Private Renting

Manchester is full of rooms to rent in individual homes or apartments and has a large number of premises available to rent in group shares with friends/family. The Accommodation Manager can provide you with a booklet on renting in the private sector along with some information on agencies.

What does Privately Rented mean?

Privately rented accommodation is where you will enter into a legal agreement with a landlord or agent usually for a set length of time. It covers renting a shared house/apartment or an individual apartment or room within a shared house. Private rentals cover a huge variety in size, style and quality of properties so it is important that you are certain that you are happy with the property before you sign the agreement. A general rule is that the cheaper the property the less desirable the property is and the more questions you should ask before signing the agreement, because once you have signed then you are locked into a legal contract for an agreed term.

Things to consider before you sign an agreement

• Have a realistic budget – how much a week can you afford allowing for bills, food and transport.

• Where is it located, is it close to the Centre.

• Is it furnished, does it have phone lines, internet access etc.

• What security features does it have? Does the landlord/agent have the required gas safety certificates, fire alarm etc.

• View the property first before signing this will give you a more accurate picture of size, location and quality (remember once you have signed the contract you can't just back out because the rooms are too small, or its too far from the Centre you should have checked this first.

• Who are you sharing with, do you know and trust them? If it what is know as a joint agreement then you are all liable to pay the rent this means that if one of you disappears then the others have to cover their share of the rent. If you don't know the people you are sharing with, make sure you have their contact details at home.

• Ensure you have a copy of the contract yourself, so you can refer back to it if you need to.

• If you are renting an individual room and it is not a joint agreement for example in a persons house/ apartment or your own apartment then ensure you have a written contract with the landlord/agent and keep records of payments and ask for receipts.

• If it is not a fixed term contract that means not for a set number of months or until a fixed date, check what is the notice period you have to give if you want to move out (it is often one-month). You need to remember this otherwise you could end up paying for time you are not there.

• If you are unsure of anything seek advise from your agent if it is before arrival to the UK or the Accommodation Manager if you are at Centre before signing anything (Saying afterwards that you did not understand what you signed will not get you out of the contract. It is your responsibility to understand and ask questions).

• Check the date from which you can move in and arrange a time to move in so that someone can let you into the property, this is particularly important if it is outside normal working hours.

• Get the full contact details of your landlord including name, address and 24-hour contact telephone number in case there are any problems.

On Arrival

Make sure you have an inventory of the property that is there on arrival; beds, ovens, cutlery etc, if it is an agency property then they will normally provide you with a written checklist if you don't get one make an inventory yourself and get the landlord to sign it with yourself and keep a copy. If anything is damaged such as windows or stained like carpets make a written note immediately and show it to the landlord/agent. The reason for an inventory is so that when you move out you are not charged for any items that where never there or any damage that already existed. This is one of the most common reason deposits are not returned and it is up to you to provide the proof that it is not your fault.

Ensure that you keep a record of any payments. This means getting receipts for rent payments if it is cash and will not show on a bank statement. If you have to pay for any damages, bills etc get a written receipt. This all prevents you from having problems when you depart and helps you get your deposit back.

If you are setting up payments for utility bills e.g. gas, water, electricity, phone bill then don't put them all in your name, share the responsibility amongst the housemates (meaning one has the gas bill, one the electricity, one the phone etc.). This doesn't mean that you pay all the bill in your name it should still be shared, but you are not solely liable for all the bills if everyone disappears then you are not left liable for everything. Also if people are late paying then you do not have to cover all the bills that month.

On Departure

When you leave inform the landlord/agency in advance of the date so that you can settle any balance and also they can view the property to make sure that you have left it clean and in the state you found it (this is when it is useful to have a copy of the inventory you had on arrival). Inform the utility companies you are moving and collect any necessary meter readings for electricity, gas and water. It is also useful to ensure you have your housemates forwarding addresses in case the bills cannot be produced immediately and they can send you payment or yourself payment to them.

Make sure you inform the bank, mobile phone company, police (if necessary) and family that you have moved and give then your new address.

