The number of students in the UK is 2.75 million students studying in the UK and this figure is growing every year. With more students studying at universities than in the past decade, the benefits of being a student landlord has never been more significant. But being a landlord for students at university could be viewed as a risky venture. While it’s not with no risk but it can also be extremely profitable, and it’s a fantastic opportunity to boost your portfolio of investments.

Tenant requirements for landlords when letting students

One of the major reasons landlords are cautious when they consider students as tenants is due to the image associated with the student life. Maybe they are new to living on their own and without any life experiences and beginning to be aware of their drinking limits. This lifestyle may cause damage to the home and more work to be done after the lease.

Not all students are alike. Even those that are just learning are still considerate of the area in which they reside in. A landlord’s relationship with a tenant is also governed by contractual and legal rules to safeguard both parties. In this article, we’ll explore the various requirements.

Deciding whether to employ an agency for letting to manage the student tenants

The most common dilemma landlords must make is whether or not they prefer renting directly to tenants or employ a third-party leasing agency to handle the rental on their behalf. Each has pros and cons, with consequences for both finances and time. When renting out an apartment for students there are additional issues that you should keep in mind (such as safety and health laws, etc. ) A landlord agent could be able to help and help you understand.

For instance, did not know there was a change in the House of Multiple Occupancy (HMO) regulations changed in the year 2018? In 2018, any property that has five or more tenants who are from at least two households is considered an HMO. These kinds of situations require careful thought to ensure you’re in line with laws, providing an environment that is safe for students and fulfilling your responsibility to care as a landlord.

Legal requirements before allowing students

* Obtaining a license for a landlord.

If your home is located in an area with a restricted licensing, or you intend to rent it to multiple tenants You’ll require an HMO or landlord license. HMO license.

* Get official permission for the use of the house

You’ll have to obtain the consent of any lender, landlord, mortgage insurer or lender.

* Consider data implications

If you’re renting out privately and you’ll be keeping, processing or storing personal information, you’ll have to sign up at the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO). If you’re working with an agent to let your property You’ll have to talk to them about the processes they use and the person who is responsible with.

* Be aware of the tenant’s fees

The Tenant Fees Act 2019 prevents tenants having to pay fees for referencing, drawing up contracts/inventories, carrying out credit checks or other tasks in relation to administration.

* Get student verification

It is important to ensure the tenants’ status as full-time students in a school that is accredited.

* Verify your immigration status

If you’re renting in England and Wales, you’ll have to conduct a ‘right to rent’ test on potential tenants their immigration status.

Lawful requirements before the beginning of letting students

Like the other things you will need to do a number of other things you’ll need to complete, or give your tenants with prior to the beginning of their tenure. This could include, but not be limited to:

Documentation that is relevant, such as evidence of an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) with the minimum rating of ‘E’ (before the agreement is signed) and the valid Gas Safety Certificate (the day they move into) and a student-focused lease agreement that defines the obligations and rights of both the tenant and landlord as well as a copy the guide from the government on renting, ‘How to Rent’.

* Details on the scheme of tenancy deposit that is approved by the government you’ve selected to keep their deposits into (within 30 days after receiving deposit).

* Specific information on how to use security equipment in the premises.

The most current Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) in the event that the property is located in England.

Legal requirements for the student’s property conditions

If you’re a student landlord there are legal requirements you must meet regarding the conditions of your tenant’s home. These include:

This property suitable to be used by humans.
Each electrical device is in good operating condition, and should be “PAT tested”.
* All plugs, sockets etc. are in compliance with UK standards. UK standard.
* Current requirements for fire safety and resistance are met for furniture and upholstery you offer
* There aren’t any obstacles to the fire escape routes, and the property manager as well as students know about evacuation procedures.
• Measures are taken to reduce the risk of fire.
The rental home must be in England rooms that have combustion appliances must be equipped by a carbon monoxide detector.
* There must be one smoke detector (minimum) for each floor of a home that is used to live in. They should be checked at the beginning of each tenure and recorded.
Legal requirements when letting students

When you are letting students out it is important to:

• Inform the council to inform them that there are student tenants living in your house.
Take note of the hygiene of your water and make sure you check for legionella.
* Perform any necessary repairs to the property for damages to the structure or water supply electric, gas, etc.
Be sure to ensure that you are following the terms of the tenancy agreement.
Make sure that your home is in compliance with the law when it is classified in the category of an HMO.

