Summer’s here!

Summer is here, even if the weather suggests otherwise…!

For many students tomorrow (11th June) will be the last day of term until mid September. Manchester Student Homes remains open throughout the summer between our usual opening hours of 9-5, Monday-Friday.

The end of June  means moving in and moving out time for many student tenants. Please contact MSH if you need advice on what needs to be done during this time, whether you’re a student or landlord.

Mid-summer onwards is a very busy time for us, with the release of exam results and late university applications. Around this time and through to the end of September we receive large numbers of enquiries from new students, many of them arriving in Manchester for the first time without a pre-formed group of potential housemates. Landlords may want to consider offering rooms on an individual basis at this time – there are some administrative differences  between joint and several and individual tenancies, so do get in touch with us if you would like advice.

We are running a list of short term summer vacancies. Students can request this list from our office. Landlords, please contact us for details if you are a registered MSH landlord and would like to appear on the list.

Ease the transition between tenancies

Landlords – If your property is registered with MSH, your tenants may soon be receiving a flyer inviting them to attend an informal talk at our office on how to avoid deductions from their deposits.

Student tenants may be unaware of their less obvious obligations when it comes to moving out of a property.  The talk aims to make them aware of what they need to do, and remind them that they need to consider the community, as well as their tenancy, when they move out.

As you’re probably aware, it’s good practice to write to your tenants between now and the end of May (for tenancies ending on 30th June), reminding them of their obligations at the end of the tenancy. You should also have served a Section 21 notice by the end of April. Please get in touch with us if you’d like any advice.

Meet at the MSH office

MSH registered landlords are welcome to use the MSH office within our usual opening hours to meet students and sign contracts.

The office is a pleasant, professional and neutral environment and MSH staff are nearby to help with queries and witness signatures. There are vending machines selling hot drinks and snacks and a public toilet.

The office is open 9-5 Monday to Friday, with some extended hours during busy periods, which will be advertised nearer the time (you might like to subscribe to this blog to receive updates). The office is in Fallowfield, Manchester, on the corner of Moseley Road and Wilmslow Road, opposite Tesco. Our full address is:

Unit 1-3, Ladybarn House, Moseley Road, Fallowfield, Manchester, M14 6ND

Landlord Forums – Manchester and Salford

The following should be of much interest to student landlords:

Manchester Landlord Forum, Manchester Town Hall – Thursday 18th March 2010, 10am-12.30pm

On the agenda:

Planning new HMOs, Student Strategy, Accessing council homes, and Landlord Advisor and Housing Benefit expert advice sessions, 12.30-1pm. More information and booking

Salford Landlord Forum, Salford Civic Centre, Tuesday 23rd March 2010, 3-4.30pm and 6.30-8pm

On the agenda:

Managing tax affairs, Change of dwelling use planning policy for HMOs, Landlord licensing and accreditation, Advice on free loft and cavity wall insulation

More information and booking