AccommodationPrivate accommodation

There are a number of privately run Purpose Built Student Accommodations in the city that provide en-suite rooms within a cluster flat and/or studio accommodation. You will be able to find detail on these with a quick internet search.

Some things to consider:

• The length of contract you require;
• The cost of the full length of the contract, not just the price per week;
• What happens if you were to withdraw from your course, are you still liable for the rent until the end of the contract period;
• The mix of students in residence and in your flat: students from other Universities/Colleges in Glasgow; Undergraduate/Postgraduate/college students;
• What support is available?

There are lots of ways to find accommodation with a private landlord. Some landlords manage the letting process themselves, and others use letting agents who help them rent and maintain their property. The internet what be the best place to search for a flat.

The Advice Hub at the StrathUnion has lots of advice on their housing pages to help you find the right place and know what to do if anything doesn’t go to plan. Staff are always on hand to help.

If possible, you should try and spend some time in Glasgow during the summer vacation to familiarise yourself with the city outwith the campus and have a look at several properties before making a decision. If you can't do this, remember to bring enough money to pay for temporary accommodation for when you first arrive in Glasgow, while you look for somewhere to stay. Do not pay money to a landlord via the internet unless you have checked the person is registered as the landlord of the property.

We don't have any University accommodation that's suitable for families or couples but if you're coming to study with us and you're bringing with you your family or spouse/partner, The Advice Hub can help you find accommodation for the duration of your studies. 

Before you move into your accommodation you’ll probably have to pay a deposit (normally up to two months rent) which you pay to cover any unpaid rent and bills or damage to the property before you move out.

As long as you’ve not breached your tenancy, your deposit should be returned to you in full once you move out. By law, to ensure that your deposit is retained and returned to you fairly, landlords and letting agents should be adhering to the ‘rent deposit scheme’ which is run by independent companies that are approved by the Scottish Government.

If your landlord isn’t in a rent deposit scheme, you’re within your rights to have them charged which could result in them paying you up to three times your deposit.

For more information please visit: www.mydepositsscotland.co.uk When you sign your lease make sure you check the details to see what your deposit will cover and how it’ll be returned.

All landlords letting properties must be registered with Glasgow City Council, unless they are just letting a room in their own home. Check on the Landlord Registration Scotland website or call them on 0300 343 0414.

Some people use websites to advertise properties which do not exist and take money illegally so always make sure the landlord is registered.

All properties housing two or more people who are unrelated must be licensed as a House in Multiple Occupancy (HMO). You can check with Glasgow City Council Licensing Section at LicensingEnquires@glasgow.gov.uk or 0300 343 0414. If properties are not registered or licensed, there is a real risk of difficulties arising during the tenancy. Landlords must register your accommodation deposit with a Tenancy Deposit Scheme.

Make sure your rented accommodation has the following:

The landlord must:

• provide safe & secure accommodation
• give receipts for all payments
• keep the property wind and watertight
• organise repairs
• not enter the flat without the tenant’s permission
• give at least 24 hours notice of a visit

As a tenant you should:

Council Tax is a charge that you pay to your local Council. Only those over 18 are liable, although most full time students are exempt from Council Tax charges. You will, however, still have to claim the exemption.

To do this, you’ll have to complete an exemption form and return it to the relevant council. Information on Council Tax exemption and reduction should be available on your local council website.

If you are a Glasgow City Council resident you can fill the form in online at www.glasgow.gov.uk. If you have any questions, you can reach Glasgow City Council on 0141 287 5050.

Then go to the services page on PEGASUS and request a Council Tax Certificate.

Electricity, gas and travel costs are items you may not have had to pay for before.

• plan a budget and keep to it
• set up standing orders and direct debits for electricity & gas
• don’t ignore any financial problems – get help from our Student Finance team, the earlier the better