Everything you need to know about renting
Choosing the right area
Nottingham and Derby both have brilliant student areas, each with their own character and benefits. Here’s a quick breakdown to help you decide:
Lenton and Dunkirk are the most popular areas for NTU and UoN students, with great transport links, plenty of local shops and a strong student community already established.
Beeston is slightly quieter and often more affordable, making it a great option if you want a bit more space for your money while still being close to both campuses.
The City Centre suits students who want to walk to lectures and be in the middle of everything, with restaurants, bars and nightlife on the doorstep.
For University of Derby students, the City Centre and areas around Kedleston Road are the most convenient and popular choices.
Not sure which area suits you? Get in touch and we’ll help you find the right fit based on your campus, budget and lifestyle.
Understanding your contract
Your tenancy agreement is a legally binding document and it’s worth taking the time to read it properly before you sign. The key things to look out for are your monthly rent and when it’s due, what’s included in the rental price such as bills or contents insurance, what you’re responsible for during the tenancy including garden maintenance and cleaning standards, and how the tenancy can be brought to an end.
Under the Renters’ Rights Act, most tenancies are now periodic rather than fixed term, meaning they roll on a monthly basis rather than running for a set period, and you can end the tenancy by giving the required notice. If you are renting a room or studio in a purpose built student accommodation block, the terms can differ, as this type of accommodation may be exempt from certain parts of the Act. We will always explain exactly how your agreement works before you sign.
We send all documents digitally in advance so you have plenty of time to read through everything before committing.
Deposits
Your deposit will typically be equivalent to five weeks rent. By law it must be protected in a government approved scheme within 30 days of it being received. We use mydeposits.
To give yourself the best chance of getting your full deposit back, take detailed photos and videos of every room on move in day and report any existing damage straight away. This protects you if there are any disputes at the end of the tenancy.
At the end of your tenancy, once keys are returned and all parties agree on any deductions, your deposit is returned to you through the scheme it is held in, usually within a few working days. For properties where we only found the tenant rather than manage the tenancy, your deposit is held and returned by your landlord directly.
Bills
Unless your property is listed as bills included, or you opt for a bills inclusive package such as UniHomes, you’ll need to set up and split utility bills between your housemates. These typically include gas and electricity, water, broadband and WiFi, and a TV licence if you watch live TV or use BBC iPlayer.
Setting up a joint account or using a bills splitting app from the start is the easiest way to avoid any awkward conversations later in the year.
If you’d rather not deal with bills at all, you have two options. Some of our properties come with bills included as standard, where everything is bundled into one monthly payment by the landlord. Alternatively, on many properties you can add a bills inclusive package such as UniHomes, which brings all your bills together into one simple payment and takes the hassle out of managing them yourselves.
Guarantors
Most student tenancies require each tenant to provide a UK based guarantor, usually a parent or guardian, who agrees to cover the rent if the tenant is unable to pay.
To qualify, your guarantor will need to be a UK resident, earn at least 36 times your share of the monthly rent per year, and have no CCJs or bankruptcies. For example, if your share of the rent is £500 per month, your guarantor needs to earn at least £18,000 per year.
If you’re unable to provide a guarantor, you can arrange one through a paid third party guarantor service. You may also choose to pay some rent in advance if you prefer, but this is entirely your choice and is never something we require. Get in touch and we’ll talk you through the options.
Your rights as a tenant
As a student tenant you have important legal rights. Your landlord must keep the property safe and well maintained. Your deposit must be protected in a government approved scheme. You are entitled to at least 24 hours notice before your landlord visits the property. You have the right to see the property’s Energy Performance Certificate before you move in. Under the Renters’ Rights Act, your landlord can only end your tenancy using one of the legal grounds set out in the Act, following the correct process and notice.
If you ever feel your rights aren’t being respected, contact us and we’ll help you understand your options.