Accommodation Agencies

We've listed below some agencies that are local to the College and provide a friendly and helpful service to students.

UNITE is the largest provider of Student Accommodation in the UK and have been providing purpose built accommodation for over 15 years. Their 10 Manchester properties are in city locations so you can make the most of your study and social life.

For more information, to take a virtual tour or book a room, visit

www.unite-students.com/manchester

We really like the people at homes4u. They're more than just an agency, providing a wide range of services, discounts and extras, including a regular newsletter, comfortable and relaxing surroundings and plenty of help and advice.

Withington House, Wilmslow Road, Withington, Manchester. M20 3BW
+44 161 448 0090

Philip James Partnership

412 Wilmslow Road, Withington, Manchester
+44 161 434 5007
www.philipjames.co.uk

SAM Properties

2 Rippingham Road, Withington, Manchester
+44 161 610 8383
www.samproperties.co.uk

Home Stay

Home stay is where a learner lives in an English home as part of the family. This gives the learner an excellent chance to familiarise themselves with English life, culture and most importantly practice their spoken English language on a daily basis.

Our Home stay families reflect the multi-cultural nature of English society, with different religious and ethnic backgrounds, this allows us to cater for any specific needs that you might have during your stay in the UK .

Home stay, is similar to living at home with your family. This means that there will be some rules and restrictions that you may or may not be already used to.

In order to make Home stay work for you we advise that you are respectful to the family, be flexible and willing to compromise when necessary.

Each Home stay functions differently but the following list details what will be provided as a minimum.

• Location - Home stay accommodation is usually within a 40 minute commute of the centre.

• Your room - you will have your own bedroom, with a bed, wardrobe and extra bedding/heating if required. Towels and bed linen should be cleaned weekly.

• Do not expect a lock on your door as you are part of the family, though they should not enter your room without permission.

• Meals - you will get breakfast and evening meals during the week and also lunch at weekends.

• The families will decide on the food and time of meals, remember you are meant to be experiencing English life so try most things once.

• If you are not happy with the food or time of meals talk to the family. If they work then they are not likely to be home before 5.30pm so dinner is likely to be later. Most families eat between 6.00pm-8.00pm.

• Bathroom - you will share a bathroom with shower or bath often both with the family.

• You may find there are restrictions on the times you can shower/bath (not late at night) and the number of baths/showers you can take a day.

• Other rooms - you will have access to the shared rooms such as lounge, kitchen and dinning room so that you can socialise and relax.

• Internet access - you have free access to the internet on all centre sites and though some families may have internet connections, many will not and as such internet access is not part of the Home stay package.

• Telephones - you will have access to the telephone to make and receive calls. You will need to buy a phonecard to make calls and must remind your family/friends of the time difference in the UK !

Here are some tips and advice that will make your Home stay more enjoyable.

• If you are not going to eat a meal with the family then let them know in advance.

• Try not to be late for meals. If you think that you will be late, call the family.

• If you are staying out overnight then let them know beforehand.

• If you break or damage something then let the family know. You will have to pay for it unless it is normal wear and tear or if the family says you do not have to.

• Ask permission if you want a friend to visit. The family may say no if it is not convenient and this decision must be respected.

• Keep your door key safe. If you lose it let the family know immediately.

• Do not leave lights, electric fires of heaters on when you go out.

• Leave the bathroom and any other room clean and tidy after use.

• If you are unsure of how anything works, such as shower or television as the family to explain.

• Do not put pictures on the wall unless you have agreed this with the family.

• If you are cold then ask for more blankets or put on an extra layer of clothing. Remember the family are used to the English climate.

• Do not help yourself to food unless it is your own or the family has agreed.

• If you are unhappy about anything, then you should discuss it with the family, and the family with you first, before speaking to the Accommodation Manager at the Centre.

Top

The cost of Home stay is £87 GBP per week, this includes bed, breakfast and evening meals seven days a week, plus lunch at the weekends. On arrival you have to pay four weeks rent and a £50 deposit direct to the Home stay provider (not the Centre), totaling £398 GBP.

