Moving In
Inventory
When you move into your house you should be given an inventory by your landlord/ lady. If you are not given one then make sure that you ask for one.
You need to go through the inventory and make a note of everything that is included on it.
- Is what is on the inventory actually there?
- Is it in good repair? If it isn't, make a note of it.
- If there are extra items present, add them on to the inventory, particularly if there are electrical items supplied.
Make an appointment for your landlord/lady or agent to come to the house and go through the inventory with you.
The inventory is your only proof to say that items were or were not in the property when you moved in. If a table is broken for example, the landlord/ lady can charge you for it if you have not made a note of it on the inventory. It is no good arguing "it was like it when we moved in" because there is no evidence.
Once you have checked and completed the inventory, sign and date it. Make sure that both the household and the landlord or agent has a copy that you and they have signed.
Bills and Rates
If your rent does not include bills, you will need to sort this out when you move in.
It is your responsibility to make sure that gas, electricity and the phone bills are registered in your name and are paid by you. If when you move in the property is still connected, contact the suppliers and inform them of the day when you moved into the property and make sure that the account is in your name from this date. This will help protect you in case previous tenants have left unpaid bills.
It is an offence for a landlord/ lady to overcharge on a meter. Fiddling with meters is also illegal!
Before you leave the property, make sure that you have informed the Gas, Electricity and Phone Boards of the day when you will be moving out. They can then arrange for final bills to be sent to you.
Always give notice in writing and keep a copy of the letter.
Insurance
We recommend taking out content insurance to protect yourself against theft. When taking out insurance on a shared house you should;
- shop around, look at banks and building societies as well as insurance firms
- read the policy carefully t see what is covered and what isn't
- if your parents can help you, they may be able to include you on their insurance policy, ask them to find out.
Refuse Collection
Find out when the refuse is collected in your street or area. In shared houses, refuse accumulates very quickly, and it is not nice to let it build up for more than week. Phone 01225 394204 for your collection day or email waste_services@bathnes.gov.uk. There is also information on the Refuse and Recycling website about refuse collection and services.
Recycle as much as you can.
Introduce yourself to the neighbours
Bath is a fairly small city so when you become part of your institution that means being part of the local community. Therefore try to establish a good relationship with your neighbours as a starting point. On moving in introduce yourself - don't be shy! This may seem like a simple act but can help establish a positive relationship. Your neighbours can tell you about the local area and can also help to keep an eye on your house during weekends and holidays. Be considerate - if you are having a party, tell your neighbours (even invite them along!) and give them plenty of notice. Ask your guests to leave quietly and clear up any rubbish. Keep the noise levels low and be responsive to requests to turn music down. If an Environmental Health Officer calls round do not ignore them as they have extensive powers and you could end up with a heavy fine and have equipment seized. When coming home late at night keep voices down and be careful not to slam car doors or your front door. Remember, your neighbours may have different hours to you and also may have young children.
If you receive any complaints take responsbility and act upon them before they are taken further. There is a new action line open to residents which makes it easier for them to complain about student behaviour and noise from parties etc. The number is 01225 385245. Your actions could bring the university into disrepute and may affect your chances of graduating.
Register at your doctor and dental surgery
When you move into your property it is a good idea to register with a doctor's surgery that is near to your home. This makes it much easier for you to get to and see a doctor or dentist should you need to, especially in an emergency.
If you are moving off of your University campus, you might not be kept on the register automatically, so make sure you check!
To find out where your nearest surgery is call NHS Direct on 0845 4647
Sign up on the electoral register
If you are living in Bath to study a course, you are entitled to vote in any of the local elections. Even if you still "live" at your parents home elsewhere in the country, you are entitled to vote in both authority's elections.
You can register to vote online at About My Vote.
If you are currently living in your University residences, then you will have been automatically registered when you took up a place in residence. However, if you are a returning student, you will need to register.
You will be sent details of where to vote (your polling station) nearer the time.
Your vote is your opportunity to have an influence on how the City of Bath is run. Find out who the candidates are and what their aims and objectives are, talk to them and question them, and find out if they are best suited to represent you.