During your length of stay within student accommodation or housing, you may find that your responsibilities have increased, and you have become more independent, especially if you have only lived with your parents before. This is an exciting time and helps you prepare for adulthood. Yet, as with any living situation, incidents may occur whilst staying at student accommodation, particularly if the property is old and worn out. In these instances, it is important to know what you and your landlord or agency are responsible for and, therefore, become prepared if an issue arises.
This guide will explore what tenants are responsible for during their stay at student accommodation, and how to avoid potential tenancy issues and disputes.
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What should you consider before signing a student accommodation tenancy agreement?
The tenancy contract will outline your responsibilities during your stay at your chosen student accommodation. This is a formal agreement between the tenant and the landlord or agency, confirming the length of stay and the amount of rent, amongst other factors. Things to look out for include:
If the landlord or agency is accredited
What the inventory list states
What the length of stay is
It is recommended that you arrange a viewing of the student accommodation before booking the property. However, although viewings are beneficial to see the state of the room, it does not entirely prepare you for what to expect when living there. Check previous tenant reviews and testimonials to gauge the living condition and whether it is primarily positive or negative.
Ensure you check the inventory list that should be submitted along with the tenancy contract by the landlord or agency. This records the property’s condition before you move in and will be used to determine the condition once you move out.
Find out more about the different types of student tenancies and contracts, and what students should look out for, with our expert guide here.
What are your rights as a tenant?
By signing your tenancy agreement, you are agreeing to the terms and conditions of the contract and to pay the full amount of rent over the tenancy period. However, this also means that the landlord or agency is also responsible for providing a good living environment.
This includes ensuring sufficient fire safety procedures are in order, and tenants are aware of what happens should a fire start. The agency or landlord should protect all tenants against fire hazards, meaning fire escapes, doors, and at least one smoke alarm on every floor. They also cannot enter your room without giving you 24 hours’ notice unless it is an emergency.
It is the landlord or agency’s hospitality team’s responsibility to keep the student accommodation in working order and to fix any major maintenance works. They should examine all appliances before the move-in date, so that everything works and is safe for the tenancy period.
At Mansion Student, student welfare is of the utmost importance to us. We are committed to providing students with a first-class accommodation service and modern facilities, whilst ensuring the best possible stay for our tenants. To guarantee this, we have Hospitality and Maintenance teams appointed to each of our private accommodation locations.
Contact Mansion Student today for more student advice.
What are you responsible for in the student accommodation?
Although the landlord or agency is responsible for maintaining a safe and liveable property, the tenant must take care of their room and any shared spaces. Regular cleaning and checking for general wear and tear can help ensure your areas remain tidy and within the tenancy agreement.
Accidents may happen during your stay at student accommodation. If something occurs, make sure you contact the hospitality team as soon as possible to report any damage. In some cases, the landlord or agency can repair or resolve the issue.
As the tenant, you are responsible for ensuring that the room’s condition is the same as how you found it, which the inventory list can assist with. Once you move in, you will be given a “check-in inspection record” to record the condition and to highlight any damage.
How to avoid any issues and disputes during your accommodation stay
To avoid any potential issues and disputes during your tenancy period, consider the following:
Take pictures of the state of your room when you move in
View the student accommodation before booking
Make sure to take care of the walls if you are personalising your room
Start searching for student accommodation as soon as possible to ensure you choose the right property type
Look at accreditation and testimonials from previous tenants
Find modern purpose-built student accommodation
By choosing modern student accommodation, such as private halls, students can avoid common issues that occur in older properties, like student housing. This includes mould, dampness, and old-fashioned facilities.
Mansion Student provides and maintains purpose-built student accommodation across the UK. Our properties include modern facilities and communal spaces (such as cinema rooms and gyms) to help enhance the student experience. Each property has its own dedicated hospitality team, who will be able to provide student support and advice during the tenancy period.
Arrange a viewing at one of our student accommodations here, or contact Mansion Student for more information.
Frequently asked questions
Do you have to pay council tax as a student?
During your tenancy, full-time students do not need to pay council tax. Ensure you inform the staff of the university you are attending and your student ID to avoid any council tax disputes or charges being raised. Our hospitality team will be able to help with any issues that arise, and act on your behalf with the council.
Find out more about moving into your new home here.