Welcome to our page especially for RCSLM prospective tenants.  Listed below are the key stages to renting a property through RC Student Letting & Management and what will be expected of you.

Securing a house and the start of your tenancy

• To pay the holding retainer and deposit promptly once a suitable house has been found.
• To provide full details of all the tenants names, course, home and email address, home and mobile telephone number and next of kin/guarantor.
• To check and sign your tenancy agreement and when the tenancy actually starts check and sign the inventory of the property within the first 7 days of the tenancy start date. Report any inaccuracies or discrepancies in writing to RCSLM or the landlord within this timescale.
• To change all utility bills into the lead tenant's name
• To report any repairs or outstanding items required when you move in as soon as possible so that they can be attended to.
• To apply to Cotswold District Council for exemption from Council Tax through the Cotswold.gov.uk website
• It is strongly recommended that you take out appropriate possessions’ insurance. Check first whether you are covered by your parent's or guardians’contents insurance.

During your tenancy

• To behave in a reasonable manner, with consideration for neighbours, landlords/RCSLM.
• To be responsible for the behaviour of any visitors to the property.
• Not to cause any disturbance in the community you live in, particularly before 7am and after 11pm.
• To discuss any proposed changes of tenancy with RCSLM/the landlord and obtain their prior agreement before making any changes.
• To pay the rent promptly. In the event of genuine difficulties, you should discuss the problem with RCSLM/the landlord as soon as possible.
• To report repairs to RCSLM/the landlord promptly in writing (WhatsApp or email is fine) and allow access for inspection, repairs and viewings.
• To take care of the property, its furniture and equipment and pay if necessary for any items damaged accidentally or by inappropriate behaviour.
• To make use of any security measures provided.
• To use fire detection and protection equipment responsibly, only for the purpose intended and only if safe to do so.
• To keep the property adequately ventilated and heated to reduce risk of mould/damp from condensation. Ventilate the kitchen and bathroom when in use. Keep rooms well heated and ventilated where clothes are being dried.
• To bag up rubbish and recyclable items and leave them out for collection in the agreed place on the right day. Do not put refuse and recyclable items out any earlier than 7pm on the night before collection or later than 7am on the day of the collection. Ensure you return wheeled bins to the property no later than 7pm on the day of the collection.
• Students who bring firearms to University must register them with the University. Should you wish to take your firearm out of the University Armoury and wish to leave it in your rented accommodation overnight, this can only be done if there is a secure wall-mounted firearms cabinet in the house, and the firearm must be returned to the University Armoury as soon as possible

Ending a Tenancy - Required Notice Periods Under the New Renters’ Rights Bill Guidance for Landlords and Renters/Tenants The introduction of the Renters’ Rights Bill brings about pivotal updates to how tenancies are terminated. It is essential for both parties to grasp these new timelines to remain legally compliant and ensure a smooth transition. Notice Periods for Tenants According to the updated rules, renters are now required to submit at least two months’ notice to conclude their tenancy. This notification can be issued at any stage of the rental agreement. Crucially, the end date must coincide with the final day of a rental cycle. • Example: If a lease began on 1 st September, each cycle concludes on the last day of the month. Should a tenant submit their notice on 10th September, the two-month period would officially conclude on 30 November.

Under the Renters’ Rights Act 2025 (effective 1 May 2026), landlords can regain possession of student property using a new mandatory Ground 4A. This requires the property to be an HMO, with all tenants being students, and possession sought between 1 June and 30 September to re-let to new students. Key Grounds for Possession (Post-May 2026) • Ground 4A (Student Specific): This is the main, new ground designed for academic cycles. It allows landlords to regain possession of HMOs (shared kitchen/bathroom with two or more other students) if all tenants are full-time students and the landlord intends to rent to a new group of students. o Notice Period: The landlord must give 4 months' notice. o Timing: Notice must expire, and possession must be taken, between 1 June and 30 September. • Mandatory Grounds (Fault-Based): Landlords can use existing mandatory grounds if there is a breach, such as: o Ground 8 (Rent Arrears): The tenant owes at least 3 months or 13 weeks of rent. o Ground 7A (Anti-social Behaviour): For severe antisocial behaviour. o Ground 7B (Right to Rent): The tenant does not have a legal right to rent in the UK. • Other Mandatory Grounds: o Ground 1 (Owner Occupation): The landlord needs to move into the property. o Ground 6 (Redevelopment): The landlord needs to carry out major repairs or redevelopment.

Key Changes Affecting Student Lets • No Fault Evictions Removed: The Act abolishes Section 21 "no-fault" evictions, making Ground 4A crucial for re-letting cycles. • Periodic Tenancies: Fixed-term contracts are generally replaced with rolling, periodic tenancies.

End of your tenancy

• The house must be thoroughly cleaned including ovens and carpets as detailed in your your tenancy agreement
• Contact RCSLM a few weeks before the end of the tenancy to arrange an inspection visit.
• Use the inventory and check out list provided by RCSLM to check the expected final condition. You should all leave the property and return all your sets of keys by the agreed date.
• Before you leave, send in final meter readings for all utilities, request final bills and leave a forwarding address with utility suppliers
• In the event of a dispute between you and your landlord, we would expect you and your landlord to discuss and attempt to resolve any differences before resorting to a formal complaint/legal remedies.
• If you plan to leave the property before the waste collection day you will need to take the rubbish to the household waste site at Calmsden, GL7. Failing that contact RCSLM/the landlord to discuss possible assistance with rubbish removal. They may be able to take rubbish to the household waste site on your behalf.