分类
Tips

House Sharers Risk More than Ever

If you’ve been keeping an eye on the rental market recently, and are looking to rent a new property, you will have seen some significant increases in the cost of rent over the past few months. Research has revealed that since the end of 2021, rent has increased by 20% – a 13-year high. Amidst the average cost of rent increasing drastically, the cost of living crisis has also meant that utility bills have soared, making the prospect of renting or entering into a new contract alone, very scary for many.


With the cost of living rising, there is also a massive increase of people looking to enter joint rent agreements – sharing with friends or even people you’ve not met before, can help to cut the cost of rent and
living, by utility bill sharing. This style of joint rent contract is often popular with students, but is now increasingly considered by young professionals.


When entering a joint rent contract, it is often easy to focus on the prospect of shared bills and how this responsibility will work, as these are often in an individual’s name. This means that rent liability is often
overlooked when entering a joint agreement – and actually, this is the biggest risk. With a shared house, particularly within joint liability contracts, everybody is liable. This means that if a housemate leaves early or can’t pay their rent due to the cost of living increasing, everyone in the joint rent contract must cover the cost, as they’re equally liable.


What are the risks for people currently looking to enter a joint rent agreement?


By entering a joint rent agreement, and therefore taking on house share liability, tenants often forget that they are liable for all of the rent if one of the housemates doesn’t pay. As the cost of rent and utility bills increase, the risk of someone leaving suddenly or not being able to afford their rent is much higher – the remaining housemates can be left in a difficult situation of having to cover the cost.


An individual is often apprehensive about taking on the responsibility of a utility bill that is for the entire household, but is only in their name. Rent liability is not looked at in the same way, albeit the bigger risk of the two in a joint rent agreement.


How can Only My Share Help?


If you choose to go down the route of a house share to help with the increasing costs of rent – Only My Share is here to help ensure that you are never held liable for paying someone else’s share of the rent.
Whilst we can’t guarantee the bills, if your housemate leaves early or doesn’t pay their rent, we can step in.


We’re the safety blanket for renters in shared housing, and with the increasing costs of rent making it potentially difficult for housemates to pay, this is a huge relief. Our small one-off fee will give you the
confidence to know that you are protected financially should your housemate fall into rent arrears.


If you’re looking to move into shared housing to help with the increasing cost of rent, get in touch with our team today, to find out how we can help you rent confidently in a house share.

分类
Accommodation

The 3 Most Common Student Accommodation Nightmares

Are you just embarking on life as a fully-fledged grad-student? Do you have a place in the University’s halls of residence? Or perhaps you are part way through your degree and are scrambling to find an affordable shared rental property? Either way, there are certain student accommodation nightmares you will want to avoid.

A report by the Huffington Post says that no water, no heating and noisy housemates are common student housing nightmares. Let’s take a look at three student accommodation problems in more detail.

 

Poor value for money

Poor value for money is a major problem when it comes to student housing, especially in the private rental market. The 2019 National Student Accommodation Survey of over 2,000 students found that one in three students feel their accommodation is poor value for money.

One student said, “Last year I had no hot water for the entire year, I had to boil the kettle and fill up the sink that way to wash my face.”

Another student reported, “In first year, my cupboard fell off the wall on top of me and the halls of residence tried to charge me for repairs.”

Earlier this year The Independent reported of unscrupulous people exploiting vulnerable students by failing to provide even basic standards of living.

Universities minister, Chris Skidmore, said “While there are many landlords who do take their responsibilities seriously, for too long rogue private landlords have been exploiting vulnerable students by failing to provide even basic standards of living.”

Mr Skidmore warned “the time is up” for landlords “making a profit from shoddy accommodation”.

Recently introduced regulations now empower students to take their landlords to court if they fail to address serious accommodation defects such as mould, damp and safety hazards.

Earlier this year a group of Leeds students were awarded £15,000 (a full year’s rent) after taking their landlord to court under the new measures.

 

Struggling to keep up with rent

The National Student Accommodation Survey (mentioned above) also found that a whopping 44 per cent of students struggle to keep up with paying their rent. Students polled in the survey said,

“Rent, fees and food being expensive means at times I’ve had to not eat in order to pay my rent.”

“I had to pay £2,500 this term for my accommodation. Student finance only gave me £1,700.”

“Student loan doesn’t even come close to covering rent, so have to rely on parents for extra money which is really stressful. Have to spend very little on food each week so am not eating very well because of it.”

Rent is an unavoidable expense for students (unless they choose to live at home or are lucky enough to be funded by parents). But half of the students, according to youth news site Tab, can’t afford to pay rent with their loan.

