Student Community Guide
HELLO & WELCOME from Liverpool Student Homes LSH is here to support you when renting privately during your time at university and we have produced this handy guide to help you settle into your new home and community. What we do The only accreditation scheme in Liverpool for private student accommodation. student properties - 25,000 We only advertise accredited bed spaces every year. Find a housemate meet-ups and housing fairs. Get your tenancy agreement checked before you sign with our free contract checking service. Free housing rights advice service. Supporting students in their communities. LSH is owned and managed by @LivStudentHomes LiverpoolStudentHomes livstudenthomesofficial LiverpoolStudentHomes 0151 794 3296 LSH@liverpool.ac.uk www.liverpoolstudenthomes.org Office: 5 Oxford Street, Liverpool, L7 7HL
A message from your student officers We are your elected student officers. We'll be campaigning and working for your rights as students, ensuring that you feel safe and happy as part of your community. We want all students to feel welcomed in their community, and that they have affordable rent and good standards of living. We will be running campaigns throughout the year to inform you of and improve your tenancy rights. Alexandria Jones Why not come along to your local residents' group meetings? It’s a great opportunity to get involved in your community and share your views. “ Kathryn Manley Ella Taylor We recommend that you always use Liverpool Student Homes when searching for private student accommodation. It’s the only free service for students which is university-owned and managed. They have the largest choice of all types of accommodation, they inspect properties, landlords/agents must make sure their properties meet strict quality and safety criteria before they can advertise and they offer free housing rights advice. ”
Contents Your accommodation journey Chill! Don’t rush to rent! LSH Accreditation Scheme Moving in Moving in checklist Be a top tenant Waste and recycling Re-use and donate Sustainability Register to vote Find a GP and dentist Travelling to and from your home Cost of living Joining a community Becoming part of a community Volunteering Off-Campus Student Co-ordinator Noise and antisocial behaviour Raising concerns when living in a community Liverpool area guide Keep up-to-date - Liverpool City Council Safety and security Personal safety Spiking Merseyside Police message about home safety Online safety and fraud Fire safety Burglary reduction campaigns Wellbeing Mental health support Reporting an incident and sexual violence support Meningitis and septicaemia Healthwatch - tips for staying healthy Carbon monoxide poisoning awareness Housing advice Where to get advice Disputes with your accommodation provider Council tax Moving out Moving out checklist 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13-14 15 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31-33 34 35 36-37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47
YOUR ACCOMMODATION JOURNEY Wondering when you need to start looking for accommodation for next year? There’s no rush! It’s a myth that all the good properties go before Christmas and there is a surplus of private student accommodation in Liverpool, so you can begin your search when you are ready. September Start of term and welcome events. See our website for moving in tips www.liverpoolstudenthomes.org October Settling in and making friends HELLO! HI! November Don’t rush to look for accommodation for next year! There is plenty available January Not found people to live with – don't worry you are not alone. Look out for our Find a Housemate events that will be arranged throughout the year December LSH accommodation talks LSH Housing Fair Register for property alerts Start your property search LSH HOUSING FAIRS Chat with LSH accredited accommodation providers February Property search continues! Book property viewings List potential properties March Property search continues Plenty still available! Sort who is going to be your guarantor Have your deposit ready April Staying in Liverpool over the summer? Check out summer lets on our website June to August May Getting ready to move out? place in September Move in to your summer let Enjoy your summer! Prepare to move in to your new 5 Don’t forget to recycle. Check the LSH website for tips on getting your deposit back
Chill Don’t rush to rent! Think before you sign a tenancy agreement too early You don’t know your friends that well at the start of the year. Take your time to get to know them before deciding you want to live with them. You can’t easily walk away from the contract if you change your mind, as it is legally binding. It’s a myth that all the good properties go early! LSH advertises accommodation throughout the year and Liverpool has always had plenty of properties to choose from. 6
