Flat Hunting Advice

As a student, you will need to think about where you are going to live. It's important that you consider the right type of accommodation for you, and that you think carefully before you sign anything! Here are some key things to think about when you are searching for accommodation:

• View the property in person (or ask for a live video tour if you can't physically be there)

• Check what's included in the rent and look out for any extra costs (utilities, broadband, TV licence etc)

• Always make sure you are given a tenancy agreement, read it carefully before signing (ENSA Advice can check your tenancy agreement before you sign, which many students find reassuring).

• Always ensure your deposit is securely held in a Tenancy Deposit Scheme. 

• Be wise to scams, which are unfortunately common.  Never hand over any money until you are sure that the property exists and the landlord is genuine; you should only rent from registered landlords

• If you are sharing with friends, agree up-front on how you'll split bills and responsibilities.

• Take photos on move in day - including pictures of your gas/electricity meters.

These are the four main types of student accommodation that you can consider when looking for somewhere to live:

• ENU Halls of Residence: ENU Student Halls are run by Edinburgh Napier, and the rent is inclusive of utilities and internet. This is where most first year undergrad students will live. There are some limited spaces available for postgrad students too. It can be a great way to meet new friends. You will be asked to sign a fixed-term Tenancy Agreement, either for the full Academic Year (39 weeks) or an Extended Tenancy (50 weeks)
• Purpose Built Student Accommodation (PBSAs): A quick google search will show that there are lots of PBSAs in Edinburgh. These are privately owned Halls of Residence, designed specifically for student life. They tend to be modern and well-located, with excellent facilities, but they can be pricey. Rent will normally be inclusive of bills but do check this. These tenancies will usually have a fixed start and end date. Contract terms can vary, so make sure you read them carefully before signing up.
• Private Residential Tenancy (PRT): If Halls of Residence are not available, or not your preference, you can rent from a private landlord. Make sure you get a tenancy agreement (a PRT) in writing. The PRT will state whether bills are included in the rent or not. Your tenancy will have no fixed end date. You can stay as long as you like (unless the landlord has legal grounds to evict you) and you will usually need to give 28 days notice if you want to leave.
• Lodging: This is a type of tenancy where you rent a room in someone's home while they also live there. You will normally have a private bedroom, with shared living spaces. This tends to be a cheaper option, but as a lodger you will have fewer legal rights than a tenant with a PRT. Make sure you get a Lodgers Agreement in writing. These tend to be fairly flexible, typically running on a rolling basis. The Landlord can normally ask you to leave with reasonable notice.

Housing can be confusing, especially for students renting for the first time. ENSA Advice is an excellent place to go if you have any questions. You can book an appointment with one of our advisers here: ENSA ADVICE | Scheduling and Booking Website