 

For many students, university life is the first time they have had to fully manage their own finances, which can be quite stressful. Struggling to keep up with rent can put an added strain on students. Many students need to work part-time simply to be able to afford to live whilst they are studying.

Budgeting and borrowing as a student aren’t easy – it requires careful management and many students don’t have the financial experience to cope well with this.

New research by the National Union of Students (NUS), commissioned by Future Finance, reveals that many students are resorting to high-cost bank overdrafts and credit cards to get by and that an incredible 36 per cent said they worry about their finances to such an extent that it is affecting their mental health.

See more on mental health and how to cope with student life here.

 

Housemate problems

Whether you are in university halls or a shared student house, you’ll be living in close proximity with people who are likely to be quite different from you. Nightmare housemates are a common bane of student life, from noisy housemates to slobs, naggers and flatmates stealing food.

You will have to put up with different sleep schedules, parties, noise and even live alongside people you find annoying and just don’t gel with.

The last thing you need on top of financial worries and starting life as a student is to find yourself in conflict with your housemates! See some tips on how to handle problem housemates here.

 

This article about “The 3 Most Common Student Accommodation Nightmares” was written for Only My Share by Annie Button. For more information on how you can work with Only My Share, visit onlymyshare.com

分类
Accommodation

How to Pick the Right University Accommodation

Many of the first-year university students will head straight into the university halls and not worry about where they are going to stay or with who. Choosing your university accommodation can be tricky. Who do you stay with? Where do I live? How much do I pay? How long do I live there for?

A study was conducted which asked students the very same thing. Where and what type of university accommodation they stay in. Here is what they said:


   University Accommodation

 

All of the options you can see are valid options. However, if you want to have a bit more guidance then read on. We have gathered a list of the 4 of the more popular university accommodation options, excluding the option of ‘living at home’.

Uni Owned Halls of Residence

University Accommodation

As mentioned, many first-years head straight into university halls. Most if not all university halls are located on the campus or very close walking distance with very easy access. Being close to campus is something that you will learn to love. You might not think that the 30-minute commute to your 9am lecturers isn’t bad, however, once you are in the full swing of the university you may begin to notice. Heading to lecturers every day, seeing friends for coffee or a drink, travelling around to see your friends takes time.

It is one of the cheapest options as well, the bills are included and you will only have to pay one lump sum or possibly two lump sums. With a cheap & convenient lifestyle, some of the life luxuries may be overlooked. The university halls are regularly rundown with an old design and most will have 2 or 3 bathrooms shared between 10-16 people on average. A big communal kitchen invites a social environment but dirty dishes and messy surfaces do not clean themselves.

Pros: Convenient/social/cheapish/arranged through uni

Cons: Potentially rundown interiors/basic facilities

Purpose Built Student Accommodation – PBSA

Student Accommodation

Where university halls bring the bare essentials, purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) bring the whole catalogue, the good ones do at least. This type of university accommodation brings more luxury and modern touch to the university hall experience. This choice is regularly close to campus and in a very convenient location to make the student experience ever easier although it is always good to check before moving in.

With all the modern interiors and new build structures, this university accommodation comes with all kinds of bits and bobs. Some of the regular facilities include a gym, cinema room, study areas and a game room. With all of these added facilities, there are often on-site events making PBSA’s excellent for making a home away from home.

However, with all this comfort and luxury there is a large price tag. It includes all the bills into the price tag and paying a year upfront is a possibility or pay termly, certainly worth the money. With most rooms having an en-suite bathroom and if not then you will share will no more then 3-5 fellow students. With a varied room selection, there will be the opportunity to pick something best suited to you. Rooms such as:

  • Studio Flats — includes a kitchen area and a bathroom with plenty of room.
  • Dual occupancy studio — more rare but perfect for those couples who want to share. 

Pros: Modern/New Facilities/Stylish/Convenient/Easy Payment/Social

Cons: Expensive

Private Flat-Share

Student Accommodation

If you want to get away from the university living life and happy to commute into the campus and looking for a more personal touch. You will be happy to hear that the university accommodation is not the only way. A private flatshare can feel much more like living at home. Most landlords will have a furnished apartment preventing you from bringing any large pieces of furniture into the flat. However, some flats will allow for posters/pictures/memorabilia to add that extra homey feeling.

Whether you rent a flat by yourself and keep it simple and small or rent with a few of your best mates it will be a good escape from studies. Sharing with friends or others will mean the rent is split more ways as well as the bills and any other costs. If you are organised then a weekly food shop can be split making it EVEN CHEAPER.

