Accomodation Booklet
Legal stuff about housing you need to know!
Some students will be blessed with ‘sound’ and dependable landlords; others have nothing but hardship and misery with them.
Students that are staying in local accommodation are tenants renting accommodation just like anybody else in the country. You must realise this, the laws are no different for us, which in itself should be something that should be put under review but given the national problems at the moment you can be assured that it is not something that will be addressed while you are at college, sad but true.
What we can do is arm ourselves with enough info to make sure we don’t get screwed over.
1. Cold houses
The winter of 09/10 gave us one of the coldest on record; we had rain, sleet, snow and subarctic temperatures. Many of us froze in our rented accommodation; we doubled up on our layers of clothing and had the heating on 24/7. Having the heat on all the time is expensive and not a viable option. Students must know that when they are taking up residence in September or before that they need to ask for the buildings BER certificate. This is the Building Energy Rating certificate. The landlord is legally obliged to have this document, if not they are liable for a fine of up to €5000.
The certificate will give you the tenant an idea of how easy it will be to conserve heat and energy in the house. So ultimately the better the rating the easier it will be to keep the heat in.
Ask the landlord to give you one, if he/she doesn’t have one report it. You have every right to pursue it and we hope that if a landlord gets the rating and it proves to be a low rating that they will then do something about the problems.
However, the only obligation that the landlord has, is to get the BER rating, they do not have to adhere to any of the recommendations given.
2. Deposits
(i) Giving a deposit
DO NOT SIGN ANY CONTRACTS, LEASES or even BOOKING forms without reading them cover to cover. Even in the case of a booking form which may look like a form for reserving your room. On some of these forms are stipulations that you will stay for the full academic year, even if you don’t stay you are liable to pay for the time period.
Most landlords will ask for 4 weeks rent as a deposit, although this can vary. Tenants need to get a proper receipt of the transaction, headed paper or a till receipt is best. A scrap of paper is not acceptable.
Get the landlords full contact details, including a landline telephone number and home address.
Get the keys and check that they open and close all doors of the property.
Check the integrity of the locks and windows. Student houses rarely if ever have insurance that will cover the loss of your goods if there is a break in, so you need to ensure that the house is secure enough before to commit to it.
Ask the landlord for a list of all appliances and furniture provided. He/she should keep a copy and you should also. Get him/her to sign it also.
Only agree to take the property when you are totally satisfied. Ask the follow questions before making your decision:
· Is the landlord registered with the Private Residency Tenancy Board, if in doubt check if the property is registered online at www.prtb.ie
· Is there a lease or rent book? You can pick up a free USI rent book from our office.
· Who has access to the property?
· Who do I contact if I have a problem?
· Why did the previous tenant leave?
(ii) Moving in
Make sure there are no outstanding bills from previous residents.
Ask if the house has a TV licence, landlords are not obliged to furnish the house with the TV licence, many will but most won’t. This will prove an added expense to students if the inspector comes a knocking.
Take photographs of every single room including any damaged items when you move in, ask your landlord to sign and date them. After all you don’t want to be given a bill at the end of the year for something that was already broken.
Double check all appliances etc to make sure that they are working, they may have been working perfectly when you originally viewed the house but anything can happen over a short space of time.
(iii) Getting back your rent deposit
The most important this you must remember is that the rent deposit belongs to you, not the landlord. You the tenant must adhere to several rules also, the landlord had plenty of rights too.
Given that most students are here in Athlone for what is realistically 6-7 months of the year they must give the landlord adequate notice before moving out, 28 days notice is the legally acceptable time frame for notice. To make it valid and to keep everything above board the notice should be in writing, be signed by the tenant (you) and must specify the date of tenancy termination.
Make sure there is no unpaid bills and that all rent is paid up to date, and most importantly that the accommodation is left the way you got it.
When you leave, your landlord must promptly return the deposit. The landlord may only keep some or all of the deposit to cover arrears of the costs of repairing any damage above normal wear and tear.
If your landlord fails to return your money or makes unfair deductions, contact us in the Students’ Union for advice or alternatively contact the nearest Threshold (Tenancy rights advice) centre.
