Renting to Students: Boost Your Property’s Appeal with These Tips

Renting to students in London is a profitable strategy for landlords seeking steady income and low vacancy rates. With the capital’s large and growing student population, well-positioned landlords can take advantage of the demand for comfortable, affordable, and convenient accommodations.

However, success in renting to students goes beyond just putting your property on the market. To attract and retain student tenants, landlords must meet specific expectations that this demographic prioritizes, such as location, amenities, flexibility, and value for money.

Why Renting to Students Is a Smart Move

London is home to some of the UK’s top universities, which draw thousands of students each year. For landlords, this represents a continuous pool of potential tenants. Renting to students often means:

• Reliable demand throughout the academic year
• Guaranteed rental income if supported by guarantors
• Opportunity for higher yields, especially in shared accommodation setups
• Long-term tenancies, as many students stay for multiple years

Understanding what students look for is key to maximizing this opportunity.

Create a Comfortable and Functional Student Space

Students need more than just a place to sleep—they want a space conducive to studying, socializing, and relaxing. When renting to students, ensure your property includes:

• A comfortable bed and mattress
• Sturdy desk and ergonomic chair
• Ample storage, like wardrobes and shelves
• Common areas such as a lounge or shared kitchen
• Blackout curtains and quality heating for year-round comfort

By creating a well-equipped and welcoming space, renting to students becomes easier and more rewarding.

Provide High-Speed Internet and All-Inclusive Bills

In the digital age, Wi-Fi is not a luxury—it’s a necessity. One of the biggest deal-breakers when renting to students is poor or unreliable internet. Make sure your property offers:

• High-speed, reliable Wi-Fi
• All-inclusive bills (electricity, water, gas, broadband)

Students appreciate hassle-free budgeting. Including utilities in the rent makes renting to students more attractive and straightforward.

Improve Property Security for Peace of Mind

Security is a top concern for student tenants and their families. If you’re renting to students, it’s essential to invest in:

• Strong locks on all doors and windows
• Intercom or keyless entry systems
• Outdoor lighting and CCTV
• Secure bike storage

Safety measures not only protect your property but also provide reassurance to tenants, enhancing your reputation as a student landlord.

Choose the Right Location

Location can make or break your success in renting to students. Properties close to universities, public transport, libraries, shops, and nightlife are in high demand. Even if your property is not immediately adjacent to a campus, highlight:

• Proximity to bus stops and tube stations
• Nearby grocery stores, cafes, and gyms
• Fast access to the city centre or campus via bike or bus

When renting to students, convenience and accessibility are huge selling points.

Offer Flexible Lease Terms to Suit Student Needs

Academic schedules don’t always align with standard 12-month leases. Flexibility is one of the key differentiators in renting to students. Offer options such as:

• 9- or 10-month leases that align with the academic year
• Summer retainers for students who want to leave their belongings
• Early move-in dates for international or out-of-town students

Flexible terms make renting to students easier for both parties and encourage lease renewals.

Furnish Your Property to Student Expectations

Renting to students typically requires fully furnished spaces. Items to include:

• Kitchen appliances (microwave, kettle, toaster)
• Laundry facilities (washing machine, dryer if possible)
• Smart storage solutions
• Desk lamps and bookshelves

Students value ready-to-move-in properties with all the basics covered.

Offer Responsive Maintenance and Support

Responsive landlords build trust and secure long-term tenants. When renting to students, provide:

• A clear maintenance request process
• Emergency contact info for urgent issues
• Regular checks and fast resolution of complaints

Word-of-mouth is powerful among student communities. A reputation for good service will help you thrive when renting to students.

Understand Your Legal Responsibilities

When renting to students, landlords must meet all legal requirements to ensure tenant safety and comply with housing laws. Some key responsibilities include:

• Ensuring the property meets HMO (House in Multiple Occupation) standards if applicable
• Providing valid Gas Safety Certificates and Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs)
• Installing smoke alarms on every floor and carbon monoxide detectors near fuel-burning appliances
• Protecting deposits in a government-backed tenancy deposit scheme (TDP)

Failing to comply can result in fines or legal action. When renting to students, staying compliant protects both your tenants and your investment.

Protect Deposits Properly

Whether you’re renting to students for a year or just a semester, the law requires you to protect their deposits in a government-approved scheme. This applies to most assured shorthold tenancies in England.

Key rules to follow:

• Protect the deposit within 30 days of receiving it
• Provide Prescribed Information to the tenant and guarantor
• Use schemes such as MyDeposits, Tenancy Deposit Scheme (TDS), or Deposit Protection Service (DPS)

Renting to students requires the same diligence and paperwork as renting to professionals—skipping steps could result in fines or trouble evicting problem tenants.

Keep Up with Trends in Student Housing

The landscape of student accommodation is changing. To stay competitive when renting to students, it’s important to keep up with emerging trends:

• Eco-friendly features such as LED lighting, smart meters, or recycling facilities
• Hybrid study spaces with strong lighting and multiple plug sockets
• Social areas that accommodate group study or relaxation
• Pet-friendly options (some students have emotional support animals)

Staying ahead of the curve ensures you can continue renting to students year after year, even as expectations evolve.

Conclusion

Renting to students can provide high returns, consistent occupancy, and growing rental income—if done correctly.

By offering a secure, well-located, fully furnished home with inclusive bills and flexible lease options, landlords can tap into one of London’s most consistent rental markets.

Keep in mind that renting to students requires a proactive approach: understand their needs, deliver quality housing, and stay ahead of rental trends. With the right property and attitude, student tenants can become some of your best long-term renters.

Frequently Asked Questions