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Rent and Contracts

If you agree to rent a flat, you will be expected to sign a contract outlining the terms of yourh1. Type of Contract
If you are staying with the owner of the property then you will not be a "Tenant" and should therefore not be required to sign a contract.
The protection you have largely depends on your status as an occupier, in Scotland a Short Assured Tenancy is the most common, this is only valid if an AT5 form is signed at the same time as the contract. These can be made for a specific period of time, for instance, one academic year, but they will not usually be made for a period of less than 6 months. You can negotiate a break clause to end the letting after 6 months, this gives you the option to either move out if circumstances change or allow for the agreement to run only for the academic year.
Your letting agreement should clearly state the agreed amount of rent and how and when it is to be paid. Usually rent is paid in advance by standing order. Once you sign your letting agreement you will be contractually bound to pay the rent for the full period of the agreement unless you have a break clause. Your letting agreement should also state whether or not the rent includes water rates and utilities charges.

Retainers

You could also choose to pay a retainer to the landlord. The retainer period forms part of the contract (typically July to August) when the student is unlikely to want to occupy and the landlord may wish to carry out certain maintenance works to the property. The normal retainer payment is 50% of the per calendar month rent.

House Mates

If you are sharing a flat then you may be asked to sign a joint tenancy or a separate tenancy.
If you sign a joint tenancy, you are all responsible for each other's debts and damages. In other words, if one of your flatmates disappears without paying the rent, you and any remaining tenants will be responsible for paying the outstanding debt.
If you have your own contract then if there are any discrepancies, the argument is between yourself and your landlord and should not involve your housemates.

Points to Note

• Rents must be agreed before the contract is signed as it is a binding agreement. Remember you can negotiate with the landlord over rents, opt out clauses etc. if you are not happy with the landlord's suggestions.
• You cannot give notice during the period of the contract, if no such clause has been added to the contract. If you leave before the end of the fixed term then you (or your housemates) remain liable for the remaining rent.
• Always try to get your contract checked - Ask, University Accommodation Office or Citizen's Advice can help.
• Remember to get a copy of your contract.
• Landlords must comply with relevant legislation on Notice to Quit and Termination of Tenancies. A Notice to Quit also has to contain prescribed information. A Landlord cannot simply evict a tenant without a Court Order which will be granted only on certain grounds.