LSH ACCREDITATION SCHEME Accommodation providers (landlords, letting agents and private halls) can choose to sign up to an accreditation scheme for private student accommodation. They commit to meeting the requirements of the scheme. In Liverpool the scheme is called the LSH Standards and is operated by Liverpool Student Homes. By choosing an LSH accredited property you can expect the following from the accommodation provider: Ensuring the property is safe Ÿ Gas and electric safety certificates. Ÿ Fire/smoke alarms and equipment. Legal and correct business practises Ÿ Carrying out responsibilities detailed. on the tenancy agreement. Ÿ Doing what they are required by law. Good standard of customer service Ÿ Doing property repairs within a reasonable timescale. Ÿ Being respectful to their tenants. Ÿ Suitable security measures. Ÿ Carbon monoxide monitors. Ÿ Running their business in the correct way. LSH STANDARDS Accreditation: commitment to quality & service How does this help students? Reassurance that accredited accommodation providers have committed to meeting quality, safety and service criteria when offering private student accommodation. A means of redress, so students have a formal way to complain and get support if things go wrong during their tenancy. 7
Moving in
Moving in check list Take meter readings for utilities Give the readings to your accommodation provider and the utility companies, if you are organising your own bills. You don’t want to paying for the previous tenant’s bills! Avoid costly estimated bills by taking monthly meter readings. Add all tenants names to the utilities accounts If you are paying for your bills direct to the utility companies, ask for all tenants’ to be named on the utilities accounts. Find out how to turn off the gas & where the electric fuse board is It’s important that you know this just in case of an emergency and if the electric fuse trips. Find out where the stopcock is This is the mains water tap and is the off switch for all the water in your home and is usually under the kitchen sink - check with your provider. If a water pipe bursts you need to know how to switch it off. Check the inventory This a list of the condition of furniture, fixtures/fittings, usually supplied by the accommodation provider. Check it, make amends and return it together with photos of any disrepair or damage, however minor. If one isn’t provided you can produce your own. Read the boiler & appliance manuals Find out how to work everything, as you don’t want to cause any damage. If the manuals are missing, ask the accommodation provider for a copy. TV licence You must have one to watch or record programmes as they’re being shown on TV or live on an online TV service. Fire safety Plan an escape route and a backup route. Make sure exits are always kept clear and keys are where they can be easily found, but not left in doors as this can attract burglars. 9
BE A TOP TENANT! Once you have moved in, there are lots of things you can do to help get your tenancy off to a great start and to ensure that things run smoothly for the length of time that you are living there. Ÿ Keep an open dialogue with your accommodation provider and report any property disrepair or damage to them straight away. Ÿ Follow any procedures or policies that your accommodation provider has put in place such as collecting/returning keys. If you are unsure, ask them. Ÿ Make sure you dispose of your rubbish correctly and find out when your bin collections are to avoid attracting vermin. Ÿ Look out for your fellow housemates and check in on them. Ÿ Introduce yourself to your neighbours - getting to know those around you is great for creating a positive sense of community. Ÿ Attending community meetings gives you the opportunity to give your views about your neighbourhood. Your university and students’ unions also go along. Ÿ Park within local parking restrictions. Ÿ Be considerate and avoid antisocial behaviour. 10
WASTE & RECYCLING Bins need to be put out at the right time and place, and stored away between collections so they don't get lost or stolen. Rubbish can also attract rats and other vermin, so it’s important to dispose of rubbish in the correct way. If you live in an area with alleyways, your accommodation provider should supply you with a key so that you have access. General waste All non-recyclable waste should be placed in the purple bin. Recycling Paper, glass, cardboard, plastic bottles, tins and cans should be put in the blue bin, blue bag or container supplied. No thanks! These items go in the purple bin; yoghurt pots, plastic food trays, juice cartons (Tetrapaks), food, liquids and plastic bags. Underground super-bins Some areas have new revolutionary underground bin storage. Ask your accommodation provider about gaining access and how to use them. Communal bins Some areas of Liverpool have communal street bins. Scan for locations and how to dispose of your rubbish. If you live in halls or apartment block then waste should be disposed of in the bins provided in the communal bin area. www.liverpool.gov.uk/bins-and-recycling Find out more information about rubbish disposal and your bin collection days 11
RE-USE & DONATE By donating your unwanted items to local charities and organisations, you are contributing positively to your community and the environment too. Leave Liverpool Tidy, along with the British Heart Foundation's Pack For Good, is a city-wide project that aims to re-use, recycle and reduce the amount of items going to landfill. Drop-off points are on-campus and in some community locations at the end of Spring term. Ask at your SU for details. Liverpool City Council offer a free bulky item collection service to Liverpool residents. You can request up to five bulky items per individual property. Scan for more information and booking. Household Waste Recycling Centres Many more materials can be recycled at the following centres: Cheadle Avenue Old Swan, Liverpool L13 7AE Jericho Lane Aigburth, Liverpool L17 5AR For details visit www.merseysidewda.gov.uk 12
