GeneralEnquiries
If you have rented accommodation in the private sector, you may have some questions relating to your tenancy and belongings. Below are some ‘Frequently Asked Questions’ for your reference. You can also contact Manchester Student Homes by email at manchesterstudenthomes@manchester.ac.uk or on 0161 275 7680.
WhenshouldIstartsearchingforaccommodation?
Landlords will start advertising on the Manchester Student Homes website from the 1st October onwards and you can start viewing houses from this time. It is recommended that you look at as many properties as possible before making a decision on where you want to live. Ideally, you should wait until after the Christmas break to start searching, as you will only have known your potential housemates for a few months should you secure a house before December. However, please be aware that if you are looking for a larger house (7 bedrooms or more), you will need to look before Christmas due to high demand and low supply.
Manchester Student Homes runs annual Accommodation Fairs at the end of November. Follow them on Facebook for updates.
HowdoIfindaccommodationforthenextacademicyear?
The best way to find university approved accommodation is to visit Manchester Student Homes’ website and run the following search:
• Property type – choose ‘Room(s) in a shared property’ if you would like to have a sharedaccommodation or choose ‘whole property’ if you want the whole property
• Number of bedrooms you require
• Contract Length = Long Let
• Available from – the month you require accommodation from This will then generate a list of private accommodation that are available.
IhavefoundahouseontheManchesterStudentHomeswebsite,whatdoIdonext?
You need to contact the landlord directly to arrange the viewing. Their contact details can be found on the advert itself, or you can click the ‘enquire now’ button to email them directly through the Manchester Student Homes website.
Ihavefoundahousethatisn’tontheManchesterStudentHomeswebsite;doesthismeanthis isn’tagoodlandlord?
Landlords who advertise on the Manchester Student Homes website have signed up to a landlord accreditation scheme. As this scheme is voluntary, not all Manchester landlords join, but they may be members of other professional bodies, such as the National Landlord Association. Before you sign your contract, you may also send it to us using the contact information above to use our free contract checking service.
Iamnotreadytosignacontractforaccommodationyet,isthereadeadline?
There is no deadline for signing a contract in the private rented sector, but rooms/houses are available on first come first serve. If you are looking for something specific, then it is advised that you sign sooner rather than later. However, it is best to speak to Manchester Student Homes directly with your unique circumstances/criteria before signing. You can email us using the contact information above with the following information:
• Number of rooms you need
• Do you want a property for you/ your group only? Or do you want to share with others?
• What are your preferences regarding the type of accommodation? E.g. House, Flat, Private Hall.
• What are your preferences regarding a private bathroom?
It is important that students view the property/room and carefully read their tenancy agreements before the contract is signed. Manchester Student Homes offers a free contract checking service and will be able to help students understanding their contract or any clause within it. If you would like to speak to someone from Manchester Student Homes, you can email them at manchesterstudenthomes@manchester.ac.uk or call on 0161 275 7680.
CanIscheduleaviewingofaproperty?
If you are interested in any of the properties on Manchester Student Homes’ website, you may contact the landlord directly and arrange viewing using the contact information provide in each advert. Physical viewing is always advised before signing any legally-binding contract. For students who need to travel to Manchester, we suggest that you book a room in a hotel for 2-3 nights (here is a small selection of Hotels, Hostels and Serviced apartments in Manchester and Salford)and organise viewings during this time, then you can sign any contracts in person. However, contracts can be sorted out electronically with the private hall if you prefer not to wait, and we offer a free contract checking service that you can use.
OnceIhaveviewedahouse/flatwhatarethenextsteps?
You will need to contact the landlord to state that you are interested in renting the property. Normally, a meeting will be arranged with you and the landlord, to sign the contract and pay the deposit. Where possible, ask the landlord for a copy of the agreement so that you can have it checked by Manchester Student Homes before signing You can have your contract checked by sending it via email or dropping by the office in person During the meeting you will usually sign the contract and pay the deposit to the landlord. Please ensure you read through your contract and understand it as you are signing a legally binding document. Where possible, ensure every party to the agreement signs at the same time and pays the deposit at the same time.
