internet
£250
Buchanan View
35 Calgary Street
Glasgow G4 0XG
From £112 per week includes bills and internet
£250
Gibson Street
Glasgow G12 8SY
From £138 per week includes bills and internet
£250
Kelvin Court
30 Yorkhill Street
Glasgow G3 8RY
From £136 per week includes bills and internet
£250
Thurso Street
1-3 Thurso Street
Glasgow G11 6PE
From £137 per week includes bills and internet
£250
Victoria Hall
0141 354 4100
www.victoriahall.com
171 Kyle Street
Bells Pottery
Glasgow G4 0JQ
From £97.50 per week
£200 Initial rent payment
Fresh Student Living
0141 552 1915
www.freshstudentliving.co.uk
Collegelands
10 Havannah Street
Glasgow G4 0VB
From £112 per week includes bills and internet
£250 plus booking fee
Tramworks
0141 212 3222
Tramworks
107 Kelvinhaugh Street
Glasgow G3 8PX
From £134 per week includes bills and
internet
£100
Merchant Studios
0141 212 9854
merchantstudios@
freshstudentliving.co.uk
Merchant Studios
6 Havannah St
Glasgow G4 OUB
£165
per week includes bills and internet
£100
Liberty House
0141 248 9949
www.libertyliving.co.uk
59 Miller Street
Glasgow G1 1EB
From £115 per week includes bills and internet access
£200
Mansion Firhill Flats
0141 530 1429
www.mansionstudent.co.uk
150 Firhill Road
Glasgow G20 7BB
From £96.50 per week
Instalment fee: £100
Connection Fee: £100
Utility Fee: £195
Prime Student Living
0141 332 5915
www.primestudentliving.com
Prime Student Living
1st Floor
359 Sauchiehall St
Glasgow G2 3HU
From £114 per week includes bills and
internet
£250
CRM Students
0844 3715668
claremonthouse@crmstudents.com
Claremont House
20 North Claremont Street
Glasgow G3 7LE
From £128 per week includes bills and
internet
Enquire
The Ballet School
balletschool@crm-students.
com
The Ballet School
261 West Princes St
Glasgow G4 9EE
From £165 per week includes bills and
internet
£250
Gallery Apartments
gallery@crm-students.co.uk
Gallery Apartments
2 Port Dundas Place
Glasgow G2 3LD
From £165 per week includes bills and
internet
£350
Clifton & Stewart House
cliftonandandstewarthouse@
crm-students.com
Clifton & Stewart House
1 Clifton Place
Glasgow, G3 7LD
From £133
per week also 3-8 bedroom flats
£250
There are a number of ways to find property with a private landlord. Some landlords manage the letting process
themselves, whilst others use letting agents who help them rent and maintain their property. Newspapers and
magazines also have regular adverts for flats/bedists for rent, including The Herald, Daily Record and Evening
Times.
The internet is also a good place to start with any accommodation search. Many students use Gum Tree to look
for flatshares. If you are responding to any advert from a private landlord or flatshare and you arrange a viewing,
it is always advisable to take a friend with you.
Letting Agents in Glasgow
Fineholm
114 Union Street
Glasgow, G1 3QQ
Harvey & Co
5 St Vincent Place
Glasgow, G1 2DH
Let-It
123 Stockwell Street
Glasgow , G1 4LT
0141 221 7993
www.fineholm.co.uk
0141 204 1100
www.harveylet.com
0141 552 7728
www.let-it.co.uk
Merchant Lettings
26 Springfield Court
2nd floor, Glasgow , G1 3DQ
Primesite
637-639 Pollokshaws Road
Glasgow, G41 2QG
1-2-Let
104 Bellgrove Street
Glasgow, G40 2QR
0141 221 2998
www.merchantlettings.com
0141 423 5522
www.primesiteproperty.co.uk
0141 550 8888
www.1-2-let.co.uk
Websites
www.rightmove.co.uk • www.s1rental.com • http://glasgow.spareroom.co.uk • http://.flatshare.com/glasgowflat-share • http://www.roombuddies.com/preview/rooms/strathclyde/glasgow • http://glasgow.gumtree.com •
http://www.citylets.co.uk/glasgow-property/
Private Companies
In addition to the College’s Halls of Residence there are privately run halls close to the College. This type of
accommodation is specifically aimed at students and the prices can vary, so it is important that you look at all
options. You can choose to live in single en-suite room and share kitchen facilities, or you can rent a flat on your
own; generally it is cheaper to share accommodation. Rent is usually inclusive of utilities but is important that
you check this before committing to a tenancy. Below are some of the privately run student residencies that are
close to the City Campus.
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Quick Reference Contacts
City of Glasgow College Student Advisors
City Campus: 0141 566 4274/4281
Riverside Campus: 0141 566 4217
studentadvisors@cityofglasgowcollege.ac.uk
City of Glasgow College Halls of Residence
0141 565 2884
hall.of.residence@cityofglasgowcollege.ac.uk
Rent Deposit Scheme
www.mydepositsscotland.co.uk
Glasgow Housing Association
www.gha.org.uk
Shelter Scotland
www.shelterscotland.org.uk
0808 800 4444
Mon-Fri: 09:00-17:00
Homelessness
Glasgow Social Work Services for Homelessness Support
0141 287 0555
www.yoursupportglasgow.org
www.cityofglasgowcollege.ac.uk
Scottish Charity No SC036198