FOR STUDENTS

Moving into student accommodation? Check your agreement first.

Your student tenancy agreement is a legal contract — and most students sign it without reading it. That's how you end up losing your deposit to unfair cleaning charges, being liable for a housemate's unpaid rent, or locked into a property you can't leave. Two minutes now saves you hundreds later.

The 6 things every student should check

1
Joint and several liability
This means every tenant is responsible for the ENTIRE rent, not just your share. If one housemate drops out or stops paying, the landlord can chase any of you for the full amount. This is standard in student lets — but you need to understand what you're signing up for.
2
Deposit protection
Your landlord must protect your deposit in a government scheme (DPS, MyDeposits, or TDS) within 30 days. If they don't, you can claim 1-3x your deposit in compensation. Ask for proof of protection before moving in.
3
End-of-tenancy cleaning clauses
Many student lets require "professional cleaning" at move-out, sometimes by a specific company. These clauses may be unfair and unenforceable. The standard is: leave it reasonably clean, accounting for normal wear and tear.
4
The inventory
Your deposit dispute will be won or lost on the inventory. Photograph or video EVERYTHING on move-in day — every mark, every scuff, every appliance. Timestamped evidence is your best protection against unfair deductions.
5
Break clause (or lack of one)
Most student lets don't have a break clause — you're locked in for the full term. If you need to leave early (year abroad, dropping out, personal reasons), you may still be liable for the rent. Check if there's a break clause, and if not, ask for one.
6
Bills included or not?
If bills are included, check what's covered — gas, electric, water, broadband, TV licence? If not included, factor in £50-80 per person per month. Some agreements cap usage and charge extra above the cap.

What changes for students from May 2026

The Renters' Rights Act 2025 brings significant changes from 1 May 2026. Most student tenancies will become periodic — meaning no fixed end date and you can leave with 2 months' notice. Section 21 no-fault evictions are abolished. You can request a pet.

However, there is a specific student exemption: landlords can serve a Ground 4A notice at the start of a student HMO tenancy, allowing them to regain possession at the end of the academic year. This means your landlord can still let the property on an annual student cycle — but they must serve the notice before the tenancy starts.

Check your student agreement now

Paste your tenancy agreement and get every clause decoded in plain English. Find out if your deposit is protected, what your cleaning obligations really are, and whether you're trapped by joint liability.

Decode your agreement free →
Free snapshot · No sign-up · Takes 60 seconds

Guides for student renters

Deposit not protected? You could claim 1-3x compensation →End of tenancy deposit deductions — what's fair? →What to check before signing any tenancy agreement →Unfair clauses — what's actually enforceable? →Landlord won't fix things? Your options →Renters' Rights Act 2025 — what changes for you →

Renting guides by university city

LondonManchesterBirminghamLeedsBristolSheffieldNottinghamNewcastleBrightonSouthamptonLeicesterCoventryExeterBathOxfordCambridgeYorkDurhamPortsmouthLoughboroughLancasterCanterburyNorwichPlymouth