Sustainability With the recent energy price increases and many people finding themselves in fuel poverty, it’s more important than ever to be savvy with how we use fuel and making lifestyle changes to reduce our impact on the environment. Talk to your housemates Increasing awareness and sharing ideas about how we can live more sustainably is one of the most impactful actions you can take. Report issues and share feedback If you notice a broken light, dripping tap, missing bins or recycling posters, broken seal to your oven or fridge, then report it to your accommodation provider. If you have ideas about how to improve sustainability share your thoughts. Switch off lights and appliances Remember to switch them off when not needed. If light sensors are faulty, make sure to report them to your accommodation provider. Don’t forget bedside lamps, fairy lights and bathroom lights too. Switching off your appliances and plugs at the socket is a great way to prevent energy wastage as items use energy in standby or sleep mode. Don’t overfill the kettle Don’t use additional energy by overfilling the kettle with more water than you need. 200ml is the ideal amount of water for a single hot drink. Put a lid on your pan Putting a lid on your saucepan significantly reduces the amount of energy required to cook your food and cooks your food quicker. Also try and use the right size hob/stove ring for the size of your pan, otherwise you are just heating the surrounding air. 13
Put layers on, not the heating When the temperature feels a little cold, instead of turning up your heating straight away just put on a jumper or an extra layer. A jumper can add 3 degrees celsius of warmth to your body. If your accommodation runs a little hot, make sure you’ve turned down the radiator or thermostat (if you can) before opening a window. Reduce unnecessary waste and recycle Where possible, refuse additional packaging and disposables, opting for re-usables instead. More information about rubbish disposal and recycling can be found on pages 11-12 of this guide. Reducing waste can help to conserve resources, reduce landfill waste, protect ecosytems and save energy. Put on full loads of washing Washing machines and tumble dryers use a lot of energy and water. Try to put on fuller loads rather than lots of small loads; coordinate with housemates. 30 degrees celsius is generally a good temperature to wash your clothes and will help them to last longer. Reduce food waste UK households waste 7 million tonnes of food every year while 8.4 million people are struggling to feed themselves (FoodCycle). Aim not to over buy by keeping track of what food you already have and planning what you need. You can also check use-by dates which are better guidance than best-before dates, and freeze items if you don't think you will eat them in time. Don't get rid of your leftovers either, instead try and use them in your next meal or share with your friends. Source: Students Organising for Sustainability www.sos-uk.org 14
Remember to... Register to vote Register to vote in the local elections and have your say about key decisions that could affect you. You must register each time you move into a new property. It only takes two minutes to register online. www.gov.uk/register-to-vote Students can register at both home and term time addresses. Find a GP & dentist Make sure you’re registered with a local GP and dentist. It’s quick and easy to do online. Enter your postcode to find your nearest GP. www.nhs.uk/service-search You may have to register with a new GP if you move to a different area of the city, so best to check. 15
TRAVELLING TO & FROM YOUR HOME E-scooters Four hundred e-scooters are available to hire in the city centre and surrounding areas. The scheme is a joint initiative run by Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, Liverpool City Council and e-scooter company VOI. Booking taxis Remember when you are ordering a taxi to your home address, make sure your home still looks occupied when you have all left. Leaving on a light or using a timer switch can deter thieves. Please be aware of not disturbing your neighbours by ordering lots of taxis. Cars coming and going throughout the night and sounding horns can be a nuisance, so always share taxis. Car parking There is limited parking space in residential areas and potentially only room for one vehicle per household. Private halls may have paid parking available. Personal safety Personal safety should be top of your agenda at all times and not just when you’re coming home from a night out. If you do walk home alone, try to stick to main roads and avoid poorly lit areas, alleyways, and shortcuts through quiet places. If possible, travel with a friend. Read more about personal safety on page 26. 16 Choose licenced taxis Taxis that are licenced with Liverpool City Council have a plate displayed on the rear or front of the vehicle. By choosing a licenced taxi you can be sure that the vehicle has been inspected and the drivers vetted by Liverpool City Council. When booking a taxi, ask for a Liverpool Licenced driver.
