Guide to living

Essential information for tenants

Award winning accommodation
Winner: National Student Housing Survey Award 2010 Best Private Halls Provider Winner: National Student Housing Survey Award 2011 Best Moving-in Experience Winner: National Student Housing Survey Award 2012 Best Customer Service

contents
Introduction Tenancy & Financing When You MovE-In Your flatmates Respect & community Repair & Maintenance Security HEALTH & SAFETY Money Matters Facilities Health & well-being Important Information The Environment General repair charges When you move-out What is the tenancy deposit scheme? Inventory form Feedback & complaints 23 45 67 89 10 13 14 15 16 19 20 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 43 44 45 46 53 54 55

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Introduction

Welcome to Liberty Living

Dear resident, We would like to thank you for choosing Liberty Living as your home for the coming academic year. We aim to provide all of our residents with the best experience possible by staying true to our main values. Passion for service. Commitment to excellence. Respect for people.

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This Thisguide guideto toliving livingcombines combinesessential essentialinformation informationwith withuseful usefulhints hintsand andtips, tips,and andsome some general general advice advice for for your your time time living living with with us. us. Please Please take take some some time time to to carefully carefully read read it it we we created created it it to to help help make make your your stay stay as as comfortable comfortable as as possible. possible. Please Please note note that that this this document document works works alongside, alongside, and and forms forms a a part part of, of, the the Assured Assured Shorthold Shorthold Tenancy Tenancy agreement agreement (AST) (AST) or or summer summer booking booking service service agreement agreement (summer (summer agreement) agreement) that that you you need need to to accept accept before before you you move move into into your your accommodation. accommodation. We We pride pride ourselves ourselves on on our our unique unique relationship relationship with with our our students students and and ask ask that that you you let let us us know know how how we we are are doing. doing. If If we we can can improve, improve, we we will. will. Please Please email email us us at at ideas@libertyliving.co.uk ideas@libertyliving.co.uk Please Please note note this this guide guide to to living living is is available available online online at at www.libertyliving.co.uk/links www.libertyliving.co.uk/links For For latest latest news, news, offers offers and and promotions promotions like like us us on on Facebook, Facebook, search search Liberty Liberty Living Living for for Students Students or or follow follow us us on on Twitter Twitter @LibertyLivingUK @LibertyLivingUK

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tenancy & Financing

Your agreement
This guide to living works alongside the AST or summer agreement that all residents need to sign before they move into their accommodation. You can find full legal information in your agreement. By signing the AST, you are making a legal commitment to paying us an agreed rent over a fixed length of time. At the end of that time you are expected to hand back your accommodation in the same condition as when you received it.

Tenancy & financing

Fixed-term tenancy (AST only)

Please note that your tenancy is for a fixed period. We will give you a HA 21 notice requiring possession when you take up your tenancy. Dont worry about this document; its just the way that we have to tell you the date when we will want to take possession of your accommodation at the end of your tenancy under law. We will include the HA 21 form in your welcome pack. If it is missing, please contact reception immediately. If you want to move-out of the accommodation, please talk to us. In certain circumstances, we may be able to release you from your AST (for example, if you find a suitable replacement, have paid any rent that you owe, and the replacement signs a new AST), although we dont have a duty to do so. We will charge you 100 to cover the administrative costs caused by releasing you from your AST and you will also have to pay any money you owe under the AST. If you move-out of your accommodation but have not been released from your AST, you will still have to pay for the costs of your accommodation, as set out in the AST.

If you fail to pay your rent, we may make a claim or bring a county court judgement (CCJ) against you and your guarantor. For more information about your guarantor (page 33). You should be aware that a CCJ will seriously damage your chances of getting credit from a reputable company in the future, which could make it difficult to get a job, car finance or a mortgage. Your AST is for a fixed length of time. Please note that we dont have to release you early from your AST, even if you leave university.

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The Tenancy Deposit Scheme

By law, all deposits landlords receive must be protected, either through insurance or by holding them with another person or organisation until the end of the tenancy period. We have insured your deposit with the Tenancy Deposit Scheme (TDS). This means your deposit is protected by TDS. You can find full details about the scheme on page 46, alternatively you can ask at reception.

Student loan
Many of you will have applied for a student loan to pay for your accommodation and living expenses. If you are relying on your loan to pay your rent or living costs, a delay in receiving that loan has serious repercussions (for example, you may miss your first rent instalment). Follow the checklist below to make sure you have done everything you can to make sure that your application is processed as quickly as possible. Read all forms carefully and thoroughly. Follow the instructions and complete all relevant sections. Before you post the forms, make copies and keep them safe. Send any forms or letters by recorded delivery and keep a note of the tracking number. Check after a day or so to make sure the letter has been received. Keep a record of any calls you make. Write down the date and time, who you spoke to and what was said. Tell the Student Loan Company if your bank details change. If there is a problem, contact your university to get help.

You may want to make sure that you have a backup plan, such as a student account with an overdraft facility or a part-time job. If you are having problems with your loan application, please speak to the management team for advice.

Tenancy & financing

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WHEN YOU MOVE-in

Shortly before your tenancy or summer stay begins we will send you the information you need about collecting your keys and moving-in. This information will also contain advice on what you will need to know about the residence and how to find your way around.

WHEN YOU MOVE-IN

Arriving early
You may be able to move-in early if you want to. Please contact your residence directly for more information on prices and availability. Our management team are on-site 8.30am 5.30pm; whilst our buildings are staffed 24-hours you must speak with our management team to make sure your room is available for early arrival.

Accommodation
We know that you want to have the freedom to live in your new home as you see fit. However, we ask you to do your best to keep everything in the condition you found it. This is for your own benefit and for the benefit of the people who move-in after you.

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Inventory form
On page 54 you will find a double-sided inventory form. If you cannot find it, please make sure you ask for another copy from reception. You need to go through the inventory form and make a note of everything that is included on it. Also, check the following. Is everything on the inventory form actually there?

Is it in good repair? If not, make a note of it. Are there extra items in your room? If so add them to the inventory form. You can ask for a member of staff to run through your inventory form with you if you are unsure. Once you have checked and filled in the inventory form, please sign and date the document and return it to the management team (you should do this within 48-hours of moving-in). Please remember that we will compare your inventory from when you move-in with the results of the inspection we will carry out when you move-out. So if you find anything wrong with your room or flat when you move-in, please inform reception.

