ENERGY COSTS

We are frequently asked by prospective tenants about the size of the power bills that they can expect to have to pay in our properties. Unfortunately, there is no definitive answer to this question. Over the years we have found that there can be huge variations in the costs of heating and lighting our houses and flats depending on who is in residence. The fact is that it can get rather cold in Scotland over the winter months and energy costs will have to be taken into account when you are working out your budget. We are hoping that one of the Tenants' Reps will be able to carry out a power bill survey over the coming months in order to ensure that our residents are getting a good deal from their energy providers, but ultimately the size of power bills will depend on your own personal consumption.

(Photo provided by Virginia Cabrera Fernandez and electronically enhanced by Paola Strammiello)

ANTISOCIAL BEHAVIOUR ORDERS (ASBOs)

ASBOs have recently been introduced in Scotland with the aim of targeting activities which disrupt the lives of individuals, families or communities. ASBOs are an important addition to the range of responses available to tackle anti-social behavior and can be used to address problems as varied as loud music, impeding access to communal areas and nuisance burglar alarms. Dundee Property Solutions takes these matters very seriously and will take appropriate action where necessary.

DONATION TO THE RNLI

In conjunction with DPSflight (Dundee Prototypical Simulations) a donation of £200 was made to the RNLI at Broughty Ferry on 29th March 2006. The picture below shows Awards’ Coordinator Carol Shannon presenting crewman Bob McTavish with the cheque.

TENANTS' REPRESENTATIVE

In order to facilitate communication between our residents and the company, we have appointed Tenants' Representatives, who will provide additional points of contact should residents not want to discuss problems directly with the company officers.
Over the years we have found that the occupants of our properties have occasionally encountered difficulties with utility companies, council tax demands and a variety of other predicaments. The Tenants' Representatives may be able to assist residents so that any minor issues concerning our accommodation can be addressed before they develop into a major problem.

SAFETY INSPECTIONS

Safety Inspections will change from the current three-month cycle to a fixed date schedule. Safety Inspection Forms will be amended to include banister security and staircase illumination and carpet condition.

DEPOSITS

Dundee Property Solutions will endeavour to return deposits to departing tenants as soon as possible after the end of the term of the tenancy and on presentation of the final utility bills.

INITIAL PERIOD OF TENANCY

From the start of 2007 all tenancies will be granted with a term of six months regardless of the period required by the tenant/s. An extension of the tenancy for a further period will only be approved if it is felt that the tenant/tenants have complied with the tenancy agreement satisfactorily.

CAR PARKING

Due to traffic/parking congestion in the West End of Dundee, preference will be given to prospective tenants not bringing motor vehicles with them.

ADDITIONAL ITEMS OF FURNITURE

All properties are let fully-furnished. Tenants are not allowed to bring additional large items of furniture such as beds and sofas.

REFERENCES

Prospective tenants who arrive in Dundee at the end of the summer to view our accommodation are advised to come armed with names of referees in order to speed up the application process. If you can provide the e-mail address of your Adviser of Studies, Professor, Departmental Secretary, Tutor or Supervisor it would be most helpful. Otherwise please bring two written references from a previous employer, educational establishment or landlord. It is our policy to independently check all references.

BANKING

Prospective tenants might like to give some thought in advance of applying for our accommodation as to what method they will use to pay their rent. Monthly payment of rent is expected to be made by Automated Pay In and we are more likely to offer accommodation to applicants who can make their initial rent payment electronically, i.e. from an internet bank account. In previous years, during periods when demand for accommodation is high, applicants have missed out because they haven't been able to arrange a suitable method of transferring money to our account.

GARDENING

If the property you are interested in has a garden it is a condition of the tenancy that you maintain it to a satisfactory standard. You will be expected to provide lawnmowers, power breakers, safety gloves, etc. One of the most common causes of disputes between tenants and landlord/ neighbours is a poorly maintained/untidy garden. Unfortunately, excuses such as being away on holiday or busy with exams won’t be accepted. If you feel that you are unable to undertake grass cutting, weeding, etc you should be prepared to engage a gardener at your own expense to undertake the task.