Accommodation: Practical information for international students

• distance to campus
• affordability
• deposit & tenancy agreement
• flatmates
• landlord reputation
• safety features

Understanding different accommodation options and private accommodation rental terms can help you make an informed decision. 

• HMO (House in Multiple Occupation): A house or flat shared by 3 or more unrelated people. These properties must be licensed and meet specific safety standards like having fire extinguishers, smoke alarms and fire doors, and be mains-wired. 
  
  
• Studio flat: A single room combining a bedroom, living space and kitchen, with a separate bathroom. 
  
  
• En-suite: A private bathroom attached to your bedroom. 
  
  
• All bills included: Rent that includes utilities (check which utilities are not included!)
  
  
• Furnished vs Unfurnished: Most student rentals are furnished, but always check what is and isn't included. 

Before you rent a property in the UK, you should familiarise yourself with some terms and phrases related to housing laws. 

• Tenancy Agreements: If you're planning to rent a flat through a private company or letting agency, you'll be asked to sign a Private Residential Tenancy (PRT). This type of tenancy is open-ended, meaning it will continue until you decide to move out or the landlord ends it using valid grounds for eviction. Don't forget to check the property, landlord, letting agent, and area for reviews before signing a Tenancy Agreement. Good places to do this are Trustpilot, Studentcrowd, and Marks Out of Tenancy
  
  
• Landlord registration: Private landlords and letting agents are required to register with the local authority to show that they are fit and proper to rent out their property. Before you sign a tenancy agreement, make sure to check that your landlord or agent is properly registered using the Scottish Landlord Register 
  
  
• Tenancy Deposit Scheme: If you've signed a tenancy agreement, you'll usually be asked to pay a security deposit. This is held until the end of your tenancy to cover any damage to the property or missing/broken items. By law, your deposit must be protected in a government-approved Tenancy Deposit Scheme to ensure it's handled fairly and returned appropriately. 
  
  
• Council Tax: This is a local charge paid by working residents to contribute towards the funding of public services such as water, rubbish collection, road maintenance, and schools. It is calculated per property. Note: Full-time students in the UK do not have to pay council tax. 

• Always view a property in person or virtually before paying anything
  
  
• Get a written tenancy agreement. Read it carefully and ask questions if anything is unclear. 
  
  
• Ensure that your deposit is protected in a Tenancy Deposit Scheme (TDS). 
  
  
• Carry out an inventory check and take photos on move-in day to avoid disputes later. 
  
  
• Check safety features are working: smoke alarms, fire extinguishers, and gas/electric installations.