What to put in an agreement for student tenancy

The student lease agreement is among of the most essential documents that you’ll need to prepare when renting to students. It provides both the landlord’s and students’ essential rights, as well as any agreements that might have been made in connection to the lease or rental of the house. Here are some important things to include in your student tenancy agreement

Important details include name of tenant and landlord and the date when the tenancy began and the address of the property, etc.

Information on whether each tenant is responsible for the total rent (this is known as being ‘jointly and jointly accountable’), so that in the event that one tenant fails to pay, the others are also responsible. This should be stated clearly in the lease and it’s a good idea to inform the tenants directly.

* Specific information about the length of tenancy, the cost rent, methods of payment, and the date the time when rent will be examined.

• Information about bills, such as whether they’re part of rent, who is responsible for them, etc. While this is typically the responsibility of the tenant but it’s not unusual to find HMO or student-landlords to provide all-inclusive leases (rent and other bills are included in the monthly rent).

* Deposit details , including the amount due and circumstances that could cause deductions (for instance, unpaid rent or property damage, etc. ).

* A comprehensive summary of landlord and tenant’s obligations.

* Information about Guarantors (if relevant).

* Information about the tenant’s notice period, which includes any break clauses , if relevant.

* Information on early end of a lease, including the grounds for termination.

* Confirm whether tenants are permitted to keep pets. If they are, then you might want to think about adding a pet-friendly clause.

* Confirmation that you permit subletting.

Student property management

Once the more intricate details are out of way and your tenants have settled in then you’ll need to focus on your ongoing managing your student rental property. The experience you have will vary depending on how you handle the rental yourself or use an agent for letting Here are some guidelines to help you create your own method to manage your student rental property.

Student renting – Tips

Communication is the key

You must have laid all your rules in the student tenancy agreement, and it should provide a solid base for a solid landlord-tenant relationship. After this is done and your tenants have moving in, you might need to keep in touch with them on a regular basis to give them the chance to tell you how they’re doing and if they have any issues that must be resolved. Some landlords assign an ‘lead tenant’ that serves as the representative for their property. This is helpful since it avoids the need for multiple conversations, and also makes it easier to schedule appointments to see the house.

Keep in mind that this will be a lot of students’ first time renting

Since a lot of students will not have ever rented before – or moved out of their home – take this into consideration when you talk to students. The government’s “How to rent guide’ is an excellent source, however government documents may be formal and intimidating. You may want to think about creating your own student-friendly checklist of items to look forward to such as an overview of the various security checks that must be carried out and also make certain to describe the purpose of any visit at the rental property.

* Never underestimate a quality group of students

As we have mentioned that the experience of a student landlord may differ dependent on the kind of students you’ve got. If you have an excellent tenant it is important to keep them.

Students’ degrees typically take between three and four years to complete, with a lot of students opting to pursue postgraduate studies. If you’ve located students who are reliable and keep your home in good condition and keep their rent in good standing ensure that you keep them in your possession!

In addition to being secure with the assurance you have tenants who are trustworthy renewal of a student contract also decreases the chance of having a costly time of non-occupancy. Many students prefer to remain in their town of study during the summer, therefore the ability to let them stay in the home (or sublet it if they decide to go to home) for this period is a powerful incentive in renewing their lease agreements.

Be aware the fact that communities of students are a tight knit and in some cities, accommodation options are very limited. In the event that your renters have had good experience, they’re more likely to refer your company to students. That means you could be able find the next year’s tenants without needing to market!

* Make sure that you’re covered

It’s vital that landlords have a thorough grasp of the rights of a student tenant but it’s equally crucial to safeguard yourself and your property. Insurance for landlords who are students is crucial to provide protection which standard home insurance does not provide. This type of insurance for landlords covers a variety of elements like the loss of rent as well as extended absence from the premises.