Letting to students

Our top tips for letting to student tenants:

• Choosing the right agreement: Key to a harmonious tenancy

  Before embarking on your student rental journey, one crucial decision is whether to issue a single or joint tenancy agreement. Each comes with distinct liabilities and responsibilities for your student tenants. Depending on your choice, tenants' proportions of liability and payment could vary under joint tenancy agreements, where the landlord can hold any one tenant responsible as if they were jointly liable. This empowers tenants to address their individual obligations. On the other hand, an Assured Shorthold Tenancy (AST) for single rooms in a shared property safeguards each deposit separately, with exclusive occupation of designated rooms while sharing communal facilities.

• Smoking policy: Clarity is key

  Smoking in workplaces and public places: The Health Act Smoking has been prohibited by law in virtually all enclosed and substantially enclosed workplaces and public places throughout the United Kingdom since July 2007. This followed the implementation of the Health Act 2006 and The Children and Families Act 2014 in England and the implementation of a similar law in Scotland in 2006 and in Wales and Northern Ireland in 2007. For more detailed information see the Action on Smoking and Health website. For landlords, this means that all properties with common or shared parts such as kitchens, bathrooms, entry halls, stairways and toilets, are affected by the smoke free legislation, and clear notices must be displayed so that tenants are aware of their responsibilities. Smoke Free England provides more information and signage on their website. Most landlords do not want tenants to smoke in their rental property due to the stains, odour and fire risk it causes. While it can be difficult to prevent tenants from smoking, you can include no smoking clause in the tenancy agreement. It’s important to make your smoking policy explicit to tenants, both in person and in writing, to prevent potential breaches. Highlighting the possible need for deductions from the deposit due to smoking-related cleaning, fumigation, or decorating can serve as an incentive for compliance.

• Nuisance clause: Mitigate Reduce effectively

  To pre-emptively manage potential disturbances, incorporate a nuisance clause in your tenancy agreement. Define behaviours that qualify as nuisances or anti-social activities. This clause can be invaluable for maintaining a harmonious living environment and can even serve as a discretionary ground for possession under the section 8 procedure if needed.

• Furnishing strategies for student properties: Balance Cost and durability

  When furnishing your student property, consider durability. Opt for robust furniture that can withstand the demands of student living, striking a balance between quality and expense. Fair wear and tear is higher in student accommodation, emphasising the importance of investing in durable flooring and furnishings.

• Deposit deductions: Communicate clearly for transparency

  Regardless of whether your tenancy is joint or single, transparency about responsibility for communal areas and potential deposit deductions is paramount. Clearly outline these aspects in your tenancy agreement to prevent misunderstandings and any issues requiring resolution at the end of the tenancy.

• Protecting your deposit with mydeposits: Your trusted partner

  Collaborate with mydeposits, a government-authorised tenancy deposit protection scheme operating in England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Jersey. We provide comprehensive support for corporate landlords, student accommodation providers, letting agents, and other businesses renting to tenants. Our commitment to outstanding customer service, efficient deposit management, and expert resolution provides peace of mind. For more information on renting to students, read Total Landlord’s Ultimate landlord guide to student properties. All our tenancy deposit schemes are powered by Total Property and delivered by the same expert teams, so you can expect the same great customer service, however you choose to protect your deposits.