House Hunting Guide A5_ Keele_ Hunting Guide _K digital single pages | Page 8

Step 3
Where to find properties Local letting agents
Keelestudentpad – keelestudentpad.co.uk
This is our very own property search engine where
local landlords and some letting agents advertise
properties or rooms. We only deal with reputable
landlords who are accredited with the local council.
This is a voluntary scheme that landlords sign up
to and must adhere to good property standards.
The overall aim is to improve standards in the
private rental sector.
www.landlordaccreditation.co.uk/content Use agents that are registered with
professional bodies such as ARLA
(Association of Residential Letting Agents)
and NALS (National Approved
Letting Scheme).
There are various ways to find off campus
accommodation:
Studentpad shows you different properties
including their location, facilities, rent charges and
photos. You can also check reviews from previous
tenants who lived at the property.
If a property is on this list, you know that:
● ● It has valid Gas Safety and Electrical Safety
Certificates.
● ● It has an Energy Performance Certificate.
● ● It is registered with the North Staffordshire
Landlord Accreditation Scheme.
8
Letting agents manage properties for private
landlords, they collect the rent and manage
the tenancy, but beware as sometimes there
are extra fees payable to the letting agent so
check this out beforehand. If you think the fees
are unreasonable, speak to ASK at the Students’
Union: keelesu.com/advice.
Housing Fair
The Students’ Union run a Housing Fair at the
end of January every year. They invite accredited
landlords who you can chat to, view properties and
compare prices etc. The Student Accommodation
team will also be on hand to help you.
Be aware!
We recommend that you NEVER contact
companies or individuals who leave flyers around
or put up posters. There is no way of knowing if
these are reputable or accredited landlords. There
is more than enough private accommodation in the
local area, including house shares, private halls
and studio flats – ranging from different budgets.