8 things students want to improve their accommodation experience

In a recent survey hosted by Accommodation For Students, 53% of student participants admitted that their house hunting and/or living experience was negative. For a number of reasons, they said the process was stressful, expensive and often overwhelming.
In order for improvement to happen, the survey asked students what they wanted the most:
1. Affordability
Cheaper prices was the top thing said by the survey participants, along with transparent and upfront costs (including for bills.) Discounts were also noted, this could be done for tenants that decide to sign for another year or if they refer other students to a landlord. Those looking into studio flats also wished for lower prices.
2. More options and availability
Students ask for more listings across all price ranges, with a greater
choice for group sizes and needs. It can often be hard for students to find
decent properties for large groups or affordable places for small groups
and individuals. Listings need to remain updated and accurate; landlords
should remove any unavailable properties from being advertised. On top of
this, more short-term options were also requested.
3. Centralised and improved search platforms
Instead of having to balance multiple platforms, students said they would
prefer it if all the information was in one place and that they would prefer
to use a one-stop website or app. Existing platforms could be improved by
adding helpful search filters e.g. price, bills included, contract length.
Easier navigation and comparison tools would also boost interaction.
4. Better communication and responsiveness
Quicker replies from landlords and agencies and clearer communication
regarding availability and pricing would be helpful. Fewer unsolicited
calls/pressure tactics would stop students from rushing into a contract and
regretting it. Landlords would receive a much better response from students
if they were responsive to these suggestions.
5. Transparency and clarity
If contracts deals were clear about the ‘fine print’ and made their
terms less confusing or more apparent to students this would help avoid
confusion. Especially with all of the new upcoming Renters’ Rights Bill
changes – students are more confused than ever about their rights.
Honest photos and room descriptions from landlords goes a long way, as it
helps students understand how much space they have and what they need to
bring with them when moving in. As a result, clearer guidance on what’s
included in the price of rent has been requested e.g. bills and
furnishings.
6. Viewing experience
Landlords need to find an easy and reliable way for prospective
tenants to book onto viewings, with many requests for more evening and
weekend viewings being quite apparent. Students living further aware or
that don’t have a lot of spare time tend to benefit from online viewings or
virtual tours too.
7. Earlier and better guidance
Many students don’t receive a lot of information about how or when
to start looking for accommodation. For many, this is their first time
living away from home or paying renting so help from university or
independent advisors is highly sought after. A timeline of release dates
for properties could help put the best time for house-hunting into
perspective.
8. Property standards
Higher-quality accommodation with clean communal areas that has
better maintenance would help make students feel more comfortable. Many
reports have seen students requesting the following two things and this
survey was no different: safety and security.