Guide to Flat Hunting

So you need to find a flat to start university? We’ve put together a guide to help you end up in a happy, peaceful flat. 

Finding flatmates  

Thinking about who you’ll live with for the next year or more can be scary, but we are here to make the process much smoother.  There are so many ways to meet people at uni to be your potential flatmate, one being through societies and sports clubs!  There are so many websites and Facebook groups you can join to find some online. 

• Spareroom 

• Roomies  

• Find a Flatmate Edinburgh page on Facebook 

Research 

There are a variety of websites where you can find a place. Once you’ve found your people, the next task is to find accommodation!  

So where to look? - Rightmove, Zoopla, Spareroom, Local Facebook groups, word of mouth, perhaps you could let the society you’re in know, and you never know, someone else may be looking too!  

It is best to start looking 1-2 months before you wish to move in to allow time to visit properties, research the best riffs and plan all expenses with flatmates! 

BEWARE!  - Unfortunately, there are people out there who try to scam students looking for accommodation, with little to no photos of the property. Avoid it!  

Never transfer money without reading the contract correctly, viewing the flat, or matching the name of the bank account to the name of the landlord.  

If you think you’ve been scammed, contact your bank immediately. In some cases, you can try to stop the payment. Make sure to report the scammer; you can call police Scotland at 101. 

Please stay safe. If it sounds too good to be true, it most likely is. 

Viewing the Property 

When you’ve found a place you’re interested in, you can typically book a viewing. This is the perfect opportunity to check for things that may not be visible in the photos.  

What to Check: 

• Water pressure, flush the toilet and see the shower in action.  

• Heating- Check the heating system, radiators, and ventilation, such as extraction fans in the bathroom and kitchen 

• Kitchen appliances- are they all in working condition? 

• Damp/mould - look for any evidence of mould; it can be a sign of long-term issues and negatively affect your health! 

• Locks on doors/windows - how secure are these locks? Do you know if the windows are functioning well? 

• Noise levels - is the flat right in the middle of town? Do you think you’ll be able to sleep through the noises? 

• Mobile reception – are you able to make phone calls 

Questions to Ask: 

• Who manages repairs? 

• Who do I call in emergencies? 

• How much are bills on average? 

• Can you redecorate or hang things? 

• What’s included in rent? 

Congrats! You got the flat now, it's time to move in! 

There are a few things you need to sort out before you can start decorating your flat 

• Utilities: Sit down with your flatmates for a fun night in to set up your electricity, gas, and broadband.  

• TV Licence & Council Tax: Contact the council to let them know you are a full-time student and should be exempt from paying council tax. However, there may be some situations where you may end up paying it, due to moving in with non-students. If you are watching live TV or anything on BBC iPlayer, you are required to pay for a TV licence. 

• Change of Address: Once you’ve moved, remember to inform your bank, GP practice and any subscriptions you may have. You don’t want your mail to go to any old addresses. 

• What to buy? If you’re living with others, you should discuss some key items for shared spaces, such as cookware and kitchenware, toiletries like toilet roll, and perhaps a Hoover or TV for the main living spaces. Many apps can help you split the cost with your flatmates without having to awkwardly ask for the money.  

Tips for Living Comfortably 

Once you’re all settled in, there are some nice touches you can make to make your new place feel like home!  

• You could add some fairy lights (What student doesn’t like these?) 

• A lovely warming candle – but please always remember to blow them out, we don’t want any fires here! 

• Some artwork or prints to make it feel more you – look out for the fairs we host at Zeros!  

• You could request a flat meal once a week, where you cook and eat together, which is excellent for bonding and ensuring you aren’t eating all your meals alone at your desk! 

Not getting on as well as you’d hope? - Your flatmates are essentially like your new family, so you might not always get on. That’s okay, it’s normal when you’re getting used to how people are in a new environment!  

Whatever happens, try to always remain respectful of your flatmates, not taking their things without asking or leaving them to do all the cleaning, and try to understand that everyone has bad days, don’t let that affect relationships! 

And remember, if you are ever struggling or need some guidance, please drop in to the Advice Hub or email them.

Already got a flat?

