If you’ve been accepted into university it’s important to look for accommodation early to find the right place for you.
Before signing a tenancy agreement make sure:
- you’re sure you want to take the accommodation
- you have the funds or your student loan has been successfully processed so you can cover the rent
- you consider who you’ll be living with
- you consider that you’re all liable for damage
- you check that the landlord is reputable – the university can give you an accredited list
View our list of accredited student accommodation landlords and agents.
Deposits and tenancy deposit protection schemes
Your landlord may ask you to put down a holding deposit. Don’t pay this unless you’ve confirmed that you can pull out and get the money back.
Most landlords will also ask for a security deposit which will be withheld at the end of your tenancy if the property is damaged or if you still owe rent.
Your landlord is required to protect your security deposit in a deposit protection scheme. This does not apply for a holding deposit.
You may need to ask someone to act as your guarantor. A guarantor will be liable if you don’t pay your rent so you should both be aware of the obligations.
Before you move in:
- check that the landlord has done a full inventory of the property
- take photos of any damage for your own records to avoid having money taken from your deposit for existing damages.