Despite 88% of student landlords confirming that they have had to deduct
money from a student tenant’s deposit, 60% of them believe that most
students, in general, take good care of their rental accommodation.
The findings come from a poll undertaken by the Tenancy Deposit Scheme
(TDS) that asked landlords and agents about their experiences when renting
properties to students.
The researchers found that there are some common grounds for disagreement
on whether landlords have been deterred or encouraged from renting to
future students.
Landlords had made a deposit deduction
When asked whether landlords had made a deposit deduction when the tenancy
ended, 88% said they had done so. The common problems were:
- Damage to property (48%)
- Cleaning (36%)
- Redecoration (9%)
- Rent arrears (7%).
The research also asked landlords who do not rent property to students why
they would not do so.
Those landlords raised issues with potential damage and problems with
neighbours, ‘constant redecorating’ of the property and that students tend
to be ‘irresponsible’ and ‘unclean’ – including holding too many late-night
parties and being antisocial.
Student landlords and agents undertake a mid-tenancy inspection
The TDS survey also found that just over three-quarters of student
landlords and agents undertake a mid-tenancy inspection.
And, more than half of landlords and agents said that they attended the
check-in and the check-out process with their student tenants present.
TDS says it urges landlords and agents to have detailed inventories to help
deal with deposit disputes as well as check-in/check-out reports to help
manage their property effectively.
The TDS also says that the student accommodation sector in the UK is still
offering great opportunities and their findings show that 86% of landlords
and agents said they will continue letting properties to students.
The top causes for disputes
The TDS said: “The poll discovered common disagreements, the top causes for
disputes and whether landlord experiences encourage or deter them from
renting to a student in future.
“The results show the common concerns about renting to students are, to
some extent, valid.
“However, there were no issues with neighbours, no anti-social reasons for
disputes and claims for redecoration were a small percentage.”
The managing director of Accommodation for Students, Simon Thompson, said:
“This is an interesting survey by the Tenancy Deposit Scheme and shows that
student accommodation offers great potential for landlords with quality
properties.
“In addition, it’s good to see that most landlords and agents are keen to
rent to students in future and that many also carry out regular inspections
to ensure that tenants are looking after their property.”
Students are reminded to be good neighbours when moving out
Meanwhile, one council is urging students in its city who are moving out
this summer to be good neighbours and keep any noise to a minimum.
The reminder comes from Leeds City Council where more than 50,000 students
are living and with tenancies coming to an end for the summer, the council
says it is working closely with the University of Leeds, Leeds Beckett
University, student letting agents and landlords to ensure that the moving
out period is carried out smoothly.
The call comes after the council unveiled a dedicated service in February
for tackling noise issues and anti-social behaviour in areas that have a
large student population.
Dedicated team carrying out patrols every night
The service is fully funded by the two universities and there’s a dedicated
team carrying out patrols every night, seven days a week.
Councillor Debra Coupar said: “Students in university in Leeds make a
massive contribution to our economy and culture and we recognise that in
high population student areas, some anti-social behaviour can arise.
“This was why we worked with universities when launching a dedicated
service team and it has proved, so far, to be successful in de-escalating
issues within communities.”
‘Message for students to be mindful of neighbours’
She added: “I would like to echo the message for students to be mindful of
neighbours and follow the guidance on disposing of their waste properly.”
The wellbeing officer at Leeds University Union, Beth Eaton, said: “With
more than two tonnes of stuff students no longer need collected already
from across the city, and days to go before we close our summer
collections, we have great evidence of the positive impact students can
have on their community.
“The items will go to Leeds homes that need them, free of charge, providing
much-needed help in this time of rising living costs.”
