#StudentLandlords

Deposit disputes are stressful, but many are avoidable. Good records and clear communication are usually the difference between winning and losing a claim. What Is a Deposit Actually For? A tenancy deposit can usually be used for: Property damage beyond fair wear and tear Missing items Cleaning where required Unpaid rent Remember that fair wear and tear is not chargeable. Student properties naturally...

A signed tenancy agreement does not automatically mean that your student property is ready for its next occupants. Before students collect their keys, landlords need to inspect the property from two different perspectives. First, is the house safe, compliant and fully functional? Second, does it feel like somewhere a student would be happy to call home? This final student house summer checklist covers the...

Summer is the busiest season for student landlords. One tenancy ends, another begins, and there is often only a short window to prepare the property before the next academic year.A well-prepared student house helps reduce maintenance issues, avoid deposit disputes and create a positive first impression for new tenants. More importantly, good preparation makes the rest of the tenancy much easier to...

Choosing the right tenants is one of the most important decisions a student landlord makes.A reliable group can communicate well, pay rent on time, report maintenance problems promptly and look after the property. A poorly matched group can create frequent disputes, late payments, unnecessary damage and additional management work.However, choosing better student tenants does not mean investigating every...

Summer is often the best time to complete a student property refurbishment. The house may be empty, contractors can work without disturbing tenants, and landlords have an opportunity to improve the property before the next academic year. However, refurbishment does not automatically produce a better return. Some improvements help properties let faster, reduce maintenance and support stronger rents. Others...

Student property can provide reliable demand and attractive rental income. However, successful student letting involves much more than owning a house near a university.Small management problems can quickly become expensive. A delayed repair may cause further damage. An unrealistic rent can create a summer void. Meanwhile, weak paperwork can turn a straightforward disagreement into a lengthy dispute.Many of...

Summer voids have always been one of the biggest risks facing student landlords. A property can perform well throughout the academic year, only for several empty weeks in July, August or September to reduce the landlord’s annual return. One empty month represents roughly 8.3% of a property’s potential annual gross rent. However, summer voids are not simply caused by a shortage of students. They are...

With sweeping changes to tenancy law due to arrive in April 2026, student landlords need to be more proactive than most. While Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) may get a formal exemption, private HMOs are still in the grey zone — and the consequences of getting caught out could be costly. Here’s what we know, and how you can stay ahead.   1. What’s Changing in April 2026? The Renters’...

Mortgage rates might have eased slightly — but borrowing for student HMOs is still tough. Between tighter lending criteria, rent cover ratios, and regulatory scrutiny, landlords face more hoops than ever. Here’s what lenders are really looking for in late 2025 — and what you can do to improve your chances. 1. Are Lenders Still Financing Student HMOs? 📌 Quick Clarification: Even if your...

Winter is coming — and for student landlords, that means two things: rising energy usage and rising complaints. Whether you offer all-inclusive rents or leave bills to your tenants, poor heating management can lead to mould, frostiness (literally and metaphorically), and damage to your margins. Here’s how to run a warm, energy-efficient student house in 2025.1. Heating Strategies That Work in Shared...