IsittruethatIwillnothavetopaycounciltax?
You need to claim an exemption from council tax, by going to the relevant student services centre and asking for a Council Tax exemption certificate. This will state your name, address, the date you moved in and that you are a full-time registered student. If you are lucky (it depends upon which University you attend and where you live) this certificate will be automatically sent to the Council for you. For details of the council tax exemption procedure for different institutions, please read the following links:
• University of Manchester - https://issuu.com/msh9/docs/council-tax_exemption-procedure-uom
• Manchester Metropolitan University - https://issuu.com/msh9/docs/council-tax_exemption-proceduremmu
• University of Salford - https://issuu.com/msh9/docs/council-tax_exemption-procedure-uos
• UCEN - https://issuu.com/msh9/docs/council-tax_exemption-procedure-ucen
• BIMM Universityhttps://issuu.com/msh9/docs/council_tax_exemption_procedure_for_ea7ffc0a1b6338
• BPP University - https://issuu.com/msh9/docs/council_tax_exemption_procedure_for_bpp_students_2
Howmuchwillbillsusuallycost?
Bills vary by property and the supply company If possible, ask previous tenants about their usage or use a website such as uSwitch which will estimate how much energy the property will use You can also look at comparison websites, such as uSwitch, to find the cheapest deal Please make sure you are familiar with the terms and conditions of the utility agreement before signing
DoIhavetopayanyfees?
The Tenant Fees Ban 2019 means that landlords/ agents (or any other accommodation provider) cannot charge administration fees. The only payments that can charged are:
• Rent;
• a refundable tenancy deposit capped at no more than 5 weeks’ rent where the total annual rent is less than £50,000 (or 6 weeks’ rent where the total annual rent is £50,000 or above);
• a refundable ‘holding deposit’, sometimes referred to as a ‘holding fee’, (to reserve a property) is capped at no more than 1 week’s rent;
• payments associated with early termination of the tenancy, when requested by the tenant;
• payments capped at £50 (or reasonably incurred costs, if higher) for the variation, assignment or novation of a tenancy;
• payments in respect of utilities, communication services, TV licence and Council Tax;
• a default fee for late payment of rent and replacement of a lost key/security device giving access to the housing (receipts for replacements much be provided), where required under a tenancy agreement
If you are unsure, contact Manchester Student Homes at manchesterstudenthomes@manchester.ac.uk or on 0161 275 7680 before you sign and pay any monies.
Doyouguaranteeaccommodation?
Since Manchester Student Homes focuses on private accommodation, your application will be reviewed by the landlords or the private halls directly.
CanImoveinormoveoutonaspecificdate?
For most of the properties, the move in and move out dates will be fixed, you need to confirm with the landlord if you want to arrange a specific date to move in or move out, subject to approval by the landlord.
CanIlivewithstudentsfromthesameschoolandlevelofstudies?
For private accommodation, you may have flatmates from different schools and different years. For some private halls, there may be separate area for undergraduates and postgraduates. If needed, you may use the student to student message board on the Manchester Student Homes website to look for flatmates from the same school or level of studies
Canfriends/familystayover?
In most cases, you will have to inform your landlord about having a friend or family member to stay over. A temporary short stay (1 or 2 days for instance) is usually accepted as long as you get approval from your landlord. All other tenants should also be informed, and you should get their consent. Please note that if the person staying over caused any damage to the property, you may be responsible for it.
AmIabletohavepetsintheproperties?
Most student properties will not allow pets and therefore you would need to speak with the landlord directly to confirm this.
Willparkingspacebeprovided?
For most properties, parking space will not be provided unless stated. Since most of the properties available is highly accessible by public transport, cycling or even walking, you are encouraged not to bring your car and should contribute to help the environment.
Iamhavinganissuewithothertenants,whatcanIdotoresolvethis?
