Dealing with student letting agents can be challenging, but you don’t have to face it alone. In this article, we’ll provide practical advice to help you navigate these issues, from hidden fees and unresponsive landlords to misleading property descriptions.
Whether you’re renting for the first time or have had some experience, this guide will equip you with the knowledge and strategies you need to protect your rights and make your renting experience as smooth as possible.
Ready to tackle these challenges head-on? Let’s get started!
Problem 1: There’s no clarity in your tenancy agreement
You view a handful of student properties, choose the one you like and sign an agreement. Then, it’s all about moving in and turning the room into your chill-out zone. Unfortunately, many students deal with a lack of transparency, which means they get some nasty surprises when it comes to charges.
Unclear fee structures, jargon in the tenancy agreement and hidden costs can affect your finances and leave you struggling against waves of payments.
Your solution
Speak to the agent before signing the agreement and ask them to break down the costs. Most student letting agents will happily go through your fees and explain any terms in the tenancy agreement, making it easy for you to know exactly what you’ll pay.
Problem 2: Lack of communication
Affordability will probably be your biggest priority when renting a student house, but that doesn’t mean you don’t have the right to security and livability. Private student landlords used to be able to get away with renting substandard properties, but there are strict laws to protect renters.
Despite these laws, it can sometimes seem impossible to get hold of your letting agent when you need them.
Your solution
All students have the right to receive support from their landlord or letting agent. If you’re not getting a response, the first step is to write a formal complaint letter to the agency.
If you don’t receive a response after eight weeks, you can lodge a complaint with the Property Redress Scheme or Property Ombudsman—as long as the letting agent is a member.
If the agent isn’t a member, you should complain to your local council and seek support from the CAB (Citizens Advice Bureau).
Problem 3: Repair and maintenance issues
Student accommodation often comes furnished, which means you won’t have to worry about buying kitchen appliances. However, when problems arise, it’s essential to remember that fixing them might not be your agent’s responsibility.
When you sign an assured shorthold tenancy agreement, you agree to all its stipulations. This means you might be responsible for maintaining the garden area and replacing certain appliances.
Your solution
Read your tenancy agreement carefully and know your responsibilities. For example, your letting agency might specify that you should report issues immediately. If you don’t and they worsen, they could charge you for repairs.
You can contact the student landlord directly when you report the issue, but your letting agent doesn’t respond.
Problem 4: Noise issues
Most students accept that their accommodation will be noisy at times, but dealing with excessive disruptions can lead to stress and mental health issues. Luckily, most shared house tenancies have noise restrictions in place.
If your housemates are making a lot of noise, the best way to deal with it is to report the problem to your letting agent. They’ll assess the situation, speak to the other tenants, and follow up. But what happens if the house next door seems to be having a nonstop rave?
Your solution
Unless the letting agent manages the offending property, they won’t be able to help. The best way to deal with noise pollution is to contact your local council.
Type your postcode into the GOV.UK website and find your local authority’s website to make the complaint. Councils take noise pollution seriously and will issue a warning to the residents.
Problem 5: Late rent payments
Student lettings are available with a range of tenancy agreements, but the one you choose can impact your rights. You’re only responsible for your monthly payments if you rent a room in a shared house under a sole tenancy agreement.
However, if you move into a property with friends and sign a joint tenancy agreement, everyone’s responsible for the monthly rent. If one person doesn’t pay their share, everyone else named on the joint tenancy will have to make up the arrears.
Your solution
If you’re considering a joint tenancy, make sure everyone understands their obligations before making a decision. Letting agents and landlords have the right to pursue court action if tenants consistently default on the rent.
Make sure you can manage the rent and remember that your landlord can evict you, making it harder to find a new property.
Problem 6: Deposit disputes
When you pay your tenancy deposit, you expect to get it back—but there are no guarantees. Letting agents can withhold your deposit when the tenancy ends if they feel you haven’t fulfilled your responsibilities.
For example, if you cause severe damage to the fixtures and fittings, the landlord will have to fix them after you move out, so they’ll take the repair costs out of your deposit. You might think it’s unfair, but that depends on the damage.
Your solution
Letting agents have fair wear and tear policies, but they have the right to withhold your deposit. If you feel you’ve had a successful tenancy and deserve your deposit back, you can take the landlord to small claims court. Remember, there’s no guarantee that court action will work.
Make rental problems a thing of the past and access high-quality student properties
Now you know the most common problems associated with renting, you can find cost-effective student accommodation. Most landlords take their commitment to student renters seriously, but some will always slip through the net.
Finding a reputable letting agent gives you peace of mind, and WhichPad is the go-to place for students in the UK. Our website lets you compare letting agents and read reviews from other tenants. Try it out today and make student accommodation worries a thing of the past.
