Community Guide

Your Community Guide: How to

live in Edinburgh

Contents Welcome ....................................................................... 03 You as a tenant .......................................................... 04 Your rights .................................................................. 06 Your responsibilities ............................................... 08 Moving in cards ........................................................ 11 You in the local community ................................. 16 Local democracy ....................................................... 20 Useful numbers ........................................................ 22

If you’ve just spent a year in university accommodation and have moved into your own flat with your friends, then good luck! We’re sure it’ll be a great year.

However, there can be quite a lot to remember so we’ve produced this simple guide to make it as easy as possible for you.

One of the biggest changes you will probably experience is living in a tenement. If you don’t come from a big city in Scotland you’re unlikely to have experienced it and it is a totally different kind of living. When you’re living in a tenement, it’s basically a shared house (including the stair and garden), so you have to look after those areas too!

If there’s one piece of advice we can give you if you haven’t already, it’s to say hello to your neighbours. It will make it easier to resolve any problems that occur if you have a relationship established from the start and research shows that the more people you know the safer you feel in your area.

Enjoy reading through this guide and most importantly, enjoy living in Edinburgh because it really is one of the most exciting and vibrant cities to live in as a student!

Liz Rawlings, EUSA President 2010/11

This guide is designed to give you advice on what to do when you move into your flat and is full of useful information for living in your community.

Most of you will have spent a year in university accommodation and are now living in your own flat with some mates – enjoy it, it’s one of the best experiences you get as a student and lets you find out what it’s really like to live in Edinburgh!

Enjoy the rest of the guide and enjoy Edinburgh, one of the best places in the world to be a student.

Calum Hay, EUSA Community Officer 2010/11

Welcome

2 3

Take photos of every room so you have evidence of what the flat was like when you collected the keys.

Make sure you have an inventory, detailing what was in the flat and what state it was all in. Your landlord should provide you with one of these, but if not it pays to make your own and give the landlord a copy. Keep a copy for yourself.

Test any smoke, fire or burglar alarms. Check everything works, like the heating and the cooker.

If the flat hasn’t been cleaned, notify the landlord (using your photos as evidence if necessary). If the mess is minor it may be easier to clean it yourself, but you might want to agree some compensation with the landlord (in writing) before you start.

Take gas and electricity meter readings and report them to the suppliers, even if you’ve got a key or card meter. If you don’t do this, you may end up getting charged for the previous tenants’ usage. Make sure that all occupants’ names are on the bill so they are jointly responsible.

Make sure you have a copy of the gas safety certificate. This is a legal requirement. If the property is let by an accredited landlord, then also make sure you have copies of the portable appliance test certificate (PAT) and the periodic inspection report (PIR). These confirm that all portable appliances (e.g. toaster and vacuum cleaner) and the hard-wired electrics are safe. To find out if your landlord is accredited visit www.edinburghlandlordaccreditation.co.uk/publicpages/homepage.aspx

If you have a television, remember to purchase a TV license at www.tvlicensing.co.uk

Check the security of your flat: that all doors and locks are in working order.

Make sure you get your belongings insured. Don’t assume your parents’ insurance will cover you. It usually won’t.

Introduce yourself to your neighbours, perhaps using the contact cards provided with this guide to let them know how to get hold of you if they need to.

You as a tenantMoving inSo the day has come and you’re moving into your new flat. There are some important things for you to do right from day one.

Checklist1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

“When we moved in we went round to say hi to our

neighbours, if they hadn’t done it first! It’s really helpful to

introduce yourself, especially if you need to talk to people about

problems later in the year.” Amy Woodgate

4

The law entitles you to certain rights with regard to your private tenancy, including minimum standards of repair and exemption from council tax. If you have any questions about tenancy the EUSA Advice Place at Bristo Square will be able to help you or tell you the correct people who will be able to. Visit the website for more info or contact details www.eusa.ed.ac.uk/advice.

Landlord Registration All landlords must, by law, be registered with the council. This ensures that they meet certain standards. You should always rent from a registered landlord. To check if your landlord is registered go to www.landlordregistrationscotland.gov.uk and type in the property address, or contact the Landlord Registration team on 0131 469 5293.

HMOs • Standing for houses in multiple occupation this term refers to all properties lived in by 3 or more unrelated adults. As such, it covers the majority of student flats in Edinburgh.

• HMO licensing requires a property to meet a set of minimum standards.

• All HMO properties are required by law to be licensed, so check if yours has its license or your stay may be cut short! If you have any more questions about HMO properties or if you wish to check that your property is licensed you can contact the council on 0131 469 5193 or email [email protected]

The repairing standard • This sets out the obligations on private landlords to repair and maintain a property. More information on the standards that must be adhered to can be found by visiting www.prhpscotland.gov.uk.

