If you decide to move out of University Accommodation, you will need to look for a private tenancy. Once upon a time student housing was a shabby flat with a dodgy landlord . The rules have tightened up a bit since then, and in general things have got a lot better.  However, the rules can be confusing and you still might have problems, or not really be sure where to start.

Finding a Flat

There is a handy ASK quick guide to accommodation that can give you some hints on flat hunting.

Residential Services' website also has information on finding a flat, and they produce a handy leaflet: Finding a Home, that contains hints and tips on what to look out for, aim for and avoid when flat hunting.

The Glasgow PAD (Private Accommodation Database) is a joint project between the five Glasgow institutions. It has information on flats for rent, as well as further guidance on flathunting and tenancy rights and responsibilities.

Problems with Tenancies

When you have found a tenancy and moved in, even if everything seemed fine at the start things can still go wrong. Tenancy agreements are binding contracts, and ending a tenancy you are unhappy with is often not the easy solution it may seem.

During a tenancy, problems can arise with, for example:

• Housemates;
• Repairs; or
  
• Rent or utility payments;

to name but a few. There is information on dealing with housing issues on the Shelter Scotland website.

If you are having problems in a tenancy, and you cannot find the information you are looking for, or feel you need to talk through the issues, ASK can help you to look at and understand your options. We can also provide support and assistance in dealing with difficult landlords or letting agencies.

The ASK Volunteers team will be running a housing campaign during the year so if you have an issue you think we should be highlighting, or if you want to get involved with the ASK Volunteers and help with the campaign, get in touch with ASK or speak to our Vice President Services.