In the case of Athlone, you should contact their Galway Office; 3 Victoria Place, Merchants Road, Galway. 091563080 or alternatively they can be contacted thresholdgalway@eircom.net
3. Moiety Payments (Lump sum payments)
Apartment owners often ask for moiety payments, these are lump sum payments where you might pay for several months in advance. This practice should have ended with the decline of the Celtic tiger but alas has not died off yet. Although many apartment managers and owners will advertise that the moiety is the rate that they require they are up for negotiation in terms of a different payment structure. We have tried to get moieties removed in the past but the best response we can muster for them across the board is that they will accept alternate payment schemes. Ask and you shall receive (well hopefully)
4. Students that have to go on work placement
Many students will have work experience (placement) during the year. For the most part these students will be seeking their placement outside of Athlone. This proves costly especially when it falls in the middle of the academic year. If it was as simple as moving out of the house completely during this period we would have fall less problems but the reality of the situation is that the law does not change for students, we are often faced with carrying the burden of having to get accommodation elsewhere whilst keeping on the Athlone residence. Some landlords will ease up on you, others will not.
What you the student must do is inform the landlord or property owner before taking up residence that you will be leaving for a set period of time, that way; if the landlord has a problem with it you will have plenty of time to find a place where the landlord will be more understanding of your plight.
This also applies if your academic year ends earlier than the rest of the students, inform the landlord… that way, he/she will not have any excuse to retain deposits etc.
One thing we must stress especially for students that will be out on placement or leaving early DO NOT SIGN ANY CONTRACTS, LEASES or even BOOKING forms without reading them cover to cover. Even in the case of a booking form which may look like a form for reserving your room. On some of these forms are stipulations that you will stay for the full academic year, even if you don’t stay you are liable to pay for the time period.
5. Security
Make an informed decision on the area that you will be living in for the year. Ask people in the area about the safety of the area. Pick an area that is well lit and never too far away off the beaten track. If you see or hear anything suspicious, no matter how big or small, (better to be safe than sorry) in the area report it immediately! (Emergency numbers are listed below)
In regards to the security of the accommodation, check all windows, entrances and exits before moving in. Ask the landlord if anybody else has access to the property and if he/she recovered all keys from previous tenants.
Ask the landlord if there is any additional security features in the house such as CCTV, burglar alarms or sensor lights. If the house has such facilities, make sure they work and are not just there as an ornament.
Lock up at night and if you are leaving the house if only for a few minutes. 60 seconds is all it would take some undesirable to run through your house/apartment and grab iPods, laptops, wallets or your dinner that was sitting cooling on the table (it has happened!).
Inspect the oil tank (if there is one); check how easy it would be for somebody to take the oil. If you feel that the tank is in a position of easy access to anybody off the street tell your landlord to put a lock on the tank. The past winter saw a rise in the amount of fuel theft. Fuel costs are high enough as it is without somebody swiping it from you.
6. Fire safety
This goes without saying; fire safety is paramount in your accommodation. Check smoke alarms and re-check frequently. Make sure the house/apartment has adequate fire extinguishing equipment; fire blankets and fire extinguishers are a must for any home so ensure that your landlord supplies you with them. If you are living in an apartment block, make yourself familiar with all means of exit and fire points throughout the building.
7. Respect your neighbourhood and its residents
Although Ireland has seen an increase in anti-social behaviour (or at least the media coverage of it) Athlone never has a massive problem with students and anti-social behaviour. This is a trend that we want to keep in line with other years. What students must do is respect their area that they are now a part of, you will be living in what maybe predominantly student inhabited area but you must not forget that there are permanent residents here too, they have been here long before you and will be for many years after you go.
When travelling in groups whether it be on one of the nights out or heading to the cinema or whatever keep the noise levels down especially when walking through the residential areas. The residential areas around the college are student friendly and the permanent residents are very welcoming. It’s a two way system, if you show them the respect they deserve you will get it back in return.
Keep the exterior of the house in order. Put simply; keep it tidy, the permanent residents take pride in their local area and why wouldn’t they? Your landlord will normally mow the lawns etc but students should be responsible for their own refuse and rubbish. Keep the bins tidy and closed. Pick up loose bits of rubbish from your front and back gardens. Don’t let rubbish pile up, it attracts animals and rodents. Nobody wants rats or mice around their house.
