Accommodation Advice

Every year, many students are scammed when looking for accommodation, especially using sites like Facebook and Gumtree. There was a recent article on BBC News highlighting the issue in Edinburgh.

Here are some handy hints to help you stay safe when renting.

• Do not pay any money before signing a tenancy agreement
  Be wary - there are fraudsters looking to scam people by getting money out of them for flats which maybe do not even exist.
   
• Give yourself plenty of time to visit properties
  If possible, come and stay in Edinburgh first with a friend or in a hostel (you pay by the night or there might be a weekly rate). This way, you can visit the prospective flat and see what it is like before you sign a tenancy agreement and pay a deposit. 
   
• Protect your deposit – When you pay make sure you get a receipt (in writing, signed/dated) so you can prove that you paid this money. All deposit must be paid into a deposit scheme approved by the Scottish Government. For more information about Tenancy Deposit Schemes check out the Shelter Scotland website.
   
• Make sure you read fully what you are signing.
  If there is anything you do not understand, ask for a day to think about it, so that you can seek advice and get the information checked.

Further Advice

ENSA Advice can help with a whole range of housing issues, including tenancy and rental agreements. Current Edinburgh Napier students can call 0131 229 8791 or email ensa.advice@napier.ac.uk for an appointment.

Shelter Scotland provides advice on tenants and landlords rights and responsibilities. 

Useful Contacts & Websites

• accommodation@napier.ac.uk – Edinburgh Napier University accommodation
• Landlord Accreditation Scotland - the flats listed on this site are registered as they should be with the national body. You need the full address of the property including postcode to check an accreditation.
• Edinburgh city council registration check: call 0131 469 5293. You need the full address of the property including postcode to check registration.
• ESPC - residential letting website
• Student Pad - residential letting website
• www.lettingweb.co.uk - residential letting website
• Edinburgh Evening News (local paper).
• campus noticeboards