If you have a flat- amazing! I hope it is what you dreamed of. However, I know what most of Scottish Housing is like, so probably not. Having lived in a flat with mould, which the landlord refused to fix, they tried to increase my rent! How ridiculous! Luckily, because of this, I know how to deal with dodgy landlords! This article is here to help provide tips and help prepare you, so you don't have to be scared! 

Know your rights 

Some landlords prey on the fact that many students do not know their rights. Landlords can’t punish you for understanding your rights; you can exercise your rights to ensure they look after the property. Unfortunately, if you live in private halls (PBSA’s) or on-campus accommodation, you fall under common law tenancy and have fewer rights. 

For private halls and On-Campus students, you can check out your rights. 

If you rent from a private landlord or a letting agency (if you live off campus, this is likely you), you’ll be given a private residential tenancy. These tenancies have substantial rights. Check out your rights here.

Some key rights that everyone has is: 

You must be given notice for access 

If your letting agent or landlord needs access to your home for repairs or inspections, they legally must give you at least 24 hours' notice in writing. The only time they can give less than 24 hours is in emergency repairs. If your landlord or letting agent turns up unannounced or wants to visit at an unreasonable time, you are legally allowed to refuse entry.   

You must be given notice of a rent increase 

Your landlord must give you at least three months’ notice of a rent increase. Your rent can only be increased once every twelve months. If a rent increase is too high, you can apply to a government rent officer to make it more affordable. If you have not been given enough notice, you do not have to start paying the new rent until three months have passed. Tell your landlord the correct date. If your landlord has not used the right form, you do not have to pay the higher rent. Tell them you do not agree to the increase and that they have not followed the legal process. 

Check out Shelter Scotland's advice on rent increases here: https://scotland.shelter.org.uk/housing_advice/tenants_rights/rent_increase_prt 

So stay brushed up on your tenant rights! Knowing what you’re entitled to can save you from headaches and ensure you’re not taken for a ride. Knowledge is power, my friend! 

Your repair rights! 

Let's make sure your property meets the legal standards, known as the tolerable standard. A property might not be considered fit to live in if it has: 

• Issues with rising or penetrating damp. No one wants a soggy home! 
• It’s not structurally stable (think Titanic, but on land). 
• Not enough ventilation, natural or artificial light, or heating. You deserve a cozy, well-lit pad! 
• There are no cooking facilities and nowhere to install them.  
• The electric supply doesn’t meet safety regulations. Zap-free living is a must! 
• It's not insulated well enough 

Check out the full list on Shelter Scotland, it includes information on how long these repairs should take and how to apply for help if your landlord is not doing repairs. https://scotland.shelter.org.uk/housing_advice/repairs/private/responsibilities

Have you been given a rent hike? 

 If you’ve been hit with a rent hike, don’t fret,you don’t have to accept it! However, you need to act fast, as you only have 21 days from receiving the notice to contest it. 

The emergency cap on rent increases ended on 31 March 2024, which means your landlord can now raise your rent by any amount. If you think your rent increase is unfair, you can challenge it, and we strongly encourage you to do so promptly. 

You can fight your rent increase! Tenants can challenge a rent increase and get it reduced to 12%, the market rate, or kept at the landlord's increase, whatever is lower. It might seem like a scary or legally complex process, but people are about to help! So, if you want to contest your rent increase, contact Shelter Scotland or join a tenant's union! 

Join a Tenants Union 

Join a tenants’ union. It's like a trade union, but it's for renters! They’ve got your back when dealing with tricky landlords or dodgy contracts. It’s like having a superhero squad for renters! 

In Scotland, Living Rent is your tenant's union and here’s why you should join: 

• Support and Advice: They provide expert advice on your rights and responsibilities as a tenant. Got a dodgy contract? They’ll help you understand it. 
• Dispute Resolution: If you’re having issues with your landlord, from deposit disputes to repairs not being done, the union can step in and help mediate. 
• Advocacy: Tenants’ unions fight for better housing conditions and policies. By joining, you’re adding your voice to a collective cause. 
• Community: You’ll connect with other renters, share experiences, and get support from people who’ve been there and done that.