A full guide to understanding student tenancies and contracts

Depending on your own preferences and student accommodation choice, you may be more suitable for a type of tenancy contract and would benefit more from what the agreement includes. Contracts are typically divided between “joint” and “individual”:

• Assured shorthold tenancy agreement

• Individual contract

• Joint tenancy agreements

In some instances, certain students may be unable to pay the full amount of the rent throughout the tenancy agreement. If this is the case, you may require the assistance of your guarantor. In addition, ensure you check whether you need to pay a deposit when finding student accommodation; details can be found on their webpage, or when asking during a student accommodation viewing.

Find out more about understanding tenancies and contracts for student accommodation with our expert guide here.

Mansion Student issues an individual tenancy contract for our accommodations across the UK. Our tenancy agreement outlines the period, the full amount of rent, and when it is due to be paid.

If you have any questions about your tenancy agreement, contact our dedicated Hospitality team at your chosen student accommodation location.

To avoid cancelling student accommodation, ensure you completely understand the tenancy contract by checking certain elements before signing. This includes the start and end date of the tenancy period, whether the contract is sole or joint, the names on the agreement and the cancellation policy.

Most tenancy agreements will be fixed term, meaning you are committing to paying for the entire stay. However, occasionally, you may be able to cancel the agreement due to unforeseen circumstances. For example, this includes if you did not receive the results required to secure a university place and if you are an international student whose visa was declined. In these instances, you may be able to cancel your accommodation without paying any additional fees.

Suppose you want to cancel your student accommodation due to dropping out of university or moving to another operator. In that case, you can be expected to pay a cancellation fee and to provide a replacement tenant.

Find out more about how to end student tenancy contracts with our expert guide here.

To cancel student accommodation with Mansion Student, you will need to send an email to info@mansionstudent.co.uk and refer to the cancellation policy. Ensure you confer with the hospitality staff to see if a termination payment of £75 is required.

Contact Mansion Student for more information here.

Although the landlord or agency is responsible for maintaining a safe and liveable property, the tenant must take care of their room and any shared spaces. Regular cleaning and checking for general wear and tear can help ensure your areas remain tidy and within the tenancy agreement.

Accidents may happen during your stay at student accommodation. If something occurs, make sure you log this on the app or contact the hospitality team as soon as possible to report any damage. In some cases, the landlord or agency can repair or resolve the issue.

To avoid any potential issues and disputes during your tenancy period, consider the following:

• Complete the inventory check in document at the beginning of your tenancy

• Take pictures of the state of your room when you move in

• View the student accommodation before booking

• Make sure to take care of the walls if you are personalising your room

• Start searching for student accommodation as soon as possible to ensure you choose the right property type

• Look at accreditation and testimonials from previous tenants

• Find modern purpose-built student accommodation

By choosing modern student accommodation, such as private halls, students can avoid common issues that occur in older properties, like student housing. This includes mould, dampness, and old-fashioned facilities.

Find out more about how to deal with tenancy agreement issues and disputes with student accommodation in our expert guide here.

University halls of residence are the traditional go-to for many students, particularly first-years and international students. The tenancy agreements for university halls usually align with the academic calendar – from September to June or July.

Private student accommodation offers more diverse options, including modern purpose-built student accommodation and shared housing or flats. The length of stay in private student accommodation tends to be more flexible compared to university halls to cater to various needs. In addition, many private student accommodations offer renewal options for those looking to book the following academic year.

Find out more about the length of stay at student accommodation with our expert guide here.

Mansion Student typically provides 45 or 51 weeks of tenancy length of stay, depending on the student accommodation location and room type. We also provide student accommodation for students starting in January.

For complete clarity, viewing the student accommodation before signing an agreement is recommended. This allows you ample time to ask any relevant questions, and what will be required from you should you decide to stay. We supply student accommodation in some of the UK’s biggest student cities.

Browse through our range of student accommodation locations across the UK here.