The London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) is prepared to act as guarantor to its full-time intensive MSc and research degree students living in the private sector on an Assured Shorthold Tenancy (AST) or in purpose built private student accommodation. The purpose of the scheme is to enable LSHTM students to secure accommodation otherwise unavailable to them due to a UK rent guarantor being required. Under this scheme, all parties will abide with their respective obligations under the tenancy agreement and the students will be paying rent directly to the landlord or the managing agent.
LSHTM will be legally responsible for paying the rent only when the corresponding student defaults, subject to the terms and conditions set out in this document:
1. In order to be eligible for this Scheme, students must:
1.1 Be enrolled at LSHTM as a full-time student in a full-time intensive MSc programme or research degree for the whole duration of the tenancy.
1.2 Not be a member of LSHTM staff registered as a student.
1.3 Be 18 or older.
1.4 Not have any outstanding debt to LSHTM.
1.5 Ensure that the tenancy agreement is for a maximum period of one year. Successive applications to this Scheme by students who continue to meet all eligibility requirements are allowed under this Scheme.
1.6 Be entering into an agreement categorised either as an Assured Shorthold Tenancy or a licence agreement for purpose built private student accommodation.
1.7 Ensure that the corresponding rent per person is a maximum of GBP 1,200 per month.
1.8 Provide evidence of actual or future funding to maintain the rent payments for the duration of the tenancy agreement (loan, stipend, sponsorship, savings, earnings from secured employment…).
1.9 Confirm that they are not able to get another UK-based guarantor.
1.10 Not have any record of inappropriate behaviour or have been the subject of a serious behaviour incident at LSHTM.
2. Students shall ensure the following conditions are met.
2.1 Not sign the tenancy prior to receiving confirmation from LSHTM that it will act as a guarantor.
2.2 Have their tenancy agreement checked in advance of signing. (The University of London Housing Services offer a free contract checking service).
2.3 Ensure rent is paid in a timely manner at the correct periodic intervals in accordance with the tenancy agreement, and meeting all other obligations towards the landlord, managing agent or student accommodation provider outlined in the tenancy agreement.
2.4 Sign the tenancy agreement directly with the relevant landlord/agent only after LSHTM have agreed to act as a Guarantor.
2.5 Notify LSHTM of any proposed changes in the occupants of the property, whether already approved by the landlord, managing agent or student accommodation provider or not.
2.6 Promptly notify LSHTM of any intention to terminate the tenancy agreement before the date stated in the tenancy agreement whether already agreed with the landlord, managing agent or student accommodation provider or not.
2.7 Inform LSHTM as soon as possible of a likely rent default and in no event later than 48 hours of having incurred in an actual rent default (including delay).
2.8 In the event that LSHTM is required to pay any amounts under this Scheme, reimburse LSHTM for all its expenses related to making that payment, and pay the corresponding amount within 30 days of the date of any payments made by LSHTM to the landlord, managing agent or student accommodation provider.
2.9. If a student does not repay LSHTM all monies owed within 30 days from the date of any payments made by LSHTM to the landlord, managing agent or student accommodation provider, the student will enter into a separate agreement with LSHTM which will specify the terms and timescales within which the student will repay all monies owed to LSHTM, including its own expenses.
2.10 Ensure that under no circumstances should the rent be withheld before seeking legal advice and informing of any amounts being withheld at least 30 days before withholding any amounts.
All conditions listed above are to be construed as minimum requirements to be able to participate in this Scheme, and are not to be interpreted as the exclusive obligations of the corresponding student under this Scheme.
3. Seeking advice in event of dispute:
If a student for whom LSHTM is acting as rent guarantor experiences difficulties whilst living in the accommodation, such that they enter into a dispute with the landlord of the property, the student is responsible for seeking advice from the University of London Housing Services (ULHS) (housing@london.ac.uk).
4. Landlords, managing agents or student accommodation providers (named persons on the contract who are entering an agreement with the prospective tenants) are responsible:
4.1 For providing LSHTM with the following documentation prior to issuing the guarantee:
- A valid Gas Safety Certificate. If there is no gas in the property, confirmation of this circumstance.
- Energy Performance Certificate (EPC).
- HMO Licence, or evidence of application for an HMO licence, where applicable.
4.2 After the guarantee is given, for providing LSHTM with the tenancy agreement/licence agreement, signed by all parties.
4.3 For notifying LSHTM on rentscheme@lshtm.ac.uk within 48 hours of the date on which a rent payment is in arrears.
4.4 For staying any possession proceedings against the student tenant during the above period.
5. London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine will:
5.1 In accordance with the above terms and conditions, act as limited guarantor for the payment of rent only for the property and the LSHTM student named in the rent guarantor scheme application form. The guarantee will be restricted to the duration of the tenancy agreement and up to the guarantee limit of £1,200 per calendar month for the corresponding student.
5.2. Arrange for the payment of any rent due under the tenancy agreement as a result of a default within 30 days of the correct notice given to LSHTM by the landlord, managing agent or student accommodation provider under section 5.1 above.
5.3. Invoice the affected student to seek reimbursement of monies paid in accordance with section 2.8 above.
5.4 After the elapse of 30 days from the date of any payments made by LSHTM to the landlord, managing agent or student accommodation provider, or at the date at which the student confirms repayment within the 30 day period is not possible (whichever occurs first), LSHTM will manage such debts by entering into a separate agreement with the student in accordance with paragraph 2.9 above, which will specify repayment arrangements.
5.5 For the purposes of clarity, LSHTM shall not under any circumstances be liable for payment of monies for:
- Default interest charged as a result of non-payment of rent;
- Any other or subsequent loss incurred by the landlord or the student;
- Loss of profit or opportunity;
- Legal costs;
- Costs of damage to the leased property, which remain the liability of the student tenant;
- Costs associated with possession/eviction proceedings.
6. General
6.1 These terms and conditions are between LSHTM and the student in relation to the rent guarantor scheme, and are not granting any rights to any third party.
6.2. Any delay by LSHTM in enforcing these terms and conditions is not to be construed in any way as a waiver of its rights under these terms and conditions.
6.3. These terms and conditions are governed by the Laws of England and Wales.