Types of Accommodation
There are three main types of accommodation on offer to students in Athlone Institute of Technology. (A.I.T does not have on-campus accommodation):
1. Houses / Apartments.
2. Digs
3. Self Catering
The choice of the accommodation is entirely up to the student. Many students find it helpful when making the transition from school to third level to stay in digs rather than a house, etc. for their first year. After first year, it will be easier for the student to judge which type of accommodation is most suited to him/her personally.
Houses/Apartments
This accommodation is whereby the student shares a house with others. All bills are shared equally. Rent varies according to the landlords and whether the student has a single or double room. The landlord must provide a rent book or similar document (available in students union). A deposit (usually €200-300) will be required by the landlord to insure against excess damages or unpaid bills.
Digs
This form of accommodation means that a student lives with a family. Rent includes electricity, heating, and breakfast and evening meals. Lodgings are normally for 5 days and weekends are extra if offered. Students should discuss a number of points with potential landlords before agreeing to move in e.g. deposits, notice, keys, use of house during the day, laundry, use of telephone, visitors, meal times, showers, absence from digs, holiday arrangements and privacy. A deposit (usually €70-200) is requested of each student to act as a guarantee against damage to the property. Before deposits are taken there should be a clear agreement between the student and the landlord regarding conditions for refunding deposits.
Self Catering
This form of accommodation is where the student lives in the house with the landlords, however must buy and cook their own food. Electricity and Heat are included in rent. Students should discuss a number of points with potential landlords before moving in e.g. use of kitchen, phone, showers etc.
What will it Cost?
Usual prices in Athlone range from €50 to €90 for a single room or from €45 to €70 if you are sharing a room. On average you can expect to pay €80 to €90 for a single room in digs, and €60 to €70 for a single room in self catering. This is a roughestimate.
Checklist for Accommodation
v Is it convenient? Check bus routes, local shops, laundrettes, etc.
v Look for dampness (check the cupboards are dry and check for mould).
v How much furniture is provided? Is it adequate? What condition is it in?
v Are sufficient wardrobe / storage areas?
v Are the windows and doors secure, with good locks?
v Try all the taps.
v Does the toilet flush or leak?
v Are pipes and cylinder lagged?
v Check all electrical sockets - what condition are they in?
v How is the house heated? What will it cost to heat and is the heating system working?
v How the electricity and gas (if applicable) is paid. Check meter readings (any arrears).
v Are all the electrical appliances in working order? Particularly in older houses check that the system is adequately fused and ask when it was last re-wired.
v Is there a smoke detector, fire extinguisher, fire blanket, escape route?
v Are the bathroom facilities adequate, working, and ventilated, etc.?
v Are the enough kitchen utensils, is the kitchen ventilated?
v Is the lighting sufficient for studying?
v Access to rubbish disposal arrangements?
v Do you have access to back garden and clothes line?
v Has the house got its BER rating? (see above)
Extra bits of information you should know
All tenants have a statutory right to quiet and peaceful possession as long as they pay the rent. Nobody (including the landlord/lady) has the right to enter a flat without permission.
We recommend that students insure their belongings as house break-ins can happen. www.Insurance4students.ie is one company to name but a few that will insure the contents of your student home.
Some houses will carry extra expenses, budget well and make sure that you can meet all your bills on time. Especially before you plan a night out J
Not all accommodation listed is in close proximity to the college, being away from the hustle and bustle of the area in not necessarily a bad thing at all, some people love it! But if you are on foot everyday choose somewhere close to where you are going to be in college.
Choose your flat mates carefully and don't share with anyone you don't like.
Don't make any hasty decisions about renting a particular flat view a number of properties, shop around, and don't go alone to view the property.
Tenants can be evicted for anti-social behaviour. Anti social behaviour is anything that causes hassle to your neighbours or the people around you, creates damage or trouble etc. You may also be charged for anti-social behaviour. It is important to respect your landlord, house mates, neighbours and local gardai to prevent this from happening.
In the end wherever you live will be for many of you a home away from home, treat it that way. Keep it clean and tidy. It’s much easier to come home from a stressful day at college to a tidy house than it is to a mess. Put your own stamp on your room; make it yours for the year. And above all else enjoy it but enjoy it responsibly.
Useful contacts
Athlone Gardai 0906498550
Emergency services (Ambulance, Fire brigade, Gardai) 112
Students’ Union 0906474388
Fr. Shay Casey (College Chaplain) 0872402514
Students’ Union Vice President (accommodation and welfare) 0868120425
Threshold (Free legal accommodation advice) 091563080
Legal stuff about housing you need to know!
