15 Red Flags in Student Accommodation (Ignore These at Your Peril)
I've read hundreds of student accommodation horror stories. Deposit nightmares. Maintenance disasters. Landlords from hell.
The pattern? Almost always, there were warning signs before they signed.
Here are 15 red flags that should make you think twice before booking.
Contract Red Flags
1. šØ No Viewing Offered (or Pushed to Book Without Viewing)
The warning: "Just book now, viewings aren't necessary" or "The room will be gone if you wait."
Why it's bad: Legitimate providers encourage viewings. Pressure tactics suggest they're hiding something.
What to do: Always try to view in person or via live video tour. Photos can be years old or from a different building entirely.
2. šØ Unusually Long Contract (53+ Weeks)
The warning: A contract that runs 53-55 weeks, trapping you over summer.
Why it's bad: Standard is 42-51 weeks. Longer contracts exist to extract more rent, not because you need the room.
What to do: Check start and end dates carefully. Summer weeks add up fast.
3. šØ No Clear Cancellation Policy
The warning: Vague language about what happens if you need to leave early.
Why it's bad: Life happens. Course changes, health issues, family emergencies. You need to know your options.
What to do: Ask specifically: "What happens if I need to leave early? What are the costs? Can I find a replacement tenant?"
4. šØ Deposit Not Protected (Private Rentals)
The warning: Landlord can't tell you which deposit protection scheme they use.
Why it's bad: Legally required for private rentals. If they're breaking this law, what else are they ignoring?
What to do: Ask for the deposit protection certificate. No certificate = walk away.
Listing Red Flags
5. šØ Photos That Look Too Good
The warning: Professional photos showing pristine rooms that look like hotel shots.
Why it's bad: They might be from when the building opened. Or CGI renders. Or a show flat that doesn't represent actual rooms.
What to do: Request current photos of the actual room you'd be renting. Check Google reviews for student-uploaded photos.
6. šØ Trustpilot Rating Below 2.0 Stars
The warning: Provider has hundreds of 1-star reviews.
Why it's bad: One bad review can happen to anyone. Hundreds of bad reviews means systemic problems.
What to do: Read the negative reviews. Are they about the same issues (maintenance, deposits, communication)? Patterns matter.
2.0-2.5ā = Proceed with caution. Document everything.
2.5-3.5ā = Average for student accommodation.
Above 3.5ā = Better than most. Worth considering.
7. šØ Price Significantly Below Market Rate
The warning: Everyone else charges Ā£150/week, but this place is Ā£90.
Why it's bad: Either it's a scam, or there's a very good reason it's cheap (location, condition, hidden costs).
What to do: If it seems too good to be true, it probably is. Research why it's so cheap.
8. šØ Vague Location Description
The warning: "Close to university" or "City centre location" without a specific address.
Why it's bad: "Close" is subjective. Could mean 5 minutes walk. Could mean 30 minutes by bus.
What to do: Get the exact postcode. Check Google Maps walking distance to your campus.
Communication Red Flags
9. šØ Slow or No Response to Questions
The warning: Takes days to respond to emails. Ignores specific questions.
Why it's bad: If they're slow before you've paid, imagine how slow they'll be when you report a broken shower.
What to do: If they can't answer basic questions promptly, they won't handle maintenance promptly either.
10. šØ Pushy Sales Tactics
The warning: "Only 2 rooms left!" "Price goes up tomorrow!" "I have someone else interested!"
Why it's bad: Legitimate providers don't need high-pressure tactics. Desperation suggests problems filling rooms.
What to do: Walk away from pressure. Good properties are in demand but don't need aggressive sales.
11. šØ Reluctance to Provide Written Confirmation
The warning: Verbal promises without email documentation.
Why it's bad: "We said that?" is a classic landlord response. Without writing, you have no proof.
What to do: Get everything in email. Inclusions, dates, costs, agreements - all in writing.
Building/Property Red Flags
12. šØ Poor Reviews About Maintenance
The warning: Multiple reviews mentioning "waited 3 months for repair" or "reported issue, never fixed."
Why it's bad: You'll be living with broken things. Cold showers. Faulty heating. Mould.
What to do: Check reviews specifically for maintenance complaints. This is the most common issue in student housing.
13. šØ No Fire Safety Information
The warning: Can't tell you about fire alarms, extinguishers, escape routes.
Why it's bad: Fire safety is non-negotiable. Legal requirement.
What to do: Ask about fire safety procedures. Legitimate providers will have this information ready.
14. šØ Strange Restrictions
The warning: No guests ever. Curfews. Unusual rules about noise/cooking/activities.
Why it's bad: You're paying for a home, not a prison. Excessive rules suggest a controlling environment.
What to do: Read all terms and conditions. Are the restrictions reasonable or excessive?
15. šØ Payment to Personal Bank Account
The warning: Asked to pay rent to a personal name rather than a company account.
Why it's bad: Classic scam indicator. Also makes deposits harder to recover.
What to do: Only pay to registered company accounts. Get receipts for everything.
The Quick Checklist
Before signing, confirm:
ā You've viewed the property (or had a live video tour) ā The contract length is reasonable (42-51 weeks) ā You understand the cancellation policy ā Deposit protection is confirmed (private rentals) ā Current photos match the listing ā Provider has 2.5+ stars on Trustpilot ā Price is in line with similar properties ā You have the exact address and postcode ā Questions are answered promptly ā Everything is confirmed in writing ā Maintenance reviews are acceptable ā Fire safety information is available ā Rules are reasonable ā Payment goes to a company account
What To Do If You Spot Red Flags
- Don't panic-book. FOMO leads to bad decisions.
- Ask more questions. If they can't answer, that's your answer.
- Look for alternatives. There are always other options.
- Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, it probably is.
The Bottom Line
Bad accommodation can ruin your year. The students who avoid problems are the ones who ask questions and walk away from red flags.
Take your time. Do your research. Don't let anyone pressure you into a decision you'll regret.
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Last updated: January 2026. Based on common complaints from UK students.
Disclaimer: These are general warning signs. Not every red flag means definite problems, but they warrant extra caution.