Landlords need to switch on to the law about TV licensing as students move in to start the new academic year at university.
Some landlords include a TV licence as part of an added-services pack for tenants, while others leave buying a licence to their renters.
Viewers need a TV Licence by law to watch or record any live programmes at the same time as they are shown on TV, regardless of whether the equipment is a TV, laptop, tablet or mobile phone.
Most students will need a licence as nearly everyone has a laptop at university and most have smartphones and tablets that can stream live TV over the internet.
Most electronic gadgets can easily be adapted to pick up streaming TV with an inexpensive wireless receiver or dongle, like those supplied for Freeview and Freesat by specialist TV receiver firm Humax. [LINK: https://humaxdirect.co.uk/product.asp?ProdRef=40014 ]
TV Licensing is reminding students to buy a license if they want to watch TV in their student accommodation.
Students watching live TV in student accommodation without a licence risk breaking the law, prosecution and a fine of up to £1,000.
TV Licensing, the government agency responsible for monitoring TV licences, is urging students to include paying for a licence in their budget rather than risk a fine.
There are a number of ways to pay for the licence fee, by one-off payment or by direct debit instalments.
Another good reason for budgeting is the student licence refund - anyone who buys a TV licence at the start of term in September could qualify for a refund when they move back home for the summer holidays.
Refunds can be claimed on any three full calendar months before a licence expires, offering cashback of around £37.
Phil Davis, who chairs the National Association of Student Money Advisers, said:
“With so much to consider at the start of their course, it’s really helpful TV Licensing are promoting the importance of financial matters to students.
“Budgeting is an essential method of managing financial independence. Raising awareness of the ways students can pay for a TV Licence, and the refunds available is a welcome initiative.”
