The Rate Your Landlord Report 2011-12 details students’ experiences of living in the private rented sector before, during and after their tenancy.

The problems we identified

The report identifies a range of problems faced by student tenants including:

• The generally poor condition of properties available
• The large amounts of money required by students to secure accommodation if they do not have a UK based guarantor
• A failure of property managers to meet expectations given about the condition and contents of properties and/or the terms of tenancies
• Slow and inadequate problem resolution from property managers
• Issues with the return of deposits

Overall the experience of students in the private rented sector who responded to the survey demonstrated a need for wide ranging improvements.

Our recommendations

As a result the report makes a number of recommendations on both a national and local level including:

• greater accreditation for landlords,
• a local letting agent/landlord awards scheme,
  
• working alongside other housing campaigns,
• improving communication to landlords signed up to StudentPad,
• giving students greater information about renting in the private sector
  
• lobbying the University to act as a guarantor for those students who do not have one. 

Look out over the next few weeks for more details about the specific recommendations made in the Rate Your Landlord 2011-12 Report and for information about what your Students’ Union is doing to implement those recommendations with the aim of bringing about positive change for students living in private rented accommodation in the area. 

More about the report

You can download the complete report [pdf] or read it online below

The findings in the report are based on the results of the 2011-12 Rate Your Landlord Survey, an annual survey conducted by the University of Sussex Students’ Union in collaboration with the University of Brighton Students’ Union.

First launched in 2009, the survey is used to gather a picture of the student lettings situation with the aim of driving up standards in the local area. This year there were a record number of respondents, with a total participation level of 1780 students – almost triple last year’s number!  

Indi Hicks, Students' Union Welfare Officer, said "we're grateful to everyone who filled out the survey and helped make the research so valuable. I look forward to focusing on the recommendations we've made as a result and working to make sure they are implemented"

Don't forget that our Advice & Representation Centre can provide free, independent and confidential advice on a range of issues including housing. You can contact us or browse our online housing advice.

Partly in response to similar feedback from previous Rate Your Landlord reports, the Students' Union launched its own lettings agency which aims to be student-friendly and doesn't charge students any fees.

Find out more about them at www.sussexstudentlettings.com

Read the report online