Student accommodation with private landlords

When students look for a place to stay, they often consider renting from people who own houses or apartments instead of big companies. These private landlords might seem like a good choice because they offer convenience. But, it’s important to know that there can be problems hiding behind this convenience. Students need to be careful and think wisely when dealing with private landlords because making the wrong choice can cause serious problems and put their safety and well-being at risk.

Unveiling the Risks

Choosing a specialist student landlord is better than picking a smaller private one because they know more about student needs. They have experience in student housing and understand what students require. Unlike smaller private landlords, they offer specific services like maintenance and safety measures designed for students. Going with a specialist student landlord means a more reliable and student-friendly renting experience, which helps students focus on their studies and personal growth.

Specialist student landlords are better than smaller private ones because they understand the changing laws and rules for renting to students. They keep up with regulations and guide students accordingly, ensuring safety and compliance. Unlike smaller landlords, they are more capable of adjusting to legal changes, making sure students live in a safe and lawful environment during their stay.

2. Support and resources to manage student accommodation

Landlords who focus on student housing have dedicated teams and resources for repairs like gas and electrical safety, unlike smaller private landlords. They prioritize tenant safety and swiftly address issues to create a secure living environment. With qualified professionals on call, they ensure quick responses to gas leaks or electrical faults. Preventive measures and compliance with regulations further enhance safety standards. Responsive property managers and maintenance staff offer support, making student living hassle-free and safe. These landlords prioritize both legal obligations and tenant well-being.

3. Quicker decision making

When opting for a smaller landlord, responsiveness to issues may be slower compared to dedicated student accommodation companies. Similarly, when dealing with a student letting agency managing properties for a small portfolio landlord, important decisions often undergo agency processes before reaching the property owner, potentially delaying resolutions.

4. Securing your deposits.

All rental deposits must go into a registered scheme, private landlords may well not do this and come up with excuses at the end of your tenancy to not return it. If your deposit is not in a registered scheme you don’t have any redress to argue for its return without going through the court system which is both costly and time-consuming.

Renting with a private landlord is not always bad, however renting from an organization that specializes in student properties such as Thornsett Properties does have its advantages over private landlords. At the end of the day no matter who you choose for your student accommodation it pays to do your research.

Navigating the Terrain: Safety Measures for Tenants

When looking for student property researching both the property and whom you are renting from is a must. Getting informed about what your rights are

1. Check the Place Carefully: Before you decide to rent a place, look around really closely to find any safety problems or things that need fixing.
2. Ask for Gas and Electric Certificates: Make sure the landlord gives you papers proving that the gas and electricity in the place are safe. This helps prevent accidents and emergencies.
3. Learn About Your Rights: Know what you’re allowed to do and what your landlord has to do according to the law where you live. This helps you stand up for yourself and make sure your landlord does what they’re supposed to.
4. Talk Clearly with Your Landlord: Keep talking openly with your landlord and write down everything you talk about. This helps fix problems quickly and stops misunderstandings.
5. Get Help if You Need It: Find help from groups that help students such as the student union, legal services, or people in charge of housing standards. They can make sure you’re safe and help you accommodate any problems.

Furthermore, measures such as the Rogue Landlord Database serve to identify and penalize landlords engaging in egregious misconduct, offering a deterrent against exploitative practices and enhancing tenant protections. Reports like those highlighted in BBC News underscore the importance of holding landlords accountable and advocating for tenant rights in the pursuit of safe and secure housing.

Research – A Crucial Step in the Search for Student Accommodation