HOW TO BE A GREEN RENTER
PB 1
STUDENTS
ON THE MOVE
FROM HALLS
TO HOUSE
HOW TO BE A GREEN RENTER2 3
CONTENTS
How to be a Green renter .............................................................. 3
How to be a good neighbour ......................................................... 5
Registering to Vote ....................................................................... 7
Changes to University Support ...................................................... 7
Renting Rights and Responsibilities ............................................... 8
Community Living Rules and Regulations .................................... 10
Your Halls to House Checklist ...................................................... 11
HOW TO BE A GREEN RENTER2 3
HOW TO BE A
GREEN RENTER
WASTE
Disposing of your waste correctly shows you care
for where you live so we all have cleaner streets.
Recycling preserves natural resources, saves energy,
and causes less harm to the environment than
extracting and processing raw materials.
• In Bristol recycling is collected once a week and
general waste (black wheelie bin) is collected every
two weeks.
• You should put out your waste out after 7pm the
evening before it is due to be collected and you
must bring in your bins and boxes on the day they
are collected.
• If you are missing any bins, there is an online
request form on the Bristol City Council website.
Houses: When you move into a house, you should
have as minimum:
Green box: For your cans, plastic bottles and
containers (No plastic bags or black plastic)
Black box: for your glass and paper (not brown
paper)
Blue bag: for your cardboard, cartons and
brown paper.
Brown caddy: for food waste wrapped in
newspaper or compostable bags
Black wheelie bin: for non-recyclable waste
Apartment Buildings: If you live in a large block of
flats, you may have a recycling or waste centre for
the whole building. Information on how to use this
should be provided by your landlord/letting agent. If
you are not sure what to do you can check with your
neighbours.
Bristol Waste Company and
Bristol City Council; everything you need to
know about waste:
https://bristolwastecompany.co.uk/household/
students-and-new-residents/
https://www.bristol.gov.uk/residents/bins-and-
recycling
Top Tips
ǎ Find your collection dates and make a note
of these on your phone.
ǎ Make sure you fully close the top on your
black bin and blue bag. Bins will not be
collected if they are overflowing (bags left
next to bins will also not be collected).
ǎ Make sure you follow the recycling
instructions carefully. Recycling will not be
collected if it is not in the correct boxes or
bag.
ǎ Plastic bags cannot be recycled in your
boxes, local Sainsburys and Co-op
supermarkets have bins where these can be
recycled.
HOW TO BE A GREEN RENTER4 54
TRANSPORT
Bristol is a great place to get around without a car
and the University’s central location means you can
reach most places easily on foot, by bike or by public
transport.
• You are entitled to a discount on local buses, see
the Student Travel website for links.
• If you are travelling further afield by train you can
buy a Railcard for 1/3 off fares.
You should not bring a car to Bristol unless it is
essential, for example because of a disability. Bristol
is a highly congested city and there are many
restrictions on parking in place.
Leaving your car at home means you are not adding
to local pollution, congestion, and parking problems.
If you feel you need to use a car from time to time
you can see if you are eligible to join a Car Club. They
have student discounts, and pay-as-you go cars
located across Bristol, the Student Travel web-pages
have more detail.
ENERGY AND WATER
Follow these tips and advice for quick and easy ways
to save energy, lower your bills and reduce your
carbon footprint.
• draught proof gaps where you can.
• turn down radiators in rooms you are not using.
• turn off lights and appliances when you are not
using them, don’t leave them on standby.
• wash your clothes at a lower temperature.
• close your curtains and blinds at night.
• take short showers instead of baths whenever
possible.
• use cold water rather than hot when it makes
sense.
• make sure washing machines, tumble dryers and
dishwashers are full before using them.
• turn off taps while brushing your teeth or when
they’re not in use.
• if you have a smart meter track your energy use.
FOOD
Wasting food will cost you money and is not good for
the environment.
• Plan meals in advance and create a shopping list,
stick to this when you are shopping to help you
avoid impulse buys.
• Resist 2-for-1 offers on products with short use-by
dates or food your only occasionally eat.
