By Craig Smith
Over the summer and early in September we always have a number of enquiries for student properties. Once the university acceptance has come through the next hurdle on the way to further education is finding suitable accommodation. The key thing to remember is not how many bedrooms the property needs to have (a 2 bed terrace will probably be no good for 4 sharing people!) or even how close it is to a university but rather if it is suitable for the tenancy.
Some Landlord Prefer No Sharers
Most Landlords, certainly from our experience, prefer not to accept sharers in general. Perhaps two friends or colleagues looking to share to save on living costs would be OK but not usually more than that. The problem is so many bad experiences that Landlords have had where properties haven’t been kept in the best condition by sharing tenants.
We have had some instances where the ‘blame game’ is played. Maybe a rota has been set up to tell who should do which job and when but not everybody sticks to it. Tenants sometimes forget that if they are all named on one tenancy agreement then they are all jointly liable for any damages or outstanding rent. This means that all of the tenants are able to use all of the property.
Specifically Designed Sharing Properties
The same problem can occur when each tenant has an individual tenancy agreement but still has use of some communal areas. For example, renting a single room with a shared kitchen and bathroom. Each room is the responsibility of the individual tenant but the shared areas can remain a grey subject.
We had one instance recently where a particular tenant denied leaving the shared kitchen in a mess after use. Quite a coincidence then that as soon as this particular tenant vacated the condition of the property has improved!
Students Renting Issues
The main issue that some Landlords have with students is not the lack of rent payment. Most rents are paid in advance with thanks to student loans or the bank of Mum & Dad. There is a common stereotype of a student being a wild, partying lout who will trash the property without a care in the world. Of course, this isn’t the case but looking at other situations before, it only takes one bad experience for a Landlord to be put off.
Student Specific Properties
Most properties are subject to HMO Regulations (Homes in Multiple Occupancy) which means that it needs to have up to date safety equipment, signs etc if it is to be let to sharers. There are other properties that are designed just for student accommodation which may already meet the necessary requirements. This is also something that you should look out for if you are looking for a rental property and yet another reason why sometimes going through an agency is best!
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