You may contact Manchester Student Homes at manchesterstudenthomes@manchester.ac.uk or on 0161 275 7680 if you have problems with your flatmates and our Housing Case Worker can give you advice on how to resolve your problem.
IsthereageneraladviceguidewhichIcanreferto?
If you need general advice on various housing issues, you may refer to the housing advice page. For emergencies, please contact Manchester Student Homes at manchesterstudenthomes@manchester.ac.uk or on 0161 275 7680.
Accommodationtype
IamlookingforaroominaPrivateHall(forthenextacademicyear)
The best way to find university approved Private Halls of Residence is to visit Manchester Student Homes’ website and clicking on the ‘Private Hall’ tile on the main page. This will then generate a list of private halls that are available.
CanIfindcateredaccommodationoff-campus?
Most of our private accommodation is self-catered. You may find more catered options from on-campus accommodation.
DoesManchesterStudentHomeshaveaccommodationforthefirstsemesteronly?
There are a limited number of landlords who offer short term accommodation. For single-semester accommodation, go onto the Manchester Student Homes website and run the following search:
• Property type – choose ‘Room(s) in a shared property’ if you would like to have a sharedaccommodation or choose ‘whole property’ if you want the whole property
• Number of bedrooms
• Contract Length = Short Let
• Available from – the month you require accommodation from This will then generate a list of private accommodation that are available.
IneedaccommodationforafewweeksinManchester,canIfindanythroughManchester StudentHomes?
It is unlikely that a landlord will offer accommodation for less than 3 months. For stays shorted than this period you should look at hotels, hostels or serviced apartments. Manchester Student Homes has compiled a list of this type of accommodation – this can be found on our Hotels, Hostels, and Service Apartment Directory
Iamlookingforshorttermaccommodation,canManchesterStudentHomeshelp?
For short-term accommodation, go to Manchester Student Homes’ website and run the following search:
• Number of bedrooms
• Property type – choose ‘Room(s) in a shared property’ if you would like to have a sharedaccommodation or choose ‘whole property’ if you want the whole property
• Contract Length = Short Let
• Available from – the month you require accommodation from
This will generate a list of private accommodation that matches your criteria. Please note that short term is likely to be for a minimum of 3 months and for requests of less than this it is usually recommended to book a hotel or hostel for your stay.
Doyouhavepropertiesavailableforstudentswithdisabilities?
You can search for adapted properties by visiting Manchester Student Homes’ website and run the following search:
• Choose ‘Search Everything’
• Then it will generate a list of all properties available
• Then you can filter the search by choosing ‘Mobility Facilities’ under ‘Filter’
• Choose the options suitable for you, then choose ‘Apply Filters’
This will then generate a list of private accommodation that match your requirements
DoManchesterStudentHomes’accreditedlandlordsofferdoubleoccupancyrooms?
Landlords who offer a price per room may consider renting to a couple. In private halls, the adverts state whether the rooms are suitable for double occupancy.
HowdoIfindaroominasharedhousewithotherstudents?
There are three options available to individuals looking to rent a room in a shared house.
a. Conduct a property search on the Manchester Student Homes website by selecting ‘Shared property’ under ‘Property Type’
b. Use the student to student message board on the Manchester Student Homes website
c. Post to the Manchester Student Homes Facebook page stating that you are looking for a place and respond to students posting that they have a spare room in their house or flat.
Arethepropertiesavailablemixedsexorsinglesex?
Our properties are mostly mixed sex, but for some private halls, it maybe single sex for the whole hall or single sex on the same floor. If needed, you may use the student to student message board on the Manchester Student Homes website to look for flatmates of the same sex.
DoesManchesterStudentHomeshavelargerstudenthouses?
Manchester Student Homes has a selection of properties for 6 or more students. The larger the house, the smaller the supply and these larger houses (7 bedroom and above) usually rented quickly so you need to search early for this type of accommodation Alternatively, instead of living in an 8 bedroom you could live in two 4 bedrooms near to each other.
DoesManchesterStudentHomeshaveanypropertieswhichareunfurnished?