• Before you go food shopping check what you
already have.
• Plan meals to use up ingredients before they go
off, and make sure you aren’t buying more of an
item than you need.
• If you do have left over food waste, make sure you
use your brown caddy to dispose of it each week.
If you put food waste in your black wheelie bin it
can be two weeks before it is collected.
UoB Student Travel Pages:
http://www.bristol.ac.uk/transportplan/
student-travel/
4 5HOW TO BE A GOOD NEIGHBOUR 5
HOW TO BE A
GOOD NEIGHBOUR
SAY ‘HELLO’
Introducing yourself to your neighbours sets you apart
from previous tenants.
If you are on friendly terms with your neighbours, it
will be easier for you to appreciate any concerns they
may have (for example if they have young children),
and they will be more likely to approach you rather
than the University, Police or Council if they have a
problem.
Give your neighbours your contact details and ask
them to let you know if they have any problems. You
might like to print out and use this greeting template:
https://tinyurl.com/clohello
NOISE
Excessive noise impacts the wellbeing of all your
neighbours, both students and non-students.
Things to be aware of:
• Unlike Halls, there is no 11.00pm cut off for noise
in the community.
• Noise can be considered excessive at any time of
the day or night.
• Many houses in Bristol are old with poor insulation
so noise travels easily through floors and walls.
• You are responsible for the behaviour of your
visitors.
• A multi-occupancy household is likely to create
quite a bit more noise than a family home,
particularly if you have visitors.
• What may not sound loud to you may disturb your
neighbours.
• There are no ‘student areas’ in Bristol.
• All residential areas are shared with a variety of
people.
You can avoid the risk of disturbing your neighbours
by:
• not holding large gatherings or house parties in
your property.
• avoiding using the garden, street or rooms that
adjoin neighbours’ bedrooms if you have visitors.
• positioning stereos, TVs, and speakers away from
adjoining walls and keeping the volume low.
• use headphones when you are listening to music.
• keeping doors and windows closed to help prevent
noise from travelling.
• avoid shouting, slamming doors, or running up and
down stairs.
• make sure you and your guests arrive and leave
quietly when you have a night out.
TOP TIPS
ǎ Check your noise - go outside or visit your
neighbours to find out if you can hear your
house noise.
ǎ Don’t expect your neighbours to keep
contacting you about noise, if they have
told you noise is disturbing them keep your
music/other noise below that level.
ǎ Find your local businesses – curry house,
restaurant, pub, or club where you can
hold your event. You won’t disturb your
neighbours and you will support local
businesses and provide employment.
HOW TO BE A GOOD NEIGHBOUR6 76
GET INVOLVED
Getting involved with a resident’s association
or volunteering can help you get to know your
neighbours and benefit the local community as well as
helping with your CV – have a look at signing up for a
Bristol Plus Award.
Local resident’s associations may have gardening
projects, litter picks, quiz nights and socials which
you could get involved with. Some areas also run
welcome events for students. Look out for posters in
your local area or flyers through your door.
To find your local residents association try this link
https://tinyurl.com/clogrouplist or Google the name of
your local area.
Bristol Hub: https://www.bristolhub.org/
Bristol Hub supports University of Bristol
students to tackle social challenges, learn about
issues and connect with each other.
City Challenges:
https://universityofbristolcareers.blogs.bristol.
ac.uk/2023/04/05/five-reasons-why-you-should-
take-part-in-a-city-challenge/
During a City Challenge, you help a Bristol non-
profit tackle an issue they are facing. You learn
about a local cause, help improve them and have
a positive impact on the local community.
Volunteering Opportunities:
https://www.bristolsu.org.uk/volunteering
Whether you want to make a difference to the
Bristol community during your time at university,
if you’re looking to boost your skills, your
confidence and your CV or if there’s just a cause
you really care about Bristol SU can help get you
started with your volunteering journey.