The £50 deposit is refundable on your departure when you have returned your keys, given proof that you have changed the address on your bank account and mobile phone bill from your Home stay and left the property in satisfactory condition. The first 4 weeks rent, paid on arrival is non-refundable if you move out early. After the first 4 weeks you should continue to pay rent in advance within an agreed timescale. The Home stay family should give you a receipt for any payments made, including rent, deposit and telephone bills.

If you want to move out of Home stay then you must inform the Centre and you must give the Home stay family one weeks notice or pay for that week (in lieu). If you make a separate agreement with the family then you must honour this in terms of payments and required notice but this should be in writing.

The contract for Home stay is between the family and learner.

To confirm your Home stay booking you should:

• Ensure that you have read and understood all the information regarding Home stay.

• Complete the Home stay Accommodation Request Form and return it by email/fax or post.

If you send it through the post then please make sure you allow time for delivery.

If you have any special requests we cannot guarantee that these will be met. If you fill out the Accommodation preferences section and we cannot meet these, then we will not be able to put you into Home stay. If you are more flexible, such as you don't mind smoking, children, pets, sharing then there will be more choice of families.

Until we have received your full arrival details, including flight number, or train number/time then we cannot confirm your Home stay. This information should be put on your Arrival Details Form and sent by fax, email or post. We strongly advise that you send this at least two weeks before arrival to assist us in finding a Home stay in time for your arrival.

Families will be allocated to those learners most in need of Home stay. This means learners coming to the UK for the first time and the youngest will be given priority. Then it will be based on a first come first served basis.

When we have received your completed forms we will e-mail or fax your Home stay details including address and telephone number.

If you do not receive your Home stay details at least 48 hours before your departure date then please contact the Accommodation Manager at the Centre.

On arrival you will be collected from the airport (unless you have requested not to be) by a Centre representative whose details will be sent to you along with the Home stay information and taken to your family.

If you are not being collected on arrival then you should contact your Home stay family direct and arrange a time to arrive so that they are ready.

Top

University halls of Residence

Manchester has an abundance of high quality and affordable Halls of Residence based in and around the city centre. These are booked by the learner. However, the Accommodation Manager will be happy to advise on this matter.

Please note that due to the "National Minimum Care Standards Inspection Regulations" we can only recommend Halls of Residence to learners of 18 years of age and above. For learners between 16-18 years old we strongly advise that they seek Home stay accommodation which is booked by contacting the Accommodation Manager.

What Are Halls Of Residence?

Built exclusively for learners, Halls of Residence are for those seeking a more independent way of living whilst being free to meet and mix with other learners in the accommodation. Halls can also be a more secure and centrally located option rather than renting rooms in privately owned apartments.

In Halls you can expect to have your own individual study-bedroom with desk, wardrobe, and the option of your own bathroom. Your room will either be in an apartment with other learners or situated off a corridor where you will share a kitchen and sometimes lounge area.

Being a self-catering option you can eat what you want, when you want. Remember though, you will be sharing with other learners so you need to be considerate in using the communal areas.

Halls are also a very sociable environment and quite often have organised activities. You can contact the hall directly to find out if they have a social programme.

On arrival at the Halls

Write a list of what's in your room and the shared accommodation, shortly after arriving. You need to check that this list is the same as what is on your inventory which should be given to you by the Halls. Any differences need to be discussed with the Hall's manager. It is important to remember to point out any damage in the property upon your arrival so that when you leave the Halls do not take money from your deposit to pay for this.

We also advise that you read a copy of the Halls Guidelines so you know what the rules are and who to contact if you have any issues.

Always get receipts for any money paid to the Halls. This includes rent and anything else that you pay for during your stay.

Top

On departure

Inform the Halls well in advance of your departure so that they can inspect the property and arrange for any deposits to be paid.

Prices

Prices can vary but most Halls cost between £60-£80 GBP per week. Check if the price that you are given includes bills so as to avoid confusion later on. You will also have to pay a deposit which is returnable when you leave providing you have not damaged the Halls or your room.

