Student life in a new country comes with many challenges. From hunting for the right student accommodation to knowing the tenants right, there are many things students should know. When you are going for studies in a different country or city you have to be very careful regarding all the things. Student accommodation in UK is a very competitive area, even for students getting in is hard given the demand. With more demand and less supply, this is a time of scarcity.
Student accommodation providers are witnessing a transformation. However, this has increased the chances of getting mistreated, scammed and ignored. As a tenant you have to be aware of your tenant rights! This is where Uninist comes into the picture to save you from getting mistreated by tenants. From student accommodation to educating you about your tenant rights, we are here to guide you and elevate your life in UK. So, keep on reading this blog till the end to not miss anything important!
What Are the Tenant Rights for Student Accommodation in UK?
There are many different types of student accommodation in UK available. And, each one of them comes with a different set of rights for tenants. Here is the list of different types of student housing in UK:
- Ensuite rooms
- Shared Student rooms
- Short-term student accommodation
- Student apartments
We are going to discuss the tenant rights of each one of these one by one.
Ensuite Rooms
Ensuite rooms are the most trendy and popular type of student accommodation in UK at this time. Here are the tenant rights for ensuite rooms:
- Right to Repair: It is the landlords or the providers duty to fix any structural issue, heating, water, and electric issues in the building as all of them are basic amenities.
- Maintenance of shared area: You are entitled to regular cleaning/repair of shared areas like kitchen and corridors.
- Timely Repairs: Landlords or the providers have the obligation to repair any issue within a reasonable time and the urgent issues should be resolved within 24 hours.
- Complaint Procedure: Unresolved maintenance issues should be taken to university housing teams or the property of ombudsman if the property is private.
Shared Students Rooms
This type of student accommodation in UK is very popular among students who are looking for affordable and flexible housing. In shared rooms, the kitchen and bathroom are the common area. The tenant rights are:
- Basic Habitability: It is your right to live in a room which is safe, clean, and free from hazards.
- Landlord Responsibilities: The landlord has a duty to repair any damages like plumbing issues, electrics, damp, heating, and structural damage.
- Shared Area: In student rooms the kitchen, bathroom, and living space is shared by students. So, these spaces should be maintained and cleaned on a regular basis.
- Legal Obligation: In a shared private house it is the landlord’s legal obligation to maintain the shared area, if not followed you can sue the landlord!
Short-term Student Accommodation
The UK offers many courses which are not a year long, so many students opt for this special student accommodation in UK. This housing includes a contract of 6 months or less. Here are the tenant rights:
- Maintenance Rights: Short-term doesn’t mean no rights, even in short-term student accommodation the landlord has to maintain proper living standards like fit for human habitation.
- Repairs: It is the landlord’s duty to fix any issue in the building like heating, water, gas, and electrical faults on an urgent basis.
- Licence vs Tenancies: It’s a “licence to occupy” which in common in short-term lets, students have fewer enforcement rights but still basic safety is still mandatory.
- Report Neglect: If proper health code is not followed you can report it to the local council under the housing health and safety rating system(HHSRS).
Student Apartments
This type of student accommodation in UK is another popular category of housing for students. Best for students who want privacy and can afford it, there is no need for sharing anything like kitchen, bedroom, bathroom. Here are the tenant rights of student apartments:
- Full Legal Rights: Most of the apartments rented by students come under Assured Shorthold Tenancy(AST) giving you a strong legal protection.
- Landlord Duties: The landlord is responsible for repair of structural damage, mold, heating, broken appliances if it is provided.
- Health and Safety: It is legally required to present a gas safety certificate, fire alarms, and electrical checks.
- Deposit Dedication: You cannot be charged by the landlord for damages due to lack of maintenance by the landlord.
- Legal Action: If you want to take any legal action, you can take legal action via local council, rent repayment orders, or housing tribunals if the repairs are not made or not adequate.
So, before you sign the lease, make sure you know what all you can get from your landlord to choose the one for you!
Conclusion
Shifting to a new country like the United Kingdom, we understand everything is new. That’s why as your go-to student accommodation in UK, we bring every relevant information. From rent to rights, there are many things to know. Something which is common in all the student accommodation is that it is the landlord’s duty and obligation to fix any issue with the accommodation. If not followed you can take legal action or file a complaint towards the landlord!
FAQ
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Do tenants have rights while renting student accommodation in UK?
Absolutely yes! By law, the tenants who are renting any student accommodation in UK have certain rights. Some of the basic rights for tenants include:
1. Provide basic health code
2. Repairs
3. Security
4. License and leases, and many more.
If the landlord doesn’t follow the basic tenants rights, you can sue him/her. -
When can I take a Legal Action Against the Landlord?
You become eligible for taking legal action against your landlord when the landlord does not follow the basic things like proper health code, maintenance and more.
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Are landlords required to follow safety standards?
Yes, landlords must ensure the following safety standards in the student housing:
1. Working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms
2. Gas safety checks (every 12 months)
3. Electrical checks (every 5 years for private rentals)
4. Proper ventilation and heating -
Who can help me if landlords don’t help?
In case you landlord is not doing the necessary things, you can connect with the following:
1. University housing office, if living in on-campus accommodation.
2. Student unions
3. Student accommodation providers
4. Lawyers -
Is renter’s insurance necessary for students in UK?
Some student accommodation in UK offers basic contents insurance. Plus, it is always better to take precaution than being sorry. If not, it’s smart to get cover for laptops, phones, and valuables. You can also look for student-specific policies.
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What maintenance rights do students have in ensuite rooms?
Students in ensuite rooms have the right to timely repairs, maintenance of shared areas, and the landlord’s responsibility to address issues like heating, water, and electric problems.
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What legal protection do students have in student apartments?
Students in student apartments typically have full legal rights under Assured Shorthold Tenancy (AST), which offers strong protection regarding repairs, safety checks, and deposit protection.
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What should I do if my landlord neglects maintenance duties?
If a landlord neglects maintenance duties, students can report issues to the university, file complaints with property ombudsmen, or pursue legal action via housing tribunals.
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Are landlords required to follow safety standards?
Yes, landlords must ensure working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, conduct gas safety checks annually, electrical checks every 5 years, and maintain proper ventilation and heating.
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Is renter’s insurance necessary for students in the UK?
While some accommodations provide basic contents insurance, it’s a good idea for students to get personal insurance to protect valuables like laptops and phones.
