The off-campus Housing List is released each year at the Housing Fair during Housing Week with details of vacancies for the following academic year. All properties listed must pass our code of practice to appear on the list. Updated vacancies will be listed through our off campus accommodation finder, so please be sure to check for updates.
This online housing workshop, from the Accommodation Team and the Students’ Union, covers key points to make sure you’re ready to rent in the private sector. We cover:
contracts and deposits
Tenancy Deposit Schemes
things to know once you have moved in to a property
It is important to be aware that any contact you sign with a landlord is completely independent of Edge Hill University. Don’t feel pressured by a landlord to sign a contract and make sure you are happy with all the terms and conditions before you do sign, as once signed, the contract is legally binding.
If you are concerned regarding any element of your contract, you may contact the Students’ Union (SU) Advice Centre to review the contract on your behalf. To do so, you can scan your contract and email [email protected] or, alternatively, you can book a telephone appointment. Should you book a telephone appointment, you must email the contract to your adviser prior to the appointment date.
The SU also have a renting responsibly webpage with lots of useful information and advice.
For further advice on what to look for in a private rental property, please visit the Shelter website.
House hunting timeline and tips
Wait for the housing list
Don’t panic yourself into making the wrong decision (you may regret it later). And don’t let your friends or flatmates pressure you into renting a property you don’t like. The housing list is released at the Housing Fair and can be accessed online after that.
How much rent can you afford? Are bills included? Is there a summer retainer? Do you need a guarantor? Do the rent payment dates line up with student loan payments? For advice on all things money-related, you can speak to the Money Advice team.
Ask a parent or relative to come along to the viewing with you as their experience will be helpful. Don’t worry if you don’t like the first property you see – there are always others.
Read all the information
Always read all the information that’s offered to you and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Remember, there’s no such thing as a stupid question. Read the SU’s ‘Don’t Let Yet’ guide.
Don’t rush into signing
Make sure you’re happy with everything before you sign a tenancy agreement. A good landlord will usually give you 24 hours to read it through and think about it. Don’t forget to ask for a copy of your signed contract and keep it somewhere safe – you might need to look at it again in the future.
Keep a record of things
During a viewing, put everything that’s said into writing. Make sure that you get a property inventory and check the contents against it. It’s a good idea to take photos of the place as soon as you move in so you can prove the property’s condition if there are ever any issues.
Below are some key areas to think about when sorting your student home.
Council Tax
A property occupied only by full-time students is exempt from Council Tax. You will need to provide a copy of your Council Tax Exemption Certificate to the local council to qualify for this exemption. Request your Exemption here.
If there is another adult (in addition to you) living in the household who is not a full-time student, the household bill will be reduced by 25%.
If there are two or more adults (in addition to you) living in the household, who are not full-time students, the household will not qualify for any bill reductions.
Bills
Each student in a shared house is jointly responsible for paying the gas, electricity, and water bills.
Don’t be talked into putting just your name on the bills. Register with each company in joint names, which means all of you are responsible for the bills – and all accountable if you fall behind on payments.
Divide the bills among you if possible, such as one of you dealing with the water, another with the electricity, and more.
Tracking everything on a spreadsheet can really help you to stay on top of your bills.
Damage Deposit
Landlords often ask for a deposit to cover you against any potentially missing rent or damage to the property.
Always ask for a written receipt from your landlord or letting agent.
Unless your landlord is living in the property with you, they must protect your deposits using a Tenancy Deposit Scheme. This guarantees you will get your deposit back at the end of the tenancy if, as tenants, you have met the terms of your agreement and haven’t damaged the property.
The law says you need to be covered by a TV Licence to:
watch or record programmes as they’re being shown on TV, on any channel
watch or stream programmes live on an online TV service (such as ITV Hub, All 4, YouTube, Amazon Prime Video, Now TV, Sky Go, and more.)
download or watch any BBC programmes on iPlayer.
A standard colour TV Licence costs £157.50 for the year. Find out more at tvlicensing.co.uk
If you have a joint tenancy, you only have to pay for one licence for the house, regardless of how many TVs you have. If you have an individual tenancy agreement, each person must pay for their own TV Licence.
If you have purchased an annual Licence and your tenancy is less than a year, you can ask for a refund for the months you will no longer be in the household.
Frequently asked questions
What are the advantages of off-campus accommodation?
Off campus accommodation is often cheaper than university accommodation, and private homes or apartments are likely to be quieter than on campus halls. You may enjoy more privacy and independence when living in private accommodation, although it’ll likely be more difficult to mean like-minded people who study similar courses.
What is the difference between on and off-campus residence?
While living on campus is likely to cost more than living off campus, it’ll mean you’ve got direct access to lots of services and facilities that’ll be great for your social and academic life. Plus, bills are generally included in university halls, so you won’t need to worry about water and electricity bills. Living off campus may be less sociable, but it’ll save you money, give you more freedom to choose a place you like, and may suit those who prefer a quieter university experience.
Is private accommodation cheaper than university accommodation?
Private accommodation is generally cheaper than university accommodation. However, at Edge Hill, some of our on campus halls start from as little as £80 per week. Learn more about our hall fees and accommodation payments.
What other accommodation do we offer?
We offer a range of on campus accommodation options, meaning you’re sure to find something that suits you. This includes: