A Student’s Perspective of Renting

According to Statista during the 2021/2022 academic year, there were approximately 2.2 million full-time and sandwich students in the United Kingdom (UK), with almost 347,680 occupying provider-maintained property. This tells us that the student market is vibrant, extremely strong, and unlikely to change.

I am a university student having completed my second year in Criminology & Law. I write this blog from the perspective of a tenant, focusing on student accommodation. This perspective is crucial for those who rent out student housing. My insights are based on my personal experience, which may differ from other students' experiences.

The Downside of Student Renting

Renting as a student is notoriously challenging, primarily due to limited funds. Even those with part-time jobs struggle to make ends meet, and this raises concerns about, the financial pressures on students renting in the private rented sector.

Landlords need to remember that students, like any other tenants, have the same needs and deserve satisfactory living standards. This includes a clean house upon move-in and secure locks for bedroom doors—especially crucial when students live with speople they do not know well. Landlords often rely on agencies to deal with repairs and maintenance, beneficial for the landlord. But is it beneficial for the tenant? Letting agents often need the landlord's approval to address certain issues and the professionalism of the letting agent could have a detrimental affect if the letting agent in question is not proactive which can cause significant delays and lead to the property deteriorating.

My housemates and I experienced poor living conditions particularly surrounding mould and damp, issues that have been a problem for many student tenants. Why is it acceptable for students to experience this? Are the laws surrounding student lets too lenient or is it because the landlord believes that students are ignorant and do not have the knowledge to challenge landlord behaviours?

However, one wonders why landlords prefer temporary  temporary fixes rather than permanent solutions. Surely this does not make financial sense given that a long term remedy whilst more costly would prevent the property from deteriorating and would prevent disagreements with tenants. It often feels like student accommodation is patched up just to get by until the next batch of students moves in.

The Positive Aspects

I must acknowledge that not all aspects of student housing are negative. Many landlords and agencies are making genuine efforts to provide safe, comfortable, and affordable living spaces for students. For instance, while there were issues during my second year, the letting agency was responsive and tried to address our concerns promptly. They provided dehumidifiers and ensured some immediate remedial actions were taken to improve our living conditions. This proactive approach, even if not perfect, was appreciated and showed that some landlords and agencies do care about their tenants’ well-being.

Additionally, I’ve heard of many students who have excellent experiences with their landlords, the type of landlord who go above and beyond to ensure the property is well-maintained, that repairs are carried out promptly, and that students feel valued and respected. These positive experiences should be highlighted and serve as a benchmark for others. When landlords take the time to understand the unique challenges that students face, they can create a supportive living environment that fosters academic success and personal growth.

There are also cases where student housing can be a positive experience in terms of community and friendships. Living with fellow students often leads to strong bonds and a shared understanding of each other's struggles, both academically and in dealing with housing issues and life in general. The sense of solidarity can turn even the most challenging living situations into something more bearable and even enjoyable.

Moreover, renting as a student teaches valuable life skills. From budgeting and financial management to learning how to advocate for oneself in difficult situations; these experiences, while sometimes tough, contribute to personal growth. For many students, these are the first steps into adulthood, where they learn to navigate the complexities of the real world.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while renting as a student comes with its fair share of challenges, it’s important to recognise that there are positive aspects as well. There are good landlords and letting agencies who are committed to providing quality housing and ensuring that students have a positive experience. By acknowledging the good alongside the bad, we can work towards improving the overall student housing experience, making it more equitable and enjoyable for everyone involved. After all, university life should be a time of learning and growth, not stress and frustration over housing issues. With better communication, accountability, and respect for tenants, we can create a more positive and supportive environment for all students.

Sophie Darlow - Intern