COST OF LIVING Your university has been working to support their students with the impact of the increased costs of living. This may be attributed to rising food costs, fuel bills and general living expenses. It is important to reach out if you feel you need support, each university will offer a variety of support mechanisms, some will be open for a set period while others will continue throughout the year. Each case will be dealt with individually. For more information please click the link or scan the QR code for your university. www.liverpool.ac.uk/studentsupport/money -advice/managing-the-cost-of-living/ www.ljmu.ac.uk/discover/studentsupport/cost-of-living-support www.hope.ac.uk/gateway/students/student developmentandwell-being/costoflivingsupport/ 17
Joining a community
BECOMING PART OF A COMMUNITY Living as part of a community is an important part of your student journey at university. Building strong, positive relationships with your neighbours and those living around you can help your tenancy run smoothly and prevent any unnecessary stress for everyone. Ÿ Being part of a community and contributing positively to supporting neighbours and housemates, has helped many people with the uncertainty of recent events. Ÿ When moving into a residential community you need to be mindful of the responsibilities that you have both as a tenant and as a neighbour. Ÿ How we do things in our everyday life and the impact of our actions on others is an important factor when moving into your community. Ÿ Who are the people living around you? Our communities are diverse with a variety of residents who may be elderly, professionals, families and students. Ÿ It’s worth considering that people’s home life and work patterns may be different to yours. Ÿ When living around others, unreasonable noise and behaviour can be challenged and reported to the relevant authorities. 19
Get involved through volunteering Volunteering Liverpool is an online portal run by Liverpool Guild of Students, to offer volunteering opportunities with a range of charities across Merseyside. To register your interest visit: www.liverpoolguild.org/volunteering-opportunities There are plenty of volunteering opportunities both in your Students' Union and across the Merseyside area. You can make a real difference in the local community by giving up some of your spare time to help others. For more information visit: www.jmsu.co.uk/volunteering Liverpool Hope students have the opportunity to shape the future of their union and gain valuable skills by volunteering. For more information visit: www.hopesu.com/main-menu/get-involved /volunteering 20
OFF-CAMPUS STUDENT CO-ORDINATOR Living in harmony within your community is an important part of your housing journey in Liverpool. Whether you are staying in halls after the first year or moving to a house or flat the same principles will apply. This role, which is provided by your university acts as a point of contact for any emerging issues or complaints that may arise within the community, they work holistically to work through problems and encourage greater community cohesion. The co-ordinator works with multiple agencies including your university, student unions, local resident groups and councillors. Their aim is to maintain an open dialogue between stakeholder groups and develop a stronger partnership between all. For more information about community cohesion please email community@liverpool.ac.uk 21
antisocial behaviour Noise & Noise and antisocial behaviour can impact anyone living in a community whether they are students, professionals, families, elderly, long term or shortterm residents. If you are experiencing noise or antisocial behaviour you, along with other residents, can report your concerns to the local authority in respect of noise, and Merseyside Police for antisocial behaviour. The process is the same for all. What is considered to be nuisance noise? People congregating and chatting loudly in the street particularly at night, parties, loud music, slamming doors, running up and down the stairs, making noise when returning home after a night out and talking loudly in gardens late at night. Tips for keeping noise down Ÿ When heading home especially after a night out, remember to be quiet and considerate. Ÿ At all times and especially after 11pm, make sure your TV and music volume are low or use headphones. If you can hear it from another room it’s too loud. Ÿ Close windows and doors at night so noise doesn't carry. Ÿ Turn bass down on speakers and smart home devices. Position them away from adjoining walls and also consider how amplified music will negatively impact your