APPLYING for a LUSU Lets house

Is there a deadline for applications?

No. There isn’t a deadline when applying for off-campus accommodation although we ask that current students wanting to renew their lease for the following academic year to do so by the 3rd week in November. Thereafter, our online Property Bank goes live to new applicants, with this online housing list being update regularly all the way through to the following October, with vacancies being let throughout the year.

We have a large group. Do you have any suitable properties?

Yes, although there are very few houses in Lancaster with more than 6 bedrooms. The larger properties tend to be very popular so larger groups are advised to look early. The vast majority of off campus houses have 4 or 5 bedrooms, with many properties often being situated together on the same street or even next door, so it is not difficult for larger groups to secure adjacent houses.

Forming two households rather than 1 big group will therefore often pay dividends as looking for houses close together will inevitably increase your choice.

I am not currently part of a group, can I still apply?

Yes. Rooms in our LUSU Let properties are often let on an individual basis when a housemate drops out with these rooms advertised alongside our group houses. However, LUSU would normally advise that individuals seeking to fill a vacancy in a shared house should wait until nearer Easter as this often increase your options.

Do I need to pay a deposit?

No. LUSU Housing do not charge a deposit. However, you still may be charged for damages caused to the property during your tenancy and any cleaning charges which are incurred after you move out. LUSU do not charge a summer retainer, although we do provide a FREE summer license for households wanting to store items in their chosen property prior to them moving in.

Can a University of Cumbria student live in a LUSU Let house?

Yes. LUSU Housing are pleased to accommodate both groups and individuals from the University fo Cumbria within our LUSU Let houses. All we require is that the housemates are all full time students, with the vast majority of our properties being within walking distance of the Bowerham Road campus.

ONCE YOU HAVE SIGNED…

I have accepted an off campus house but would like to live on campus. What can I do?

Unless you are able to find a suitable replacement tenant for your room you will not be eligible to apply for campus accommodation.

Can I get a bus pass for traveling to my off campus house?

Yes. Stage Coach run regular buses to and from campus with bus passes being sold via the LUSU Reception desk.

More information contact: jobshop@lancaster.ac.uk or 01524 593765

A member of our group has withdrawn from the University, how does this affect us?

The individual concerned will remain liable for their proportion of the contracted rent and as part of the household until the end of the tenancy or until a suitable replacement tenant has been secured for the remaining period of the lease.

The vast majority of student leases ensure households are joint and several liable for the terms and conditions of the contract, with tenancy agreements designed to make students liable for the full period of their tenancy, whether they remain a student or not, and whether they continue living in the property or not. If any one student of a group of joint tenants’ defaults (eg fails to make a rent payment) the other group members may be pursued for the shortfall. The group in turn will then have the right to pursue the member of the group who did not pay their share. However, LUSU Housing will assist groups in their search for a suitable replacement tenant by advertising any potential vacancy on the Property Bank and, if possible identify possible replacement tenants.

What do I do if I have problems with my LUSU Lets house?

During office hours

Repairs can best be reported to lusu.housing@lancaster.ac.uk or by telephoning 01524 594003

Out of office hours

Outside of office hours emergency repairs should be reported through University Security, tel: 01524 594541.

Alternatively, if the repair relates to your heating, a water leak, a drainage problem or an electrical fault households should contact: 0845 389 9519

I having moved into my house I don’t like it/I don’t like my housemates. What can I do?

Information about vacancies within our LUSU Let houses is available through the housing office, although it should be noted that while household are still moving in and settling into their new environments LUSU will not undertake any transfers during the first 3 weeks of the lease period.

I signed for a Private Sector Property and am unhappy with it’s condition. What should I do?

In the first instance any problems should always be reported directly to the property owner. We would advise putting all complaint in writing. Should you not get satisfaction from the property owner then the next course of action would be to contact Lancaster City Council, Strategic Housing department, Tel: 01524 582657. Strategic Housing are responsible for private housing standards within the Lancaster and Morecambe district and will be in a position to investigate your complaint independently.

You are best advised not to sign-up for alternative accommodation until the situation and your contractual obligations with regards your original property are clear. However, should it become apparent that you will require re-housing LUSU Housing will help to assist you in securing a suitable alternative.