Some students will be blessed with ‘sound’ and dependable landlords; others have nothing but hardship and misery with them.
Students that are staying in local accommodation are tenants renting accommodation just like anybody else in the country. You must realise this, the laws are no different for us, which in itself should be something that should be put under review but given the national problems at the moment you can be assured that it is not something that will be addressed while you are at college, sad but true.
What we can do is arm ourselves with enough info to make sure we don’t get screwed over.
1. Cold houses
The winter of 09/10 gave us one of the coldest on record; we had rain, sleet, snow and subarctic temperatures. Many of us froze in our rented accommodation; we doubled up on our layers of clothing and had the heating on 24/7. Having the heat on all the time is expensive and not a viable option. Students must know that when they are taking up residence in September or before that they need to ask for the buildings BER certificate. This is the Building Energy Rating certificate. The landlord is legally obliged to have this document, if not they are liable for a fine of up to €5000.
The certificate will give you the tenant an idea of how easy it will be to conserve heat and energy in the house. So ultimately the better the rating the easier it will be to keep the heat in.
Ask the landlord to give you one, if he/she doesn’t have one report it. You have every right to pursue it and we hope that if a landlord gets the rating and it proves to be a low rating that they will then do something about the problems.
However, the only obligation that the landlord has, is to get the BER rating, they do not have to adhere to any of the recommendations given.
2. Deposits
(i) Giving a deposit
DO NOT SIGN ANY CONTRACTS, LEASES or even BOOKING forms without reading them cover to cover. Even in the case of a booking form which may look like a form for reserving your room. On some of these forms are stipulations that you will stay for the full academic year, even if you don’t stay you are liable to pay for the time period.
Most landlords will ask for 4 weeks rent as a deposit, although this can vary. Tenants need to get a proper receipt of the transaction, headed paper or a till receipt is best. A scrap of paper is not acceptable.
Get the landlords full contact details, including a landline telephone number and home address.
Get the keys and check that they open and close all doors of the property.
Check the integrity of the locks and windows. Student houses rarely if ever have insurance that will cover the loss of your goods if there is a break in, so you need to ensure that the house is secure enough before to commit to it.
Ask the landlord for a list of all appliances and furniture provided. He/she should keep a copy and you should also. Get him/her to sign it also.
Only agree to take the property when you are totally satisfied. Ask the follow questions before making your decision:
· Is the landlord registered with the Private Residency Tenancy Board, if in doubt check if the property is registered online at www.prtb.ie
· Is there a lease or rent book? You can pick up a free USI rent book from our office.
· Who has access to the property?
· Who do I contact if I have a problem?
· Why did the previous tenant leave?
(ii) Moving in
Make sure there are no outstanding bills from previous residents.
Ask if the house has a TV licence, landlords are not obliged to furnish the house with the TV licence, many will but most won’t. This will prove an added expense to students if the inspector comes a knocking.
Take photographs of every single room including any damaged items when you move in, ask your landlord to sign and date them. After all you don’t want to be given a bill at the end of the year for something that was already broken.
Double check all appliances etc to make sure that they are working, they may have been working perfectly when you originally viewed the house but anything can happen over a short space of time.
(iii) Getting back your rent deposit
The most important this you must remember is that the rent deposit belongs to you, not the landlord. You the tenant must adhere to several rules also, the landlord had plenty of rights too.
Given that most students are here in Athlone for what is realistically 6-7 months of the year they must give the landlord adequate notice before moving out, 28 days notice is the legally acceptable time frame for notice. To make it valid and to keep everything above board the notice should be in writing, be signed by the tenant (you) and must specify the date of tenancy termination.
Make sure there is no unpaid bills and that all rent is paid up to date, and most importantly that the accommodation is left the way you got it.
When you leave, your landlord must promptly return the deposit. The landlord may only keep some or all of the deposit to cover arrears of the costs of repairing any damage above normal wear and tear.
If your landlord fails to return your money or makes unfair deductions, contact us in the Students’ Union for advice or alternatively contact the nearest Threshold (Tenancy rights advice) centre.
