We’ve been busy over the Summer and now have a raft of new properties available for Hull Students so check them out before they are snapped up. Click here to view our new Hull Student Accommodation.

Also we have some more information that you may find interesting that describe our new all inclusive packages for students in Hull for Autumn 2011. These go further than the usual packages in that while there is a very competitive set price that covers your rent and bills, if you manage to use less fuel than what is budgeted for we will refund the difference. That’s cash back to you! AND you’re helping to save the environment at the same time! Follow this link for more details on our eco friendly student packages.

We also offer Full Broadband WiFi internet access to suit all of your online needs. Follow this link for more details on our Student WiFi Broadband Internet deals.

Follow this link to find out more details on our fully furnished Hull student accommodation.

Also remember to go to the Premier Properties Hull Student Accommodation Facebook page for all of our latest offers which we renew each month with discounts off local cafe bars, pubs and restaurants!

http://www.facebook.com

As a tenant, here are 10 important things to consider:

1. Set your budget for rent.

Consider how much you can afford to pay. Remember: no matter how nice the property is, if you are over stretching yourself you won’t be in it for long! Search according to budget and although you may be forced to compromise when finding a better property in a nicer area, make sure it’s well worth spending the money. If you’re on a budget and looking for a more cost effective home to rent, try looking for shared accommodation, but make sure you know what the existing tenants are like.

2. Where to look for properties to let?

Newspaper adverts are becoming an out dated mode of advertising for properties to let, settling instead to showcase houses for sale by estate agents. Once you’ve done a search on the internet you’ll find lot’s of accommodation websites displaying houses to let, flat lease, commercial properties and all manor of tenancy options. You’ll probably get yourself a better deal if you look for local property websites as opposed to national agencies who will add their cut without ensuring the quality of the property is up to scratch. Local property management agencies often know the areas better, ensuring houses to let are near to amenities that will suit your individual needs such as close to shopping centers for families or University campuses for students.

3. What to search for? Know your criteria!

When viewing a property for rent, it’s so easy to get carried away by the decoration or quality of kitchen. Be practical! Make sure you list your requirements on a check list and take it with you. If you fall in love with a house for rent but can’t tick all of the boxes at least you’ll be making an informed decision based on the compromises involved. Think carefully about what your requirements are such as number of bedrooms, size of property, furnished or unfurnished, local amenities ie school or shopping centres, public transport, quiet residential house or buzzing city centre apartment, pets, smokers? The list can be quite extensive!

4. The landlords reputation.

Ask people living next door whether the property has had any problems / problem tenants or any feedback on the landlord. A local property agency can help especially if the manage other peoples property as they will often have a very professional approach and treat it like a business and maintain the property to a higher standard. If their product is faulty, they’re likely to loose money and therefore get it fixed a lot quicker! Do an internet search on the landlord or property agency. A lot more people these days are voicing their gripes / compliments and feedback on the internet and this can give you a valuable insight into the people you will be dealing with.

5. Think safety?

Make sure you check out whether the property has a safe supply of gas, water or anything else, check for leaks. Ask to see safety certificates, CORGI register gas appliances etc. Does the property have hot and cold running water? It may be an obvious thing but unscrupulous landlords desperate to get a property on the market can often expect you to take it for granted. Make sure electricity and appliances are all working correctly. Check if all the lights or other electric devices are fully operational. Is there adequate heating? Check walls and windows are sound and secure and now leaks or broken glass.

6. What’s included in the rent?

It’s very important to know if the rent includes payment for your utility bills, rates and community charges. Often property agencies can gain the competitive edge over single landlords as they can throw in luxuries such as payment for heating, water, electricity, cable, satellite, TV licenses and broadband internet. Ask the landlords what is thrown in.

7. Read before you sign

A common mistake we usually make is not to reading the contract before we sign on the dotted line. Make sure you go through everything and before you sign the lease, check to see if there is a start and the end date, rental price and deposite, possible reasons for termination of your lease contract, any penalties for moving out before the end of the contract, your responsibilities for repairs etc.

8. Be sure with your choice

Make sure you’ve covered everything, don’t sign until you are fully satisfied with the pros and cons of the property. Having said that, there will be some things you just can’t cover so don’t be afraid to broach the subject after you have moved in.

9. Get your deal

If you need a cooling off period then do so, but remember there can be competition out there. You’ve covered everything, the landlords ace, the price is right! Go get that house!

10. Enjoy

Above all enjoy your rented house or flat. After all it’s your home!

Here are some important things to bear in mind when you’re considering becoming a landlord.