Manchester Student Homes does not advertise unfurnished accommodation. You would need to speak to the landlord to see if you can make some arrangement regarding renting a property unfurnished.
DoestheaccommodationontheManchesterStudentHomeswebsiteofferhalfrentoverthe summer?
It is at the landlord’s discretion whether they will charge half rent over the summer. Some landlords may charge full rent whilst others charge a fixed summer retainer fee. It is always best to ask these questions before signing a tenancy agreement. Landlords advertising on the Manchester Student Homes website, must state what kind of summer concession they offer.
Landlord
WhyismylandlordnotaccreditedwithManchesterStudentHomes?
Landlords who advertise on the Manchester Student Homes website have signed up to a landlord accreditation scheme. As this scheme is voluntary not all Manchester landlords join, but they may be members of other professional bodies, such as the National Landlord Association.
Ithinkmylandlordischargingtoomuchforrent,whatcanIdo?
The Manchester Student Homes website provides guidelines for average rents in South Manchester Landlords are free to charge as much as they want and tenants can either accept the rent charge or try to negotiate a reduction. You need to ensure that the rent agreed is stated on the contract before you sign. Although it is possible to challenge the rent charged, any challenge would have to be based on this rent being significantly higher than the market rent for similar properties in the area. The vast majority of challenges do not succeed.
Iamhavinganissuewithmylandlord,whatcanIdotoresolvethis?
In all instances of a dispute or a problem, you will need to contact your landlord to try and resolve your issue before doing the following:
a. For Manchester Student Homes accredited landlords:
Go to the Manchester Student Homes website and download contact form from the ‘Contact Us’ page (found via the ‘this form’ link). Send the completed form to manchesterstudenthomes@manchester.ac.uk who will contact you to find out more details. In certain circumstances, Manchester Student Homes will be able to contact the landlord on your behalf.
b. For non-accredited landlords:
Manchester Student Homes will be able to provide you with information, advice and guidance, even though they cannot contact the landlord direct.
Additionally, some landlords and all agencies will have a complaints procedure which you can use.
When all else fails, you can try the tenancy relations team at Manchester City Council, but you will need to show you have exhausted all other complaint procedures before doing so.
In the first instance contact Manchester Student Homes.
Iamworriedthatmylandlordwon’tgivememydepositback,whatshouldIdo?
All deposits taken for an assured shorthold tenancy (the standard contract in the private sector) must be placed with a deposit protection scheme by the landlord. There are three such schemes in England and Wales: MyDeposits, Tenancy Deposit Scheme and Deposit Protection Service. Ideally, tenant and landlord should come to an agreement over any deductions at the time of check-out. If an agreement has been reached, the landlord should return the deposit within 10 days of this (if there are no disputes)
See Manchester Student Homes’ Deposit Recovery Pack for more information.
Location
Iamtryingtofindaflatorhouseinthecitycentre?
There are a limited number of flats/houses in the city centre and if this is your desired location, it is recommended that you either look early or look for a room in private halls.
IamtryingtofindaflatorhouseclosetotheUniversity?
The University campus is in an area mainly surrounded by industrial and commercial premises and therefore there are very few flats or houses which are on campus or within a five-minute walk. There is however a large selection of properties in the Victoria Park area which is a short walk from campus
Whichisthesafestareatolivein?
Due to an individual’s perception of ‘safe’, Manchester Student Homes is unable to recommend ‘safe’ areas. You are advised to keep doors and windows locked and be aware of your surroundings and those around you when out and about.
You can find out more on how to stay safe with Manchester Student Homes’ Manchester Student Safety Campaign:
• UK student - Manchester Student Safety flier
• EU/International student - Manchester International Student Safety
InternationalStudents
IamaninternationalstudentandcannotgetaUKguarantor,whatcanIdo?