Renting costs vary from the suspiciously cheap to the outrageously expensive. It is good to check the property, it may be cheap because of hidden problems in the flat which could appear during your stay, this may have financial repercussions.

Pros: Independence/Private/Flexible/Furnished (check)

Cons: Admin & Logistics/Less Sociable/Potentially Expensive/Unexpected Costs

Private House-Share

University Accommodation

This is a larger option and regularly shared between 5-6 people. Sharing with more people means that the bills will be split evenly, whether it be the rent, utilities or food shopping (if you are that organised). Organising the group to sign the right documents and talk to letting agents or landlords can be a tiresome process.

When looking for a house to share, a few fundamental unspoken rules amongst the student community are applied. Most house-share properties can be older buildings that have been around a long time. This can make them very cold and damp, in the summer this may sound lovely, however, it makes winters a very cold and distressing time. The houses can also be susceptible to disrepair. The rule of thumb is to double-check, triple-check and quadruple-check. Chances are that if the house smells like damp, then there absolutely is damp.

House’s are not as daunting as they may seem. Having a home with a group of people your age, with the same schedules and living their best university life can be very relaxing. Some houses are very well maintained with landlords that are very understanding and sympathetic in knowing students are renting. Consideration should go into where the house is located, the usual check of safety is always necessary. No student can afford to continuously buy a new bike every other week because they live in a dangerous area. Also, considering the commute to a from classes is important.

Pros: Split Costs/Social/Independence

Cons: Admin & Logistics/Old Properties/Cold & Damp/Security

In order to rent most types of university accommodation, a guarantor will need to be used. The award-winning UK Guarantor Housing Hand can provide you with everything you need. Head over to our website to protect yourself from any rent arrears.

分类
Tips

The Best Late Summer Festivals In & Around Europe

Your university year may have come to an end, but that’s no reason to slow down your partying lifestyle this summer. From Glastonbury to Benicassim, there are hundreds upon hundreds of fantastic music festivals throughout Europe just calling out for you and your friends to visit. 

Make the most of your free time before student-life stress takes over again in September – spend a few days soaking up the atmosphere of a large-scale music festival across a plethora of tents, whether they be a marquee, VIP or camping. 

While some of the bigger festivals may cost a lot to attend, we how important it is to keep the price down for you as a student. Nobody likes spending hundreds of pounds on travel costs and ticket prices – we all like to make sure we’re getting value for money. 

Each of the festivals listed below provide exactly that – an amazing experience at a relatively low cost. Whether you opt to stay at home in England or venture further afield, we guarantee you’ll have an amazing time at any of these six music festivals. 

Sziget Festival – Budapest, Hungary.

Renowned for being one of the best festivals in the world, let alone Europe, Hungary’s Sziget festival attracts thousands of fans and incredible headliners every single year. Taking place in early August, the week-long event is one of very few global festivals to occur on its very own island. 

With some of the biggest names across all genres of music attending the festival later this year, you will be able to watch the fairly popular British protégé Ed Sheeran perform among many other high-profile acts, including Foo Fighters and The 1975. 

Highlights: Ed Sheeran, Foo Fighters, The 1975, Catfish and the Bottlemen.

Dates: 7th – 13th August 2019.  

Boomtown – Winchester, England. 

One of the more weird and wonderful music festivals you will ever come across, Boomtown is as unique as they come. Featuring a throwback carnival of music and street performances in a purpose-built wild-west-style town in the English countryside, this festival will provide you and your friends with a truly unforgettable experience. 

Oh, and it has some pretty great acts performing this year too. The likes of Ms. Lauryn Hill, Groove Armada and Chase & Status will be gracing the streets of Winchester’s Boomtown later on this summer. 

Highlights: The Streets, Chase & Status, Chronixx, Groove Armada, Ms. Lauryn Hill. 

Dates: 7th – 11th August 2019.  

Reading Festival – Reading, England. 

While you may feel like you do enough reading at uni already, this festival puts a much more fun spin on the word. Probably the most student-focused music event there is, Reading Festival is often a rite of passage for undergraduates across the land. 

Originally set up to be the UK’s flag-bearing rock weekender, while the festival still tends to feature more guitar-based bands and artists, it has branched out in recent years to include other genres. This year’s line-up exemplifies this in particular, with a smorgasbord of acts from the world of hip hop, pop and dance. From Post Malone to Royal Blood to Bastille, the festival really has something for everyone. 

Plus, if you’re based further up north, the same line up plays at Leeds over the same weekend, so you can get the exact same festival experience as you would in Reading. Win-win.

