Renting As a Student
Advice and Information for students looking to rent with us.
The city is student focussed and very student friendly but with Sheffield's colleges and 2 Universities and with over 65,000 students, demand for the very best student accommodation is competitive! To ensure you don't miss out, read our Guide to Renting as a Student below
You'll be pleased to know that Sheffield Residential has a strong student tenant base with close links to the University of Sheffield and Sheffield Hallam University. We have been the proud Sponsors of the Sheffield University Freshers Fair and have for 2 years been the Sponsor of Sheffield's ultimate guide, The Student Directory
Renting as a Student
Let us guide you with Hints and Tips, the Sheffield Student Property Hunting process, and lots more information on Bills, Council Tax, Deposits, and much more!
The Guide is aimed at students looking to rent in the private sector -that's anything but University Accommodation such as Halls of Residence
Should I share? Who do I want as House/Flat mates?
The best bits about sharing with friends is strong companionship, shared bills and other living costs and supporting each other but the bad bits are potentially arguing, disputes with bills and rent, cleanliness and noise!
The problem is that most Student Tenancies in Sheffield are on the basis of one Joint Tenancy. This means that once you've signed the dotted line, it's virtually impossible to be released from the contract! Everyone who signs the contract is equally liable for the whole contract so as surprising as it may sound, you could be liable for your housemates' rent if they don't pay
We have come across scenarios where a group of students decide to live together but then start to argue on issues such as noise, food sharing and even cleaning and washing up! So make sure before you move in as a group everyone is clear on house rules!
Sheffield Residential will always ensure you fully understand a tenancy before signing it and what is required of all tenants. Have a look at our Hints and Tips in relation to Tenancies!
Which Accommodation to Choose?
The choice is varied:
Purpose Built Blocks
Purpose built student blocks have many similarities to University halls of residence but are owned by private organisations such as UNITE. Each block differs in facilities offered according to the company operating the site. What is and isn't included in the rent differs from block to block so you need to be careful of no hidden costs!
Bedsits
Not extremely popular but good for single students who prefer greater privacy. Each bedsit normally consists of a bedroom and kitchen area but normally has a shared bathroom.
Shared Student Apartments and Houses
This is the most popular type of student accommodation where students form groups and then sign up to a property. Each tenant has their own bedroom and then all share the communal facilities such as bathroom, kitchen and living room. Unless bills are included in the rent, everyone shares the payment of bills
When should I start looking for Sheffield Student Accommodation?
Sheffield's students are very organised when it comes to property searching and many start their search for student accommodation very early! Sheffield Residential issues its Student Property List for the next academic year every November onwards.
Don't worry if you don't search early, there is plenty on offer so it's fine to leave it until you get back after the New Year and into February.
We don't recommended leaving it much after February of each year!
Sheffield Residential advertises properties with the University of Sheffield and Sheffield Hallam University and all our properties meet the standards of the Sheffield City Council's Responsible Landlord Scheme (SRLS). This includes things like fire precautions, gas and electrical safety, amenities, repairs and maintenance, dealing with disputes and complaints.
International Students
We have a strong reputation for providing International students with accommodation taking into account cultural and religious factors into account.
As most international students do not have a UK guarantor, most landlords require rent upfront in one way or another.
Sheffield Residential offers accommodation for all female households and female Muslim students. We take everyone's circumstances into consideration and the ability to pay rent upfront
Registration Fees
Registration fees are charged by all private letting agents. These cover credit and identity checks and administration fees.
Sheffield Residential will always explain our fees to you upfront before you sign anything! We will never charge you a fee until you have chosen a property and formally apply
Guarantors
All student tenancies require a Guarantor (except for International students) - this is usually a parent or guardian who is a UK citizen and working.
A Guarantor basically is liable for rent and any other costs such as damage to the property where you cannot meet such demands
Sheffield Residential will always explain everything your Guarantor needs to provide and explain the responsibilities of being a Guarantor.
Recommended Time and Time Again
Talk to friends and the University Accommodation Offices, we are recommend time and time again!
Sheffield Residential will always work hard to help you as much as possible - going out of our way wherever we can!
Location, Location, Location!
The main student areas are:
For Sheffield Hallam University Students:
For University of Sheffield Students:
The most expensive places are Sheffield city centre, Broomhill and Ecclesall Road
Searching and Viewing Hints & Tips:
Sheffield Residential will always check with you that you have made the right decision before you decide on the property for you and answer any questions you may have before making any commitment!
We encourage you to take your time viewing!
Contract Hints & Tips:
Sheffield Residential will take the time with you to ensure you understand what is required of you. Our Tenancies are in clear plain English and we avoid legal jargon. The terms of the tenancy are clearly laid out to ensure you understand
Check in and Check Out Inventory
Ensure you receive a detailed inventory when you move into the property. This should list all items of furniture, fixtures and fittings and comment on the condition of each and cleanliness.
Take your time going around a property and checking if the Check In Inventory is correct. Where it isn't correct, make any amendments before signing
Equally, at the end of the tenancy, make sure that the property is given back in the same condition as at the commencement of the tenancy. If there are any major differences, a landlord may be entitled to claim money from your deposit
Inventory Hints & Tips:
Sheffield Residential provides very detailed check in inventories and equally detailed check out inventories via an independent inventory clerk to ensure your deposit is fully protected. However, where a deposit deduction is applicable our detailed inventories are designed to avoid any disputes! We give you ample opportunity at the start and end of the tenancy to complete the check in documentation and the final check out inventory.
Deposits
From April 2007, if you have an Assured Shorthold Tenancy your landlord has to protect your deposit and provide you with details of the Tenancy Deposit Protection Scheme in which it is held.
Deposit Hints & Tips:
All students who use Sheffield Residential will be pleased to know that one of the Partners is an Adjudicator for Tenancy Deposit Disputes so we do our utmost to protect you as tenants.
All deposits are fully protected with the Deposit Protection Service.
Currently, we only charge a deposit of one month's rent
We also encourage you to request a pre-move out inspection to deal with any issues that may need addressing
Council Tax
Council Tax is a charge set by local authorities such as Sheffield City Council to help pay for certain public services
Full Time Students
All full time students who live in a Student Only household are exempt from paying council tax on the condition that a student exemption has been applied for.
Part Time Students
Part time students are not entitled to a council tax exemption but may be able to claim Council Tax Benefit
International Students and Spouses
The same rules as above apply to International Sheffield Students so long as the course runs for one academic year.
If a husband or wife joins an international student in Sheffield and is not a UK citizen, doesn't work and doesn't claim benefits, then an exemption can be granted
General Council Tax Advice
If you are sharing with non-students, then the property is liable for council tax and usually the person that is not the student will pay the bill. If there is only one non-student in the property a 25% discount can be applied for.
If you live with your landlord who is not a student, the landlord must pay the council tax
Council Tax Hints & Tips:
Sheffield Residential ensures all student tenants are registered for Council Tax. We then advise and guide you on how to apply for a student exemption!
Let us now help you with your Search, contact us and register your details and we'll do the rest! If we don't currently have what you're looking for, we'll try our very best to find it for you!