Citizens Advice

I’m heading back to university, but during the summer break, I heard horror stories about private landlords. The flat my friends and I are renting looked fine a few months ago when we viewed it. Is there anything I should be on the lookout for when I move in?

You and your landlord both have rights and responsibilities when you are renting. These depend on the type of contract you have. If you rent privately, you will most likely have an assured shorthold tenancy. Check the contract to be clear what your rent includes. Are you responsible for fuel bills? If so, take a meter reading the day your contract starts. Will you have to pay council tax? Whose name is the council tax in? What happens if you leave the flat early? What else are you responsible for? Check that your deposit will be protected in a recognised scheme.

Ensure the flat meets safety standards. Check the premises for any necessary repairs you might have missed on viewing. In particular is there any damp or mould that could be a health hazard? Make sure you have the EPC certificate and the gas and electric checks have been done.

Are there conditions in the tenancy about pets, or playing music after a certain time? If a landlord decides to evict you, they can only do so in certain situations and must follow correct procedures.

Your rights are not the same if you are in student halls or you are a lodger in the same house as your landlord. Check the Citizens Advice website to establish your housing status.

The National Homelessness Advice Service has useful factsheets on renting. If you have problems with your housing you can get advice from Citizens Advice or from Shelter.

My neighbour plays his music really loudly every night from around 7pm until 11pm. My kids can’t get to sleep and then are irritable in the morning. I’ve asked him to turn it down at least on school nights but he says he’s allowed to play it loud until 11pm. I don’t know what to do.

During the pandemic complaints about noisy neighbours soared and they are still a major problem for many. There are some day-to-day noises that are due to people living in close proximity to one another and may require more understanding and patience. Similarly a one-off party for a big birthday might be annoying but forgivable. However, If the volume of noise is substantially affecting the enjoyment of your home or injuring your health at any time of day or night then you can take action.

In the first instance it’s a good idea to try a friendly chat. Say what the problem is and what you want to happen. Don’t be accusatory or threatening. Say what is acceptable – for example to limit playing to a night when you are regularly out. Aim to reach a win-win.

Sadly, there are some neighbours who do not respond to reasonable requests. In that case you need to record the problem. B&NES environmental services have a really good page on how you can do this. You can ask them to help you deal with the noise. They will initially send a letter but can follow up with a noise abatement order and take further action as necessary. Mediation through the council can be a useful way to resolve such disputes if both parties are willing.

You can also approach the person’s landlord and ask them to intervene. If you live in social housing your housing association can help. You need to decide what outcome you want – to stop their behaviour? to have them rehoused? To move yourself? Again, it is a good idea to gather evidence. Keep a note of times and events, as well as any conversations. If you don’t think they have taken your complaint seriously enough ultimately you can approach the Housing Ombudsman. However, that is a last resort and most situations are resolved by a direct request or support of the council and/ or landlords. In the meantime, invest in some good earplugs.

I live alone in my own home and receive a small state pension of £120 per week. I am struggling to pay for food and bills, can I claim any benefits?

Pension Credit is extra money to help you cover your costs if you’re over State Pension age and living on a low income. You might be able to get it even if you have other income, savings or own your own home.

If you’ve reached State Pension age, you can claim Guarantee Credit if your weekly income is less than £182.60 if you’re single, or £278.70 if you’re a couple. Even if your weekly income is higher than these thresholds, you could still claim Guarantee Credit if you meet one of the following criteria: you have a severe disability you’re a carer you have children

If you or your partner reached State Pension age before April 6, 2016, you might be eligible to claim Savings Credit. There isn’t a savings limit for Pension Credit. However, if you have over £10,000 in savings, this will affect how much you receive.

Pension credit can entitle you to other support such as B&NES pension credit energy support (before September 30, 2022) or Warm Home Discount Warm Home Discount Scheme.