neighbours. Ÿ When using your garden/outdoor space be aware of how much noise you are making. Chatting and music will disturb your neighbours. Ÿ Don’t let gatherings get out of control and spill onto the street. You may feel worried or concerned about the impact of noise and antisocial behaviour – you can reach out to discuss your concerns with your university’s Off Campus Student Co-ordinator or your respective Student Union. If you are the subject of a noise or anti-social complaint, your accommodation provider may be informed and will contact you directly about any incident. Your tenancy agreement will often contain clauses, referring to noise and parties within your household, so you should check what your responsibilities are. 22
RAISING CONCERNS WHEN LIVING IN A COMMUNITY If you are experiencing noise nuisance or antisocial behaviour you can report it in the following ways: Noise nuisance or antisocial behaviour Liverpool City Council (LCC) - 0151 233 3055 or online www.liverpool.gov.uk/environmental-problems/ Parties or loud social gatherings LCC Private Sector Housing Team - 0151 233 3055 or email privatesector.housing@liverpool.gov.uk Abusive language or threatening language or behaviour towards others LCC - 0151 233 3001 or online at www.liverpool.gov.uk/communities-and-safety/crime-and-safety/anti-socialbehaviour/ For reports of potentially criminal behaviour Crime Stoppers Outcomes of an alleged complaint involving you: The Off-Campus Student Co-ordinator and/or your university will write regarding the complaints received. LSH will check if the property is accredited. If so, they will contact the landlord/agent of the property to inform them of the complaints made. The landlord or agent will contact the student occupants and remind them of their contractual obligations as tenants. Liverpool City Council can issue a Noise Abatement Notice for persistent noise. If noise continues, they could issue a fine or prosecute the occupant. 23 Merseyside Police - 101 if not an emergency or 999 only in cases of emergency. Further information at www.merseyside.police.uk www.crimestoppers-uk.org or 0800 555 111.
City Centre - L1, L2, L3 Liverpool Area Guide Kensington - L6 & L7 Centrally located, close to campus and the vibrant social scene. Mainly large purpose-built student developments and individual flats and houses. Toxteth/Georgian Quarter - L8 This area has some of the finest Georgian terraces in the country, referred to locally as the Georgian Quarter. Close to the city centre but accommodation is limited and is generally large shared properties and self-contained flats. Childwall - L16 A leafy residential suburb with limited student properties. Within walking distance of Liverpool Hope University. Properties are 3, 4 and 5 bed semidetached houses. Allerton Road is a short walk away, which has restaurants, cafes and bars. Transport links into the city are good, about 20-25 minutes by bus. Average rents in this area are much less than the city centre. Mossley Hill/Allerton - L18 This area is near to Smithdown Road and is close to University of Liverpool halls and Liverpool Hope University in Childwall is a short bus ride. Excellent local amenities including shops, cafes and bars. Located on the edge of the city centre and easily walkable. Traditional terraced housing and flats with a mix of local residents and students. Popular with those wishing to live close to the city centre at lower rent levels. Edgehill - L7 Close to the city and a short walking distance to the University of Liverpool campus. Typically accommodation is 1 and 2 bedroom flats or large shared town houses. Smithdown/Wavertree - L15 A diverse community which is close to University of Liverpool halls and Liverpool Hope University. It is a short bus or bike ride to the city. Properties are mostly traditional terraced houses. Plenty of shared properties but a limited number of self-contained flats. Lots of local amenities. Rent levels available in this area to suit most budgets. Aigburth - L17 Lark Lane in this area has lots of cafes, restaurants and eclectic shops, with Sefton Park nearby. There are good transport links to the city, taking about 15-20 minutes by bus or 7 minutes by train from St Michael’s station. There is a bus from Aigburth Vale to Liverpool Hope University in Childwall. 24
KEEP UP-TO-DATE Liverpool City Council website is a great place to start to find out about what is going on in the city and your local community. You can also find information about council services such as bin collections, parks and green spaces, council tax information and environmental health issues. www.liverpool.gov.uk twitter.com/lpoolcouncil facebook.com/lpoolcouncil www.liverpool.gov.uk/bins-and-recycling instagram.com/lpoolcitycouncil www.liverpool.gov.uk/leisure-parks-and-wellbeing Contact your local MP or Councillor 25
