Many students choose to live away from home when studying at university. Students may be happy with what they see online in respect of accommodation, however, their in-person experience does not always meet their expectations. Before signing the contract, it is crucial that you take the time to go through it and understand your obligations. You should pay attention to the start date, any written notices and any deadlines outlined, in addition to what is included for the price you pay, such as utility bills.
Most student accommodation tenancies will be assured shorthold tenancy (AST). This a tenancy agreement which allows the landlord to let out a property to a tenant while retaining the right to repossess the property at the end of the term of the tenancy. Furthermore, AST’s offer legal protections under the Housing Act 1988.
A common complaint regarding student accommodations are the conditions of the property. According to the National Student Accommodation Survey 2025, some of the major problems students dealt with were damp (31%), electrical faults (27%), lack of water/heating (27%), leak or flood (21%) and pests/rodents (18%)[1].
Firstly, students need to know what their rights are as a tenant. Students have the right to a safe home and any delays in maintenance can be addressed to your local council’s housing department. Students can also call their local council to protect themselves from eviction as landlords cannot evict them without following a legal process, including serving a valid notice, and obtaining a possession order. For deposit protection disputes, the relevant scheme can only deduct money if it has been highlighted in the contract and has been breached by the tenant, and there is no objection/dispute raised by the tenant. If there is a dispute, the deposit scheme can offer you free alternative dispute resolution assistance. Your landlord may be entitled to raise your rent in line with the terms of your tenancy agreement, for example a rent review clause may entitle your landlord to a percentage increase of rent annually. However, your landlord can only increase your rent after the end of the fixed term, and should do so using a Section 13 Notice. If you feel that your new rent increase is unfair, you can apply for First-tier Tribunal to challenge it, but you must be prepared to provide evidence such as local rent comparisons or the condition of your property, the tribunal will determine the new rent payable, which is typically fixed for a period of time. Simply not wanting to pay an increased rent will not suffice.
All tenants are entitled to the private enjoyment of the property they rent, free from interferences and disturbances by your landlord. If your landlord seeks to enter your property, you have a right to a notice period before entry and a written 24-hour notice should be provided to you before any maintenance or viewings, this is typically set out within the tenancy agreement. Finally, you have the right to access official support which includes being able to file a complaint with the local council or apply for tribunal if a dispute with landlords or accommodation providers have arisen, although discussions with your landlord should be the starting point if a dispute arises.[2]
The UUK/GuildHE Accommodation The Code of Practice (The Code/ ACoP), was created to protect students, making sure their living conditions are safe. This covers, health and safety, building maintenance and the relationship between the accommodation providers and the tenants. This has been put in place to make sure students are protected and should be made aware of what they can do if they need to make a complaint.
Students can file complaints with the accommodation provider for some of the issues listed above. However, when dealing with a complaint where the providers are unfair or cause unnecessary delay, then students can seek help and guidance. Places to seek guidance include your student union or solicitors.
There are many ways to make a complaint regarding different issues regarding your accommodation. You can enquire with services provided from university who are able to give you advice on the actions that you can take, although be mindful that universities may often be reluctant to get involved in a private contractual arrangement of which they are not a party. The above rights are enforceable through a complaint’s procedure, union action, citizens advice bureau support or legal action. This is a guide to help students better understand their rights in these situations, which is rarely accessible and which leave students in a less favourable position than landlords, who are often the advantageous party in a dispute involving student accommodation.
If your accommodation is provided by your university, e.g halls of residence, ensure that you contact the accommodation manager sooner rather than later, and keep evidence where appropriate, such as photographs.
Summerfield Browne Solicitors can assist you with your student accommodation disputes.
[1] https://www.savethestudent.org/money/surveys/national-student-accommodation-survey-2025.html
[2] https://tenant-rights.uk/england/student-tenant-rights-a-clear-guide-for-england
