Students: Find a house to share
Many students choose private renting after a first year in halls of residence.
This can be exciting but it might also feel confusing or even scary.
Know your rights before you hand over money or sign an agreement.
Step by step guide
Step1Think about who you want to live with
Sharing with friends can be a great experience.
But what happens if things go wrong?
In a shared house, you often have to compromise.
In a joint tenancy, the choices and actions of other tenants can affect your rights.
Checklist: Things to talk about before you agree to share a house.
Step2Look at adverts and find a good letting agent
Most student landlords use a letting agent to manage the property.
Some agents specialise in student rentals.
Letting agents advertise student accommodation:
on university or student union websites and noticeboards
on property websites like Zoopla or Rightmove
in local letting agent offices
You might see adverts that say things like 'LGBTQ+ friendly' or 'trans friendly house'.
Read more on finding an LGBTQ+ friendly home.
Many universities, student unions and local councils have landlord accreditation schemes. Landlords and agents who join these schemes agree to meet certain quality standards.
Step3Arrange viewings
Students often look for a home for the next academic year in the autumn term.
You might hear that all the best properties go if you leave it too late.
Try not to worry. Start looking when you are all ready.
Checklist: What to look for and ask at a viewing.
Student renters are sometimes targeted by scammers.
Do not sign up for the first place you see if it does not feel right.
Step4When to pay a holding deposit
You might have to pay a holding deposit to reserve a property before you sign a tenancy agreement.
The most a landlord can ask for is equal to 1 week's rent.
Only pay this money if you and any other joint tenants:
have been to see the property
are sure you want to move in
The landlord could keep your money if you change your mind.
But you should get your money back if the landlord decides not to rent to you.
Step5Guarantors and options if you do not have one
Most student landlords ask for a guarantor.
The guarantor signs an agreement to say they will pay your rent if you do not pay.
Most students ask a parent or another family member to be their guarantor. Talk to your family about this before you start looking for somewhere to live.
If you do not have a parent or family member who can be a guarantor, there are companies that offer this service. But you have to pay a fee.
Step6Paying a tenancy deposit or 'zero deposit option'
Most student landlords ask for a tenancy deposit.
You should get this money back at the end of your tenancy unless your landlord has a reason to keep some of it. For example, for:
missed rent payments
damage caused by you, other tenants or guests
The most a landlord can ask for is equal to 5 weeks' rent.
Your deposit must be protected by a scheme for your whole tenancy.
Joint tenants are often asked to pay one deposit between you all. You might have to choose a 'lead tenant'. This person deals with the landlord and the scheme when the tenancy ends.
Read more on paying a deposit in a joint tenancy.
'Zero deposit options' work very differently. You pay a one-off or monthly charge to a private company. The company pays the landlord if you miss rent payments or damage the property. Then the company gets the money back from you.
You pay less money up front. But you do not get these fees back.
You cannot be forced to use a zero deposit company.
Step7Signing and understanding your tenancy agreement
Your tenancy agreement is a legal contract between you and the landlord.
Before you sign, check that:
the tenancy start date is clear
all joint tenants are listed on the agreement
landlord and agent contact details are listed
the rent is the same or less than the advert or listing
the agreement clearly states which bills are included
You must be given information about the tenancy before you sign the contract.
This could be a copy of the tenancy agreement or a separate document.
Step8Paying rent before you move in
You cannot be asked to pay rent before you sign the tenancy agreement.
Once you have signed, the landlord can ask for up to 1 month's rent in advance.
If a landlord or agent asks for more than this they are breaking the law.
Step9What happens on the day you get the keys
Your house or flat should be ready from the start date of your tenancy agreement. The agent might tell you a time to collect the keys.
Find out what to do if the agent says you cannot move in.
You often get a check in report or inventory. Check the property against the inventory. Tell the agent about any problems.
More advice from Shelter
Last updated: 20 October 2026
