Letting to students can be an excellent option for landlords. You can be sure of high demand and longer rental periods, resulting in high yields.

However, when you rent to students, there are some specific considerations to be taken into account. Let Brand Vaughan help you understand the ins and outs of the student lettings market so you come top of the class.

Why should I let to students?

There are three reasons why letting to students can often be more profitable than traditional lets:

  • Demand and competition in student areas is strong and consistent
  • Students will usually look to rent for a minimum of 12 months, meaning less stress for you finding new tenants
  • Student lets tend to offer particularly high yields

Are there any drawbacks?

Properties tend to suffer more wear and tear when let to students, and as a result, you are likely to spend more on maintenance at the end of a tenancy than you would with a traditional let. In addition, most students will expect properties to be fully furnished.

When is the best time to market my property to students?

Each area will be different, but in general, students will start looking any time from January for lets starting in the next academic year (August/September).

Which properties are suitable for students?

A property with a minimum of 3 bedrooms and large communal spaces (lounge and kitchen) will appeal particularly to students. More than one toilet or bathroom will be a great additional selling point, as will a garden. And obviously, choose a location within 30 minutes of walking distance from the university campus. We have seen great success though for people with one or two bedroom properties as not every student wishes to live in a HMO property - you can get great rental yields, in many cases doubling your rent compared to letting out on the private rental market. 

How do I market my property to students?

Student lets should be marketed in the same ways as traditional lets. You should expect your agent to list the property online on Rightmove and also be proactively contacting local tenants. In addition, universities will release lists of approved rentals, and you should ensure your property is on that list. A good local letting agent like Your Move will have a relationship with universities.

How do I protect my income?

Student tenants can be difficult to reference using the standard process because they do not have a regular income and have usually come straight from living with parents. Instead, you should seek a guarantor for each student tenant. Usually a parent or guardian, the guarantor will themselves be referenced and is responsible for the rent if the tenant should fail to pay.

To help ensure that your rental income is protected, you should consider insuring against non-payment. 

What furnishing should I provide?

Student tenants will expect the property to be fully furnished. Here’s a tick list for landlords who want to let to students:

  • Washing machine
  • Fridge freezer
  • Cooker
  • Carpets/curtains/lampshades
  • Beds
  • Wardrobes
  • Desk and chair for each room
  • Sofa
  • Vacuum cleaner
  • Lawn mower
  • Bins

Is there any special legislation to consider?

You are likely to be letting to sharing occupants (ie. not a family group) so you will need to comply with rules around Houses in Multiple Occupations (HMOs). We take care of that for you making choosing Brand Vaughan a much safer choice than letting and managing the property yourself.

Brand Vaughan can help with student lets

Whether you just want us to help you find the student tenants, or you’d like us to manage the whole let, we’re ready to help you. Because we have expertise in both residential sales and lettings, we can even advise you on the best properties to purchase if you’re taking the first steps into student lets.