Navigating Student Accommodation - The Pitfalls, Health Impacts, and Rights

Student accommodation is a critical aspect of most people’s university life, yet it often comes with challenges that can significantly impact students' wellbeing. From neglectful landlords to unsafe living conditions, understanding the pitfalls of student housing is essential. I have written this article to raise awareness of such issues, their effects on health, students' rights to demand improvements, and the shared responsibilities between tenants and landlords.

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The Pitfalls of Student Accommodation

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Students frequently encounter substandard housing conditions, from a surveyor’s perspective this is all too common, without tenants understanding it is not acceptable. Common issues include damp, mould, lack of heating or hot water, pest infestations, and unresolved maintenance problems. These conditions are intensified by landlords who neglect their obligations, such as failing to carry out timely repairs or violating tenants' privacy by entering properties without notice. Profit over morals is the term I often use to describe such landlords.

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The problem is not limited to private rentals. Even university owned or third party purpose-built student accommodations (PBSA) often exploit regulatory loopholes, providing subpar living environments under less stringent standards than traditional housing. In some cases, landlords prioritise profit over safety by overcrowding properties or converting communal spaces into additional bedrooms.

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Impact on Student Health

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Poor housing conditions can have severe repercussions on students' physical and mental health. Damp and mould increase the risk of respiratory problems, allergies, and infections. From personal experience I have witness numerous students have to take regular trips to hospital and in the worst cases drop out of courses entirely. Cold environments further weaken the immune system. Mental health is also affected with some research indicating 63% of students report that high rents and poor living conditions have caused stress, anxiety, or depression. This often has a knock on effect on future grades, career opportunities and overall health.

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Far to often this has been evidenced from primary research and first hand inspections.

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Students' Rights to Demand Improvements – What Can Be Done

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Students have legal protections to ensure safe living conditions:

1.????? Landlord Obligations:

a.????? Landlords must maintain the property’s structure and essential utilities like heating and water.

b.????? Repairs should be carried out promptly; failure to do so can be reported to local councils or redress schemes.

c.????? Deposits must be protected in government-approved schemes within 30 days of payment.

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2.????? Legal Frameworks:

a.????? The Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018 requires rented properties to meet basic safety standards.

b.????? Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO) regulations mandate adequate space, waste facilities, and fire safety measures for shared student housing.

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3.????? Escalation Options – Tenants Have A Voice:

a.????? Students can escalate unresolved disputes to local councils or organisations like Shelter or Citizens Advice Bureau.

b.????? Renters’ unions advocate for students facing neglectful landlords.

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Universities also play a role by providing lists of approved landlords or offering guidance on housing rights. However, more robust action is needed from institutions to protect their students proactively, as a lot more still neds to be done.

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Shared Responsibility - Students as Tenants

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While landlords are legally obligated to provide safe accommodations, students also bear responsibilities as tenants:

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·?????? Proper Use of Property: Students must use the property responsibly by avoiding damage beyond normal wear and tear.

·?????? Communication: Promptly reporting maintenance issues and allowing access ensures landlords can address problems quickly.

·?????? Adherence to Agreements: Tenancy agreements outline mutual responsibilities. Students should familiarise themselves with these terms to avoid disputes over deposits or damages.

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By fulfilling their obligations, students contribute to maintaining a safe and habitable environment.

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Conclusion

The challenges of student accommodation reflect systemic neglect by some landlords and gaps in regulation. These issues not only compromise living standards but also jeopardise students' health and academic success. However, awareness of tenant rights empowers students to demand better conditions. Equally important is recognising their role in maintaining properties responsibly.

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A collaborative effort between landlords, universities, policymakers, and students is essential to create a safer housing landscape for future generations.

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