Access to the residence

When you move-in you will receive your keys, fob and card for your room or flat (please note that some residences dont use all three). Try not to lose them! If you do lose them, please contact your management team immediately. There is a charge for replacement keys, fobs and swipe cards unfortunately we cannot refund you even if you find them later. Dont forget to return your keys when you move-out. If we receive the key after your AST or summer agreement has ended or after you move-out, we will have to charge you because the lock and key would have been replaced for a new resident.

WHEN YOU MOVE-IN

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your flatmates

your flatmates
When students begin to live with others, they often need some time to adjust to their differing expectations about living together. Here are some tips for shared living.

Be open minded dont judge a book by its cover

Dont jump to conclusions about your flatmates based on an internet profile, a picture, one conversation or someone elses opinion.

Give it time
Successful flatmate relationships take time to develop.

Discuss expectations
Keep your expectations of your flatmates realistic. Not all flatmates will become best friends and thats okay. Discussing expectations may help avoid misunderstandings and hurt feelings down the road.

Details, details, details

Most flatmates are quick to talk about how the shared room will be set up and who is bringing what, but many forget to talk about the things that can make the relationship a real success. Dont wait for issues to come up, go ahead and talk about study habits, sleeping habits, room cleanliness, guests, items to share and anything else that is important to you. Being flatmates is a bit like being in a marriage, but a little more hectic after all, there are more of you! Its about several different cultures and lifestyles coming together in one shared space so, like any successful relationship, a good flatmate relationship takes time and a willingness to communicate and co-operate. It means not always having everything exactly the way you want it, but instead being willing to compromise and find the middle ground.

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What if you do not get along with a flatmate?

Unfortunately conflict can be a part of life, whether with a flatmate, classmate, neighbour or work colleague. We hope to equip students with the skills to be able to address and work though conflict whenever it arises. We are happy to give advice on any issues that you may be experiencing.

your flatmates

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respect & community

Community everybody needs good neighbours
One of the great things about staying at Liberty Living is that you become a member of a student and neighbourhood community. The key to having a good time is getting on with other people.

Respect & community

Noise
A students right to reasonable quiet overrides another students right to make noise! So, you must make sure your noise levels do not interfere with another students ability to study or to enjoy their living environment. You should also note that a high level of bass from stereos or other sound devices is not allowed at any time.

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Cleanliness
All our residents are responsible for keeping their bedroom and the shared areas of their flat clean. This includes emptying kitchen and room bins, correctly putting rubbish bags into outside bins, cleaning surface areas, kitchen utensils, dishes and equipment, and any cleaning needed to the bathroom and toilet facilities after use. If our staff have to carry out extra cleaning in those areas, we will charge those responsible for this extra work. Please do not build up the following items, or place them on display in your flat window. Beer or lager cans, wine bottles, or any other tins or glasses recycle them instead. Dirty pots and pans. Pizza boxes or dirty takeaway containers. We do not permit shisha pipes to be displayed in flat windows, even if purely for decoration purposes!

Vandalism
We will not tolerate vandalism we pride ourselves on the standards of our residences. We constantly maintain the residence and we will not hesitate to refer any serious damage to the appropriate university staff and police.

Student advisers or senior students

Some of our residences have recruited student advisers who live on-site and can offer advice on safety, security and anti-social behaviour where needed. In many cases student advisers work with the university and work together on matters relating to both residential and academic life. You can contact student advisers through the email address for your residence.

Respect & community

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No smoking policy
Liberty Living are proud to offer residences which are entirely non-smoking, this covers all communal areas, lounges, hallways, corridors and stairwells as well as bedrooms. It also extends to internal courtyard areas. If you are a smoker please respect this policy and your fellow residents by only smoking in designated areas well away from the residence. Liberty Living will make sure any contravention of the smoking policy results in the student responsible being charged to return the room or flat to the condition in which it was received. This will include replacement of any affected soft furnishings and full repainting of the affected area.

Respect & community

Anti-Social Behaviour
Under the terms of your AST you have agreed to make sure that your own behaviour and the behaviour of any guests you invite into the residence neither causes damage to the property nor nuisance or inconvenience. Behaviours that fall into these categories and are considered as being threatening, inappropriate or anti-social include. Any act of physical violence. Carrying an offensive weapon. Causing damage to the property. Involvement in a violent incident in the residence. Use, production or supply of illegal substances.

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Angry or aggressive communication. An uttered threat to harm another person. Intentional theft. Bullying (repeated, unreasonable conduct). Persistent excessive noise especially during the hours of night. Stalking (repeated attempts to impose unwanted communication or contact which elicit concern). Unusually persistent complaining.

Liberty Living is committed to protecting its staff. Each resident should have a trouble free stay within their accommodation. Where the behaviour of a student or their guest falls into any of the categories highlighted above, Liberty Living may take action to the full extent of their legal powers. Where relevant this will include. Serving notice to evict.

Notifying the police. Notifying your university. Advising the emergency contact/guarantor of the behaviour of the individual responsible. This guidance is to make sure that the individual(s) concerned are appropriately disciplined and that the well-being of all staff and residents is maintained.

Respect & community

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repair & maintenance

Routine maintenance
At certain times of the year, contractors may call to carry out servicing and safety checks on appliances. We may not always be able to tell you the time they will be making their visit but we will try our best to let you know beforehand. Members of staff have the right to refuse to enter an area if they feel smoking has taken place. In this instance staff will inform the management team that smoking has taken place and the resident will be contacted as this constitutes a breach of the no smoking policy (page 12).

repair & maintenance

Repairs
If you discover faults, maintenance issues or damage, please report them to reception immediately. Remember a small problem that is not reported may become a larger one if left alone! Please describe the damage or problem in as much detail as possible, as it will help us repair the fault sooner and more effectively. Our management team will then take appropriate action depending on how urgent the repair is. We define emergency repairs as anything that has to be done to avoid danger to your health and safety or serious damage to the residence we will always give these types of repairs priority. If you damage an item we will repair or replace it as soon as possible and charge you the cost of the repair. When you report a fault that needs repairing, we will ask you for permission to enter your room or flat to carry out the work. If you want, you can ask to arrange a time that is convenient for both you and us so that you can be there while the work is being carried out. We will carry out non-emergency repairs between 8am and 5pm, Monday to Friday. If there is an emergency, we will carry out the work as soon as practically possible we may need to access your room without getting your permission beforehand. Please also note that you are responsible for the cost of repairs caused by anything you or your guests do or fail to do. If no residents take responsibility for the cost of repairing damage that we believe was caused by misuse by residents, we will split the cost equally between all the residents with responsibility for the flat.