1. Make sure you have all of you permissions

You should make sure that you’re legally entitled to let out the property; for example, you may need permission from:

• Your landlord, if you’re letting a leasehold property
• Your mortgage company. These companies may require notification for their records.
• Your buildings and contents insurance company, to check that renting is permitted.

You should check that planning permission isn’t required. If any building works have been completed, you may need building regulations approval.

2. Make sure the property is in good condition

A property must be in good condition and have no hazards at the time that it’s let. Hazards relate to damp and mould, insufficient heating, electrical hazards, faulty gas appliances, insufficient room to maneuver and falling hazards . You can get more information on this from you local housing authority.

You will also be responsible for the maintenance of the structure of the property and for the installations for the supply of water, gas, electricity and for sanitation, and for the installations for the supply of space and water heating. You should, therefore, make sure that all of these are in good repair at the time of letting.

3. Check soft furnishings are fire resistant

Soft furnishing must comply with the furniture regulations, be fire retardant, and carry the correct labels and instructions of use. If you furnish your property yourself, make sure you use new rather than cheap second hand furniture and make sure they carry the correct labels. Remember: a good quality furnished house can make for a happy tenant and a good tenant! Further guidance on the regulations can be obtained from your local Trading Standards Office. Fire risk assessments should be carried out where applicable and maintained on a yearly basis.

4. Check that the gas appliances are safe  – Get it CORGI registered

If there are any gas appliances at the property that you intend to let, you must have a valid inspection carried out by a CORGI-registered gas fitter.  Inspections should be carried out on a yearly basis and the gas fitter will provide a valid certificate. For more information, speak to your local Heath and Safety Executive which administers these regulations.

5. Maintenance of the electricity supply

Landlords are responsible for maintaining any electrical appliances that they provide to the tenant such as electrical hobs and ovens, lighting, power points and sockets under their general repairing covenants in section 11 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985. You should carry out a full test of your electrical supply and mains circuits to ensure they are safe.

6. Make sure that the property is safe

There are regulations which cover overall safety in the property; for example, there should not be any broken stairs, loose carpets, doors with broken hinges etc. Any exterior areas such as gardens and patios should be free from broken glass, sharp or impaling objects, rubbish and waste.

If in doubt get a property management agency to oversee the state of the property.

This is valuable advice, a property management agency can make sure that you meet all of the requirements, usually employing their own skilled laborers, construction specialists and maintenance contractors. They take all of the hard work out of renting your property and give you peace of mind.

Premier Properties are proud members of the Hull and district Humber Landlords Association which means that all of our properties adhere to very high standards. The HLA is an organisation whose aim is to provide excellent quality accommodation that complies with all health and safety requirements and is represented at a local level, in cooperation with the local council and at a national level by the National Federation of Residential Landlords, contact the Hull Landlords’ Association for further information.

A New Concept, Full Serviced Offices at West Dock Street, Hull

Guarantee your potential with a fully serviced office sporting luxurious reception and meeting/board room. Existing customers will feel confident they are using someone who cares and wants more.

With all-inclusive rents, these offices are equipped to the highest standards, including CCTV to all common areas, Cat II lighting and fast internet access.

Meet your guests at the manned and professional reception, and then lead them into a meeting room with a generous 50″ plasma display with full Internet access and personal drinks facilities, it’s easy to see why you can give the right impression at West1.

Perhaps you are thinking of starting out in business and need a base to work from and aren’t yet ready to commit to renting an office full time; why not become a virtual tenant by renting on a monthly basis.

• Registered Address
• Postal Address – mail forwarded once a week
• Your own telephone number
• Telephone answering service
• Preferred discounts on van hire, boardroom hire and self store hire
• Free Wi-Fi fascilities
• Monthly contract with one month’s notice.

Self Storage

With high technology CCTV and personalised access controls, you can get to your goods when “you” want. 24-hrs a day, seven days a week. In a clean, secure area, with boxes and shelving if required.

If you are already renting office space from us, we can also do some great deals on storage. Alternatively, if you just want the storage only, why not give us call and get a quote from Hull’s only 24-hr self store facility.

Van and Vehicle Hire

West1 has large, modern vans to assist you in delivering or moving your goods. From hourly to monthly charges, everything is kept easy and simple. Need help? Just ask and one of our friendly staff will help you move the items you want. Got an appointment but no car? Again, not a problem. West1 also has cars for hire at hourly or daily rates to help you get from A to B. At West1 we have everything covered.

Contact us on 01482 440554 or visit our website at www.premier-properties.uk.com

Hope to see you there!