A guide to navigating UK tenancy agreements for students

If you are joining Coventry University London or CU London as a local or international student, and you have never rented in the UK before, a tenancy agreement might feel like a lot of complicated legal language. Whether you are moving into university-recommended external PBSA student accommodation, booking through a private landlord, or staying with friends, understanding your contract is important to protect your rights and avoid any inconvenience.

For a contract review and to understand your agreement before you sign, reach out to our Student Accommodation Advice Service team. They can review your rental agreement and guide you through the key points.

Here is a simple guide to what you need to know before you sign.

1. What is a Tenancy Agreement?

A tenancy agreement is a legal contract between you and your accommodation provider. It sets out:

• How long you will live there (the tenancy period).
• How much rent you will pay and when.
• Your responsibilities as a tenant.
• The provider’s responsibilities as a landlord.

2. Key Terms to Look Out For

• Tenancy length – Most student contracts are fixed for the academic year or offered as short-term contracts and cannot be ended early without a replacement tenant. This will depend on the individual contract terms and conditions.
• Rent and instalments – the amount you pay and the schedule for payments.
• Deposit – An upfront payment that is usually refundable if you meet all contract conditions. This also depends on each individual provider’s terms and conditions.
• Guarantor – someone, often UK-based, who agrees to cover your rent if you cannot pay.
• Maintenance and repairs – how to report issues and who is responsible for fixing them.

3. Your Rights

In the UK, you have the right to:

• Live in a safe, well-maintained property.
• Have your deposit protected in a government-approved scheme.
• Receive at least 24 hours’ notice before non-emergency visits by the landlord or their staff.

4. Your Responsibilities

You are expected to:

• Pay your rent on time.
• Take care of the property and its furnishings.
• Follow any rules in the agreement, such as noise limits or guest policies.

5. Where to Get Help

Before signing, you can:

·         Contact our London Accommodation Team for guidance.

·         Reach out our Students’ Union for a free contract review or legal advice.

·         Use the UK Government’s tenancy advice pages

·         Visit UKCISA for international student housing advice

·         Check the Student Accommodation Code

A tenancy agreement is there to protect both you and your landlord. Read it carefully, ask questions, and do not sign until you fully understand it. Taking the time now will save you stress later.

You can find more information on our Coventry University London and CU London (Dagenham and Greenwich) accommodation webpages.