Inspections
To keep our standards as high as possible, we will inspect your room or flat up to three times a year. If there are any problems with its condition, we may inspect it more often. We will generally warn you at least 24-hours before we carry out an inspection. We will also inspect all kitchens and shared areas to make sure that these rooms are being looked after. If an area is persistently dirty, we have the right to hire cleaners and you will have to pay for this. Please ask at reception if you or your flatmates need any advice or housekeeping tips.

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repair & maintenance

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security
One in three students in the UK is a victim of crime. By taking a few simple precautions you can help to make sure that it is not you.

security

When you are away

Its really important that you let reception know that you will be away from your residence overnight or for a short stay, as we need an accurate account of all tenants or summer guests who are on-site in case there is an emergency. If you are going to be away from your room or flat for a lengthy period of time, please make sure that the lights and heating are turned off and all doors and windows are securely shut and locked. You might also want to think about taking your valuables with you or, at the very least, making sure that they cannot be easily seen through the windows.

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Safety tips
Dont become a statistic. Staying safe on the streets is all about following a few common-sense guidelines. Never get into a taxi on the street unless it is a licensed hackney carriage. Only use a private-hire cab if you have booked by phone. You can find contact numbers at reception. Try to only use cash machines (ATMs) during the day put your card and cash away before moving away from the cash machine and be aware of who is nearby. Never write down your PIN.

After a night out, arrange to go home with friends or in a licensed hackney carriage. Dont flash portable electronic devices about, it shows thieves you have something worth stealing. Be careful when using your mobile phone. If your phone is stolen, call your network or phone Immobilise on 08701 123 123 to immobilise it. Mark your property, including your bike, with the initials of your university (for example, CU for Cardiff University) and your student ID number this makes it harder for a burglar to sell stolen goods and can help the police to return items to you. Use a bike lock recommended by your local police force.

We wont be responsible for any loss or damage to your possessions, but we have arranged a contents insurance cover package (page 19) which is included in the cost of your rent.

security

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security

Residence security
We use CCTV cameras in our residences to help to protect the security of the property and the people who live in it. Our cameras can be directed and zoomed remotely and are positioned to capture views of the common areas, courtyard, the main entrance and other areas that are important to capture for security reasons, as well as general views across the residences. The live pictures are viewed regularly by our staff or security contractors (or both) to detect any suspicious activity. We will only use information we gain from CCTV surveillance for security purposes, unless we discover an activity that we cannot reasonably be expected to ignore, such as activities that break health and safety rules and so put others at risk. We also try to make sure that there is enough lighting around all of our residences. In most residences we also provide entry systems to allow you to identify people who call before you let them in. You can help yourself by: making sure your visitors are signed in and out and that you escort them around the residence at all times; keeping your room or flat locked and making sure that windows are properly closed when you are going out; keeping the shared entrances to your flat and block closed and locked at all times please dont leave doors wedged open; making sure you dont leave valuable items on display in your room or flat or in a parked vehicle; being careful about who is following behind you. You should also be careful about who you let into the residence or if someone tries to follow you into the building; locking your bedroom door even if you are only going down the corridor; and

contacting the management team if you notice any suspicious behaviour.

Burglary
In the event of a burglary, you should do the following: try not to move or touch anything; report it to the police and your management team immediately; get a crime reference number from the police and pass it on to us as soon as you can. Without one, it will be impossible for you to make a claim from an insurance company; and write a written report of the burglary and give it to the management team as soon as possible, giving full details including the date, time, damage caused, items stolen and where other residents of the room or flat were at the time of the burglary.

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Many people find being burgled very traumatic. If you want to talk to someone about it, a student welfare officer or counsellor is only a phone call away. Your management team will be able to give you the contact details.

CONTENTS Insurance
Your rent includes contents insurance cover up to the sum of 5,000. Please refer to our website at www.libertyliving.co.uk/links for full details. You should check the insurance documents as exclusions apply for items such as bikes and mobile phones.

security

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HEALTH & safeTy

Windows
Most windows in our residences are fitted with restrictor safety devices on the handles. This is a legal requirement and the restrictor will only allow the window to open far enough to give suitable ventilation. This is for your own safety and for the safety of others. You should not tamper with them in any way under any circumstances, as they are there to remove the danger of people falling and to prevent objects falling from windows onto pedestrians and property below. If there is a problem with your handle when you move-in, (for example, it is broken or faulty in any way), please note this on your inventory form and report it to reception immediately. We will check restrictors during inspections and after the end of your tenancy. If we find a restrictor has been damaged or removed, we will charge for the cost of replacing it, which may also include the cost of replacing the window frame or handle. Please dont force the handles or window restrictors into positions they are not meant to go as you could risk being prosecuted. If you feel your room or flat is too hot, we recommend that you keep the curtains closed during the day and turn off the lights when you go out.

HEALTH & SAFETY

Fire
Fires can kill. The majority of fires are avoidable, which means you have an important role to play in helping us reduce the risks.

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If you smoke, drink or use candles you are 50% more likely to have a fire. People living in shared accommodation are seven times more likely to have a fire. 1. Causes of fire Leaving things like pans and grills unattended when cooking causes half of all recorded fires in student accommodation. Other major causes of fire include: smoking (banned throughout Liberty Living residences); electrical items (particularly overloaded plugs); and

candles. 2. Standard fire procedures If you discover a fire: raise the alarm immediately by breaking the glass in an alarm unit; dial 999 and ask for the fire services give the full address and location of the fire; and leave the residence and go to the assembly point (you can find out where this is by checking the fire action notices posted around your residence).

If you hear a fire alarm: leave the residence immediately by the nearest exit; dont try to use the lifts; where possible, close windows and doors behind you; and go to the assembly point.

