Before You Start Looking

Before searching for accommodation, think carefully about what matters most to you. Making a simple wish list can help you narrow down your options and have honest conversations with friends or housemates.

Things to consider include:

• Your budget and what you can realistically afford
• Whether you want all bills included
• The type of environment you want to live in
• Who you want to live with, if anyone
• Location and travel time to campus

Common accommodation options include:

Private Rented Accommodation

City of Wolverhampton Council offers a free impartial non obligation advice service to residents of Wolverhampton looking for private rented accommodation.  For further details please click Call Us First   

When house hunting, remember:

BE REALISTIC about what your budget allows

VIEW the property inside and out before agreeing

DO YOUR RESEARCH – take your time, ask questions, and make sure the property and landlord are genuine, safe, and legitimate before committing.

Landlords must carry out Right to Rent checks. You may be asked to provide ID such as a passport or biometric residence permit before renting.

Renters Right Act 2025

The changes will affect both existing tenancies in the 2025/26 academic year and new tenancies going forward.

Most tenants in England will be affected, but the rules for student tenancies are complex and depends on the type of landlord and tenancy.

What is a rolling contract?

Tenancies will no longer have a set end date (e.g., 6 or 12 months). They will run indefinitely on a rolling, open-ended basis.

More on rent in advance:

Landlords will no longer be able to demand large payments of rent upfront.  This may predominantly impact international students who rely on paying rent in advance.  If you find yourself in this situation you may need to consider accessing a guarantor scheme.  Please note there is usually a charge to use these services.

When notice to end tenancy is given to students living in private rented accommodation from 1^st May 2026:

Read more about the rules and regulations - Student tenancies: Eviction notices - Shelter England

 Students living in university halls:

When some of the changes from the Renters Right Act 2025, come into effect on 1^st May 2026, most university halls will be exempt from the new rules.  Therefore, students living in halls are unlikely to see major changes to their contracts as you normally receive a “licence agreement” rather than an “assured shorthold tenancy”.

Private Purpose Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) / Private Halls:

These providers can maintain fixed-term contracts rather than moving to rolling periodic tenancies, provided they comply with approved, registered codes of practice

If you want to read more about the Renters Right Act 2025 click here - Renters Rights Act: private tenants - Shelter England

All information correct as of April 2026

Letting Agents

While we cannot recommend specific agents, a list of agents known to let to students can be found here:
View local letting agents

Homestay and Lodgings

While we are not affiliated with Homestay, some students do chose this option, often referred to as homestay or lodgings.

You can find local homestay options here:
www.homestay.com/united-kingdom/wolverhampton

Useful Housing Information

• Assured Tenancies
• Tenancy deposit protection
• Council tax and students
• Repairs and environmental health
• TV licensing

If you are unsure about a tenancy or need advice before signing a contract, the Students’ Union Advice and Representation Centre can help.