General accommodation advice
We know accommodation can be a major source of stress for students. To help make your housing journey smoother, we’ve put together some FAQs.s.
Where should I look for accommodation?
If you're looking for accommodation, check trusted websites like NTU’s Accommodation webpages, Unihomes, RightMove, and Zoopla. You can also try a specific search based on your needs, like “Student house for four in West Bridgford.” For spare rooms in shared accommodation, look at Spareroom, Facebook, or NTU’s accommodation board.
What do I need to know before viewing accommodation?
Make sure the property is accredited under the Nottingham Standard for quality and safety. Most properties in Nottingham City require a licence to help maintain standards. For other areas, such as Rushcliffe, larger shared properties may require a House of Multiple Occupation (HMO) licence.
Viewing properties
Always view the property or room in person to ensure it meets your expectations, as photos or descriptions can sometimes be misleading.
Tenancy Agreements
Most students sign joint fixed-term assured shorthold tenancy agreements. This means you’re renting as a group and the landlord can hold everyone responsible for the rent. Before signing, ensure you know when the tenancy starts and ends and understand your rights under the Tenancy agreements and Tenant Fees Act 2019.
Before You Sign
Deposits: Your tenancy (damage) deposit should be protected in a tenancy deposit scheme within 30 days.
Guarantors: Some landlords require a guarantor, which is a person who will take on financial responsibility if you cannot pay your rent.
After Moving In
Document the condition of each room with date-stamped photos, check through the inventory provided by the landlord, and report any damages or maintenance issues. Knowing your bin days and local recycling tips can also make settling in easier.