Important note: each residence has specific procedures in the event of a fire. Please make sure you keep to them.

HEALTH & SAFETY

Cigarettes, smoking materials and candles have caused 1,900 student injuries in the UK over the last five years.

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HEALTH & SAFETY

3. Fire alarm system Your residence is fitted with an automatic fire alarm system. This includes a combination of heat and smoke sensors designed to keep you safe. Please note that if the fire alarm sounds, get out of the residence as quickly and as safely as possible. Follow the signs to your nearest fire exit and go to your assembly point outside. We will test the fire alarm system once a week and will also carry out a more comprehensive test once every three months. You will get used to the weekly test happening on a particular day and time. However, please be aware that there could actually be a genuine alarm at this time. We will carry out a fire drill every so often, but will give you notice beforehand. This drill is a legal requirement and we may invite the fire services to be there. 4. Misusing the fire safety equipment All our residences are fitted with automatic fire detection systems and fire safety equipment. If you misuse or misunderstand these systems and equipment, the fire and rescue services are likely to arrive and cause considerable disruption for everyone. Its a criminal offence to tamper with fire equipment or set off a fire alarm without good reason. This includes deliberately tampering with break-glass units, setting off fire extinguishers and tampering with fire sensors. If someone does this we will report them to the local fire officer, the police and, where appropriate, the university. This will lead to disciplinary action and possible criminal prosecution. Important note: residents who misuse or tamper with fire safety equipment are putting everyones safety at risk, so please report any misuse or tampering you see. Covering a detector with a sock, plastic bag or other item is also a criminal offence and will be treated as such.

5. Preventing unwanted alarms False alarms are a fact of student life and can be a real nuisance. However, we can all work together to reduce the number of false alarms.

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If your kitchen fills with smoke, open the windows dont open the fire door. When showering, please leave the door closed to prevent steam activating a detector.

Never spray aerosols under a detector. If you dont follow these guidelines it is likely to lead to disciplinary action through your university. You may also have to pay considerable charges if the fire and rescue service are called out unnecessarily.

6. Flammable substances Please dont bring any highly flammable substances into the residence. If you are an art student and use spray paints, please handle substances safely and store them away from direct heat, especially direct sunlight. If you share a kitchen, please make sure that any flammable chemicals are clearly labelled.

Here are some examples of fires within Liberty Living residences.

HEALTH & SAFETY

If you wedge open the kitchen door, any cooking fumes or smoke will spread and be detected by the smoke detector located outside the kitchen. This will sound a full alarm and the fire and rescue service may come to your residence automatically.

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7. Using fire-fighting equipment Our residences have at least one fire blanket in all shared kitchens and studio flats. Some also have a fire extinguisher in the kitchen and main stairwell routes. Your priority when a fire alarm has been set off is get out and stay out. Fire extinguishers are only meant to be used to help you escape and not to fight a fire. The decision to tackle a fire is yours if you have not been trained to use fire extinguishers, if the fire is too big or your escape is threatened, just close the door on the fire and evacuate the building. If you do decide to tackle a fire always follow these simple rules: wherever possible, get help before tackling the fire; always have your back to an escape route; dont let the fire get between you and the escape route; work out the correct type of extinguisher to use on the fire; work out the correct way of using it by reading the instructions; crouch as low as possible to avoid rising heat and smoke; and with the exception of oil or fat fires, aim the jet at the base of the fire and work upwards.

Health & Safety

Remember that reading extinguisher instructions will take up valuable evacuation time, so if you are not confident get out! 8. A quick guide to fire extinguishers

Type Water

Used for fires involving Wood, paper and fabric (not electrical equipment)

CO2 Electrical equipment Dry powder Foam Flammable liquids Fat and oil (not electrical equipment)

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Emergency lighting, routes and exits

All of our residences are fitted with emergency lighting to light up the quickest escape route out of the residence if there is an emergency. Its very important that you are familiar with what to do in an emergency, which includes knowing the nearest escape routes and exits from your residence. Most residences only have one way in and out, but some have more than one route. Please also refer to the Fire Action Notice fixed to the back of your room or flat door. You should always keep hallways, corridors and stairwells clear. An item does not have to be large to cause a problem, and in an emergency tripping over something could result in you becoming an obstacle to others.

Reporting
We carry out regular checks to look after your safety. If you have any safety concerns, please report them to your management team immediately.

Electrical safety
All our electrical appliances, such as vacuum cleaners and microwaves, are tested every year to make sure that they are safe to use. Please play your part by only bringing in appliances that are free from obvious safety concerns. If you use an appliance and the electricity in your room or flat trips out, please dont use the appliance again until it has been checked by a qualified electrical engineer. Important note: never leave TVs or stereos on standby as they can get extremely hot and become a potential fire risk.

Health & Safety

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money matters

money matters

Rent
(These details may be different for a summer agreement please see your agreement for full details.) If you have not provided details of a UK-based guarantor (page 33) you will have to pay the rent for the whole of your tenancy in one instalment on or before the date your tenancy begins. If you are paying in instalments, the first payment will be due on the day that your tenancy begins. We will take the payment from your bank account using the details that you provided us with. If you have any problems paying your rent, please talk to the management team who will try their best to advise you. If a relative or friend is paying your rent, please remind them in plenty of time so they can pay it when it is due.

We charge for late rent payments because of the administrative work involved. If your rent is late, there will be a 30 administration fee for the first reminder letter we send you and a 10 charge for each letter after that. If you have not paid your rent after a certain length of time, we will have to take legal action against you and your guarantor, which may result in you receiving a CCJ. This could affect your ability to get credit in the future. If a cheque is returned unpaid by your bank (this could be for a number of reasons you may not have enough funds, you may not have signed it or it may have been stopped) we will charge you a 30 administration fee. Also, dont forget that your bank may also charge for unpaid cheques. Please make sure that you have enough funds in your accounts. If there is a problem, please talk to the management team as soon as possible!

TV licence
Where we provide a TV in shared areas, we provide the TV licence. If you have brought your own TV, you will need to buy a TV licence. For more information, please visit: www.tvlicensing.co.uk/check-if-you-need-one/for-your-home/students-aud1/

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Council tax
Full-time students are exempt from council tax; you will need to provide a council tax exemption certificate which must be passed to the management team within seven days of the commencement of your tenancy. Failure to do so will result in the council billing us for council tax, the cost of which will be passed to you. Certificates are available from your university administration office.

