Housing Self-Help Guide
Introduction
Finding somewhere to live, dealing with housemates or having problems with your landlord can be stressful. The Union Advice Service can give you independent advice about your housing situation, including tenancy agreements, deposits, repairs and problems with landlords or housemates.
This page gives you practical information about renting and what you can do if something goes wrong.
The rules can be different depending on whether you rent from a private landlord, live in University halls or live in private halls. If you are unsure which rules apply to you, the Union Advice Service can help.
Choosing And Signing A Tenancy
Before agreeing to rent a property, make sure you understand what you are agreeing to.
If you are renting from a private landlord, the rules changed on 1 May 2026. Most private rented tenancies are now assured periodic tenancies, which means they run on a rolling basis rather than having a fixed end date. Different rules apply to some student accommodation, including University halls and some private halls.
Before signing or paying anything, you should:
- Read your tenancy agreement or licence carefully
- Check how much rent you will pay and when it is due
- Check which bills are included
- Check how much deposit you need to pay
- Check what your responsibilities are for cleaning, repairs and looking after the property
- Find out how you can end the agreement
- View the property before paying money where possible
- Check who your landlord or letting agent is
- Keep copies of your agreement and other important documents
For most private rented properties, a landlord cannot ask you to pay rent before the tenancy agreement has been signed. Once it has been signed, there are limits on how much rent can be requested in advance.
If you are unsure about a tenancy agreement or licence, you can book an appointment with a Union Advisor before signing it.
Problems With Housemates
Living with other people can sometimes lead to disagreements about things such as cleaning, noise, bills or shared spaces.
If it is safe to do so, try talking to your housemates about the problem. Explain what is bothering you and see if you can agree on a solution.
It can help to agree how you will manage shared responsibilities, bills, guests and communal areas.
If you cannot resolve the problem yourselves, the Union Advice Service can talk through your options with you.
If you are being bullied, harassed or threatened
This is different from a normal disagreement between housemates.
If you are being targeted because of a protected characteristic, such as your race, religion, disability or sexuality, or you are experiencing harassment, threats or abuse, you should report this to the University. The Union Advice Service can support you to make a report and discuss your options with you.
If you are in immediate danger, call 999.
Problems With Your Landlord Or Accommodation
You may have concerns about your landlord or letting agent, including:
- Repairs not being carried out
- Problems with heating, hot water or other essential services
- Issues with your deposit
- Your landlord entering your property without permission
- Problems with rent
- Being asked to leave your accommodation
- Concerns about the condition or safety of your accommodation
Keep copies of emails, letters, photographs and other evidence relating to the problem.
If you report something to your landlord or letting agent, it is usually best to do this in writing so you have a record of what you reported.
If you are unsure what your landlord or accommodation provider can or cannot do, speak to the Union Advice Service before taking action.
Repairs and Disrepair
If something needs repairing, report it to your landlord or accommodation provider as soon as possible.
Take photographs or videos of the problem and keep copies of any messages or emails you send.
Your landlord may have legal responsibilities to keep the property in a reasonable condition. What they are responsible for can depend on the type of accommodation and the problem.
If repairs are not being dealt with, contact the Union Advice Service or an organisation such as Shelter or Citizens Advice for further information.
Deposits
If you pay a tenancy deposit, check what protection applies to your accommodation.
For most private rented tenancies where tenancy deposit protection rules apply, the landlord or letting agent must protect your deposit in a government-approved scheme within 30 days of receiving it. They must also give you information about how your deposit has been protected.
When you leave, your landlord may propose deductions from your deposit for things such as damage or unpaid rent. If you disagree with a deduction, you may be able to challenge it through the relevant deposit protection scheme.
Before moving out, take photographs of the property and keep evidence of its condition.
The rules around deposits can be different for some types of student accommodation. If you are unsure what applies to you, contact the Union Advice Service.
Council Tax
Most full-time students do not have to pay Council Tax, but the rules depend on your circumstances and the people you live with.
If you are unsure whether you are responsible for Council Tax, check the current guidance from Citizens Advice or your local council.
Ending Your Tenancy
The rules depend on the type of accommodation you live in.
Private rented accommodation
If you have an assured periodic tenancy with a private landlord, you can normally end your tenancy by giving at least two months' notice. Your notice should be in writing and should normally end on the day your rent is due or the day before. You remain responsible for paying rent during the notice period.
You and your landlord can agree in writing to end the tenancy earlier.