• Of course, the landlord is only responsible for repairing where they are aware there is a problem, so let them know if there is anything wrong.

• Also note that damage caused by you as a tenant may not be the landlord’s liability.

Illegal eviction/harassment • A landlord is required to provide you with a notice to quit giving you a certain length of time. It’s unlikely that you can be given less than 28 days notice.

• Even if a notice to quit has been served you are not legally required to leave a property until the landlord has obtained a court order from the sheriff. In order to apply for this court order, the landlord must usually give you a notice of proceedings letting you know that they will be applying. Note though that if proceedings are raised, costs may be passed to you as the tenant, so seek advice if you find yourself in this situation.

• If your landlord is trying to drive you out of the property or stop you from using services such as the water supply which are reasonably required to use the property as your home, this could well count as harassment.

• Illegal eviction and harassment are criminal offences and you could be entitled to compensation if driven from your home by them. They should be reported to the police and to the Council’s Landlord Registration Team.

• For advice regarding illegal eviction, harassment or any other legal issues, contact the Citizens Advice Bureau at www.cas.org.uk.

Your rights

6

Your responsibilitiesAnother part of living in your own flat is showing consideration for those living around you. Here are a couple of things to keep in mind.

Noise • In a 2009 EUSA community survey, a high level of noise from the street and from neighbouring flats was listed by students and non-students alike as the biggest problem in their communities.

• Often the sound insulation of your flat will not be as good as you think it is.

• Try to keep music, television and any other source of loud noise at as low a level as possible. As much as you have the right to listen to it, other people around you have the right not to! Remember in the late evening and at night that there will be people nearby (especially young children or elderly people) who are trying to sleep.

• Ask your friends/guests to lower their voices when leaving late at night, and not to slam the door.

• In the end, it’s all about showing the respect to other people that you would expect them to show you.

Parties • It’s reasonable that you will want to have parties in your flat, but try to stick to weekends, keep the noise down and don’t have them often.

• It’s common courtesy to let your neighbours know in advance. You might also want to negotiate with them what time the party will be loud until. They will be a lot more understanding if they know it’s coming and have been consulted.

• It’s worth noting that if the party or music noise gets out of hand, you may receive a £100 Fixed Penalty Fine or even have your equipment seized, so if anyone asks you to turn your music down, you should listen to them.

• Parties should not spill out into the street, common areas or the roof.

“At my last place, the guy above me played loud dance music at all hours of the day

and night and people were often drinking outside and

making lots of noise when they got back from the clubs.”

Kate Harris

8

Communal areas• Many blocks of flats will have communal areas, even if it’s just the stairwell. Many will also have shared gardens or roof access. Generally speaking, all of the flats in a block will have responsibility for the upkeep of these communal areas.

• It’s a good idea to have an organised cleaning rota for these areas. If there are three flats on each floor, then each flat only needs to clean once every three weeks. Hardly a lot of work!

• Another big issue in last year’s EUSA community survey was people leaving bikes and items of furniture in passageways. These present a potential hazard, especially if the emergency services need access. Even if you think you’ve found somewhere to leave your bike that isn’t in the way it would be polite to put up a sign nearby with your contact details in case anyone has concerns.

• If you’re having a barbecue in the shared garden, remember to keep it raised off the ground so you don’t damage the grass and put it out properly when you’ve finished.

Crime and safety• Around 20% of students are victims of crime each year.

• Make sure you keep doors and windows closed and locked when you’re not in the room. Also be sure to properly shut any shared doors like the entrance to the stairwell. Don’t leave it wedged open.

• You should have a working intercom. Tell your landlord if it isn’t working and don’t let callers into the stair unless you know or expect them.

• Don’t leave cash or valuables on display in windows, especially in a ground floor flat where people walking past can see them and be tempted.

• Use a UV pen to mark your initials and student ID onto your property. This makes it easier for the police to return it to you if it is stolen.

• When locking up your bike, it is always advisable to lock both wheels. If your bike has quick release mechanisms, you may want to consider replacing them with ordinary nuts and bolts to avoid thieves stealing parts of your bike such as the saddle.

• Dropping litter is an offence and you can be given a £50 Fixed Penalty Notice if you are caught.

• In an emergency dial 999 for the police. For non emergencies 0131 311 3131.

• If you want to report a crime but don’t want to speak to the police you can do so via the Remote Reporting scheme. There are a number of different organisations throughout Edinburgh where you can speak privately to a member of staff, and they will pass your information onto the police. The EUSA Advice Place can do this for you (see contact details on the back page of this booklet).