Highlights: The 1975, Royal Blood, Foo Fighters, Dave, Bastille, Post Malone. 

Dates: 23rd – 25th August 2019.  

Creamfields – Daresbury, England. 

Known for being one of the world’s most iconic dance festivals, Creamfields is the place to be if you’re into house anthems, fist-pumping trance and heart-pounding drum ‘n’ bass. The three-day event will take place in Daresbury later this August, with headline acts like Deadmau5, Swedish House Mafia and Martin Garrix gracing the stages of the small Cheshire-based village’s festival. 

With so much music to bounce to, the event tends to push people to their limits. In other words, prepare yourself for one helluva hangover. However, if you do make it through until the very last thing on Sunday, you gain the legendary status of being a ‘hardcore caner’ – a badge of honour that remains with you for eternity. 

Highlights: Deadmau5, Faithless, Martin Garrix, Swedish House Mafia, Pete Tong. 

Dates: 22nd – 25th August 2019.  

Green Man – Brecon Beacons, Wales. 

If you’re looking for a festival that both take place in a stunning location and features a much more chilled out vibe, we have the place for you. 

The Green Man festival in Wales is set in the country’s stunning Brecon Beacons – an expansive mountain range of Old Red Sandstone peaks. More relaxed than most other music festivals tend to be, the event tends to attract a slightly, how do I put this, more mature audience. 

There is, however, still ample opportunity to down a box of wine until the early hours of the morning – if you’re so inclined. 

Highlights: Four Tet, Idles, Amadou & Mariam, Father John Misty. 

Dates: 15th – 18th August 2019. 

Dekmantel – Amsterdam, Netherlands.

For anybody who’s into electronic music and loves finding new artists to listen to, Dekmantel could be your ideal festival. Rather than following the typical festival formula, the Dutch festival steers clear of headline-grabbing artists, instead opting to support upcoming artists that you may not have heard of before. 

Truly an experience like no other, Dekmantel is the place to be if you like identifying new trends. Plus, it’s relatively quick and easy to get to – book early enough and you can fly to Amsterdam for under £100 return, or hop on the Eurostar from London for a similar price.

Highlights: A whole host of upcoming electronic artists. 

Dates: 31st July – 4th August 2019.

To see more like this head to our news page.

分类
Tips

The guide of unusual things for students in London (for all budgets)

You’ve shipped out of your home and you are spreading your wings in your new life as a University student. It makes perfect sense to NOT follow the crowd. There is so much to do in London, but it’s easy to get caught in the tourist trap or stick to one patch. If you are looking to get the most out of your student experience in London, check out this guide of unusual things for students in London to make your student days (and nights) memories of a lifetime.

Escape games

If you are a puzzle-pro or a gamer, but want a screen break and some crystal-maze action, check out the growing trend ‘escape rooms’ in London. What are they? Escape rooms give you (and a bunch of your fellow student mates) the chance to detect a murder, carry out a bank heist or flee some zombies and escape the room you are locked into. Your skill at solving hands-on challenges is what gets you and your team out.

Super fun and a little bit different to yet another night at the student union bar!

Visit Eel Pie Island

As a Time Out review points out, “the pies are a little thin on the ground, but it is a real island.” This private island in the Thames is periodically opened to the public. Housing 26 artists’ studios, this overgrown hamlet is a welcome escape from the whir of London’s city life. It’s nice to do something different and you can tell your parents you’ve been somewhere the Rolling Stones once played. Trust me, they’ll be impressed.

London flying experience

For students with a leisure-time budget to blow, why not take to the skies and experience the delights of light sport aviation. IntoTheBlue offer a range of flying experiences from introductory flying lessons to pilot starter packs and flights to the Isle of Wight. With the opportunity to take the controls when airborne, you’ll be able to test out if becoming a pilot is the career path for you.

Flights depart from Damyn Hall on the Essex/London border. Take the District Line eastwards to Upminster at the end of the line, then hop in a taxi. It’s just a 5-minute car ride to the airfield.

White Water Rafting (yes in London!)

Thanks to the London Olympics you can now experience white water rafting in London at the Lee Valley White Water Centre. From as little as £39 per person you and 8 friends (there’s a maximum of 9 persons per raft) can plunge into the rapids and experience the twists and turns of this Olympic course. Or try tubing, inflatable two-man kayaks and hydrospeeding. Choose whatever most floats your boat to get the ultimate whitewater experience!

Moo canoes

If white water rafting is an adrenaline rush you don’t think you can handle, how about a gentler water bound experience? Tandem Kayaks and canoes decorated with a Friesian cow print are available for hire by Moo Canoes so you can navigate the waters of London for some alternative sightseeing.

