If you're not successful getting into halls in your first year or any other subsequent year, then private accommodation may be your answer.
Private Sector Accommodation to rent is advertised through the University's Residential Services office and via www.studentpad.co.uk
All properties that are advertised through the University have to meet certain standards required by law with regard to Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs).These standards include deposit protection, repairs, furniture and furnishings, gas appliances and installations, fire prevention, and standard amenities.
Further to these requirements, each landlord advertised through the University via Studentpad must first become accredited by the Midland Landlord Accrediation Scheme (MLAS), administered by the local council.
MLAS requires the landlord to undertake training and to self-certify that they are a fit and proper person for the purposes of letting to private tenants.
In reality unfortunately, the fact is that there are far more students requiring housing than there are properties on the Accreditation list.
Leaving house hunting until the last minute will often result in disappointment.
Most properties on the Accreditation List will start advertising for the new academic year back in February, so the earlier you start looking, the better.
You should be wary of any property that has not been accredited.
Look out for the Energy Efficiency Investors in Tenants logo when searching for a property on StudentPad.
It means that the property now meets high standards of energy efficiency.
The benefits of choosing a property witht he EEIiT mark include savings on your fuel bills and lower carbon emissions that are good for the environment and therefore good for YOU!
Non-Accredited Private Housing
If you end up with having no choice but to rent a property with a private landlord who has not been accredited by MLAS, you do so at your own risk.
Be prepared. Make sure you perform an opening inventory, taking photographs of existing damage wherever possible. Make sure you get everything and anything the Landlord promises you in writing and ask for copies of any invoices and receipts for work you are being charged for.
Unfortunately, it is often the case that the house itself is up to a good standard, but the behaviour of the Landlord leaves a lot to be desired. Always consider this when looking for somewhere to live. Wherever possible, speak to the existing tenants and ask their opinion on the area, property, landlord etc. If you take on a property you have been warned against, you do so at your own risk!
Be wary of letting agencies that can often charge a small fortune even before you've viewed your first property! Take into consideration that just like Landlords, not all agencies are reputable.
Ask around fellow students and friends for word-of-mouth recommendations, do not simply assume an agency is the best way of finding somewhere to live.
