- Before you rent
- Is your landlord accredited?
- What should I check before signing a tenancy agreement?
- How is my deposit protected?
- Do I need a guarantor?
- Who will I live with?
- Renting with family
- Take an inventory
- Are you exempt from council tax?
- Renters Rights Act
- Know your rights
- Living in the local community
- Recycling and rubbish
- Parking
- Parties and noise
- Problems with a letting agent
- Need more support?
Before you rent
Before viewing properties, take time to understand:
- Tenancy agreements
- Deposit protection schemes
- Rental costs and household bills
- Your rights and responsibilities as a tenant
Ask questions and don't feel pressured into signing a contract. Once signed, it becomes a legally binding agreement.
It's also worth speaking to current tenants to find out about their experience of the property and landlord.
Read ready to rent resources by the National Union of Students (NUS)
Is your landlord accredited?
Consider renting from a landlord accredited through the Partnership Accreditation for Landlords (PAL) scheme.
PAL-accredited landlords commit to:
- Providing safe, well-maintained accommodation
- Following good management practices
- Using clear tenancy agreements
- Being transparent about fees and costs
- Resolving problems within a reasonable timeframe
Read more about how the accreditation scheme supports students.
What should I check before signing a tenancy agreement?
Before signing, make sure you understand:
- The length of the contract
- The total rent payable
- Any bills that aren't included
- Whether the property is within your budget
- Notice periods for leaving
- Gas and electrical safety arrangements
How is my deposit protected?
By law, landlords must protect your deposit in a government-approved scheme.
Within 30 days of paying your deposit, you should receive information about:
- The deposit protection scheme used
- Your landlord's contact details
- How to get your deposit back
- What happens if there is a dispute
Read more about tenancy deposit protection on the Shelter website.
Do I need a guarantor?
Many landlords require a guarantor, often a parent or guardian.
A guarantor may be responsible for:
- Your rent if you're unable to pay
- In some cases, your housemates' rent
Make sure you understand the guarantor's responsibilities before signing your contract.
Many landlords require a UK-based guarantor. If you don't have one, you may be asked to pay rent in advance or use a guarantor service.
Who will I live with?
Living with friends can be very different from living with them in halls.
Before signing a joint tenancy, discuss:
- Household responsibilities
- Cleaning arrangements
- Bills
- Guests
- Plans for the following year
Good communication can help avoid problems later.
Renting with family
If you're looking for family accommodation, consider:
- Local schools
- Transport links
- Council Tax and utility costs
- Property size and suitability
- Right to Rent requirements
- Whether the property is furnished or unfurnished
The University does not provide family accommodation, but PAL-accredited properties may be available.
Take an inventory
Before moving in:
- Record the condition of each room
- Photograph any damage or missing items
- Date and sign the inventory
- Share a copy with your landlord
This can help protect your deposit when you move out.
Please see our Ask Herts page for further information on using your inventory for your end of tenancy process.
Moving Out Checklist – Private (Off-Campus) Accommodation
Are you exempt from council tax?
If all the people you live with are full time students then the property will likely be exempt from council tax - find out how to apply for council tax exemption.
Renters' Rights Act
The Renters' Rights Act introduces important changes to private renting in England, including:
- Most fixed-term tenancies becoming rolling tenancies
- New rules around notice periods
- Greater protections for tenants
- Restrictions on unfair evictions
If you share a joint tenancy, it's important to understand how notice from one tenant could affect the whole household.
For advice about your situation, contact community@herts.ac.uk.
Know your rights
Your landlord must follow the correct legal process if they want you to leave a property.
Examples of illegal eviction include:
- Threatening or harassing tenants
- Changing locks without following legal procedures
- Physically forcing tenants to leave
- Preventing access to parts of the property
If you're in immediate danger, call 999. For non-emergencies, call 101.
You can read further advice regarding Landlord Harassment and Illegal Ections from Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council.
Get insured
Consider contents insurance, especially for valuable items such as:
- Laptops
- Phones
- Tablets
- Bicycles
- Gaming equipment
Compare policies to find suitable cover for your needs.
Living in the local community
Recycling and rubbish
Make sure you understand local waste and recycling arrangements and collection days.
For more information about bin collection, please visit the Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council website.
Parking
Before moving in, check:
- Whether parking is available
- If permits are required
- Any restrictions on guest parking
For more information about parking on campus please visit the Student Parking at the University page.
Parties and noise
Be considerate of neighbours, particularly late at night.
Noise complaints reported to the Police or Environmental Health may be referred to the University and could result in disciplinary action.
If you are experiencing issues with your neighbours, housemates or Landlord, please contact us to discuss this further on: Community@herts.ac.uk or 01707 285165.
Problems with a letting agent
If you have a complaint:
- Raise it directly with the letting agent first.
- If unresolved, use the agent's redress scheme.
- If the agent is PAL accredited, report the issue to PAL.
You should complain to the letting agent in the first instance but if your complaint is unresolved within eight weeks, you can use the scheme that the letting agent is a member of.
The three letting agents redress schemes are:
Need support?
Need support?
Support is available from:
- Community Student Support Officer Dean of Students): Please contact Community@herts.ac.uk or 01707 285165
- Herts SU - Advice and Support Centre: To get advice, you can drop-in to the Centre to speak to an Adviser from 10:00-16:00 Monday to Friday, call 01707 285022 or e-mail advice@hertssu.com
- Hertfordshire Police student team: Email: runienquiries@herts.police.uk.
- Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council Private Sector Housing Team
Also, take a look at our off-campus student support guides for more useful contact details and information.