Set off from the floating bar and café in Hackney Wick or from Limehouse Basin, close to Bank Station. There are a variety of routes depending on how long you want to spend on the water and how much of a challenge you are looking for. Prices start from £26 for the first hour, with subsequent hours charged at £10 per hour.

Secret Cinema

Step into your favourite film. This might break the student budget, but I guarantee Secret Cinema will be the talk of your Halls for the rest of your student life! With a group discount tickets will cost you and your buddies £72.12 each (ouch). But if studenthood to you is all about amazing and unusual London experiences (as well as getting a degree of course), then this one has to be on your list of must-do’s.

This is the ultimate alternative night out in London. It’s a cultural phenomenon EVERYONE is talking about. So, what is it exactly? Secret Cinema is an epic immersive cinema experience. You dress up as a bespoke character and can literally become a part of the film. Awesome!

ArcelorMittal Orbit

Time Out London listed the ArcelorMittal Orbit slide as the #1 activity in the capital in its opening year. The world’s longest tunnel slide is 178 metres long and incorporates 12 twists and turns. During your descent you’ll be able to see glimpses of the Olympic Park, as well as get plunged into darkness. Not for the faint-hearted, this is a brilliant slide experience not to be missed. Add this one to your list of things to do as a student while you are in London.

Tickets cost £13.50 and need to be booked in advance. It’s a popular attraction!

Shakespeare’s Globe

If you are reading English, studying theatre or aiming for an acting career, you’ll likely be desperate to see some of London’s fantastic productions. The Globe theatre offers Yard standing tickets from as little as £7. It may be standing with a restricted view, but with tickets at £7 a pop you can’t really argue with that. There’s no excuse – everyone should get to grips with Shakespeare. Invite your parents and they might upgrade you to the seats!

Unusual Things for Students in London: About the Writer

This article about “Unusual Things for Students in London” was written for Only My Share – the leading Rent Arrears Protection company by Annie Button. For more information on how Only My Share can help you protect yourself against up to £10,000 of a flatmates’ rent areas under a joint and several contract in shared accommodation, visit onlymyshare.com or call 0203 887 2961.

分类
Accommodation

Shared accommodation Tenants”may face rent rises or eviction”!

Most of us have experienced the horrors of the sticky and questionable shared accommodation, originally built for a family of four, but somehow, like the Tardis, has six or more bedrooms. It goes without saying that some of these houses in multiple occupations (HMO) are not perfect, but they often provide a lifeline for those on very low incomes.

 

As of October 1st this year, around 160,000 more properties in England are included in the HMO shared accommodation category due to new government legislation that has broadened the definition, meaning they will be required to be inspected and certificated by local authorities. Instead of being a three-storey (or more) home with five or more occupants from two or more separate households, the definition now stretches to includes any home including five or more occupants from two or more households. The removal of the three-storey threshold is a bid by the government to uproot rogue landlords who risk the safety of their tenants by renting out ‘sub-standard, overcrowded and potentially dangerous’ properties, as the guide for local authorities reads.

 

The Conservative government’s drive to help young renters has been a plan better suited for paper than practicality. As part of the 2016 Tenant Fee Bill, that is yet to come into effect, the government have tried to stop letting agents from charging extortionate and dubious ‘fees’ before a tenant can move into a property. While this seems like a positive move, in reality, the legislation’s loophole of allowing ’default fees’ will likely be exploited meaning that tenants can be charged extortionately for things like losing keys or leaving crockery in the cupboard after moving out.

 

As well as the loophole allowing the mysterious ‘referencing fees’ and ‘admin fees’ to manifest differently, it is likely that estate agents will simply look to landlords to make up for the shortfall. If the agent looks to the landlord, then the landlord will, in most cases, look to the bottom of the food chain, the low-paid tenant, to shield the blow by increasing rent.

 

As is recognised in the new government guidelines for HMOs, this type of shared housing is occupied mainly by students, migrants, and young professionals. Acknowledged as ‘the most vulnerable people in our society’, the government said it trying to protect them from ‘overcrowding’ and increased risk of fire, but while doing that, it is likely to increase the risk of homelessness for the most needy altogether. While the living conditions may be considered substandard to the government, to students with no support or migrants on low-paid jobs, it is an option that allows them their own autonomy and safety. Pushing out those options favours middle-class renters, leaving the most vulnerable in the lurch.