University halls and some private halls
Different rules can apply if you live in University halls or private halls. You may have a fixed-term common law tenancy or licence, meaning you could be responsible for the rent for the whole fixed period.
Check your agreement before deciding to leave. If you are unsure about your rights or responsibilities, speak to the Union Advice Service.
Do not assume that you can simply move out and stop paying rent.
If Your Landlord Wants You To Leave
If you rent privately and have an assured periodic tenancy, your landlord must have a legal reason, known as a ground for possession, if they want you to leave. Since 1 May 2026, landlords cannot use the previous Section 21 'no fault' eviction process. They must follow the correct process and give you the required notice.
There is a specific ground that can apply to some student houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) where the landlord needs the property for new students for the next academic year. This does not apply to all student accommodation.
If your landlord has asked you to leave, do not ignore the situation or agree to leave without getting advice. Contact the Union Advice Service as soon as possible so we can help you understand your options.
The rules are different for some halls and other types of accommodation.
Housing Checklist
Our Housing Checklist can help you think about the things you need to check when choosing and moving into accommodation.
Rental Tips
When looking for student accommodation:
- Start looking early
- Work out what you can realistically afford, including rent, bills, food and travel
- Check how far the property is from campus and other places you regularly need to travel to
- Ask which bills are included
- View the property before paying money where possible
- Check what furniture and appliances are provided
- Take photographs of the property when you move in
- Report existing damage to your landlord or letting agent in writing
- Before sending money, check who you are paying and what the payment is for
The Union also hosts an annual Housing Fair, where you can meet accredited landlords and speak to University accommodation staff. Keep an eye on our social media for information about the next Housing Fair.
Housing Advice from the Union
If you need help with your housing situation, you can book an appointment with a Union Advisor.
We can provide independent advice about things such as tenancy agreements, deposits, repairs and problems with landlords or housemates.
You can book an appointment online or call us on 01332 591507.
We are also members of the National Homelessness Advice Service, which gives us access to specialist housing information and support.
If you are homeless or worried that you may lose your accommodation, please contact us as soon as possible so we can talk through your situation and the support available to you.
FAQs
Can the Union check my tenancy agreement?
Yes. You can book an appointment with a Union Advisor to discuss your tenancy agreement or licence before signing it, or if you have concerns about an agreement you have already signed.
My landlord isn't fixing something. What should I do?
Report the problem to your landlord or letting agent in writing and keep a record of what you have reported. Take photographs if appropriate. If the problem is not dealt with, contact the Union Advice Service for further advice.
Can I leave my tenancy early?
It depends on the type of accommodation you live in and the agreement you have.
If you have an assured periodic tenancy with a private landlord, you can normally end it by giving at least two months' notice.
If you live in University halls or some private halls, you may have a fixed-term agreement or licence and could remain responsible for rent for the agreed period.
Speak to a Union Advisor before deciding to leave.
What happens to my deposit?
This depends on the type of accommodation you live in. For most private rented tenancies where deposit protection rules apply, your deposit should be protected in a government-approved scheme.
If your landlord wants to make deductions when you leave and you disagree with them, you may be able to challenge the deductions through the relevant scheme.
I am having problems with my housemates. Can the Union help?
Yes. We can talk through what is happening and help you understand your options.
If the situation involves bullying, harassment, threats or abuse, tell us when you contact us so we can make sure you receive appropriate support.
Do students have to pay Council Tax?
Most full-time students are exempt from Council Tax, but there are exceptions depending on your circumstances and who you live with. Check the current guidance if you are unsure.
My landlord is asking me to leave. What should I do?
Do not ignore the situation or assume you have to leave immediately.
If you rent privately, your landlord must have a legal reason for asking you to leave and follow the correct process. Since 1 May 2026, Section 21 'no fault' evictions are no longer available for most private rented tenancies.
If you have received a notice asking you to leave, contact the Union Advice Service as soon as possible. Do not agree to leave or hand back your keys without getting advice if you are unsure about your position.
I am worried I won't be able to afford my rent. Can the Union help?
Yes. Contact us as early as possible. We can talk through your situation and signpost you to appropriate support.
What if I am homeless or have nowhere to stay?
Contact the Union Advice Service as soon as possible. We can talk through your circumstances and help you understand what support may be available.
If you are in immediate danger or have nowhere safe to stay tonight, you should also contact the appropriate emergency or homelessness service.
Are the same housing rules applied to everyone?
No. The rules can be different depending on whether you rent from a private landlord, live in University halls, live in private halls or have another type of accommodation.
If you are unsure which rules apply to you, contact the Union Advice Service.
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