Common Reasons Why Students Change Accommodation
Students may decide to change their housing for various reasons, including:
- Poor Maintenance: Problems like mould, a lack of necessary facilities, or overall insufficient upkeep of the accommodation can be significant motivators for moving.
- Unsatisfactory Environment: An uncomfortable or noisy living space can prompt students to seek a better situation.
- Rising Living Costs: Increasing housing expenses in many university cities can make current accommodations financially burdensome.
- High Demand and Limited Supply: This situation can drive rents up, forcing students into crowded or substandard housing.
- Changing Needs: Shifts in a student’s academic or personal circumstances may require a different type of accommodation.
- Living Situation Conflicts: Difficulties with roommates can lead to a desire for a new living arrangement.
- Location: The need to be closer to campus, specific courses, or essential facilities can also influence the decision to move.
Things to Consider Before Making the Move
Before you start searching for new accommodation, it's essential to assess your current situation and consider potential challenges associated with making a move. Here are some points to keep in mind:
- Lease Agreement Terms and Exit Clauses: Your existing rental contract is a legally binding document. Read it carefully to see if it contains a “break clause” that allows you to end the agreement early, and what the notice period entails.
- Costs Involved in Moving: Think about the financial implications, such as early termination penalties, the cost of a new security deposit, and moving or storage expenses.
- Timing: The student housing market can be cyclical, with the best options usually secured well in advance of the academic year. If possible, plan your move to coincide with the start of a new term.
- Proximity to Campus, Shops, and Transport: Consider your priorities. Is it more important to save time on your commute, or would you prefer to live near social hubs or grocery stores?
Find a New Student Accommodation
Once you have decided to move, consider these resources for your search:
- University Housing Services and Student Unions: Your university’s housing office can provide information on on-campus transfers, off-campus housing listings, and vetted landlords.
- Online Housing Platforms and Letting Agencies: Numerous websites specialise in student accommodation, allowing you to filter options by location, budget, and amenities. Be cautious of scams, and avoid sending money before viewing the property.
- Recommendations from Friends, Social Media, and Local Groups: Word-of-mouth and student-focused social media groups can be excellent sources for finding open rooms and potential roommates.
Steps to Officially Transfer or Change Accommodation
The process of changing student accommodation can differ based on whether you are moving within university housing or transitioning to off-campus living. However, once you have found a new place, follow these steps to manage the official changeover:
- Notify Your Current Landlord in Writing: As soon as you decide to move, inform your landlord in writing. This is a crucial first step, and the method of delivery (such as recorded mail) is important.
- Find a Replacement Tenant (If Necessary): If your lease does not have a break clause, you are responsible for paying rent until the contract ends. In many cases, your landlord may allow you to find a suitable replacement tenant to take over the lease and cover the remaining rent.
- Ensure a Formal Lease Transfer: Once you find a replacement, the landlord or accommodation provider must formally transfer the lease. Obtain written confirmation that you are released from the contract to avoid future disputes.
- Settle Financial Matters: Ensure that the deposit is handled correctly. Your deposit should be returned from the deposit protection scheme, and the new tenant will need to pay a deposit into the same scheme.
Practical Tips for a Smooth Move
Here are some essential tips to help you move into your new accommodation easily and smoothly:
- Declutter Mercilessly Before Packing: Eliminate anything you don't use or need to reduce the number of boxes you have to move.
- Create a Moving Folder: Keep all important documents related to your move, including leases, contracts, and moving quotes, organised in one place.
- Pack an Essential Box: Prepare a small bag with everything you will need for the first 24 hours, such as a change of clothes, toiletries, chargers, and snacks.
- Take Photos of Your Current Place: Capture timestamped pictures of your property’s condition before you move out. These photos can help protect you in case of a deposit dispute.
- Change Your Address: Make sure to update your address with important contacts like your university, bank, and any subscription services. You can also arrange for mail redirection with postal services.
- Thoroughly Clean the Property: Leave the property in the best possible condition to avoid deductions from your security deposit. It’s often helpful to compare your cleaning against the initial inventory.
- Ensure Key Handover: Schedule a time to hand over all keys and access cards to the accommodation office or landlord, and remember to get a receipt.
- Take Final Meter Readings: On your last day, record the final readings for gas, electricity, and water, and submit them to your utility providers.
- Label Everything Clearly: Label boxes on the sides, not just the top, so you can see their contents and destination room, even when they are stacked.
Conclusion
In summary, changing student accommodation can seem like a daunting process. Still, with careful planning and a clear understanding of your legal rights, you can make a smooth and successful transition. By considering your budget, needs, and lease terms, and utilising available resources, you can secure a living space that better suits your student journey. Remember to be proactive in your search and communication to minimise stress and ensure a positive outcome.
FAQs
1. Can I Leave My Student Accommodation Before My Contract Ends?
Generally, you cannot leave student accommodation before your contract ends without consequence, as it is a legally binding agreement. However, you may be able to do so if your contract includes a break clause, you find a replacement tenant, or if there are exceptional circumstances like severe health issues or leaving university.
2. How Much Notice Do I Need to Give Before Moving Out?
You need to provide written notice for a specified number of days before moving out, as outlined in your agreement or by local law. In most cases, this is at least 30 days for a month-to-month lease, but it can be 60 days or more depending on the lease and location.
3. Will I Get My Deposit Back If I Move Out Early?
You are unlikely to receive your security deposit back if you move out early and break your lease, especially if there are no specific clauses in your lease allowing for early termination.
4. What If I Can’t Find New Accommodation in Time?
If you cannot find new accommodation, seek emergency housing or homeless assistance from organisations like HUD or your local housing agency.
5. Do I Need to Pay Rent for Two Places If I Switch Accommodation?
Yes, you may have to pay rent for both places if you switch accommodation, as you are legally bound by your current lease until its end date. To avoid paying double rent, consider arranging prorated rent to shorten the overlap period, subletting your current place, or negotiating with your landlord to terminate the lease early.