 

If these 160,000 homes that are now classed as HMO do not apply for their license, landlords could be hit with a £30,000 fine and be forced to refund any rent received. It differs according to local councils, but the average annual cost of an HMO license is £1,200, a cost that is predicted to result in either increased rent for tenants or in HMO landlords evicting their current tenants and selling up or reducing the number of rooms they rent out. According to a freedom of information request by Touchstone Education, there is a local authority with 1,800 properties now classed as HMOs and only around 40% meet the new regulations.

 

The private median rent for a room in England in 2017-18 was £385 a month, according to figures from the Valuation Office Agency. Over the past three years, median room rents in England have risen twice as fast as median wages, meaning there are many working people who are relying on cheap HMOs.

 

The new rules, which Property Week observes plays into the hands of ‘specialist investors’ instead of ‘amateurs’, meaning there will be stricter regulations on minimum bedroom size, the number of refuse bins, fire doors, fire alarms, soundproofing, and cleanliness of shared areas. Adhering to the strict new rules means that the ‘times of amateur investors buying HMO properties for possible high returns has passed’, meaning it is the less well-off and experienced landlords may be penalised. The new legislation is contributing to the ever-increasing issue of property being an investment only the rich can obtain. It includes rules on specified licencing, allowing local authorities to ‘make it compulsory for all private rented accommodation in a specified area to have a licence.’ These ‘problem areas’ are likely to be the poorer and most vulnerable areas in a city, meaning scrutiny is divided along income lines.

 

It would be in the interests of the most vulnerable in England for the government to reflect on how this legislation will play out in reality, and how to protect the powerless renters from shouldering financial shortfalls.

 

This article about “Tenants in shared accommodation ‘may face rent rises or eviction’!” was written for Only My Share by Neelam Tailor. For more information on how Only My Share can help you protect yourself against unwanted rental arrears, visit onlymyshare.com or call 020 3887 2961.

分类
Students

Living with an International Student: Do’s and Don’ts

Along with pulling an all-nighter during finals week and participating in at least one game of beer-pong, living with a roommate is something most university students are guaranteed to do before they graduate. Living with a roommate is one of the most ubiquitous university experiences and with the UK being the second most popular destination for international students (Universities UK International 2017), it should come as no surprise that living with an international student is a high possibility during your university experience. Living with an international roommate can be eye-opening but also overwhelming due to language and cultural barriers. Keep reading to learn the do’s and don’ts of living with an international roommate.

When living with an International Student…

 

DO: Remember that you’re both in the same boat

To find common ground is the first step towards having a positive roommate experience. Therefore, when you find it difficult to connect with your international roommate, remember that they are in the same boat. You are both far away from home and learning to navigate a new city, new learning environment and a new roommate. These adjustments aren’t always easy, but knowing your roommate is going through the same situation can make it less tough.

 

DON’T: Forget about time zone differences

 

It’s tricky to find the time to call home while you’re balancing studying, your social life and the ‘life challenges’ of cooking and cleaning for yourself. Add in the extra complication of calling across time zones and it’s nearly impossible. Talk to your roommate and create clear boundaries together to avoid waking each other up with midnight phone calls home. You’ll be thankful the night before an early morning exam!  

 

DO: Protect yourself financially

 

When you and your international roommate sign on to live together, you will likely each become liable for all of the rent under a joint and several contract. This means that if one of you decides to leave the apartment (or country) the other is responsible for the entire payment. Therefore, both you and your roommate should take the necessary step to protect yourselves financially with rent arrears protection. You can apply online with Only My Share before you even move in!

 

DON’T: Stereotype

 

This may seem like a no-brainer, but you should never jump to conclusions based on a person’s clothing, religion or culture. Avoid creating a mental image of what your international roommate will look or act like based on stereotypes of their home country. Both you and your international roommate should give each other the opportunity to learn about each other’s culture, stereotypes aside.

 

DO: Apply what you learned in the workforce

 

When you live with someone from a different country, you’ll learn about their culture and vice versa. You’ll also sharpen your communication and critical thinking skills. In addition to making you a top-notch roommate, these skills are also transferable to the workplace. When it comes to landing your dream job or internship in the future, you’ll be thankful for your time spent living with an international roommate.

 

DON’T: Shy away from new experiences

 

Make time to get to know your roommate. Ask them questions about their culture and their life back home. Whether you decide to cook a dish from one of your home countries or explore your host city together, you should take advantage of every second of the unique life experience that is living with an international roommate.

 

This article about “Living with an International Student: Do’s and Don’t’s” was written for Only My Share – the leading Rent Arrears Protection company by Ameena Debboun. For more information on how Only My Share can help you protect yourself against up to £10,000 of a flatmates’ rent areas under a joint and several contract in shared accommodation, visit onlymyshare.com or call 0203 887 2961.

