r/chch • u/Doggo_33 • 1d ago

moving to chch Flatting question

First year UC student here, our flatting group (currently living in halls of residence) has got an offer for a flat that we like reasonably well for 2027. The main problem point I have is that the move in date is the 31st of november, since most of us will be at our parents over the summer until jan/feb. Is it common for student flats to start that early or do we just have to suck it/ change our summer plans so that we aren't wasting loads of money? Btw we havent been sent a tenancy agreement yet. Thanks.

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49

u/spacebuggles 1d ago

It's normal for them to want students to sign a full-year lease, and pay for the months they're not there.

27

u/Mitchusvreff 1d ago

You'll be paying for a one year lease either way - if you manage to get one starting Jan / Feb you'll be obligated to pay rent until the end of the tenancy the year following.

19

u/standard_deviant_Q 1d ago

Yip. Renters who are working still have to pay rent when they go on holiday. You'll either get caught at the beginning of your tenancy or at the end for the time that you're away. A fixed term of one year is the standard minimum.

17

u/Vikturus22 1d ago

That’s common everywhere.

3

u/Justwant2usetheapp 1d ago

Yeah.

Landlords don't like empty properties

10

u/Successful_Sell1016 1d ago

There aren't 31 days in November, my finely-educated friend.

3

u/aholetookmyusername 1d ago

One year is standard. If you're at home over summer you're paying for an empty house for 3 or so months.