What this service offers & how it works

Registering with your properties for LUSU’s Property Bank means you’re getting much more than advertising space.

As the only department promoting and managing private sector housing at Lancaster University landlords registering with our Property Bank can expect high profile advertising, advice and support.

Contact 01524 592170 or email lusu.housing@lancaster.ac.uk for a registration form.

Can LUSU Housing manage my property for me?

Yes! If you’d like us to.

LUSU Housing run the very successful LUSU Lets Headlease scheme whereby LUSU lease accredited properties from landlords and let them to students with LUSU Housing acting on behalf the University with LUSU being both landlord and tenant.

Property Bank – Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I register my properties online?

No, but registration forms and photographs for adverts can be emailed to us at lusu.housing@lancaster.ac.uk!

2. What is an EPC?

An Energy Performance Certificate provides a rating for your home in its present condition and also a rating for its potential if certain energy saving improvements are undertaken.

The assessment is based on a sliding scale of A to F, A being the most efficient and F less efficient. To simplify the rating scales a similar method to that used for home appliances such washing machines has been adopted by the Government.

The basic criteria for an EPC assessment include:

• Building Construction
• Age of construction
• Number of windows and type
• Volumetric calculation of all floors
• Method of heating and controls used
• Levels of insulation (lofts and walls)
• Thermal properties of any adjacent buildings
• Fixed lighting efficiency

From October 2008 it has been mandatory for a landlords to provide prospective tenants with a current EPC.

3. What documents do LUSU Housing needto advertise my property in addition to a completed registration form, and EPC and payment?

* A copy of the property’s current Accreditation certificate

and for Licencable Houses in Multiple Occupation:

* Copy of HMO Licence or draft license from Lancaster City Council.

4. What is LUSU’s Code of Standards?

LUSU’s Code of Standards is a compulsory scheme for landlords who register for the Property Bank, identifying best practice management standards for student accommodation, some of which are now legal requirements following the introduction of the 2004 Housing Act and Statutory HMO Licensing. 

5. Tenancy Deposit Scheme

Since 6th April 2007, the Tenancy Deposit Scheme (TDS) as outlined in the 2004 Housing Act has been effective. It is essential as a landlord that you are aware of this legislation and what is required of you.

Whilst the majority of landlords deal fairly and honestly in returning deposits to tenants, the TDS was drafted to ensure that the minority of bad landlords behave responsibly by protecting tenancy deposits.

The TDS applies to all Assured Shorthold Tenancies, the most common form of contract in England and Wales and requires landlords to safeguard their tenant’s deposits by placing it in a government protected scheme – the most popular of which is The Deposit Protection Service’s custodial scheme, see below for details:
Custodial scheme

* The tenant pays the deposit to the landlord;
* The landlord then pays the deposit into the scheme;
* The landlord must then provide the tenants the prescribed information regarding which scheme is being used, within 14 days of receiving the deposit;
* If the landlord and tenant agree at the end of the tenancy on how much of the deposit is to be deducted, they will then contact their scheme to return the deposit.
* If theres a dispute, the scheme will retain the monies until the disputes resolved or a court decide what is fair
* The custodial scheme is free to use and open to all landlords

For more infor contact: The Deposit Protection Service (The DPS)- please visit www.depositprotection.com or call 0870 7071 707

6. Why do you insist on all this documentation? Isn’t it the Council’s job to enforce legislation?

LUSU Housing is committed to raising standards with Lancaster’s Private Rented Sector for students and will only advertise for landlords who protect their interests by meeting high standards of safety, in line with those required by Lancaster City Council. Because of this, we are able to assure students and their parents that those properties advertised on our site are safe, to the very best of our knowledge. This should encourage students to use our service and promote greater exposure for your properties.

7. Your Feedback

LUSU Housing operates an open, transparent and consultative service and welcomes your feedback, whether it’s about our services, our website, our printed information or anything else you would like to comment on. Please contact us and let us know your thoughts.

Should you have any question regarding the above please do not hesitate to LUSU Housing at lusu.housing@lancaster.ac.uk or Tel: 01524 592170