Bristol Plus Award: https://www.bristol.ac.uk/
careers/bristol-plus-award/
Photo by Jonathan Kemperon on Unsplash
REGISTERING TO VOTE / CHANGES TO UNIVERSITY SUPPORT6 77
REGISTERING TO
VOTE
You can find out how to vote in UK elections as a
student at: https://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/i-
am-a/voter/students
If you are eligible you can register to vote at:
www.gov.uk/register-to-vote
From the 4th of May 2023 you will need to provide an
accepted ID to vote in UK elections, this could include
a passport, drivers licence or PASS card. If you do not
have an accepted form of ID, or if you would prefer
not to use your ID, you can apply for a free Voter
Authority Certificate.
Full information on accepted IDs and how to
apply for a Voter Certificate is available at:
https://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/i-am-a/
voter/voter-id
CHANGES TO
UNIVERSITY SUPPORT
As you move out into the community there will be
some changes to where you receive support.
Wellbeing Support: If you need wellbeing support
this will move from Residential Life to the Student
Wellbeing Service when you leave University
residencies. You can find out more and request
support online: http://www.bristol.ac.uk/students/
support/wellbeing/request-support/.
If you are currently receiving support from Residential
Life, your advisor will talk to you about this.
The Student Wellbeing Service operates during office
hours, for out of hours support you can contact the
Samaritans 24 hours a day for free on 116 123.
Security Services: University Security does not
operate in the community. If you are concerned
about your safety, contact the police on 999 in an
emergency, or 101 if it is not an emergency.
Student Health: Most students will be able to remain
registered with Student Health. You can check your
address at: http://www.bristol.ac.uk/students-health/
register/ . You can also register with Student Health
on this website if you did not do so when you enrolled
on your course.
RENTING RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES8 9
RENTING RIGHTS
AND RESPONSIBILITIES
You have the right to: You have a responsibility to:
• Live in a property that is safe and in a good state
of repair.
• 24 hours’ notice if your landlord needs to come
around (unless it is an emergency).
• Live in the house for the length of your contract
• Your landlords contact details (not just your letting
agents).
Your landlord must provide you with:
• A copy of the government’s ‘How to rent guide’.
• A gas and electricity safety certificate.
• An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC.
• Deposit protection paperwork showing where
your deposit is held (within 30 days).
• Take good care of the property.
• Not cause noise and other forms of nuisance to
your neighbours.
• Manage your waste and recycling effectively.
• Let your landlord/letting agent know of any repairs
that are needed.
• Repair or pay for any damage caused by you or
your friends.
• Pay the agreed rent on time.
• Pay your household bills on time.
• Not to sublet unless you have your landlord’s
permission.
If you require a landlord reference and you have not
been a responsible tenant, your landlord may not
provide you with the reference you were hoping for.
This could affect your future property choices.
How to rent: https://www.gov.uk/government/
publications/how-to-rent
Where to get help: http://www.bristol.ac.uk/
accommodation/privately-rented/advice/
Photo by Mikey Harris on Unsplash
RENTING RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES8 9
How to rent safely: https://www.gov.uk/
government/publications/how-to-rent-a-safe-
home
Crime prevention: https://www.
avonandsomerset.police.uk/crime-prevention-
advice/
STAYING SAFE IN YOUR PROPERTY
Security and Crime Household Hazards
• Always lock your doors and windows.
• Keep laptops, smartphones, keys and other
valuables out of sight.
• Register your valuables (e.g., Immobilise).
• Only let people you trust into your home if you
feel unsafe call the police.
See the Avon and Somerset Police website for more
information.
• If you have any concerns about the safety of your
property you should contact your landlord/letting
agent straight away.
• All rented houses must have smoke and CO
detectors (if you have a gas boiler), large
properties must also have fire alarm systems.
• Test your detectors regularly where you can.
Read ‘How to rent a safe home’ for more information
WHAT IS A HOUSE OF MULTIPLE
OCCUPATION (HMO)?
An HMO is a property where at least 3 tenants live,
forming more than 1 household, where there are
shared facilities such as bathroom or kitchen. As
student tenants each of you are your own household.
