Tips & Advice for Students Renting a House
Looking for student accommodation can feel a bit overwhelming.
For most students, it’s the first time dealing with property websites, tenancy agreements, and deposits.
But it doesn’t have to be stressful. Our student accommodation advice breaks everything down, so you know exactly what to expect when renting as a student.
From your first conversation to the final handshake, we keep things clear, honest, and personal.
Student Renting Made Simple
Pick the right housemates
Living with friends can be amazing, but remember that in a joint tenancy, everyone is equally responsible for rent, bills, and any damages. Choose carefully.
Work out your budget
Rent is just the start. Think about utilities, broadband, food, and travel too. You don’t pay council tax as a student, but you must let your council know.
Start early
The earlier you look, the better your options. Try to begin your search 6–8 weeks before moving in.
Check your letting agent
Only go with accredited letting agents — look for ARLA, Propertymark, Safeagent, RICS, or UKALA. This ensures your money and deposit are protected.
Right to Rent checks
You’ll need valid ID, usually a passport, to prove your Right to Rent. Make sure it’s up to date.
Read your tenancy agreement
This is a legal contract, so take time to understand every clause before signing.
Sort your paperwork
Expect to provide a signed agreement, deposit (usually five weeks’ rent), first month’s rent, bank statements, enrolment confirmation, and references.
Have a guarantor lined up
The earlier you look, the better your options. Try to begin your search 6–8 weeks before moving in.
Price It Right
- Property type — halls, studio, shared flat or house
- Bedrooms — solo, with a couple of friends, or a big group
- Location — close to uni, good transport links, shops, and yes, the local pub matters too
Having a checklist makes it easier to narrow down your options quickly.
Book a Viewing
The best way to start is by seeing places in person. Whether you want a studio, an en-suite room in a shared house, or somewhere with bills included, viewings give you a real feel for what suits you.
Questions to Ask at a Viewing
Are bills included?
Does the property have a Gas Safety Certificate?
How much is the deposit and is it protected?
What’s the EPC rating?
Is there an inventory list?
Is there parking or a permit needed?
Are there any extra agency fees?
Renting with Platinum Property Students
We have properties to suit all student lifestyles, from small houses to purpose-built blocks with en-suites and studios.
Our team takes the stress out of renting. From the viewing stage through to moving out, we guide you through paperwork, legal bits, and everything in between.
All our landlords meet safety standards, and we’re part of the Property Redress Scheme for extra peace of mind.
Need Help?
If you’re already renting through us and something goes wrong, just use our Report an Issue form and we’ll get it sorted quickly.
My experience as a university student was extremely poor. I felt exploited and unsupported throughout my tenancy, particularly when issues arose with other tenants in the house share. I experienced physical abuse from other tenants and felt that Platinum Properties failed to provide me with the protection and support I reasonably expected from my landlord/agent. I was left feeling unsafe in what should have been my home.
I was also extremely unhappy with how my deposit was handled. I believe deductions were unfair and did not feel that my concerns were dealt with appropriately. The property was already in a poor and tired condition when I moved in, yet I was later charged £50 from my deposit for the condition of the window area. The attached photo shows the dirt and staining around the window frame and sill.
The quality of the furniture was another major issue. Several items felt extremely cheap and poorly made, with furniture breaking during what I consider to be normal, basic use. This created additional frustration and expense during an already difficult tenancy.
Overall, I felt that the company prioritised its own interests rather than the wellbeing and concerns of its tenants. As a university student, I expected a safe and reasonably maintained place to live, along with fair treatment when problems occurred. Unfortunately, that was not my experience.
I would recommend that prospective tenants thoroughly document the condition of the property and furniture when moving in, keep records of all communication, and carefully check the terms surrounding deposits before signing a tenancy.
Response: You very much had the power to remove them, I provided evidence of them breaking multiple sections of the tenancy. Platinum properties values their income over the wellbeing of their tenants.
and he proved to find some really great properties around Worcester. He was friendly, polite and made the house viewings work seamlessly. Would really recommend this company.
on a very cold day and night.
We viewed a property near Worcester. He did not rush us at all. He took extra time to ensure we explored the property fully. He had good knowledge of the property. By far, his attitude and enthusiasm was the best we have experienced to date from any estate agent. We look forward to working with him.
By working with them as a 'partner' with this investment, I know that legally, I am safe as a Landlord and that also my tenants have the peace of mind they also have access to the support and protection of the wonderful team at Platinum. Thanks personally to Helen, Josh, Harry, & Caroline. I highly recommend their services.