Student home zone is a collective of six of Durhams foremost landlords, all of whom are locally based and are passionate about providing excellent standards of accommodation at a fare price.
We all have properties which comply with the DSU accommodation offices Code of Standards and in fact two of our landlords sit on the consultative committee at the accomodation office. Our aim is not to meet these standards but to surpass them and set the benchmark that others will be judged by.
Our joint portfolio makes us the biggest provider of student accommodation by far with the notable exception of the University itself. We have properties in all popular areas, Gilesgate, Claypath, The Viaduct Quarter, Elvet and close to the Science Faculty.
Owing to our diversity of ownership we have properties of all sizes - from a single person apartment to a 12 bed converted Chapel, we offer a vast range of rents too.
Each group of houses may be owned by a different landlord but all are attended to by local landlords and local tradesmen- we are not going to have to call head office to get a repair!
Safety is undoubtedly the top priority in any home. By law, all properties must have a current gas safety certificate (renewed annually); please ensure that you have seen this and are happy that it is up to date. It is good practice for each property also to have an electrical safety certificate (renewed every five years). Again, check that the property you are looking at has one, and ask to see it. We insist that all of our properties display these as a matter of course.
It is always prudent to ask the current tenants about your prospective landlords - and to check with the University accommodation office. We have no worries about you asking our tenants about us!
On Moving in
Once you have moved in, check that you have keys for any locking windows - these may be your escape route in the event of a fire. Check that fire blankets and extinguishers are in place, and in working order. Practice a fire drill and work out a strategy for safe evacuation.
Modern smoke and heat sensors are very sensitive and may annoyingly go off whilst you are enjoying the sizzle of your bacon whilst having your Sunday joint ( do not smoke your joint near the smoke alarms !) However, they are provided to save your life, which they cannot do if disconnected or baffled. Do not tamper with them.
Ensure that the house is always locked when unattended, and try to maintain good relations with neighbours as they will then keep an eye on the house when you are away.
Owing to our high standards, our properties always let very quickly - but don't let the rush stop you from taking these steps before committing. Stay safe at all times.
If you choose your landlords and house mates as carefully as you choose your house you will not go far wrong.
We hope that you like what you see and you will enjoy your time with us and in Durham.
STUDENTHOME ZONE – THE EASIEST CHOICE BY FAR!
