£18420

This is the current total that the SU Advice Centre Advisers have helped students get since 1st Jan 07. This includes money students have received/saved as a result of their help with a number of issues including deposit disputes, compensation as a result of disrepair, help claiming benefits and appealing benefit decisions.

'Homes 4 Us' tenants

There may be problems with the private letting agency called 'Homes 4 Us'.  This agency operates through an office located on Lawrence Road in Wavertree and advertises a large number of properties for rent in the L15 area.

If you have signed a contract for a property for the coming year with this agency or have previously rented a property through them, it is important to contact us to discuss your situation.

Top Tip's to moving out

Well it's that time of year where you will either be moving out of your current accommodation or packing up to go home. Here are some quick pointers to make leaving go smoothly:-      

• Ensure that you have paid all outstanding rent owed to your landlord and take copies of the receipts with you.-    
• Leave the house clean and tidy, even inside the cooker!-    
• Take some photos of the property so you can prove you left it in good order.-      
• Check the inventory along with the initial one you made when you moved in to compare any defects.-      
• Make sure any damaged fittings or furniture are repaired or replaced (this will probably be cheaper than if your landlord deducts the cost of repairing or replacing property from your deposit).-      
• Remove all rubbish from the property; your landlord may deduct money from your deposit if he has to remove it.- 
• Make sure you make a note of the meter readings and inform your utilities companies of your final readings.-    
• Remove all your property.-  
• Make sure you follow any other instructions your landlord leaves you.
• Hand in your keys to your landlord/agent.
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Deposit Deductions

 If the landlord does not return your deposit in full, ask for a written breakdown of the charges that have been deducted, and receipts where practical. Always remember money cannot be deducted for reasonable wear and tear. Following this contact the SU Advice Centre so we can advise you if you wish to dispute any of the deductions that have been made.

Tips on safeguarding your deposit

Moving in to a new house can be an exciting time but that sometimes means that important things are overlooked. When you first move in you might not have noticed that iron burn left in the carpet and your landlord might not have noticed either, but they might when you move out and charge you for it. By acting on the tips below you might find that you have less problems getting your deposit returned to you. It might not be the most exciting thing you'll do this week but it might be a useful one if you want your deposit back at the end of your tenancy.
 
Tips to help you get your deposit back:
 

1. Ensure your landlord gives you the relevant information regarding where your deposit is being held if you paid your deposit on or after the 6^th April 2007. For more information of the Tenancy Deposit Scheme click here.
2. Check what is included in your rent before you move in, i.e. water
3. Keep a record of any payments you make including rent, deposit, retainer and bills etc - ask for a receipt for any money paid.
4. Make an inventory of the house contents, list all defects and give a copy to your landlord. If they refuse ask an independent witness to sign it with you.
5. It can useful to take pictures which show any damage and the condition of the property when you move in to help resolve any disputes over damage when you move out.
6. Box up any of the landlords items that you are not going to use in the house, make a list of the contents and ask the landlord to take it away or store it somewhere it won't get damaged.
7. Report any breakages to your landlord in writing and keep a copy, even if you have spoken to them about it on the phone.
8. When you leave the property make another list with an independent witness to go along side the initial one you made when you moved in. Also take more photos.
9. Be aware that a deposit is not there to cover 'wear and tear' - so for example your landlord cannot charge you to repair a threadbare carpet.
    
   If your landlord refuses to return your deposit in full then visit the Advice Centre for further advice on the options available to you.
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Late Night Opening

This service is currently colsed until further notice.