Wednesday 30 November 2011

Housing Advice Week day three

Housing Advice Week is here


Wednesday's Housing Tip - Contract Checking link HERE




Housing Advice Week is about giving you all the information that you need when looking for a house. As a campaign it's main message is Make the Smart move; don't rush, don't panic. Some letting agents may tell you that houses are going fast and that there are less houses than students… this is not true.

Don't be pushed into signing a housing contract before getting it checked. Housing Advice Week is here to bust the myths and give you free and independent information that ultimately means you make the smart move and avoid the pitfalls: http://www.cardiffdigs.co.uk/hallstohouse.htm

When Is It?

This year Housing Advice Week runs from Monday the 28th November until Friday 2nd December

Why Should I Care?

If you need a house, you should care! Every year the Advice and Representation Centre deals with hundreds of complaints from students who have not understood their contracts or have had to put up with inadequate housing conditions. By coming to ARC on the third floor of the Students Union you can have your contract checked prior to signing and be given all the relevant information and questions that you should be asking agents and/or landlords.

Does Housing Advice Week mean I should start looking at houses?

We advise that you take your time. There is more supply than demand for housing so be aware of people that tell you otherwise or try and make you sign a contract before you have had time to think and get advice. More than anything, Housing Advice Week is to arm you with the tools needed to make the best decision.

Should you decide to start looking just stop and think. Think about who you want to live with (you may have only known your house mates for 2 months!), where you want to live and how much you can afford to pay for a room. This is one of the biggest financial decisions you will make this year.

The Advice and Representation Centre (ARC) is available on the third floor of the Student Union for free advice on choosing the right housing. http://www.cardiffstudents.com/advice

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