What topics can Housing Advice support me with?

There’s lots of support online for renting in London, complete the 'Looking for housing' module and check out the Housing & Accommodation support articles on Student Services Online, but you can also talk to the Housing Advisors about:

• Letting Agents
• Landlords
• Guarantors
• Budgeting
• Homelessness and emergency accommodation options

If you're unsure about fees and payments when moving into private accommodation, Housing Advisors can help you with:

• What fees landlords and their agents can charge
• Deposit caps and the landlords’ requirement to protect your deposit
• Rent in advance and break clauses

If you're unsure about the expenses you might have when moving into private accommodation, you can get support with:

• What household bills you might have and sources of financial help with them
• When are you exempt from council tax and when you become liable
• Challenging decisions around council tax and utilities
• Dealing with debt collectors, court action and bailiffs
• Finding other sources of financial support for household costs

Knowing both your and your landlords rights and responsibilities is important when moving into private accommodation. The Housing Advisors can help with:

• Free contract checking and reviewing and helping you understand your documentation
• Helping you understand tenant rights and responsibilities
• Advising on what disrepair is and how to challenge rouge landlords
• Taking action in court
• Advice on moving out and keeping records

If you find yourself facing debt Housing Advisors can:

• Advise you on your options should you find yourself in debt to the university
• Advise if you are eligible to apply for hardship funds and the limits of this funding
• Where appropriate advise on breaks from study or a switch in attendance mode if this will help limit your debt and reduce overall debt liability
• Negotiate with Credit Control on your behalf if you’re unable to pay your fees and we can see that there is a sustainable plan for paying them
• Refer you to an external debt advice agency for support if you have multiple debts and/or consumer credit debts 

If you're concerned about your living conditions, Housing Advisors can advise you on:

• Safety
• Pests
• Noise
• Problems with housemates or neighbours