Hi, we’ve just moved in



10

Hi! Our names are ....................................................................................

And we have just moved into ....................................................................

If you need to get in touch you can contact us on.....................................

We know that sometimes it can be difficult to get in touch with the owner of a property about things like communal repairs. If you need to contact our landlord their name is.......................................................

And you can contact them on....................................................................

Hi! Our names are ....................................................................................





Hi! Our names are ....................................................................................








Hi! Our names are ....................................................................................





Hi! Our names are ....................................................................................





Hi! Our names are ....................................................................................





“A fall out with neighbours lasts a lot longer than a

hangover, so when we have a party we post a note through

the doors in our stair, stick to weekends, and never have one if someone in our flat still has exams to do and needs to get up early the next morning.”

Matt McPherson

15

What the community can do for you Our local communities in Edinburgh are filled with useful facilities and you rarely have to look far to find what you’re after.

Transport • Lothian buses run most of the bus routes in Edinburgh. Up to date timetable information for the entire city centre can be found on their website www.lothianbuses.com

• Cycling is popular in Edinburgh. It’s cheap and environmentally friendly. The university offers secure bike parking, discounts, and advice on how to fix your bike and cycle in Edinburgh. For more info visit www.transport.ed.ac.uk/cycling or contact the Bike Station who sell refurbished bikes and also provide training (www.thebikestation.org.uk)

• It is generally not necessary to have a car in the centre of Edinburgh. By using public transport, walking or cycling instead you can save money, keep fit and reduce your carbon footprint. However, if you need a car, bear in mind that many areas require you to have a residents’ parking permit and that parking spaces are generally limited. For more information go to www.edinburgh.gov.uk

• You will also require a parking permit to park in university car parks. For more information go to www.transport.ed.ac.uk/parking

Domestic Refuse • For refuse collection information and to find out if you can get your rubbish collected kerbside go to www.edinburgh.gov.uk or call 0131 529 3030.

• Putting out your waste at the wrong time is an offence. If you are caught you may be issued a £50 Fixed Penalty Notice.

Recycling • There are plenty of recycling facilities scattered through the centre of Edinburgh so they’re never far away. Visit www.sort-it.org.uk to find your nearest recycling point for a certain material - you’d be surprised what you can recycle.

Disposing of bulky items • The City of Edinburgh Council provides special uplifts for each household at a minimum cost of £19.99 for a collection of up to 6 items. So, make use of this if you have furniture to get rid of at the beginning or end of your stay in your flat. To arrange an uplift, call 0131 529 3030 or email [email protected]

• If you want to dispose of your old bike at the end of the year the Bike Station will take it off your hands (www.thebikestation.org.uk).

• Alternatively you can join the Edinburgh freecycle group at www.freecycle.org or donate to your local charity shop.

Antisocial behaviour

• The Community Safety Team at the council can serve warnings to people who are causing antisocial behaviour. If you are experiencing noise nuisance, abusive neighbours, disturbances, issues with stair security or vandalism you can get in touch with the team on 0131 529 7050 or email [email protected]. You can call the number outside office hours if your

neighbours are being noisy during the night.

Policing • The three police stations in central Edinburgh are as follows:

- Gayfield Square Police Station, 2 Gayfield Square, Edinburgh EH1 3NW, 0131 556 9270 - West End Police Station, 3-5 Torphicen Place, Edinburgh EH3 8DY, 0131 229 2323 - St Leonards, 14 St Leonards Street, Edinburgh EH8 9QW, 0131 662 5000

Hospitals and dentists • Your nearest accident and emergency unit is the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, 51 Little France Crescent, Old Dalkeith Road, Edinburgh, EH16 4SA, 0131 536 1000.

• To find your nearest doctor, dentist, optician, pharmacy or hospital visit www.nhs24.com

Childcare • For those students who are also parents with young children, local childcare facilities can be found at www.scottishchildcare.gov.uk

You in the local community

16 17

What you can do for the community Even if you’re only living in an area for a year, given that local communities provide you with so much you may want to contribute back or you may just be interested in getting involved in local activities. Here are some ways you can join in.

Volunteering • Volunteering is a great way to gain new skills and add to your CV, as well as meeting new people and integrating into the city. • To find the volunteering opportunity for you visit the brand new EUSA Societies, Volunteering and Charities Centre in Potterrow. Hilary Wardle, the new Volunteer Development Manager, will be able to match you with a local organisation. The service will also host Edinburgh Universities’ Charities Appeal which organises fundraising events throughout the year which you could get involved in (www.escaonline.org). And our new Societies Development Co-ordinator, Lizzie Brough, will be able to help you to join one of the many societies which volunteer in the community. Or, if you have a great idea for a community based volunteer project of your own, they could help you get it off the ground.

