Letting

Renting to students: all you need to know

Posted on: Thursday, August 29, 2024

Students are a popular demographic among landlords for numerous reasons; from high demand to longer rental periods, letting to students is a great way to secure your investment and attain high yields. However, it comes with its own set of considerations and challenges. Whether you're a seasoned landlord or new to the rental market, here’s everything you need to know about renting to students in the UK.

Understand the student housing market

Before diving into letting a property to students, you’ll need to understand the student housing market in your chosen area. It’s important to research the local colleges and universities, enrolment statistics, and the demand for off-campus accommodation. Another thing to familiarise yourself with is the typical student rental season, which often aligns with the academic calendar. This knowledge will help you determine rental rates, property locations, and the type of accommodation students prefer.

Student-friendly features

Renting to students often means providing fully furnished accommodation. Most student tenants will have moved far from home, and providing essential furnishings for convenience such as beds, desks, chairs, and kitchen appliances can significantly enhance your property's appeal. High-speed internet connectivity is also a must for students, especially if you want them to stay for the full duration of their studies.

Student safety

Fleeing the nest can be daunting, and your student tenants will need to feel extra safe in your property to truly settle in. Prioritise student safety by implementing necessary security measures. Ensure the property has adequate lighting, secure locks, and fire safety equipment. Once the property is completely safe, take some time to educate tenants on safety procedures and emergency contacts, or instruct your letting agent to do this for you.

Preparing for housemates

It's common to have multiple student tenants living under one roof. You should establish clear lease agreements that outline each tenant's responsibilities, rent distribution, and the duration of the lease. Make sure to include guidelines regarding noise, parties, and property maintenance. Many students are young and have little experience in renting, so it's advisable to have all tenants sign individual leases to avoid any potential disputes that may arise.

Dealing with student-specific challenges

Renting to students can present unique challenges, such as turnover at the end of each academic year and potential noise disturbances. It's important to plan for these challenges by allowing flexibility in tenancy agreements and being prepared for vacancies during the summer months. Clear communication and setting expectations from the beginning can help mitigate potential issues.

Think location

When it comes to student housing, location is key. Most students prefer living within walking distance to their place of study, or close to a public transport link. However, even if your chosen property is ideally located for the school, you should still consider the convenience of nearby amenities like food shops, cafes, and libraries. The more desirable the location, the easier it will be to attract and retain student tenants.

Contact us

Need help managing your investment? Get in touch with your local Guild Member today.

Recent News

The best way to find tenants for your rental property

The search for a good tenant

How to be a good landlord during the festive season

Read What Our
Customers Say

The team were awesome throughout all aspects of the house purchase (Wendy, Nikki & Tom) especially as we needed a quick completion (under a month from viewing to moving in). Every question was answered and they were always super responsive and never left us hanging. I would thoroughly recommend from the purchase side and therefore from the selling side, as assuming the vendors of the property we purchased were thankful for a quick turnaround too. Thank you team H&O.

Trevor Olney-Jones

Highly recommended!

Holland and Odam offer an honest, friendly, speedy and effective service. They are very well established, cover a wide area, and have an extensive team of expert advisers who will bend over backwards to assist.

Having worked with them for several years, I can say that Holland and Odam are a pleasure to work with.

Ian Threlkeld

Jack at Holland and Odam recently helped me sell my house, and I couldn’t be happier with the service! From start to finish, he was professional, knowledgeable, and genuinely invested in achieving the best outcome. Jack kept me updated every step of the way, answered all my questions patiently, and his expertise in the local market ensured we achieved a fantastic price. The whole team at Holland and Odam were efficient and friendly, making what can be a stressful process feel smooth and straightforward. Outstanding service!

Daniel Lee

We had a fantastic experience throughout the sale process with the Holland & Odam team. Their communication and approach was invaluable and all aspects of the services provided were delivered professionally and to a high standard. Thank you for all your help and guidance.

Paolo Del-greco5

My sisters and I found Holland and Odam’s approach as estate agents excellent. They were friendly and approachable . Very professional keeping us informed at every step of the process. Good communication throughout the sale of the house. I would throughly recommend their services.

Benita Griguoli

How Much is Your Property Worth?

Book a Valuation