But if they have made their initial comment in front of a third party, they might then be less inclined to change their mind. Many students are now routinely withholding the final month of their rent because they expect their deposit to be withheld. As a result, many landlords are now asking for more than one month's rent as a deposit. In any case it is potentially a dangerous move to make since the tenants are in breach of contract. CABs will give help on this sort of issue and will, if requested, contact the local authority if it believes a property is 'unfit' for habitation.
Landlords have to meet basic standards when they let out property.
They are under legal obligations to get a gas safety certificate each year, for instance, and they also have to react quickly if they are told of other health-threatening developments. But students also have to be wary of themselves. Many forget that they are, in most circumstances, directly liable to the electricity, gas and other utility suppliers. It is far better to sort a regular billing system at the start of the year rather than have a shock at the end. Running into trouble with the utilities may seem like a rather unimportant part of student life - but it assumes different proportions if it blights your credit rating at the start of your career.