Safety & security
PERSONAL SAFETY Although Liverpool is a relatively safe place to live and study, Merseyside Police have asked that students take extra care on getting home after a night out. To help you and your friends stay safe while enjoying a night out, we wanted to remind everyone – regardless of gender – of these key safety tips: Ÿ Withdraw cash during the day and protect your PIN. If withdrawing cash at night, use a machine in a well-lit area and stay with friends. Ÿ When walking home, go with friends and stick to main roads that are well populated. Avoid poorly lit areas. Ÿ Drink responsibly – you are far more vulnerable when you are drunk, especially if you are on your own. Know your limits and stay in control. Don't leave drinks unattended. Ÿ Travel sensibly – wearing headphones, talking on the phone or texting reduces your awareness of what's around you. Ÿ Plan your journey home before you leave. Pre-book a taxi or arrange a lift with a non-drinker. Ÿ Attract help if you need it – if you feel threatened, make lots of noise to identify yourself and to warn off the individual. Ÿ Let a friend know where you are and when you'll be expected back home. Consider setting up 'find my friend' on your phone. Ÿ Familiarise yourself with the SOS emergency feature on your phone, that can silently ring for emergency assistance. Ÿ Remember to use a licensed taxi or black cab and don’t hitch-hike. 27
Spiking Spiking is giving someone alcohol or drugs without them knowing or agreeing. For example, in their drink or with a needle. Spiking can happen to anyone, anywhere and be carried out by strangers or by people you know. It is illegal and carries a prison sentence of up to 10 years. Types of spiking Ÿ Drink spiking - adding drugs or alcohol to someone else's drink. Ÿ Food spiking - adding drugs to someone's food. Ÿ Vape or cigarette spiking - giving someone drugs in a cigarette or e-cigarette. Ÿ Needle spiking - injecting drugs into someone else with a needle or auto-injector pen. Giving someone more alcohol or drugs than they were expecting and consented to is also spiking. For example, giving someone double shots instead of single ones. How to tell if you have been spiked It can be difficult to know if someone has spiked you. The symptoms vary depending on what someone has spiked you with. They can be similar to having excess alcohol. If you start to feel strange or more drunk than you thought you should be, seek help straight away. If you feel seriously unwell, call 999 or ask someone to get you emergency medical assistance. Reporting spiking to the Police You can report an incidence of spiking to Merseyside Police, regardless of how long ago that it happened. Report online, over the phone on 101 or in person at a Police station. You can also report attempted spiking, where a spiking attempt was disrupted before anyone became a victim. For example: Ÿ If a drink has an unexpected smell, taste or colour. Ÿ If you notice a tablet or powder in a drink. Ÿ If you see someone trying to spike a drink. Ÿ If someone tried to inject you with drugs, but failed. 28 Report spiking online
Home security We welcome all students to the local area and hope that you have a safe and enjoyable time. DAVE UREN Police Community Inspector Liverpool is one of the safest cities in the country. Sadly, becoming a victim of crime could ruin your experience of the city. Your local neighbourhood Police team is here to help and support you, however if issues arise from your property we will deal with these through the Liverpool AntiSocial Behaviour Unit and your university. Finally, please consider the security of your home and ask the question ‘If I was a thief, how easy would it be to get into my house?’ Ÿ Don’t leave valuables on display. Ÿ Upon entering your home, lock the door behind you with the key. Ÿ Lock all doors and windows when you go out. Ÿ When out, pay attention to your surroundings, travel together in the evening and use well lit paths. Ÿ Respect your neighbours. Ÿ Don’t cause annoyance to other people by leaving rubbish outside your property or causing antisocial behaviour. @MerseyPolice Useful contacts Emergency services 999 Crimestoppers 0800 555 111 Non-emergency 101 Register your valuables for FREE and improve your chances of getting them back if they are lost or stolen. @merseypolice www.immobilise.com The Immobilise Property Register helps the Police to identify the owners of recovered items.