分类
Accommodation

Shared Student Accommodation is like…

Living in Shared Student Accommodation can be a different experience for everyone. There are however some aspects of sharing rented flats and houses when at university that we all go through. We believe compared to many things…which is exactly what the Rent Arrears Protection Specialists, Only My Share, have done here with comparisons like…The World Cup Group Stages and more to come! Next on the list is maybe Love Island…?

Shared Student Accommodation in Second and Third year is like… The Group Stages of the World Cup 2018

Russia as Hosts

Russia want to be the best hosts. Initially, you’re happy about this as they’ve decided to clean up in preparation. They’re more friendly and there seems to be less tension in the house but the enjoyment is short lived when you realise they’ve invited 32 people round for what everyone is calling “the greatest party on earth”!

Belgium as your Coursemate

Belgium is the course friend. You originally recognised them from your domestic studies classes, sitting next to them in the premier league master class and you both bonded over how hard the European classics term is. To the rest of the international group, they’re considered the new kid on the block and most still know them as the dark horse. When they embarrassed a couple of the weaker members of the group, you stepped in and then they turned on you. You’re not as happy to be in Belgium’s group anymore.

Germany the stable one?

Germany is the one that you thought you could count on. When you lived with them last year (Rio 2010) they seemed very stable and like they would be a great housemate in the future. Definitely not someone who would disappear after the first term because they failed an exam! Now you’re the only ‘sensible one’ left. Are you going to have to pay their share of the rent? Can you afford to do this or will it mean you get ‘knocked out’ the house as well? These things happen, in football and in renting shared accommodation. But you can avoid the possibility of being sent home early by Germany (again) by using Only My Share to cover up to £10,000 of rent arrears.

What is Only My Share – Rent Arrears Protection for Shared Student Accommodation?

Only My Share guarantor protection is the second service from Housing Hand, the award-winning rent guarantor service. If you cannot provide a rent guarantor, then call Housing Hand on 0207 205 2625.

If you can provide a guarantor for rent, but you or they are concerned about having to pay for a housemates rent under a joint and several liability contract, then talk to us.

Only My Share was created to help protect those who do stand as guarantor against the possible financial risks. If you want to know more about the Risks to Parents of Standing as guarantor in shared accommodation, follow the link!

Understanding the risk posed to tenants and guarantors under joint tenancies, we wanted to provide a service that protected people from rent arrears by other tenants. The risk of having to pay other tenants rent is often high and the amount considerable.

Over 95% of students that hare properties require a guarantor. Under joint and several agreements, each tenant and their guarantor are equally liable for each other’s rent. Form our experience we have found that £10,000 of rent protection is enough to cover this potential liability.

In shared student accommodation, either the tenant or guarantor can take the Only My Share missed rent protection. Then, in the event of a rental default by another tenant, the service has been designed to make it as easy to make a claim as it is to apply. Simply let us know via our online claim form when you’ve been requested to pay for another tenants rent arrears and we will deal with the situation.

The team at the HH Group are passionate about helping tenants seamlessly rent in the UK without signing up to unnecessary risk and Only My Share guarantor protection was designed to protect the guarantor and/or the tenant that is renting in a shared house against the possibility of paying other tenants’ missed rent.

Only My Share guarantor protection works with our long-standing insurance partners Brit Insurance, an A-rated insurer part and of the Lloyds of London group. Each Only My Share guarantee we make is completely insured so you can sit back, we’re in your corner, you’re covered.

Free Enquiry for Shared Accommodation Rent Arrears Protection

If you’re interested in avoiding the possibility of having to pay a housemates rent, send us a quick, free enquiry to speak to one of our helpful team.

Error: Contact form not found.

分类
Tips

Tips for University Parents

4 Must-Read Tips for University Parents

Congratulations! Whether your child is prepping for their first semester at a university or their last, you deserve a pat on the back for supporting them as they begin to tackle the world as an adult. While the fact that your child is on their way to becoming a young professional is certainly something to be celebrated, there are plenty of challenges that lie ahead. Though you survived the terrible twos, it can be argued that a panicked “I slept through a final exam” phone call from your 20-something is almost as unpleasant. Luckily, these Tips for University Parents will help you navigate this exciting and transitional time in both of your lives.

Create Quick Cuisine.

As the old saying goes, “Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day; teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime”.  University students spend staggering amounts of money on food delivery services, so take some time to teach your child a few quick and easy recipes. No need to get fancy, some simple dishes will remind them of home and keep them from totally adhering to a diet of pizza and beer. It’s a win-win as you’ll be able to sneak in some quality time, and your bank account will thank you!