Other charges (AST only)

If you swap rooms during your tenancy, there will be a 75 administrative fee. Also, if you end your tenancy and have found a suitable replacement to take over the terms of your tenancy, we will keep 100 of your deposit for administration costs. If you make any other changes to your tenancy agreement, you will have to pay a 100 administrative fee.

money matters

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facilities
Bicycle racks
At most of our residences, bike racks are available for your use. Please be aware that you leave your bike at your own risk and that we will remove and get rid of any bikes that have not been collected by the end of your tenancy or summer stay. For safety reasons, bikes are not allowed inside the residence. Please do not store bikes in entrances, corridors, flats, bedrooms or shared areas.

Facilities

Post
You can pick up your mail and parcels from reception. Please collect your mail regularly to prevent the system getting clogged up and make sure you include your room number when you tell people your address.

Laundry
Washers and dryers are available in our on-site laundry. Its a good idea to get a good supply of change as the machine takes 20p, 50p, 1 and 2 coins only. Please remember that most students tend to do their laundry at the weekend, and so the laundry facilities can get a little overcrowded at this time. Please consider doing your laundry during the week, particularly if you have mornings or afternoons free! Please also make sure that you collect your laundry immediately after the cycle is completed so the machines are available as soon as possible for other students. Also, report any faults to reception as soon as you notice them. Prices are currently 2 for a wash and 1 for drying time, although these prices are subject to change. The laundry facilities are open 24-hours a day.

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Internet
Your internet connection is provided by ASK4*. A 10Mb/s connection is included in your rent or you can upgrade your service to an up to 100Mb/s connection by contacting ASK4. Full details are also available on the Liberty Living website. Your standard connection is via a wall port; however for a small fee you can purchase a wireless router from ASK4 upon arrival. If you have your own wireless router ASK4 can assist in helping you register this on the network.
*Students living with us at Liberty Dock, Leeds will have their internet connection supplied by the University of Leeds; details will be supplied on arrival in September.

Facilities

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health & well-being

Pastoral care
Our philosophy is that we provide more than just four walls and a roof and we try to understand accommodation from your point of view. While the vast majority of students settle in very quickly to group living and the Liberty Living environment, occasionally a student may feel lonely or not know where to turn regarding an issue with other people. Our team are experienced in giving advice on and mediating in all kinds of welfare issues that students may experience, such as homesickness, difficulty in getting on with flatmates, noise complaints, relationship troubles, partying too hard and having trouble with studies. You are never alone in issues such as these and we will do whatever we can to help and advise you. If you need more guidance, we have close relationships with our university partners and their welfare departments to help and support you.

Health & well-being

Feeling lonely in a crowd

Loneliness is a common experience at university. For many it is the first time away from family and friends, living in unfamiliar and impersonal circumstances. These feelings can be very intense at particular times in the student calendar the first week, the first term, returning after Christmas and during exam periods. These feelings of loneliness can damage your self-esteem and confidence, causing you great unhappiness and even despair. It is always difficult to admit this initial feeling of loneliness as there is such a huge expectation You are going to have the time of your life at university. If you feel that you are experiencing something similar to what has been described above, please contact the management team who will be able to help and guide you towards university support and counselling services. Please remember that you are never alone.

Medical care
Its important when you settle into your accommodation that you register with a local GP surgery and dentist practice. Otherwise, if you become ill during your stay, it wont be possible for a doctor to do home visits and you will struggle to receive any treatment. You can get a list of local GP surgeries and dentist practices from reception.

Infectious diseases and pandemics

We have produced guidance for our staff on how to deal with pandemics (widespread outbreaks of infectious disease) of various kinds. We will monitor situations when they happen and will get up-to-date information from the National Health Service and the Health Protection Agency to make sure that we make the right information available to you. Please contact a member of the management team if you have any concerns about your health and well-being.

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Meningitis
If you are entering higher education for the first time, you should have been vaccinated against meningitis C. This applies particularly if you are entering the first year, whatever your age. If you have not already been immunised before you arrive, your university doctor can do this. It is important to remember that this vaccination only gives protection against the group C strain of meningitis, which accounts for 40% of all meningitis cases in students. You should still watch out for the signs and symptoms of the group B strain of meningitis. The symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia are: high temperature or fever; being violently sick; severe headache; neck stiffness (cant touch your chest with your chin); joint or muscle pains; feeling drowsy or lethargic; confusion or disorientation; and/or a rash of tiny red and purple pin-prick spots which may spread to look like fresh bruising.

These symptoms can get worse rapidly. Also, dont wait for all the signs to appear as they may not do so!

Health & well-being

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important information
Code of standards
We work with the ANUK Code of Standards. You can download details from our website, www.libertyliving.co.uk/links

Important information

Discrimination
We have an active anti-discrimination policy and will not discriminate against anyone for any reason.

Bullying
We believe students have a right to be happy in our residences. We will not accept bullying or any other form of harassment.

Drugs
We strictly forbid the unlawful use, manufacture, distribution, sale or possession of any illegal drug in our residences. It is our policy to contact the police immediately if we believe there are drugs in your residence.

Guarantor (AST only)

If you live in the UK or if you asked to pay in three instalments, you should have provided details of a guarantor living in the UK who will guarantee that you will keep to your duties under the AST. You can find more details in your AST.

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Fun
We want all of our residents to enjoy the experience of university and that includes where they live. Having fun is important to us and makes the environment nicer for both residents and staff!

Data protection
We may have to share information about your tenancy or summer stay with your university, parents or guardian, or guarantor. If you have any questions or concern about this, please contact the management team of your residence. You should tell us in writing if you do not want us to give information to your university. We must keep to, and will act in line with, the terms of the Data Protection Act 1998.

Visitors
One of the pleasures of living independently is being able to have family and friends around. While they are on-site, you are responsible for their behaviour and will also be responsible for any damage or disruption they cause. You must book all visitors in and out with the management team so that we have an accurate record of all visitors on-site in case there is a fire evacuation. You are only allowed to have overnight guests for two nights in a row in any one week and can only have up to two overnight guests at a time. To avoid excessive guest numbers management team retain the right to refuse overnight guest applications. You should also be aware that you are only allowed to have visitors on-site when you are there and are living in your room or flat. You must escort your visitors at all times while they are on-site. The management team has the right to restrict the number of visitors that you may have and the hours they are allowed to stay.