ONLINE SAFETY & FRAUD Criminals are turning to more sophisticated ways to take your money, whether through online offers, emails or identity theft. Here are some tips from Merseyside Police to reduce the chance of becoming a victim of cyber crime. To report fraud call Action Fraud 0300 123 2040 Ÿ Update your security programme and anti-virus software on your computer. Ÿ Regularly backup important files. Ÿ Check your social media privacy settings to control exactly what you’re sharing and with whom. Ÿ Be careful when clicking on links and attachments in emails from an unknown sender. Ÿ Leave a website if you feel it may be suspicious or doesn’t appear to have sufficient text or branding. Ÿ Use strong passwords and use a different one for each account. Ÿ Never give your bank pin details out over the phone unless you are certain who you are speaking to. Ÿ Shred receipts with your card details on and any post with your name and address on. Ÿ Shield your pin when withdrawing cash and when using your credit or debit card to pay for items. Ÿ If you move house, contact your bank, give them your new address and use the Post Office mail redirect service. Student accommodation scams Beware of fake adverts for student accommodation on free classified advertising web sites. Never transfer money as holding deposits without visiting the property and researching the accommodation provider thoroughly. To be sure, choose a property that has been accredited by LSH. 30
FIRE SAFETY Hello, and welcome to Merseyside, Many of you will be in your second or third year of your courses at university, but please take the time to read our top tips to help to keep you safe from fire in your homes while you are here. Fire and smoke from fires can cause you to become disorientated in your homes, so make sure you have working smoke alarms and everyone in the property knows how to escape safely, if a fire were to occur and keep escape routes clear at all times. AREA MANAGER , MARK THOMAS, MERSEYSIDE FIRE & RESCUE SERVICE Electric bikes & scooters E-bikes and e-scooters are becoming increasingly popular. Most are powered by lithium-ion batteries which can be charged in the home. If you are considering purchasing one, only buy from reputable retailers. It is important to charge e-bikes and e-scooters safely to avoid risk of a fire. Ÿ If charging in the home, ensure smoke alarms are working. Ÿ Charge batteries whilst you are awake so if a fire should occur you can respond quickly. Ÿ Always use the manufacturer approved charger for the product. Ÿ Don’t overload plug sockets. Ÿ Don’t overcharge your battery and check it for regularly for damage. Ÿ Avoid storing/charging in communal areas, keep fire escape routes clear at all times. Ÿ Don’t dispose of old batteries in your household waste, check for recycling services. attempt to extinguish the fire. In the event of an e-bike, e-scooter or lithium-ion battery fire – do not Get out, stay out, call 999 More fire safety tips IN THE EVENT OF A FIRE, GET OUT, STAY OUT AND CALL 999 AND ASK FOR THE FIRE & RESCUE SERVICE
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Wellbeing
MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT The last two years have impacted on many students’ mental health. Mental health difficulties can impact on your academic work and other aspects of university life Mental health difficulties not only have implications for the student involved, but often also for those around them: friends, colleagues, staff and family. Getting help Student Support Services Mental health services are available at your university. Support is confidential and you can get advice about a friend without giving their name. Your GP Once you are registered with a GP you can make an appointment to discuss your mental health. Talk Liverpool A free NHS service offering psychological therapies for those who are depressed or anxious. www.talkliverpool.nhs.uk Samaritans www.samaritans.org Available to talk to 24/7 365 days a year. Call Free 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org 36 It can present in a wide variety of ways, depending upon the individual and the circumstances. Changes in people's mood and personality can provide signs to how they are feeling. Unusual mood swings or social withdrawal might, for example, provide a clue that the person is experiencing some kind of emotional distress. If you think you or a friend need support or advice, help is available.
MENTAL HEALTH CRISIS Who to contact if you or someone you know needs help urgently due to having a Mental Health Crisis. If your life is in immediate danger call 999 emergency services or go to A&E or walk-in centre as soon as possible. Your GP Contact your doctor and ask for an emergency appointment. NHS 111 If your GP is closed, call 111 if you need urgent medical advice but it’s not a life-threatening situation. 24/7 access to mental health support. Mersey Care Urgent Mental Health Support Service Call 0800 145 6570. James’ Place A service for men in suicidal crisis. Call 0151 303 5757, info@jamesplace.org.uk REACHOUT Liverpool Suicide Prevention You do not have to struggle alone. If you’re having thoughts of suicide, help is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 37 15
Reporting an incident If you have experienced bullying, harassment, sexual misconduct, hate crime, assault or discrimination, you can contact Student Services at your university for support. www.reportandsupport.liverpool.ac.uk/ www.ljmu.ac.uk/discover/student-support www.hope.ac.uk/lifeathope/studentsupport/ www.lipa.ac.uk/why-lipa/student-support/ www.lstmed.ac.uk/study/student38
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Your accommodation provider must arrange for a gas safety check on gas appliances every 12 months by a Gas Safe registered engineer. If you think a gas appliance is faulty turn it off and let your accommodation provider know immediately. Seek medical help if you feel unwell. All LSH accredited accommodation providers must supply a current Gas Safety Certificate to LSH every year, to maintain their accreditation and to continue to be allowed to advertise properties. 41
Housing Advice
WHERE TO GET ADVICE If you experience any tenancy-related problems while renting privately in Liverpool, you can get free, confidential advice and support. You can contact your students’ union, who have advisors available or you can get in touch with Liverpool Student Homes Housing Advice Service. 0151 794 3296 LSH@liverpool.ac.uk www.liverpoolstudenthomes.org Property disrepair Not having any heating or hot water and other disrepairs that the landlord is responsible for but has not fixed. Deposit problems Issues with your deposit and getting it back at the end of your tenancy. Landlord disputes Problems with your landlord or agent, such as calling at your property unexpectedly without notice. 43 Contract checking Unsure about your contract (tenancy agreement) or if you don't understand what it means. Damp & mould Problems with damp, mould or leaks in the property that are ongoing despite being reported to your landlord. Tenants’ rights Understand what your rights and responsibilities are as a tenant and what your landlord’s obligations are.