The University of Edinburgh • OurEd is the university’s website for students who care about health, development, social justice, and the environment. Find out about community groups, seminars, societies, internships, courses, events and more at www.oured.ed.ac.uk

Community centres • Your local community centre may well run classes, group activities or youth clubs that you would be interested in volunteering for or attending. Your nearest centre can be found in the City Living section of the City of Edinburgh Council website (www.edinburgh.gov.uk).

Community events

• Check out local newspapers, community centres, bulletins or libraries for information about local events.

Neighbourhood watch • One of the biggest and most successful crime prevention schemes ever. For more information visit www.aosnw.co.uk

• To get involved you can make contact via your local police station.

EUSA• Your students’ association will often be involved in activities in the community. To find out more visit the EUSA office in Potterrow or get in touch with the President ([email protected]).

“I really wanted to do something fun but give

something back so I took part in ESCA’s Race2Paris. Altogether

there were 70 students who hitched to Paris to raise money

for local charities. It was the most exciting, stressful, and draining weekend of my life, but actually making it there

was a fantastic feeling.”Naomi Hunter

18

Elections • Voting in elections is a good way of affecting the decisions that are made in your local area, as well as in the whole country.

• You will need to register yourself to vote in your new flat. You can do this and find out about the whole process at www.aboutmyvote.co.uk

Local councillors• Local councillors make decisions on issues such as where road crossings are put, licensing hours for pubs and takeaways, housing regulations and transport provision: things that affect everyone.

• If you wish to contact your local councillor you can find out their contact details in the Council section of the City of Edinburgh Council website (www.edinburgh.gov.uk).

MSPs and MPs• To find out who your MSP or MP is and their contact details visit www.theyworkforyou.com. For MSPs you could also visit the Scottish Parliament website and find their details listed under the ‘MSP’ tab (www.scottish.parliament.uk).

• If you live in Marchmont or Southside then your MSP is likely to be Mike Pringle (Liberal Democrats) and your MP Ian Murray (Labour). If you live in the Old Town or near the university then your MSP is likely to be Sarah Boyack (Labour) and your MP Sheila Gilmore (Labour), but check this out at the websites above.

Community Councils • These are responsible for representing the views of local people to the local council and other organisations. Anyone is welcome to go along to a community council and have their say. To find out more visit the City Living section of the City of Edinburgh Council website (www.edinburgh.gov.uk).

Local democracy

“My interest in the community led me to stand in a local election. Talking to people

on their doorsteps, you discover a lot of people share your concerns

and interests, and the public certainly aren’t as frightening as

you might worry! Students are part of their local community and our communities do have

common issues and needs that we can campaign together for.”

Kristofer Keane

20

City of Edinburgh Council numbers (www.edinburgh.gov.uk)

• HMO licensing section0131 469 5193

• Landlord Registration (to check if you landlord is registered or get their address)0131 469 5293www.edinburgh.gov.uk/landlordregistration

• Edinburgh Landlord Accreditation0131 529 7278www.edinburghlandlordaccreditation.co.uk

• Environmental health (e.g. pest control)0131 529 3030

• Property management services (e.g. communal repairs)0131 529 4594

• Council tax0131 469 5000

• 24 hour antisocial noise line (if your neighbours are noisy during the night)0131 529 7050

Other useful numbers • The Advice Place0131 6509225www.eusa.ed.ac.uk/advice

• Private Rented Housing Panel (for help getting landlords to carry out repairs)0131 529 1170www.prhpscotland.gov.uk

• Edinburgh Shelter Housing Aid Centre (for housing and homelessness advice)0808 800 4444http://scotland.shelter.org.uk

• Edinburgh Community Mediation Project (for disputes with neighbours)0131 557 2101

• Gas Safety Action Line0800 300 363(If you smell gas call 0800 111999 immediately)

• Changeworks Energy Advice Centre (for advice on energy efficiency and how to reduce fuel)0800 512 012www.changeworks.org.uk

• TV Licensing0844 800 6790www.tvlicensing.co.uk

• St. Leonard’s Police Station0131 662 5000www.lbp.police.uk

• The Bike Station (for second hand bikes, training and donating your old bike) 0131 668 1996www.thebikestation.org.uk

• The University of Edinburgh Transport Office (for secure bike parking, bike maintenance toolkits and other cycling information)0131 650 9101http://[email protected]

Useful numbers

Published by:EUSA5/2 Bristo SquareEdinburgh, EH8 9ALwww.eusa.ed.ac.uk

22

Community Guide 2010

Documents

Community Guide