Student Moving Guide - How to Deal with Difficult Landlords

As a student you might find that many landlords are quick to take advantage of you. Looking for a new home that you can afford often means you’re looking at budget homes in student areas. Although the majority of landlords who specialise in providing homes for students are trustworthy and reliable people, there are some who aren’t. If you move into your new home and discover your landlord isn’t up to scratch then there are many things you can do. -    Broken appliances.One of the most common problems you’ll find moving into a student property is discovering that some of your appliances don’t work. Most student properties are rented as furnished – this is great for students on a budget, but it’s important to make sure that everything you’re paying for is in full working order. When you first move into the property your landlord should go through the inventory with you.

This is to make sure that at the end of the year all of the items your landlord has provided are still there. Inventory is a perfect time to discuss with your landlord the issue of broken appliances in the house. It’s important that your landlord makes a note of all broken items so that you aren’t going to be charged for damaging things that were already damaged when you moved in! Your landlord has a duty to provide for you all the items that are listed in the inventory and contract. This means that if your washing machine leaks or you have dodgy internet connection, it’s your landlord’s responsibility to fix these! Don’t be afraid to ask for repairs in your home – your landlord should expect this. Be prepared to be pushy though, as not everyone is willing to fork out so easily! -    Dangerous living environments.If you feel you’re living in a dangerous environment it’s important you tell your landlord as soon as possible. Mould, mildew and damp are the most popular examples of what could constitute as dangerous.

Make sure your landlord rectifies any problems of this nature immediately as living with mould or damp can be hazardous to your health. -    Shoddy jobs.When you notice issues with your home, your landlord should inspect them and decide on a suitable course of action. Many landlords depend on friends, family or handymen to assist with jobs around the home. If you aren’t satisfied with the level of work being done to rectify problems you’ve noticed then it’s important you tell the landlord. Shoddy jobs are going to end up costing more in the long run, so it’s in your landlord’s best interest to get problems fixed immediately and to a certain standard. -    Landlords that refuse to help you.If your landlord is refusing to fix something in your home, or if they’re consistently putting the job off then it’s important you keep pressuring them to sort the problem. You’re paying rent to live in a house that, by law, has to be of a certain standard. If your landlord isn’t responding to your requests then don’t be afraid to threaten to report them. In some cases your landlord might actually need reporting. If this is the case for you then try to make sure your landlord knows they’re being reported before you actually do it – this is likely to make them take your more seriously!