A new student letting service aimed at improving standards of private student housing is being launched by Leader of Council, Councillor Helen Holland and MP for Bristol West, Stephen Williams at the University of Bristol next week [Wednesday 22 October].
The launch event is for people who are interested in letting their properties to students, through the University of Bristol’s own student-letting agency ‘Bristol University Lets’.
The agency, which received start-up funding from the University's Alumni Fund, aims to help Bristol University students find quality private rented accommodation, managed by responsible landlords, without having to pay the fees normally charged by private letting agencies. Agency representatives will also inspect properties and ensure they are safe and secure and comply with all legal requirements for gas, electricity and energy efficiency.
The University will also be encouraging landlords to join the Council’s Accreditation Scheme, which is working towards improving the standard of private rented housing across the city. Accredited landlords can also benefit from free measures for improving the security and energy efficiency of their properties.
Bristol University Lets will offer a tenant-find service for landlords, which includes marketing properties to over 15,000 students, carrying out viewings, setting up tenancy agreements and dealing with deposits. Landlords will also benefit from being charged a competitive fee for the service, paid only when the property has been let.
Lucy Atkins, Manager of Bristol University Lets, said: “Landlords will be able to relax and enjoy the benefits of letting their properties using a professional service at competitive rates.”
Landlords can register their properties from 22 October and all properties will be advertised to students on the agency’s website from 5 January 2009.
The launch event is open to any potential landlords wanting to find out more. If you would like to attend the event being held at the University on Wednesday 22 October, 6 pm to 8.30 pm, please contact Lucy Atkins, University Private Lettings Manager, tel 0117 954 5764, email bul-accom@bristol.ac.uk, or visit the website to reserve a place online.