UK student housing is governed by legislation that gives tenants significant rights — but only if they know about them. Here is a clear guide to the key housing policies every UK student should understand before signing a tenancy agreement.

Tenancy deposit protection

Every landlord in England and Wales must protect your deposit in one of three government-approved schemes within 30 days: Tenancy Deposit Scheme (TDS), Deposit Protection Service (DPS), or MyDeposits. Your landlord must give you written confirmation of which scheme holds your deposit. If they fail to do this, you can claim up to three times the deposit amount in court.

HMO licensing

A House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) is any property occupied by three or more people forming more than one household. Most student shared houses are HMOs. Properties with five or more occupants require a mandatory HMO licence from the local council. Ask your landlord whether the property holds the required licence before signing — an unlicensed HMO means the landlord cannot legally evict you through the courts.

Energy efficiency standards

UK rental properties must have a minimum Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of E. Landlords cannot legally rent a property with an F or G rating. An EPC is displayed on every legitimate property listing. Better-rated properties (C or above) are cheaper to heat.

Fitness for human habitation

The Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018 requires rented properties to be fit for human habitation throughout the tenancy. This covers damp and mould, excess cold, structural instability, and electrical hazards. If your property has serious problems, you can take your landlord to court without going through the council first. Contact your student union for advice first.

Council tax exemption

Students are usually exempt from council tax, but you must apply for the exemption with proof of full-time study. All students in a property must be full-time for the full exemption to apply. Use StudentBuddy For Students for guidance on council tax and other student-specific housing considerations.