Ball games
Ball games are not allowed anywhere on the grounds of our residences.

Pets
Unfortunately you are not allowed to have any pets, no matter how big or small.

Important information

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the environment

The environment
Liberty Living take a serious and responsible approach to environmental issues and our corporate social responsibility. Recycling and energy saving is no easy task across a portfolio as large and widespread as Liberty Livings however we make sure every bedroom within each of our student residences has the recycling facilities required to enable every student to recycle their waste. We have a simple two-bin strategy for recycling our waste. Please make sure that you put your items for recycling (glass, plastic, metals, paper and card) into the appropriate green recycling bags. Please rinse out food containers before recycling them.

You should put other waste, such as leftover or unwanted food, vegetable peelings, food-contaminated paper and card, tissues, wipes, crisp packets and any other non-recyclable waste in the red waste bags. You must use coloured bin liners when getting rid of waste you can get these free of charge from reception. We take a responsible approach to managing our use of energy and taking care of our environment. Energy-saving initiatives are undertaken by the organisation, Liberty Living employees and you, our residents. These include encouraging you to adopt simple, everyday practices which help to save energy, whilst highlighting heavy drawers of energy. As a large operator of private student accommodation, we are committed to being as environmentally friendly as is realistically possible. We believe that this is as important to you as it is to us. Achieving our aims will be an on-going process and we ask for your help in meeting our environmental and social responsibilities. We welcome any ideas you may have to help us achieve our aims. Please email us at ideas@libertyliving.co.uk

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The environment

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general General repair charges repair charges

Call-out and labour charges
We can give you call-out charges for a specific residence if you ask. You will have to pay the call-out charge and the hourly charge for each hour that the work takes. Item Call-outs made during normal working hours Contractor Call-out charge from Hourly charge from 75 35 Charge from

GENERAL REPAIR CHARGES

On-site maintenance staff Call-out charge Hourly charge 20 20

Call-outs made out of normal working hours Contractor Call-out charge from Hourly charge from 100 50

On-site maintenance staff Call-out charge Hourly charge 40 30

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G
General repair charges

Kitchen and lounge

Item Lounge floor Remove rubbish (per bag or large item) Vacuum carpet Vacuum and steam clean carpet 10 15 50 40 30 15 15 25 40 10 10 30 Charge from

Sofa steam clean

Wipe clean all lounge furniture, surfaces and windows Kitchen lino mop clean Cupboards and drawers empty and clean Fridge and freezer defrost and clean Cooker and hob clean inside and out Extractor fan wipe clean Microwave clean inside and out Worktops, splashback, sink wipe clean

Flat entrance and hallway

Floor Remove rubbish (per bag or large item) Vacuum carpet Vacuum and steam clean carpet 10 10 40 15

Make sure all other surfaces are free of dirt and marks

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G
General repair charges

Bedroom
Item Floor Remove rubbish (per bag or large item) Vacuum carpet Vacuum and steam clean carpet 10 10 30 25 Charge from

Empty furniture and make sure all other surfaces are free of dirt and marks

En-suite bathroom, shared bathroom or separate toilet

Remove rubbish and wipe clean all surfaces Replace shower curtains Shower floor deep clean 25 15 25

Cleaning items (replacement cost)

Sweeping brush (where applicable) Mop Mop bucket Dust pan and brush 10 5 5 5

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G
General repair charges

Electrical items replacements

Item Vacuum cleaner Charge from 105 35

Microwave Oven

Shelves Trays Grill pan and handle Full replacement cost Hob full replacement cost Oven and hob (combined)

20 20 25 250 125 375 20 155 175 335 425 275 23 20 9 20

Fridge-freezer shelf or drawer replacement Fridge full replacement cost

Freezer full replacement cost Fridge-freezer (3 drawers) full replacement cost

Fridge-freezer (5 drawers) full replacement cost TV (where provided) TV remote control (where provided) Toaster (where provided)

Kettle (where provided) Internet socket

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G
General repair charges

Fire safety devices replacements

Item 6 litre foam extinguisher 9 litre foam extinguisher 2 kilogram dry powder extinguisher Fire blanket Smoke detector (not linked to fire panel) Smoke and heat detector (linked to fire panel) Standard emergency light Fire exit or other fire safety signs Manual call point Manual call point (replace broken glass) Charge from 85 95 50 35 40 200 75 15 50 20

Keys and door entry systems replacements

Door key Fob key 30 15 10 5

Swipe card Post box key

Misusing fire safety equipment is a criminal offence and puts you and those around you at risk. We will fully investigate all incidents involving the misuse of fire safety equipment.

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G
General repair charges

Furniture items replacements

Item Window lock Lounge chair Lounge sofa Coffee table Kitchen stool Dining table Dining chair Bedroom chair or swivel chair Bedroom worktop Bedroom mirror Bedside cabinet Under bed storage Single bed Double bed Single mattress Three-quarter mattress Double mattress Charge from 40 85 350 40 35 105 60 65 80 66 60 30 125 220 65 100 120

Many items in residences are custom made so we will cost these when needed. Examples of custom-made items include kitchen worktops and units, and fitted bedroom furniture (such as desks, drawers, bookcase units and windows).

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G
General repair charges

Furniture items
Item Bathroom mirror Kitchen bin Charge from 33 15 5 35

Bedroom waste paper bin Notice board

Flooring and carpet replacements

Carpet Bedroom Studio Lounge or kitchen Hallway 200 400 200 300

Safety flooring Kitchen Bathroom 150 100

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G
General repair charges

Painting charges
Item Hallway (standard) Hallway (large) Bedroom per wall per wall all walls per wall all walls per wall all walls per wall per wall all walls per wall Charge from 40 50 105 30 140 40 175 50 140 40 175 50 30 50 70

Studio (standard)

Studio (large)

Lounge or kitchen (large)

Lounge or kitchen (standard) all walls

Bathroom Ceiling (standard) Ceiling (large)

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when you move-out

Returning your deposit
When you signed your AST, you paid a booking fee that becomes a damage deposit at the start of your tenancy. This is to cover any damage to your room or flat that might happen during your tenancy. Before the end of your tenancy, its your responsibility to arrange for the management team to inspect your room or flat with you. We will let you know what, if any, work needs to be done to put the room or flat back to the standard we expect. You will receive your deposit back within 28 days of the end date of the AST, with a statement listing any deductions that we have made in line with the general repair charges (pages 36 to 43). Please be aware that we will withhold some or all of your deposit if you: are responsible for damage to the room or flat (whether the damage is deliberate or caused by negligence); have not cleaned the room or flat adequately, including the oven and kitchen;

When you move-out

fail to remove your possessions or any rubbish from your room or flat; and/or owe any rent or owe any other money under the terms of your AST.

