Develop a student-friendly approach to private housing, protecting student rights as tenants
Lead Officer: Benji Orford-Thompson, SU Community Officer
What is the issue about?
Developing a student-friendly approach to private housing at the University of Bath is essential for protecting student rights as tenants. Many students are unfamiliar with their rights and responsibilities, so providing education and resources can empower them to advocate for themselves. Collaborating with private landlords to set quality and safety standards ensures students have access to well-maintained accommodations. Establishing clear channels for dispute resolution can minimize stress and legal complications, while promoting fair rental practices helps prevent exploitative situations. Additionally, creating support networks, such as housing advice services, can guide students through the renting process, from property viewings to lease signing.
What are we asking the University to do?
We are asking the University of Bath to develop a comprehensive student-friendly approach to private housing that prioritizes tenant rights and wellbeing. This includes educating students about their rights, collaborating with landlords to ensure quality and safety standards, and establishing clear dispute resolution channels. We also seek the increased allocation in housing priority for our most vulnerable students.
What will success look like?
- The university produces guidance on how they will support the most vulnerable students to acquire fair and accessible private housing.
- Established channels for dispute resolution between students, landlord and agencies.
- Collaborating with landlords and letting agencies to produce a student housing bill of rights on what students should expect regarding quality and safety.
- Develop a WP and international focused guarantor scheme.
- Updates to StudentPad to ensure students can feedback and 'rate' their landlords if these are to be endorsed by the university.
Updates
Updates will be added here
Useful Terminology
- Widening Participation (WP) - The University works with under-represented students in higher education to support them through their university journey.
- Guarantor - before you move into private accommodation, most landlords or lettings agencies will ask you for a UK based guarantor. This is someone who will pay your rent if you fall into debt whilst studying at the University of Bath.