Issue 151

SAS to the rescue...

29th January 2007

Having problems finding a place to live? Had trouble with landlords or letting agencies? Never fear, the SAS will come to your rescue! Swansea Accommodation Services has been set up in association with the student's union to provide a better service for students.

This new agency has set their focus on students, and sees their welfare as their number one priority. Thomas Bardell, who has come from a background in lettings in Cardiff to work for SAS here in Swansea, said that where SAS differ is in focus;

"The difference you'll see with us is that we are acting through the union, in the interests of students and will only promote quality housing for students."

Housing in Swansea is variable in terms of quality, and the private letting agencies can be expensive to use - this is where the SAS comes in.

The service will inspect properties and refuse those which are not up to standard, and will therefore encourage landlords to improve their properties, in an attempt to raise the overall level of housing available for students attending Swansea University.

What they are looking for in terms of quality in housing is "good quality and adequate provision of kitchen and bathroom facilities, security features, furniture and general décor', says Thomas Barbell. He added; 'We will, of course, also be ensuring each and every property we market and manage meets current gas, electrical and fire regulations."

SAS will be managing property all over Swansea but will be focussing on areas popular with students such as Brynmill, Uplands and towards the city centre.

Most letting agencies charge high fees for flatfinding services and contract signing, but SAS will not be charging students any administration fees.

The service will be conveniently campus-based and students will also be able to access the service over the web.

SAS is planning on mainly providing a 'managed' service, meaning that students' first port of call with any problems will be SAS.

The service has no current plans to buy their own properties, instead it hopes to manage and promote other landlord's properties in order to keep costs down for students. Rates will, according to Bardell, be very competitive - which is always welcome news.

He also has these tips for students about to move out of halls;

"Firstly, decide who you're going to live with, where you want to live and what features you think are important to have in your new home. If you're clear on what you want, you'll waste less time looking around places that aren't suitable."

SAS launches officially on 1 February.

Charlie Duff