Please dont forget that we will need a forwarding address to send your deposit to once your tenancy has ended and we have inspected your room or flat. If you feel that we have made a deduction to your deposit unfairly, you should write to the management team within 20 days of being told about the deduction. Since April 2007, all deposits we have taken for ASTs have been covered under the TDS. You can find more in section 12 of your AST (or see page 46 for details). If you have any further questions, please contact a member of your management team.

Having too much fun to leave?

To stay with us over the summer, please contact your management team or visit our website for the latest information, prices and availability. Alternatively, visit www.libertyliving.co.uk/summer-accommodation to book your summer accommodation online.

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We have places to stay in 17 cities across the UK all in convenient locations at affordable prices.

When you move-out

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what is the Tenancy Deposit Scheme?

The Tenancy Deposit Scheme & Liberty Living

Prior to moving into a Liberty Living residence you will be asked to pay a 200 booking fee. This booking fee forms part of the application process and is necessary before any room or flat can be allocated to a resident. The booking fee needs to be paid online for online applications, or can be paid by cheque (for postal applications). Upon commencement of your tenancy the booking fee becomes a damage deposit (page 44) to be held as security against any resident leaving the property owing rent, or to pay for any damages caused to property or chattels during the course of the tenancy period.

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All deposits are protected by the Tenancy Deposit Scheme (TDS) and will be returned within 28 days of the tenancy period ending, less any charges levied for damage to the property or rent outstanding. To make sure that mutual agreement can be reached the tenant should make sure that he/she arranges a room or flat inspection before departure in conjunction with the management team. Should the tenant disagree with any charges, he/she should raise the issue in writing with the management team within 20 days of receiving notice of charges. In the event that an agreement cannot be reached on level of charges, TDS can offer an arbitration service.

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What is The Tenancy Deposit Scheme?

About The Dispute Service
The Dispute Service is an independent, not-for-profit company set up in 2003 to resolve complaints and disputes about tenants deposits in the private rented sector speedily, cost-effectively and fairly. We operate the TDS, which is one of the three approved tenancy deposit protection schemes.

What is The Tenancy Deposit Scheme?

What is tDS?
TDS protects the deposits that tenants give to private landlords. It also offers a way of resolving disputes about returning those deposits. TDS applies to all ASTs that started on or after 6 April 2007 in England and Wales where the annual rent does not exceed 100,000 a year. Under TDS: deposits will be protected during the tenancy; the person or organisation holding the deposit must return it to the tenant promptly at the end of the tenancy, provided there is no dispute about returning it; any dispute about returning the deposit will be dealt with fairly by the independent case examiner; the independent case examiner will decide the dispute quickly, and the deposit will be paid out without unnecessary delay.

Tenants can check if their deposit is registered with TDS by visiting www.tds.gb.com and going to the Is my deposit registered? page. Tenants enter their unique tenancy code or their surname, the amount of the deposit, the tenancy postcode, and the date their tenancy started.

What are the legal requirements?

The Housing Act 2004 (The Act) states that any landlord or agent who takes a deposit from a tenant for an AST must put it in an approved tenancy deposit protection scheme. Landlords or agents who fail to do this within 30 days of receiving the deposit can be fined up to three times the value of the deposit as a result of court action. They also cannot serve a HA 21 notice to end a tenancy and regain possession of the property until:

the deposit has been repaid; or legal proceedings for failing to protect the deposit have ended.

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The Act also states that: the tenant must be told which tenancy deposit protection scheme their deposit is held in; the deposit must be in money; landlords who do not give the tenant the information they are required to under the law about protecting their deposit will not be able to issue the tenant with a HA 21 notice; the landlord or agent must give the deposit to the scheme operators when asked to do so; and each scheme must have procedures for resolving disputes without legal action (using alternative dispute resolution), but the parties can go to court if they prefer.

If there is no dispute, the deposit holder must return the undisputed deposit amount to the tenant within 28 days of being asked to repay it. The Act allows for deposits to be held in: a custodial scheme the money is held by an independent third party outside the landlords control; or an insurance-based scheme the money is held by the landlord or their agent, provided they have suitable insurance arrangements.

Each TDS has its own rules. The rules for TDS are set out in the following documents: The Tenancy Deposit Scheme for lettings agents and corporate landlords: membership rules; The Tenancy Deposit Scheme for landlords: membership rules; and The Tenancy Deposit Scheme rules for the independent resolution of tenancy deposit disputes.

You can view these documents at www.tds.gb.com

What is The Tenancy Deposit Scheme?

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What is The Tenancy Deposit Scheme?

Who can join tDS?

TDS is open to landlords and regulated letting agents offering residential property for rent. They will be asked to provide relevant information as set out in the TDS rules to determine if they can be accepted as members, and what their subscription will be. Landlords and letting agents who wish to join must be members of one of the approved bodies mentioned below.

What is an approved body?

An approved body is any professional body, accreditation scheme or trade association that TDS has approved to give their members a streamlined application process and a reduced subscription. Approved bodies are also expected to take appropriate disciplinary action against their members who fail to comply with the TDS rules. The following are all approved bodies: The Association of Residential Letting Agents, Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, the National Association of Estate Agents, the National Approved Lettings Scheme and the Law Society.

How are deposits held and protected?

Normally, the tenant and the landlord decide together where the deposit will be held, helped by any letting agent who is involved. The deposit-holder must be a member of TDS. If there is a dispute about the deposit, the landlord or letting agent can try to resolve it. If that fails, any of the parties landlord, agent or tenant can take the dispute to the independent case examiner, who will: appoint an adjudicator to help consider the evidence provided by the landlord, agent or tenant; and

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aim to issue a decision within 28 days of receiving all the necessary papers.

