Rent Smarter – Key Considerations when looking for accommodation:

Many first-year students are offered accommodation in university-managed halls of residence. However, by your second year – and possibly even during your first year if student accommodation is limited – you'll likely need to rent privately. At this stage, it's crucial to understand your rights as a tenant in private housing.

Who do you want to live with?

Before starting your search for a house, the first decision is determining whether you want to share a house with friends or as an individual. If you’re in a group, conflicts and disagreements between housemates are common, so you need to be sure that everyone is fully committed to living together, as you'll be signing a legally binding contract.

At GreenPad, whether you’re part of a group or renting as an individual, all tenancies are individual contracts. This means you're not responsible for covering another tenant's rent if they move out or fail to pay.

Whether you're looking as a group or on your own, there are plenty of accommodation options available, with varying prices per week.

Location?

Consider where you want to live. Consider how easy it will be to commute to your classes and other important locations. If you're close to public transport or within walking distance to your University, you’ll save time and money. Student houses or apartments are typically available within a 15-minute walk from campus, and many offer bike storage. When searching for accommodation, think about how far it is from the University.

How do I find a house?

GreenPad, managed by the Student’ Union at University of Staffordshire, is a free service designed to help students find quality, affordable accommodation. You can browse available properties on our website (https://www.greenpad.co.uk/lets/search) or visit our office on campus. We’ll gather your main criteria and recommend suitable houses for you to consider, then arrange a viewing appointment.

Alternatively, there are local letting agencies, but we recommend taking our property checklist (https://www.greenpad.co.uk/docs/student) with you. Don't feel pressured to sign a tenancy agreement right away. Make sure to schedule an appointment with the Union Advice Centre to review your agreement before signing.

How long do you want to live there?

Private accommodation, which is owned by private Landlords offer varying tenancy lengths. You could stay for a full calendar year, including the summer, or even remain in the same property for multiple years if you’re happy with it.

With GreenPad, tenancies usually last between 10 to 11 months, with the option for summer stays. Be sure to check the dates for the accommodation you’re interested in to ensure they fit your needs. If you'd like an earlier move-in date, GreenPad can also negotiate with landlords on a case-by-case basis.

Know Your Budget

Before you start looking for a place, make sure you have a clear idea of what you can afford.

Most of GreenPad’s properties include bills (gas, electric, water and internet) but if the property doesn’t include bills we advise to budget around £15-£20 per week per person extra in a house share.

What upfront money do I need before I move into a property?

When renting a property, you'll typically need to pay a few things upfront:

1. Holding Deposit: This is a small amount (GreenPad amount is £50) paid to secure the property while the Landlord or letting agent processes your application. It is typically deducted from your final deposit or first month's rent if you go ahead with the tenancy.
2. Deposit: To secure a house for your group or as an individual most Landlords/Agents require a deposit. This is typically with a GreenPad property around £250-£300 on average. This deposit is held by one of the UK governments approved schemes and is refundable at the end of your tenancy, provided there’s no damage or unpaid rent.

It's important to clarify these costs with your landlord or agent before committing to ensure you know exactly what you'll need to pay before moving in.

Get Insurance:

Student content insurance is a wise investment. It covers your personal belongings in case of damage or theft. Check whether the property includes contents insurance and also if you are covered on parent’s home insurance.

Inspect the Property:

At GreenPad, we recommend viewing several properties that could be a good fit, so you can get a clear sense of what it would be like to live there. If current tenants are present during the viewing, it’s a great opportunity to speak with them. For students who can’t attend in person or have not yet arrived in the country, we also offer virtual viewings.

Guarantors

Most students will need a UK guarantor. A guarantor is someone who agrees to cover any rent arrears or damages that exceed the security deposit. Typically, this person must live and work in the UK. To act as a guarantor, they will need to provide the following documentation:

• Proof of Address (Bank Statement or Utility Bill)
• Proof of ID and signature (Copy of Passport or Driving license)
• If you are unable to provide a UK-based guarantor, some agencies offer alternative guarantor schemes, though these often come with a fee. These schemes act as a third-party service that will cover your rent payments if you fall behind. Be sure to check the costs and terms before signing up for these services – speak to the GreenPad team who can help further.

For further support and advice, GreenPad offers free assistance to help you find affordable and quality accommodation.