Private student accommodation

• Shared houses/flats: Common among students, with shared kitchen and living areas

• Studio flats: Private, often in student buildings with community options

• Bedsits: Small, usually with shared bathrooms but private kitchenette

• Resident landlord: Budget-friendly option in someone’s home with fewer upfront costs

Decide if you prefer living with a large or small group. Larger groups can mean lower rent, but may lack communal or many private areas. If you’re considering living with a partner, studio flats or bedsits are usually the best fit.

Kingston has a thriving rental market. Contact our accommodation officers or use online platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla and SpareRoom, but proceed with caution. For added assurance, choose letting agents affiliated with ARLA, NALS, or NAEA.

When considering a property, it’s essential to view it in person before committing, ideally with everyone in your group present. This allows you to make an informed decision collectively. If you’re still uncertain, it’s worth scheduling a second viewing of your top choice to ensure it’s a good fit.

Never agree to pay or sign anything before seeing the property first hand, and request a copy of the contract to review at your own pace.

During the viewing, carefully inspect for potential maintenance issues, including the condition of utilities. Ensure the heating system is functional and that there’s a valid gas safety certificate available for any gas appliances. It’s wise to test all taps, confirm drainage works, and check for signs of damp or mould in the kitchen and bathroom. Speaking to current tenants can also be helpful, as they can offer insight into the landlord’s responsiveness, maintenance practices, and the overall suitability of the property. 

Security is another important consideration. Make sure all external doors are solid and lockable, and that ground-floor windows have security catches. Also inspect fire escape routes for accessibility. Finally, note the condition of the furniture and the exterior structure, such as gutters, drains, and woodwork, to assess any potential repairs that’ll need doing.

In certain cases, properties with multiple floors and occupants, known as Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs), must be licensed by local authorities. Confirming the property’s licence status is a crucial step if it qualifies as an HMO. Also, make sure the property has a valid Energy Performance Certificate (EPC), with a minimum rating of E for energy efficiency.

When it’s time to sign the contract, review all terms thoroughly, paying particular attention to the tenancy’s length, notice periods and the landlord’s full contact details. If working through an agency, ensure that you have direct contact information for the landlord as well.

Landlords often require references from prior landlords, or if you’re moving from university halls, you may request a reference by contacting the University’s Information Centre.

A UK-based guarantor, often a family member, is also commonly required. Make sure both you and the guarantor fully understand the financial implications, as the guarantor may be held liable for unpaid rent or damages under certain agreements.

A holding deposit, usually capped at one week’s rent, may be required when agreeing to rent a property. This deposit should be converted to rent or become part of a tenancy deposit upon signing the tenancy agreement. Make sure that any tenancy deposit is protected through a Tenancy Deposit Protection Scheme, as this deposit serves as security against property damage or contract breaches.

On your move-in day, complete a thorough inventory to note the condition of the property and its furnishings. Taking photos can provide proof of items showing wear or needing repair. You’ll also need to arrange the transfer of utilities, such as electricity, gas, and water, to your name, providing initial meter readings to the suppliers.

Full-time students are usually exempt from Council Tax, but will need an exemption certificate from the University. Finally, if you plan to watch television, be aware that a separate TV licence is required for any device used to watch programs, regardless of your parents' coverage.