Most student HMOs in Bristol should be licenced
because they contain over 5 households or because
they are part of the central Bristol licencing area.
Licenced HMOs are required to meet standards which
can be found on the Bristol City Council website:
https://www.bristol.gov.uk/business/licences-and-
permits/property-licences/types-of-licence
COMMUNITY LIVING RULES AND REGULATIONS10 11
COMMUNITY LIVING
RULES AND REGULATIONS
UNIVERSITY COMMUNITY
BEHAVIOUR RULES
The University of Bristol has an expectation that
students will respect the community they live in and,
like all other residents, are bound by national and local
legislation. The University of Bristol enforces rules
which state that students must respect residents and
be considerate to the local community. Students are
responsible for visitors to their homes.
Disciplinary action may be taken in the case of:
• Excessive noise that causes a disturbance to other
residents at any time of day or night.
• Non-compliance with local council waste and
recycling collection procedures.
• Any violent, indecent, disorderly, threatening,
intimidating or offensive behaviour or language
whether expressed orally or in writing, including
electronically.
• Sexual, racial or any other form of harassment,
including bullying.
•
• Any other behaviour that causes danger or
distress.
• Any other misconduct (as defined by the
Regulations) within the community.
Misconduct can be dealt with locally first by the
Community Liaison Manager, penalties can include a
fine of up to £250.
For full information and penalties: http://www.bristol.
ac.uk/accommodation/community/student-behaviour-
in-the-community/
BRISTOL CITY COUNCIL NEIGHBOURHOOD
ENFORCEMENT TEAM (NET)
NET combines several enforcement functions for
Bristol City Council, including noise and waste. A
member of the public may report a problem directly
to the Council, or, in some instances the Community
Liaison Officer may report you to NET if you have
not responded to university requests to change your
behaviour (e.g., not playing loud music or cleaning up
waste).
The NET team can impose Community Protection
Warnings, Notices, and Fines. If there are still
ongoing issues you may be prosecuted in court and
fined up to £2,500 as well as having property (e.g.,
stereo systems) confiscated.
OUR COMMUNITY
LIAISON
OFFICER STEVE
SAYS …
ǎ Everyone is entitled to
have a good time, but
not at the expense of your neighbours.
ǎ Enjoy your houses and Respect the Student
Rules.
ǎ Get involved in the community association
projects – look up your Association on-line.
https://tinyurl.com/clogrouplist
ǎ You have skills and time to volunteer for
many projects that your community need
you for – Music events / Horticultural /
Litter Picking /Sports events/Mentoring/
Foodbanks and more.
ǎ Finally - Please be respectful to everyone in
our neighbourhoods.
YOUR HALLS TO HOUSE CHECKLIST10 11
YOUR HALLS TO HOUSE
CHECKLIST
Not found your accommodation yet? See the accommodation services website: http://www.bristol.ac.uk/
accommodation/privately-rented/finding-private-accommodation/
Before you move in
🟥
Find out your bin days and store them on your phone
🟥
Consider contents insurance
🟥
Compare energy suppliers and work out how you will organise your bills
🟥
Get a TV Licence
🟥
Check you can stay registered with Student Health
🟥
Make sure you have read your tenancy agreement
🟥
Enter your term time address when you re-register with the University
🟥
Consider who needs your new address (e.g., banks, student finance, DVLA)
When you move in
🟥
Say ‘Hello’ to your neighbours
🟥
Check your accommodation inventory and report and discrepancies. Take photos.
🟥
Submit your meter readings (e.g., gas, electricity, or water)
🟥
Make sure you know where your deposit is held and who your landlord is
🟥
Make sure you have a copy of your gas and electricity safety certificates and EPC
🟥
Ensure you have enough recycling boxes and bags; note your collection days
🟥
Request your Council Tax exemption or discount
🟥
Register to vote and make sure you have an accepted ID
Check out your local area
🟥
Find out about your local resident’s group and any welcome events in your area
🟥
Identify your local charity shops to drop of what you don’t need or pick up a bargain
🟥
Find your local pubs/clubs/restaurants to hold your events
