How to find a place to rent if you are a student

Start by asking your university or college to help you find somewhere to live.

You can also:

search online
use a letting agent for student lettings

Always visit the property before you:

pay a holding deposit
agree to take the property

Read everything the landlord or letting agent gives you.

Check your tenancy agreement

Make sure you know what you're agreeing to before you pay money or sign a contract.

Your university might have advisers who can check your tenancy agreement for you.

Our guide explains how to protect yourself when you are finding a place to live.

Our checklist explains what to look for when you view a property.

Beware of rental scams

Students are often targeted by rental fraud.

This means someone advertises a property that does not exist or has already been rented out.

They ask for a fee and keep your money.

If this happens, contact:

Action Fraud
the police

Find an accredited landlord

Lots of universities have landlord accreditation schemes.

Landlords on schemes have to meet your university's standards.

Check your university's website or ask your student union if there is a scheme.

Some schemes help you sort out disputes with your landlord.

The National Code

The National Code sets high property management standards for student accommodation.

Both universities and private landlords can sign up.

You can complain if a landlord registered with the National Code does not meet the code's standards.

Private landlord accreditation schemes

Some private landlords join local accreditation schemes.

Find a scheme on Accreditation Network UK.

Right to rent checks

Private landlords and letting agents must check you are allowed to rent in England.

They might ask for ID like a passport or an immigration document.

You might need to show these documents when you get to England.

Most university halls of residence do not need to do these checks.

Guarantors

Landlords and agents might ask you for a guarantor.

A guarantor is usually a parent or family member who agrees to pay your rent if you do not.

It is a good idea for your guarantor to get legal advice on what they agree to.

For example, to make sure that they do not have to cover your housemates' rent as well as yours.

They should also check if they have to cover bills like electricity or water. Sometimes, bills are included in your rent and there is a limit on how much you can use without paying more.

Find out more about guarantors.

Ask for an inventory before you move in. Take photos and videos.

This can help avoid problems with getting your deposit back.

Tenancies that include energy bills

Some tenancies include energy bills.

Check your contract for 'fair usage' clauses.

Fair usage usually means there is a limit on how much electricity, gas or water you can use. You might have to pay extra if you use more.

Talk to your landlord before you sign up if you think the limits are not fair.

It could be harder to change the amounts after you sign your tenancy agreement.

Do you have to pay council tax?

You do not have to pay council tax if everyone in your home is a full time student.

Tell your council that you're students in case they ask you to pay. You might need a document from your university or college that shows you're a student.