The Lib Dems are committed to cracking down on rouge landlords, and in December 2013 deputy PM Nick Clegg announced that the government will soon announce £3 million of funding to help local authorities enforce the law.

We also want to encourage Kingston University to take more responsibility in ensuring they recommend letting agencies that have reasonable tenancy agreements and will protect your rights.

Advice on Looking for a Property

• Kingston University provide a Daily Vacancy List (for free!) which advertises rooms and properties for students. Landlords have to sign up to a Code of Standards to make sure your rights are protected and that they follow the law. Additionally, the Accommodation Team are open Monday-Friday and they can be found in the John Galsworthy building.
• The majority of rented accommodation in London is advertised through letting agents – in 2012 40% of students found their housing through an agent. The advantage here is that lettings offices will have access to a large number of properties, but they also have an incentive to get the highest rent possible because they’ll take a commission from it. Kingston University provide a list of local agents to get you started (PDF).

Advice on Dealing with Problems During the Tenancy

• If the landlord fails to carry out repairs on a problem you’ve reported, contact the council. It is a good idea to keep a log of communication between your landlord and the authorities, as well as taking photos if necessary.
• Your landlord can make deductions to your deposit when you end the tenancy if there is damage to property, items missing or rent owed. However, if you dispute the deductions you can file a claim with their deposit insurers. If your landlord failed to take out deposit insurance then this is against the law, and you can negotiate the deposit amount directly. If all else fails, you can take court action to get your deposit returned.
• Your landlord has responsibility for the structure, exterior, basins, sinks, baths, toilets, pipework, water and gas supplies, electrical wiring, water tanks, boilers and radiators.
• It is against the law for the landlord to harass you and they must give 24 hours notice if they wish to enter the property.
• You are responsible for minor repairs, including fixtures and fittings, as well as keeping the property clean.

Find More Info

The Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) is a great place to start – www.adviceguide.org.uk/england.htm

The CAB also hold drop-in sessions at the Kingston University Students’ Union building on Tuesdays and Thursday between 11am – 1pm and Wednesdays 1pm – 2.30pm. Alternatively, you can email them at cab@kingston.ac.uk.