Different Types of Properties and Contracts

You will usually:

• have your own bedroom and share communal areas like the kitchen and living room and in some cases the bathroom unless you have your own ensuite.
• be responsible for bills if they are not included
• The property is usually fully furnished but it is important to check what furniture and items (e.g., bedding, kitchen equipment) you will need to buy.

You will usually have an Assured Shorthold Tenancy (AST) which usually gives you exclusive possession. The contract will also set out how you are legally responsible to the landlord, which is usually in one of two ways:

Joint liability

If you and your housemates all agree to the same contract for the property, you are jointly and severally liable. This means each tenant is both individually and collectively responsible for the whole rent and any damage. Although you may agree between yourselves to each pay an equal share, if one person does not pay, the landlord can demand the rent from any or all of the other tenants or guarantors.

Individual liability

If you have your own separate contract with the landlord or letting agent, you are only responsible for your own rent and any damage to your room. You also share responsibility for keeping communal areas in a reasonable condition, but if one of your housemates leaves or fails to pay, the landlord cannot require you to cover their rent.

Please see Contracts for more information.

These are purpose-built student blocks owned by private landlords or companies (not university halls). You usually pay rent directly to the provider and either have

• an Assured Shorthold Tenancy that gives you legal rights and responsibilities as a tenant, including greater security, or
• a licence which allows you to occupy a room while using shared facilities. The terms and conditions set by the landlord/ letting agent, and they can often retain the right to move you to a different room within the block if required for maintenance or management reasons.

Unlike some university halls, meals are not provided, and facilities such as kitchens, bathrooms and common areas are often shared with other students.

You can find information about private halls at Loughborough University London here.

This involves living in your landlord’s home and sharing the accommodation with them. You are likely to have your own room and will be an excluded occupier. As an excluded occupier you have few rights. Please see an adviser if you wish to discuss this further.

University halls are owned and managed by the university. You will be given a licence agreement. For more information on university halls please visit Our halls | Accommodation | Loughborough University.