The International Friendly Standard has been created by Manchester Student Homes to recognise those landlords and private halls who provide a fair and transparent service to international students in regards to bookings and contractual terms, as well as going that extra mile in the level of service they provide to international students. You can find landlords and private halls who have been awarded the International Friendly Standard on their search Alternatively, you may also wish to look into guarantor services, which provide a guarantor for a monthly fee.
IamaninternationalstudentandneedaccommodationfromwhenIarriveintheUK,what shouldIdo?
In terms of viewings and contracts, Manchester Student Homes strongly advises that you view a property before signing any legally-binding contract. For students who need to travel to Manchester, it is suggested by both Manchester Student Homes and the University that you book a room in a hotel for at least 2-3 nights and organise viewings during this time, so you can then you can sign a contract in person.
Manchester Student Homes has created a Hotels, Hostels and Serviced Apartments Directory which is a small compilation of temporary accommodation available in Manchester.
IamanErasmusstudent;wherecanIfindsingle-semesteraccommodation?
For single-semester accommodation go to www.manchesterstudenthomes.com and run the following search:
• Whole Property / Shared - shared if you want a room in a shared property and group if you are a group or looking for a 1-bedroom property
• Number of bedrooms
• Contract Length = Short Let
• Available from – the month you require accommodation from
This will then generate a list of private accommodation that matches your criteria. You can also look on the student message board on our website which often has students looking to fill their rooms due to their own semester abroad.
ContractsandDeposits
WherecanIgetmycontractcheckedbeforeIsignit?
Manchester Student Homes can check your contract for free. You can send your contract in via email to manchesterstudenthomes@manchester.ac.uk with any questions you have regarding its contents, or you can arrange a physical or Zoom meeting with our Housing Case Worker
MustIbeover18tosignacontract?
You must be over 18 to sign a legally-binding contract. There are some private halls which accept students from 16-18. Please contact Manchester Student Homes for details or look at the private hall page
IhavesignedacontractforahousewhichInowneedtogetoutof,whatcanIdo?
Usually, the landlord or managing agent will ask that you find a replacement tenant. You can find a replacement tenant by posting on the Manchester Student Homes’ student message board advertising your room as vacant (or when it will be vacant) and also by posting on the Manchester Student Homes’ Facebook page.
The contract you have signed is legally binding, and as most are fixed term contracts you can be held liable for the rent and any damage to the property, so it is important to get your name removed from the tenancy agreement for the property. Anything that you agree with the landlord or managing company should be stated in writing with both parties receiving a copy.
MylandlordsaidImustfindareplacementtenantifIwishtoterminatemycontract,howdoI dothis?
This can be done by posting on Manchester Student Homes’ student message board advertising your room as vacant (or when it will be vacant) and also by posting on their Facebook page. Sometimes the landlord may offer to help you to find a replacement tenant, though often they will charge to re-market the property/room. If you are with an accredited provider, Manchester Student Homes can place an advert on the main website for free
get consent from your landlord as they will receive the enquiries and then call them on 0161 275 7680.
HowdoIfindoutwhichschememydepositisprotectedin?
One of the first steps is to check which scheme your deposit has been protected under. There are 3 government approved schemes in Britain: Deposit Protection Service, MyDeposits and Tenancy Deposit Scheme. On the websites for these three schemes, you can search your address or the landlord’s name and if they are using the service it will come up on the website. Your address or landlord should only appear on one of the three schemes.
Howdoesmylandlorddecidehowmuchtodeductfrommydeposit?
Deductions can be made from your deposit amount for failure to maintain the property as per the tenancy agreement Your landlord can only use your deposit to claim against damage to the property that is not ‘fair wear and tear’, unpaid rent (this includes utilities when they are part of the rent charge, such as a bills inclusive contract), or to clean the property after you have left.
WhatdoIdoifmydepositisnotorhasnotbeenprotected?
If your deposit has not been protected, there are procedures in place to ensure its return to you, normally settled through a local county court. If your landlord is found to have not protected your deposit, they are then ordered to repay the full amount and any expenses within a period of 14 days or less.
Contact Manchester Student Homes on 0161 275 7680 for more details.
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