How to find a property

If you are looking for accommodation off campus, it is strongly advised that you visit the Studentpad website which is managed by the Student Accommodation Centre (SAC). All properties advertised on this site have been inspected by SAC, are accredited by Decent and Safe Homes (DASH) Landlord Accreditation, and meet the standards set in partnership with Charnwood Borough Council. For more information on the accreditation standard please refer to the DASH website.  

Accommodation can also be found through word of mouth or via social media. Get as much information as possible and view the accommodation yourself before committing to anything.  

Letting agents are a common way of finding properties. Lettings agents manage properties owned by landlords and they cannot charge you fees for referencing, credit and immigrations checks, administration, and renewing your contract. They can however charge you for the cost of replacing a key if you lose one, if you are more than 14 days late with your rent, and if you want to change your tenancy or bring it to an end. Letting agents need to advertise their fees before you enter into any agreement. They should be clearly displayed on their website and in their offices.  

Additionally, letting agents must be part of one of the following redress schemes: the property ombudsman or the property redress scheme. This helps to protect your consumer rights if you have a problem with the agent. If you think a letting agent is not complying with the law, make sure to contact SAC by either calling +44 (0)1509 274488 or emailing sac@lboro.ac.uk. 

Look for the ‘SAFE’ kite mark if you use a letting agent – all SAFE agents have client money protection. This means that any money you have paid to the agent will be protected if the agent goes out of business.  

Websites are another common way of finding properties. Websites such as Spareroom.co.uk, and easyroommate.com offer rooms to rent. You can either search for a room or post your own details on there. Remember, do not rent a room without inspecting it first, it may not even exist.

Last updated: 25th September 2024