Claims service urges student tenants to check their property is licenced

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Student renters are being encouraged to check their homes are licensed by using a new free advice and support service.

Very Wise Student, launched by online claims management firm Veriwise, points to a recent tribunal case where S C Osney Management was ordered to repay £84,877 in rent for failing to get an HMO licence for the 242-room Student Castle in Oxford.

Following a case brought by 44 tenants, the firm had to return more than a third of the money paid by students during the time the property was unlicensed.

Very Wise Student founder Ajay Jagota (pictured) believes that although this company was found to have not deliberately failed to get a licence, it’s highly unlikely it is the only landlord to be operating without the necessary paperwork.

“For most students, the legal status of their accommodation is the last thing on their mind, but not only are things like gas and safety certificates literally a matter of life and death, but they could also be in line for compensation or rent refunds if their landlords haven’t fulfilled their legal obligations,” he says.

Read more stories about about rent repayment orders.

“The problem is that most students don’t have the legal know-how to uphold their rights, or the resources to lawyer up. That’s why we created our free service to make sure they get the help and support they need.”

Very Wise Student offers a free pre-move-in student accommodation safety check of a rental property’s gas, fire and electricity safety compliance. It can also help students with tax advice, including student loans, part-time work and council tax. Its free counselling helpline offers students support with academic pressures, personal problems and money worries.

Guide: How to rent repayment orders work?

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