This article will provide a list of useful housing contacts when living in private accommodation.
The contacts available will provide help and information on a variety of issues ranging from registering utilities to landlord disputes.
Student Housing
Student Housing are responsible for administering applications for halls of residence, including the allocation of hall places and also helping students secure private rented accommodation when needed. We also offer a year-round advice and support service on any issues relating to private rented accommodation including the latest availability of rooms on Portsmouth StudentPad (the only official student housing website that has a variety of shared houses, flats and lodgings registered with the University of Portsmouth).
Location:
Floor 6
Mercantile House
Hampshire Terrace
Portsmouth
PO1 2EG
Telephone: +44 (0)23 9284 3214
Email: student.housing@port.ac.uk
Web: www.port.ac.uk/accommodation
Web: www.portsmouthstudentpad.co.uk
Student and Neighbour Liaison Service
Acts as a link between students, their neighbours and other members of the community
Location:
Floor 6
Mercantile House
Hampshire Terrace
Portsmouth
PO1 2EG
Telephone: +44 (0)23 9284 3214
Email: student-neighbourliaison@port.ac.uk
University of Portsmouth Students' Union Advice Service
Advice and referral to appropriate agencies
Location:
Cambridge Road, Portsmouth
Telephone: +44 (0)23 9284 3478
Website: www.upsu.net
Student Finance Centre
Access funds/loans, student loans, advice
Location:
The Nuffield Centre, St Michael’s Road, Portsmouth
Telephone: +44 (0)23 9284 3014
Email: student.finance@port.ac.uk
Portsmouth City Council
Housing advice, environmental health and trading standards advice
Location
Housing Department
Civic Offices
Guildhall Square
Portsmouth
Telephone:+44 (0)23 9283 4092 (general enquiries), The Housing Standards Team, (0)23 9268 8369 (landlord and tenant issues, housing conditions)
Website: www.portsmouth.gov.uk
Utility companies
Not sure who supplies your gas or electricity? The following website might be of use to you to find these out: https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/consumers/energy-guides
Gas emergency - If you smell gas or you think you may have a gas leak somewhere, you should call the National Grid Gas Emergencies on 0800 111 999
Water - there are two water companies who you pay money to here in Portsmouth. Southern Water oversees your waste water, and Portsmouth Water sort out the fresh water supply to your home.
Southern Water (sewage)
Telephone: +44 (0)330 303 0368 - customer service line (local rate calls)
Portsmouth Water (fresh water supply)
Telephone: +44 (0)23 9249 9888
With regards to your gas, electric, broadband and TV packages, there are a number of great packages around depending on what your requirements are.
Don’t forget, if you are watching the BBC channels, (live or iPlayer) you must have a TV licence. Check out www.tvlicensing.co.uk for more information.