Booking

The Manchester International College can not book Halls for you, you have to contact the Halls directly.

Please remember when you enter into an agreement with Halls it is a legal document and is for a set time period of time. If you move out early you will still have to pay the rent for the remaining length of the contract.

When booking the Halls you will have to pay a deposit to secure your room and possibly some of the rent in advance. We advise that you book your Halls as soon as possible.

Once you have booked your room make sure you receive confirmation with your room and block number as you will need to show this upon arrival. We also advise that you contact the Hall in advance to let them know what time you will arrive.

From your Halls of Residence accommodation you should expect the following as standard:

Your Bedroom

• Bed and Mattress (not bed linen)
• Chair
• Desk
• Wardrobe
• Additional storage (e.g.: shelves)
• Suitable lighting for study
• Lock on bedroom door

You will have either your own personal bathroom making your room en-suite or access to a shared bathroom. Bathrooms should have a toilet, washbasin and shower or bath (possibly both).

Top

Shared Facilities

Not all Halls will have a lounge area, if you want a lounge then please check the specific details of the room you are booking.

The kitchen should include; fridge, freezer and oven.

Do not expect cooking utensils, cutlery or crockery, even items such as kettles and toasters are not always standard. Please check the specific details of the halls if you want such things.

Security

The level of security in Halls can vary; all should have an independent lock on your bedroom door, a lock on the front door to your apartment if that is the layout and also a lock on the outside door. Many now also have a 24-hour security team that means you can call them out if there is a problem rather than wait for the Police. If security is a concern then you will find details listed in Additional Facilities or you can contact the Hall direct.

Cleaning

It is generally expected that the Hall provider will clean Halls, lifts and the outside area. The rest your room, kitchen, bathroom etc. will be cleaned by yourself and the other learners sharing, the Hall should provide you with access to at minimum a vacuum cleaner.

What it costs to live in Manchester

With London now ranking as the most expensive city in Europe, you'll be pleased to know that the cost of living in Manchester is on average 1/3rd cheaper than in the capital city.

Listed below are the average prices for everyday items that will help you plan your budget.

Rent

Self catering house share = £50 - £60 per week

One bedroomed flat = £90 - £150 per week

Food & Drink

• Big Mac = £2
• Can of Coca-Cola = £0.50
• Loaf of bread = £0.50
• 6 eggs = £0.90
• Pint of milk = £0.40
• Whole chicken = £3
• Jar of coffee = £3
• Bottle of wine = £3 - £8

Utility Bills

If you are living alone in a one bedroomed flat the average that you will pay per week is as follows:

• Gas (for heating and cooking) = £5
• Electricity = £3
• Water = £3

Entertainment

• Glass of wine in pub = £2
• Lunch in pub = £4 - £6
• Dinner in restaurant = £10 - £20
• Cinema ticket = £3 - £6
• Club entrance = £4 - £10
• Museum & gallery entrance = Usually free

Travel

• Bus - weekly learner pass = £4.50
• Metrolink - day return = £2 - £4.50
• Coach - Manchester London return = £18 - £30
• Train - Manchester London return = £30 - £60

Getting used to the culture

Unless you visit the UK regularly you may experience a period of adjustment at the beginning of your stay where you will be adapting and learning to live within a culture that could be different from that of your home country.

Listed below are a few handy pointers that will help you adjust to life in Manchester more easily.

• The frequent use of "please", "thank you" and "sorry" are a commonplace in everyday language.

• A great way to start a conversation in the UK is to comment about the weather. We often use this subject matter when we are stuck for something to say.

• Whilst we love to chat to strangers in a pub or bar, we often restrict conversation on public transport to polite requests.

• It is considered rude to ask someone you don't know very well about how much they earn or what something cost.

• It's not a good idea to ask a woman how old she is or comment upon her size.

• Punctuality is important. Always try to be at least five minutes early for appointments and lessons. If you're late at least try to think of a plausible excuse!

• We love to queue! Anyone pushing-in will probably be ignored but at worst may receive some disapproving looks.