In the case of Athlone, you should contact their Galway Office; 3 Victoria Place, Merchants Road, Galway. 091563080 or alternatively they can be contacted thresholdgalway@eircom.net
3. Moiety Payments (Lump sum payments)
Apartment owners often ask for moiety payments, these are lump sum payments where you might pay for several months in advance. This practice should have ended with the decline of the Celtic tiger but alas has not died off yet. Although many apartment managers and owners will advertise that the moiety is the rate that they require they are up for negotiation in terms of a different payment structure. We have tried to get moieties removed in the past but the best response we can muster for them across the board is that they will accept alternate payment schemes. Ask and you shall receive (well hopefully)
4. Students that have to go on work placement
Many students will have work experience (placement) during the year. For the most part these students will be seeking their placement outside of Athlone. This proves costly especially when it falls in the middle of the academic year. If it was as simple as moving out of the house completely during this period we would have fall less problems but the reality of the situation is that the law does not change for students, we are often faced with carrying the burden of having to get accommodation elsewhere whilst keeping on the Athlone residence. Some landlords will ease up on you, others will not.
What you the student must dois inform the landlord or property owner before taking up residence that you will be leaving for a set period of time, that way; if the landlord has a problem with it you will have plenty of time to find a place where the landlord will be more understanding of your plight.
This also applies if your academic year ends earlier than the rest of the students, inform the landlord… that way, he/she will not have any excuse to retain deposits etc.
One thing we must stress especially for students that will be out on placement or leaving early DO NOT SIGN ANY CONTRACTS, LEASES or even BOOKING forms without reading them cover to cover. Even in the case of a booking form which may look like a form for reserving your room. On some of these forms are stipulations that you will stay for the full academic year, even if you don’t stay you are liable to pay for the time period.
5. Security
Make an informed decision on the area that you will be living in for the year. Ask people in the area about the safety of the area. Pick an area that is well lit and never too far away off the beaten track. If you see or hear anything suspicious, no matter how big or small, (better to be safe than sorry) in the area report it immediately! (Emergency numbers are listed below)
In regards to the security of the accommodation, check all windows, entrances and exits before moving in. Ask the landlord if anybody else has access to the property and if he/she recovered all keys from previous tenants.
Ask the landlord if there is any additional security features in the house such as CCTV, burglar alarms or sensor lights. If the house has such facilities, make sure they work and are not just there as an ornament.
Lock up at night and if you are leaving the house if only for a few minutes. 60 seconds is all it would take some undesirable to run through your house/apartment and grab iPods, laptops, wallets or your dinner that was sitting cooling on the table (it has happened!).
Inspect the oil tank (if there is one); check how easy it would be for somebody to take the oil. If you feel that the tank is in a position of easy access to anybody off the street tell your landlord to put a lock on the tank. The past winter saw a rise in the amount of fuel theft. Fuel costs are high enough as it is without somebody swiping it from you.
6. Fire safety
This goes without saying; fire safety is paramount in your accommodation. Check smoke alarms and re-check frequently. Make sure the house/apartment has adequate fire extinguishing equipment; fire blankets and fire extinguishers are a must for any home so ensure that your landlord supplies you with them. If you are living in an apartment block, make yourself familiar with all means of exit and fire points throughout the building.
7. Respect your neighbourhood and its residents
Although Ireland has seen an increase in anti-social behaviour (or at least the media coverage of it) Athlone never has a massive problem with students and anti-social behaviour. This is a trend that we want to keep in line with other years. What students must do is respect their area that they are now a part of, you will be living in what maybe predominantly student inhabited area but you must not forget that there are permanent residents here too, they have been here long before you and will be for many years after you go.
When travelling in groups whether it be on one of the nights out or heading to the cinema or whatever keep the noise levels down especially when walking through the residential areas. The residential areas around the college are student friendly and the permanent residents are very welcoming. It’s a two way system, if you show them the respect they deserve you will get it back in return.
Keep the exterior of the house in order. Put simply; keep it tidy, the permanent residents take pride in their local area and why wouldn’t they? Your landlord will normally mow the lawns etc but students should be responsible for their own refuse and rubbish. Keep the bins tidy and closed. Pick up loose bits of rubbish from your front and back gardens. Don’t let rubbish pile up, it attracts animals and rodents. Nobody wants rats or mice around their house.
