Shared Student Housing

After the first year, many students chose to move into shared houses or flats for the independence they offer, and the chance to live with a group of friends.

• In most university towns and cities there will be a wide range of private rented accommodation available through agents, individual landlords or in private halls.
• Your university or student union is likely to have a list of recommended or accredited landlords and this should be the first place you look.
• These landlords will usually have agreed to meet higher management and property standards, and if there is a problem, there will often be a complaints procedure you can access.
• You can find a list of accreditation schemes on the Accreditation Network UK website.

Shared properties for three or more unrelated people (known as Houses of Multiple Occupation, or HMOs) have additional standards placed on them by the Local Authority.

• In particular, houses for five or more people, over three or more storeys, have specific standards that require a level of security, fire detection, and appropriate kitchen and bathroom amenities suitable to the number of tenants.
• These properties are known as licensable HMOs, and by law the landlord must have obtained a license from the Local Authority, which should clearly be displayed in the property.

Your student union or university accommodation service will provide advice and information on choosing a shared house or flat.

• Many produce specalised booklets that will guide you through the things to consider, such as deposits, signing a contract, utility bills, housing standards and who to share with.
• Make sure you have picked up a copy and are fully informed before you commit yourself to renting a property.

Next page: The Paperwork