Disputes with your accommodation provider LSH accredited providers If you are having problems with your accommodation provider (landlord, letting agent or private hall) and they are accredited with Liverpool Student Homes, you can raise a complaint and an LSH Housing Advisor will investigate your case. A formal procedure will be followed with the aim of resolving disputes while advising you of your tenancy rights. www.liverpoolstudenthomes.org Deposit protection Deposits taken by accommodation providers for Assured Shorthold Tenancies must be put in a government authorised protection scheme - see below. You should be given the details about the scheme within 30 days of giving the money to your accommodation provider. Schemes protect the money and help to resolve disputes between tenants and landlords. Deposit protection schemes Tenancy Deposit Scheme www.tenancydeposit scheme.com Deposit Protection Service www.depositprotection.com My Deposits www.mydeposits.co.uk 18 Letting agent redress schemes Letting agents are legally required to be a member of one of the government redress schemes detailed below. You can contact the scheme to complain if your letting agent has failed to resolve an issue that you have raised. This could include: inaccurate property descriptions, deposit disputes and slow/poor service. Letting agent redresss schemes The Property Ombudsman (TPO) www.tpos.co.uk The Property Redress Scheme www.theprs.co.uk
COUNCIL TAX LCC council tax exemption Full-time students All full-time students are exempt from Council Tax so households where everyone is a full-time student do not have to pay. Always, make sure your university has your correct address. Your tenancy agreement may contain a clause that details what your landlord requires you to do in order to prove your exemption status. Please check your contract carefully. If you are required to provide a Council Tax Exemption Certificate, contact your university for further details. To count as a full time student, your course must: Ÿ involve at least 21 hours of study per week Ÿ Last at least one academic year; and Living with non-students You'll get a Council Tax bill if there's someone in your household who's not a full-time student, but your household might still qualify for a discount, see the Liverpool City Council website for details. International students As a full-time student you will be exempt from paying Council Tax. If you live with a non-British spouse or dependant who is prevented by immigration rules from taking paid employment or from claiming benefits, they will also be exempt. Find out more information about Council Tax www.liverpool.gov.uk/council-tax/discounts-andexemptions/full-time-student-exemption/ 45 15
Moving out
Moving out check list Tenancy agreement Check your contract for an end of tenancy procedure and follow it! Cleaning Have a proper deep clean! The property needs to be returned to the landlord in the same condition as when you moved in, except for fair wear and tear. Take dated photos as evidence. Bills and contracts If you pay your utility bills yourself, contact the utility companies and ensure the bills are paid in full. Also let them know the date you will be leaving the property and provide them with a final meter reading on the day you leave. If bills are included in your rent, give the final meter reading to your accommodation provider but keep details for your records. TV licence If you have purchased a TV licence you can get a refund for the summer months if you are not living in the property. Visit www.tvlicensing.co.uk Unwanted items Remove all of your unwanted items from the property. Don’t forget to recycle or donate. Rubbish Completely clear the property of waste, including items of food as you may be charged for cleaners to remove it and it could stop you from getting your full deposit back. Return keys follow the instructions on your tenancy agreement on how to return the keys to the landlord/agent and ask for a receipt as proof. Mail Use Royal Mail’s post redirection service to make sure that confidential post is forwarded to another address of your choice. 47
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