Types of Accommodation
There are three main types of accommodation on offer to students in Athlone Institute of Technology. (A.I.T does not have on-campus accommodation):
1. Houses / Apartments.
2. Digs
3. Self Catering
The choice of the accommodation is entirely up to the student. Many students find it helpful when making the transition from school to third level to stay in digs rather than a house, etc. for their first year. After first year, it will be easier for the student to judge which type of accommodation is most suited to him/her personally.
Houses/Apartments
This accommodation is whereby the student shares a house with others. All bills are shared equally. Rent varies according to the landlords and whether the student has a single or double room. The landlord must provide a rent book or similar document (available in students union). A deposit (usually €200-300) will be required by the landlord to insure against excess damages or unpaid bills.
Digs
This form of accommodation means that a student lives with a family. Rent includes electricity, heating, and breakfast and evening meals. Lodgings are normally for 5 days and weekends are extra if offered. Students should discuss a number of points with potential landlords before agreeing to move in e.g. deposits, notice, keys, use of house during the day, laundry, use of telephone, visitors, meal times, showers, absence from digs, holiday arrangements and privacy. A deposit (usually €70-200) is requested of each student to act as a guarantee against damage to the property. Before deposits are taken there should be a clear agreement between the student and the landlord regarding conditions for refunding deposits.
Self Catering
This form of accommodation is where the student lives in the house with the landlords, however must buy and cook their own food. Electricity and Heat are included in rent. Students should discuss a number of points with potential landlords before moving in e.g. use of kitchen, phone, showers etc.
What will it Cost?
Usual prices in Athlone range from €50 to €90 for a single room or from €45 to €70 if you are sharing a room. On average you can expect to pay €80 to €90 for a single room in digs, and €60 to €70 for a single room in self catering. This is a roughestimate.
Checklist for Accommodation
v Is it convenient? Check bus routes, local shops, laundrettes, etc.
v Look for dampness (check the cupboards are dry and check for mould).
v How much furniture is provided? Is it adequate? What condition is it in?
v Are sufficient wardrobe / storage areas?
v Are the windows and doors secure, with good locks?
v Try all the taps.
v Does the toilet flush or leak?
v Are pipes and cylinder lagged?
v Check all electrical sockets - what condition are they in?
v How is the house heated? What will it cost to heat and is the heating system working?
v How the electricity and gas (if applicable) is paid. Check meter readings (any arrears).
v Are all the electrical appliances in working order? Particularly in older houses check that the system is adequately fused and ask when it was last re-wired.
v Is there a smoke detector, fire extinguisher, fire blanket, escape route?
v Are the bathroom facilities adequate, working, and ventilated, etc.?
v Are the enough kitchen utensils, is the kitchen ventilated?
v Is the lighting sufficient for studying?
v Access to rubbish disposal arrangements?
v Do you have access to back garden and clothes line?
v Has the house got its BER rating? (see above)
Extra bits of information you should know
All tenants have a statutory right to quiet and peaceful possession as long as they pay the rent. Nobody (including the landlord/lady) has the right to enter a flat without permission.
We recommend that students insure their belongings as house break-ins can happen. www.Insurance4students.ie is one company to name but a few that will insure the contents of your student home.
Some houses will carry extra expenses, budget well and make sure that you can meet all your bills on time. Especially before you plan a night out J
Not all accommodation listed is in close proximity to the college, being away from the hustle and bustle of the area in not necessarily a bad thing at all, some people love it! But if you are on foot everyday choose somewhere close to where you are going to be in college.
Choose your flat mates carefully and don't share with anyone you don't like.
Don't make any hasty decisions about renting a particular flat view a number of properties, shop around, and don't go alone to view the property.
Tenants can be evicted for anti-social behaviour. Anti social behaviour is anything that causes hassle to your neighbours or the people around you, creates damage or trouble etc. You may also be charged for anti-social behaviour. It is important to respect your landlord, house mates, neighbours and local gardai to prevent this from happening.
In the end wherever you live will be for many of you a home away from home, treat it that way. Keep it clean and tidy. It’s much easier to come home from a stressful day at college to a tidy house than it is to a mess. Put your own stamp on your room; make it yours for the year. And above all else enjoy it but enjoy it responsibly.
Useful contacts
Athlone Gardai 0906498550
Emergency services (Ambulance, Fire brigade, Gardai) 112
Students’ Union 0906474388
Fr. Shay Casey (College Chaplain) 0872402514
Students’ Union Vice President (accommodation and welfare) 0868120425
Threshold (Free legal accommodation advice) 091563080
Legal stuff about housing you need to know!