Money Matters.

After the basic cooking skills and a quick laundry tutorial, some smart financial decisions guidance is one of the most important things university parents can teach their children as they become increasingly independent. One common mistake made by university students is signing a rental agreement with housemates only to have them fail to pay their share, especially on Joint and Several Agreements. As a parent and possible rent guarantor, you may find yourself taking on massive debt along with your child. To avoid this, I recommend checking out a service like Only My Share that protects you both from a future financial disaster.

Communicate, Communicate, Communicate.

As the title suggests, communication is key. As a university parent, the most important thing you can do is remain on the same page as your child. This doesn’t necessarily mean that you will agree with every decision your child makes or that they will follow all (ok, any) of the (amazing) advice you give them. It means keeping an open line of communication and discussing future goals to make sure everyone is on the same page.

Information is Power.

University students are notoriously terrible when it comes to passing along important information in a timely manner. Between their busy social life and crammed class schedule, your child might not be the best when it comes to keeping you informed. This may be borderline infuriating for a university parent, but luckily university websites are packed full of important information and dates of semester breaks just waiting to be transferred into your calendar. Make sure to check your child’s university website every once and awhile to stay up to date.

This article about the “4 Top Tips for University Parents” was written for Only My Share by Ameena Debboun. For more information on how Only My Share can help you protect yourself from rent arrears in shared rented accommodation, visit onlymyshare.com or call 0203 887 2961.

分类
main Tips

Parents Warned Of Financial Risks When Standing As Guarantor of Shared Tenancies

What Are Parents Risks Standing As Guarantor?

Parents are being warned about the potential financial risk standing as guarantor for their children in shared student accommodation. This is because they could face large debts if housemates fall into rent arrears.

Joint and Several Agreements

Under ‘joint and several’ tenancy agreements, all tenants and their guarantors are equally liable for each other’s obligations.  So if a tenant in shared accommodation fails to pay the rent, the other housemates and guarantors are liable for the rent arrears.

Rent Arrears Protection

According to Only My Share, the only provider of rent arrears protection for tenants in shared properties, many parents don’t realise the financial risk of being a guarantor on a joint tenancy, especially at a time when student rent arrears are at an all-time high.

Do students go into Rent Arrears?

More than 17,000 students* living in university halls of residence fell behind with their rent payments in the last year, according to figures that suggest thousands more face financial hardship during their courses. (*Source: Liberal Democrats, Responses for 90 universities across the UK 2018).

There has also been a significant 16% rise in the numbers facing rental arrears in university accommodation and a small, but rising number of students are also being evicted from halls, or having their tenancies cancelled after falling behind with payments.

Only My Share – Rent Arrears Protection

Jeremy Robinson, Managing Director of Only My Share comments: “With rising living costs, students in shared accommodation are increasingly at risk of a housemate defaulting on the rent.  This could lead to rent arrears which have to be covered by the other tenants in the property.

“If parents have become a guarantor in a shared tenancy agreement, they could be left with a massive financial liability running into thousands of pounds.  However, there is a solution offering peace of mind.

“Only My Share can reduce the risk for parents having to pay other tenants’ missed rent, meaning they are only liable for their share. We can stand in place as a guarantor for rent arrears that a housemate has run up and that a parent has been asked to settle. Our guarantees are simple, transparent and 100% backed by A-rated insurance companies. We provide guarantees for £10,000 of housemates rent arrears from £99 a year.”

Talk to a Rent Arrears Expert about your Financial Risk Standing as Guarantor

Talk to us if you are concerned about your own financial risk standing as guarantor for rent in shared accommodation. We can help you understand your risk as a result of joint and several contracts.

Error: Contact form not found.

Case Study

Karen Follie’s son was attending university. She took out rent arrears cover with Only My Share and found they saved her a lot of money and stress. “Unfortunately for my son, one of his flatmates did not pay rent and I received a demand saying I was liable as well. I was horrified as we could not afford more money.

“I filled in the claim form online with Only My Share. Got a lovely email from Alan who told me not to worry. Then Only My Share took over the case, leaving me relieved. Within two days Alan had got the arrears paid. Alan kept me informed with excellent communications.

“Only My Share offer parents peace of mind knowing that they only have to pay their son or daughter’s share.  It also takes all the worries. The stress. The uncertainty out of being a guarantor for your son or daughter that is renting a house with university friends. The company offers excellent service and communications, I would recommend all parents use this service.”