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A copy of the current gas safety certificate should be present in the house. Reading University also runs (in conjunction with Reading Borough Council) a Landlord Accreditation Scheme. All furniture supplied in the course of letting any accommodation containing upholstery must comply with Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations1988 (and amendments). Furniture affected by these rules includes:

Beds and headboards
Mattresses
New, second-hand and re-upholstered suites
Futons
Cushions

If you have any doubts about the furniture in your house, question the landlord, they must provide furniture which complies with the regulations.
The majority of landlords ask for a deposit. This usually one month's rent. Landlords are not legally entitled to ask for more than one sixth of the annual rent. Deposits are used to protect landlords against damage to the property. They can also be withheld against unpaid bills, cleaning charges and rent arrears. Obtain a written statement stating what the deposit covers and take gas and electricity meter readings on the day you move in, and leave, and notify provider/supplier.
As your deposit in in lieu of any damage you may do, you need an inventory or list of the contents of the property and the condition of each item. Landlord and tenants need to agree to the inventory and sign it after a complete check has been carried out. If you have any discrepancies get a friend to help you and witness the inventory. Without an inventory it is difficult to prove that you did not cause any damage. Check the inventory carefully before you sign it in case of any disputes later. Private rented accommodation is usually 'bills not included' and you often have to pay/full part rent or a retainer over the summer.

Be a Considerate Neighbour!
With more and more students choosing to live in the private sector and with many properties available, disputes can arise between students and long-term residents. Bear in mind that when you move into a residential community, even if there are other students living there, there may also be elderly people, people with young families, etc. Remember the following pointers and be a good neighbour!

Keep the noise down inside and outside your house.
When arranging a party inform your neighbours and agree a reasonable time to bring the party to an end.
You may even want to invite your neighbours.
Keep windows and doors shut and music turned low.
Remember your key when you go out so you won't wake the neighbours when you get back.
Know who is in your house at all times.
Remember that Reading University operates a Student Noise Policy that can mean being dismissed from the University!
This advice will make life easier for you and your friends!

Be Safe!

Arrange transport home in advance.
Avoid going to a pub, club or party alone.
Don't become isolated from your friends.
Never leave your drink unattended.
Never accept a drink from someone you don't know or trust.
If you begin to feel drunk, dizzy or disorientated, seek help from a trusted friend or a member of the pub/club staff. Never walk home alone.
Carry a Personal Attack Alarm - available from the Students Union.
If someone threatens you, shout and scream for help. If you are attacked report it to the Police immediately, specialist units are available to deal with attacks and sexual offences in a sensitive and confidential manner.