5. Security
5. Security
Remember if you have any problems or queries do not hesitate to contact us here in the Students' Union.
Wishing you the best of luck for the coming year,
John Madden,
Vice President - Accommodation and Welfare Officer.
suvice@ait.ie
- Is it convenient? Check bus routes, local shops, laundrettes, etc.
- Look for dampness (check the cupboards are dry and check for mould).
- How much furniture is provided? Is it adequate? What condition is it in?
- Are sufficient wardrobe / storage areas?
- Are the windows and doors secure, with good locks?
- Try all the taps.
- Does the toilet flush or leak?
- Are pipes and cylinder lagged?
- Check all electrical sockets - what condition are they in?
- How is the house heated? What will it cost to heat and is the heating system working?
- How the electricity and gas (if applicable) is paid. Check meter readings (any arrears).
- Are all the electrical appliances in working order? Particularly in older houses check that the system is adequately fused and ask when it was last re-wired.
- Is there a smoke detector, fire extinguisher, fire blanket, escape route?
- Are the bathroom facilities adequate, working, and ventilated, etc.?
- Are the enough kitchen utensils, is the kitchen ventilated?
- Is the lighting sufficient for studying?
- Access to rubbish disposal arrangements?
- Do you have access to back garden and clothes line?
Security
- Does the neighbourhood appear safe?
- Are there public phones nearby?
- Is there a secure place for bicycles?
- Are the doors and windows secured, and who has access to the keys?
Ask landlord/landlady
- When you pay a deposit, make sure you get a receipt.
- Will payment be monthly or weekly and what does it cover, e.g. electricity, heat.
- Ask for a rent book.
- Establish in what circumstances the landlord/lady may have access.
- Ask for an inventory of what is in the house and set your landlord to co-sign it with you and keep a copy.
- Get the name, address and contact phone number of your landlord/lady or his/her agent for emergencies.
- Clarify which repairs will be the responsibility of the landlord/lady.
Rights of the Student as Tenant
- All tenants have a statutory right to quiet and peaceful possession as long as they pay the rent. Nobody (including the landlord/lady) has the right to enter a flat without permission.
- You are entitled to a rent book. Its better in the long run to have one.
- You are entitled to the means to contact the landlord or agent at all reasonable times.
- All houses rented must be registered with the PRTB.
- A "Notice to Quit" must be given in writing at least four weeks before the actual date that you must leave.
- Reimbusement for reasonable expenditure on any repairs carried out by them for which the landlord was responsible.
- Refer a dispute to the PRTB relating to the tenancy and not be penalised by the landlord for doing so.
- Non-payment of rent could result in a reduction of your rights.
- Non-payments of bills, insufficient notice of your intention to quit the tenancy and damage over and above normal wear and tear are the only circumstances under which you can lose your deposit (excluding "special circumstances")
Responsibilities of the Student as a Tenant
- The full amount of rent due must be paid regularly and on time.
- Keep the house in reasonable condition, make use of the bin.
- Keep the noise to an acceptable level.
- Avoid damaging property as you are personally responsible for any damage caused to the property apart from normal wear and tear.
- Pay and discharge all charges in respect of telephone, ESB , gas unless otherwise agreed with the landperson.
- Before leaving a dwelling you must give the landperson 4 weeks written notice of quitting in order to gain your deposit back.
- As a tenant you are entitled to a rent book. The rent book should contain the address of the house and the landpersons address, amount of rent and any other charges which may occur, amount of the deposit and its purpose etc.
- The landperson cannot take any of your belongings in lieu of rent.
- You also have the responsibility to those you live with, paying your bills promptly and respecting that it is their house as well.
General Advice
- Choose your flat mates carefully and don't share with anyone you don't like.
- Don't make any hasty decisions about renting a particular flat view a number of properties and don't go alone to view the property.
- Decide whether you want self-catering accommodation or digs. The down side of house and apartment sharing are shopping, cooking, and cleaning. The upside is independence.
- If signing a contract please read carefully. It may state tenancy dates and you will be obligated to pay rent till these dates. This especially relates to students who have placements during the academic year.
- Tenants can be evicted for anti-social