Tenancies and contracts explained | What should students know about their student accommodation tenancy agreement?

Once you have signed your student accommodation tenancy agreement, it is legally binding and can be difficult to evade in the future. For this reason, ensure you read the fine print of your contract to understand what is expected from you and what you are agreeing to when signing your name. Finding student accommodation is a vital part of attending university, and by not reading the tenancy agreement correctly, you may be missing out on key information that may make you unhappy with your choice.

This guide will explain what students should be aware of when signing tenancy agreements and contracts, and what to look out for to ensure complete satisfaction with the accommodation.

What are the different types of tenancy contracts?

Depending on your own preferences and student accommodation choice, you may be more suitable to a type of tenancy contract and would benefit more from what the agreement includes. Types of student accommodation tenancy contracts include:

Assured shorthold tenancy agreement

For student accommodation, most properties will feature an assured shorthold tenancy agreement, which is no longer than 12 months (usually between August and July of the following year). This is the most common agreement for students.

Other than an assured shorthold tenancy agreement, contracts are typically divided between “joint” and “individual”.

Individual contract

Individual tenancy agreements are seen as the most desirable option, as students are only responsible for their own rent. In shared housing, this is beneficial in case one of the other tenants decides to leave, as you will not be liable to pay their share.

In private student halls, students can expect to sign an individual contract that makes them responsible for paying their rent. Though they will share certain spaces, such as living areas, cinema rooms and gyms, students can expect to be solely responsible for their costs, and not be affected by other tenants in the property. You may find in these contracts that other bills are included within this cost.

Joint tenancy agreements

In a joint tenancy agreement, you and your other housemates are jointly responsible for rent payment and other factors regarding the property. This includes the payment of the rent and bills, and ensuring that the property remains in a good and liveable condition. Although this may help certain students share the responsibility and ease pressure, joint tenancy contracts also have their disadvantages.

If one tenant doesn’t pay, the rest of the house is legally bound to cover their share. It also makes it more difficult to end your tenancy agreement, as all tenants must agree to cancel the contract and all leave.

Mansion Student issues an individual tenancy contract for our accommodations across the UK. Our tenancy agreement outlines the period, the full amount of rent, and when it is due to be paid.

If you have any questions about your tenancy agreement, contact our dedicated Hospitality team at your chosen student accommodation location.

Do I need to use a guarantor when booking student accommodation?

In some instances, certain students may be unable to pay the full amount of the rent throughout the tenancy agreement. If this is the case, you may require the assistance of a guarantor.

A guarantor is a third-party that is added onto the student accommodation contract, sharing the responsibility of the rent and any other charges. Adding a guarantor to your tenancy agreement allows them to share joint financial responsibility. They will be contacted to cover this payment if you are unable to pay the amount.

When booking your student accommodation, you will be sent a tenancy agreement to sign. If you require the help of a guarantor, they will also need to sign the contract, and provide their contact details.

Who can be a guarantor?

Your guarantor must be a permanent UK resident, over the age of 25 and financially independent. This person can also be a family member or a friend, provided they meet all of the criteria and are not a fellow student.

If a guarantor is required, but the student does not know anyone suitable, a professional guarantor can be employed.

Find out more about guarantors and additional parent support here.

Will I need a security deposit for my tenancy agreement?

When booking student accommodation, tenants may need to pay a deposit, which typically amounts to one month’s rent. This depends on the type of student accommodation and the landlord or accommodation company. By law, all deposits must be registered with a government-backed deposit scheme within 30 days. Ensure you check whether you need a deposit when finding student accommodation on their webpage, or when asking during a student accommodation viewing.

After the student tenancy ends, they are entitled to get this deposit back, as long as there is insufficient damage to the property.

Mansion Student

Mansion Student manages various student accommodations across the UK.

When booking our student accommodation, we do not require a deposit, therefore making the booking process much easier with no booking fee or hidden costs.

If you are looking for a professional letting at our Newcastle student accommodation, the deposit is secured with My Deposits. However, we only require a deposit for this property.

Browse through our student accommodation locations, or contact our Hospitality team today to find out more information.

What should you check before signing a tenancy agreement?

To ensure you completely understand what is expected of you during the tenancy period, make sure to check certain factors before signing your agreement. This includes:

• The start and end date of the tenancy

• The tenant’s name – make sure all your contact details are correct and that your landlord’s details are also there.

• The amount of rent

• When your rent is due throughout the stay

• If the contract allows for general wear and tear

• What bills are covered in the agreement

• If a tenancy deposit is required

For complete clarity, viewing the student accommodation before signing an agreement is recommended. This allows you ample time to ask any relevant questions, and what will be required from you should you decide to stay.

To arrange a viewing at one of our student accommodation properties, contact Mansion Student today.

Frequently asked questions

How long is a student tenancy agreement?

This may change depending on the accommodation type and how many tenants live in the property. At Mansion Student, our contracts typically run for 51 weeks; from September to August of the following year.

Find out more about renting privately with Mansion Student and other accommodation considerations here.