House Hunting

1. Think about who you really want to live with.

   Think carefully about who you want to live with and who would make a good flatmate as friendship groups can change a lot in your first year. Try to choose housemates with similar budgets and a similar approach to work, socialising and tidiness.

2. Think about what you are looking for

   Think about what type of property you are looking for e.g. private rented houses/flats, private hall etc.

   Be realistic about what you want and make a list of what is essential and what is desirable and use our ‘viewing a property checklist’ when you start viewing properties.

3. Think about location and travel.

   It's a good idea to explore different areas around town to decide where you would like to live. Location and access to public transport make a difference in rental fees and your costs for the year.

4. Do the maths - can you afford it?

   It's important to work out your budget. Work out your average spend on food, your commute into university and any other expenses you need to factor into your annual costs. Check out our budgeting information.

   Check how utilities and bills are handled — whether you are responsible for setting them up and paying them, or if they are included in your rent. Both options have pros and cons, so make sure you know what is expected. Review our utilities information before signing agreeing to your contract.

5. Don't be pressured into making early decisions.

   There is no need to hurry into making a decision. Make sure you are making the right decision for YOU before signing agreeing to a contract and don’t feel pressurised by agents or your peers.

   REMEMBER, signing agreeing to a contract too early can leave you sharing with people whose lifestyles and/or budgets may not align with yours, and if you sign agree to a joint contract, you will be jointly liable for the rent – find out more by reviewing our ‘Contracts' information.

Lettings agents advertise and/or manage properties owned by landlords.

Letting agents have to comply with the tenant fees act.

They cannot charge you fees for:

• referencing
• credit checks
• immigrations (right to rent) checks
• administration,
• renewing your contract.

They can however charge you for

• The cost of replacing a key,
• Late payment of rent if more than 14 days late
• Early termination of the tenancy

Letting agents need to advertise their fees before you enter into any agreement. They should be clearly displayed on their website and in their offices.  

Letting agents must be members of one of the following redress schemes:

• the property ombudsman (TPO), or
• the property redress scheme (PRS).

This helps protect your consumer rights if you have a complaint about an agent’s conduct.

If you think a letting agent is not complying with the law, make sure to contact the Student Advice and Support Service 

Look for the ‘SAFE’ kite mark when using a letting agent – all SAFE agents have client money protection. This means that any money you have paid to the agent will be protected if the agent goes out of business.  

Some websites list private rental options. You can either search for a room or advertise for a room yourself. Examples include:

• Roomgo
• Rightmove - UK student accommodation
• spareroom.co.uk

If you find a property through these websites, make sure to:

• Request full details in writing
• Confirm the identity of the landlord or agent; and
• View the property in person before agreeing or paying anything

Accommodation can also be found through word of mouth or via social media. If you find a property through these informal channels, make sure to:

• Request full details in writing
• Confirm the identity of the landlord or agent; and
• View the property in person before agreeing or paying anything