Renting from Clifford Sinclair

When renting for the first time, it is normal to have mixed emotions. You are excited to have your own space and at the same time, anxious about going through the whole renting process.

PLEASE READ THIS IMPORTANT INFORMATION and obtain answers to many of your questions.

Monthly budget and expenses.

In renting near The University of Reading, you have to really think about your funds and the maximum amount you can afford for housing expenses on top of your monthly rent, you would be responsible for the following:

1. Energy bill

2. Water and sewage bills

3. Broadband and TV licences

4. Council tax; full-time students are exempted

It's helpful to have a starting budget of at least three times your monthly rent before you decide on renting.

Rights as a tenant.

As an individual, you have rights when you rent your own space.

1. You have the right to live in the property during the term stated in your contract with Clifford Sinclair. As long as you continue to pay the rent, you can live in your rented property until the end of the period stated in your Agreement.

2. You have the right to live in a safe and maintained home. Your landlord is responsible for providing you with a hazard-free dwelling, and repair and maintaining the external and structural elements, smoke and fire alarms, gas pipe infrastructure, electricity wiring, heating, and hot water, as well as sanitation and hygiene facilities. You can count on Clifford Sinclair to provide you with quality accommodation around the University of Reading.

3. You have the right to peaceful enjoyment of your rented house. Any disturbance may be reported and access to the property must be requested with a 24-hour notice.

4. You have the right to have your tenancy deposit protected. Your tenancy deposit may be protected in a government-authorised scheme, for the purpose of the safekeeping of your money.

5. You have the right to information about the property and your landlord. You can request for important details, like the name and contact number of your landlord and letting agent, all gas safety and energy performance certificates, etc.

Losing your deposit.

Right as a tenant. Your landlord is obligated to safe-keep your deposit and return the money, after deductions (if any), at the end of your tenancy agreement. We, at Clifford Sinclair, protect tenant deposits at mydeposits, a deposit protection scheme provider authorised by the UK Government.

Security of a contract.

It is very important to pay your rent on time and in full for you to continue with your tenancy until the stated duration in your agreement. Option to renew your tenancy agreement must be discussed with your landlord, and having a good professional relationship with your landlord will help a great deal. You may be evicted, even within your contract, if you have not paid for 2 or more months rent, disrupt the peace and quiet in the neighbourhood, or use the property for illegal activities.

Freedom to do as I please.

Generally, your contract will state the things you can or cannot do. You may have to request permission from the landlord to be able to make changes like redecoration or adding furniture. You will correctly be asked to restore the property, (except for acceptable wear and tear), to the original state when you first took over the lease.

Unauthorised access to my rented home.

Although there are times that call for a valid access to your home, like an emergency, scheduled inspection, repairs and maintenance, property valuation and viewings, all other access requests must be communicated to you with a 24-hour notice.

Exploring the area.

Getting around the Reading shouldn’t be a problem as brightly coloured buses can transport you in and around through a variety of routes from Reading buses. If you’re a student at the University of Reading, this map of Central Reading will definitely be of great help to you.

Anticipate the weather.

Whether you’re from the UK or not, it is best to note that in your new student accommodation around the University of Reading,it will generally have cool summers and cool, but not cold winters with generally moderate rainfall throughout the year. Needless to say, you will be needing sweaters and jackets.