If there is a dispute, what happens to the deposit?

The member should send the disputed deposit amount to TDS. After the independent case examiner has considered the matter, TDS will make a payment to the tenant according to the independent case examiners instructions. If the member does not send the disputed deposit amount to TDS, TDS will take legal action to recover it. TDS has a special cash fund that enables the independent case examiner to continue an adjudication in these circumstances. If the member cannot pay what the independent case examiner requires, for example because it has become insolvent, TDS will pay instead and make a claim to its insurers.

What is The Tenancy Deposit Scheme?

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How are disputes resolved?

The tenant has 20 working days to tell the member that they wish to dispute their proposed allocation of the deposit, and the member has 10 working days to resolve it. If the dispute is not resolved, the parties decide if they want to go to court, or to have the independent case examiner deal with it. This is what most people prefer. Either way, the disputed deposit must be sent to TDS. The party who wishes to put the dispute to TDS must use the Notification of a deposit dispute form to state the details of the dispute, and provide any relevant supporting documents. Whoever is holding the deposit must send the disputed amount to TDS. The independent case examiner, working alongside TDS, will copy the details of the dispute to the other parties, giving them 10 working days to send in their side of the story. The independent case examiner will appoint an adjudicator to help it issue a decision within 28 days of receiving all the necessary paperwork. The disputed amount will be paid out according to the independent case examiners decision within a further 10 working days.

What is The Tenancy Deposit Scheme?

Why is it better to resolve a dispute through the Independent Case Examiner than going to court?
Deposit disputes need to be resolved quickly and cheaply. Tenants usually need the money as a deposit on their next property, and landlords need to know how much will be available to spend on things like redecoration, damage or repairs. Going to court takes time and can be expensive and stressful. The independent case examiners successful adjudication process is based on an expert assessment of documentary evidence (which can also include photographs and video).

Do all landlords and agents have to join TDS?

No. They can join one of the two other tenancy deposit protection schemes: The Deposit Protection Service and MyDeposits.

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How much does it cost to join TDS?

You can find the current subscriptions for agents and landlords on the TDS website. Agents can recharge the subscription to landlords. Provisional subscriptions for corporate landlords are available on application. Where members submit data in hard copy to be entered on the tenancy database, there will be a charge for each document submitted. The data will not be entered until the fee has been paid. There is normally no further charge for resolving disputes, which is free to tenants.

Management of TDS
TDS is overseen by a Board, which is responsible for the operation and financing of the business. The Board does not have any role in resolving disputes.

contact details
Tenancy Deposit Scheme PO Box 1255 Hemel Hempstead Herts HP1 9GN Tel: 0845 226 7837 Fax: 01442 253 193 Email: deposits@tds.gb.com Web: www.tds.gb.com

What is The Tenancy Deposit Scheme?

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Inventory form

It is important that you fill in all of this inventory form and return it to the management team within 48-hours of moving into your room or flat. If you do not return your inventory form, we will assume that your accommodation and the contents we have provided are in a satisfactory condition. When you move-out, we will inspect your room or flat and compare it with your inventory form. If there is any damage that existed before you moved-in and you have not noted it on your inventory form (and returned the inventory form within 48-hours) you risk being charged for this damage, as well as any damage that has happened during your tenancy. This inventory form is designed to record any damage to your room or flat or faults with any of the contents we have provided. All our rooms or flats have been professionally cleaned before your arrival. If you have any concerns about the cleanliness of your accommodation you should report these to the management team when you arrive to allow us to inspect the accommodation and address your concerns. Please feel free to ask for a copy of this inventory form when you return it to the management team.

inventory form
If you do not show that an item is damaged or not working on this inventory form then we will assume it is in good condition. If an item is not included in your room or flat, make a note of this in the comments column. You must sign and date this inventory form for it to be valid.
Item Main door, number, spyhole Intercom Walls Carpet Is the item damaged or not working? Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No 1 chair or stool per room Comments

Hall Shared areas Kitchen and living area

Electricity cupboard Vacuum cleaner Mop, bucket, brush Ironing board Lights, sockets, switches Door, glazing Walls Carpet, kitchen flooring Worktops Kitchen sink Kitchen table, chairs, stools Television, remote control Lounge sofa(s) Lounge dining table Wall heater Extractor fan Kitchen cupboards Curtains, windows Lights, sockets, switches Fridge, freezer Microwave Cooker, oven, hob

I confirm that this inventory form accurately describes the living areas under my responsibility at the time I moved-in. I understand that I may be charged for any repairs, replacements or cleaning needed to return the living areas to the condition described in this inventory form after I have left. Flat .............................................. Room ......................................... Date ................................................................................................. Name ............................................................................................... Signature ........................................................................................

inventory form
Item Door, number or letter Walls Carpet Bed unit including panels Mattress Desk, chair Is the item damaged or not working? Yes No Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No Comments

Room or flat Your room Bathroom Kitchen (studios only)

Telephone Bedside cabinet Wardrobe Wall heater Lights, sockets, switches Shelving unit Bedroom mirror Notice board Curtains, windows Door Walls Flooring Toilet Shower unit, cubicle, curtains Toilet roll holder Mirror Lights, sockets, switches Worktops Kitchen sink Extractor fan Kitchen cupboards Fridge, freezer Microwave Cooker, oven, hob

Extra comments:

feedback & complaints

We want to provide you with the best accommodation possible, but we are aware that there is always room for improvement. We are always happy to hear from you with any comments you may have. If you have any complaints or suggestions about your residence or management team, please write to your general manager. You can find his or her email address on the contact page of our website, www.libertyliving.co.uk, or you can email ideas@libertyliving.co.uk. If you are not satisfied with the response you receive, you should write to: The Chief Executive Officer Liberty Living plc Level 32 30 St Mary Axe London EC3A 8BF

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FEEDBACK & COMPLAINTS

Liberty Living plc Level 32 30 St Mary Axe London EC3A 8BF Tel: 020 7398 7430 Fax: 020 7398 7431 Email: enquiries@libertyliving.co.uk Web: www.libertyliving.co.uk Like us on Follow us on

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