“About the contract – all details are not spared Most contracts indicate that if the contract is terminated, the tenant needs to give the landlord at least 1 month’s notice, some may take 2 months, or 15 days, all will be clearly marked in the contract and should be carefully checked before signing the contract. Some houses are recommended to take photos before moving in if they are in poor condition. Scratches on the walls, stains on the carpet, broken furniture etc. should be photographed and well documented and communicated between the two parties, otherwise it may lead to disputes when checking out.

About the deposit – The UK government helps protect private rented Leeds student accommodation in the UK by requiring a deposit of 4-6 weeks rent in advance when signing a contract. The landlord must place the deposit with Tenancy Deposit Protection within 30 days of receiving it, and these deposit protection schemes are guaranteed by the UK government to protect the rights of tenants. The Deposit Protection Service My Deposits, Tenancy Deposit Scheme and Capita Tenancy Deposit Protection are currently accredited. The landlord or housing agent must return the deposit in full and within 10 days of the end of the contract.

A practical guide to renting in Leeds, waiting for you!

Many Chinese landlords or second landlords will pay a monthly bill for their tenants when renting a property, and some people who share a flat share the monthly water and electricity consumption, with UK Leeds student accommodation agents preferring the latter. Don’t forget to take the monthly bill into account when calculating the monthly rent of your home.

Furthermore, creating inclusive spaces within student accommodations involves fostering a sense of belonging for all residents. Accommodation providers can facilitate this by organizing social and educational events that celebrate diversity, promote cross-cultural understanding, and encourage intercultural interactions among residents. These initiatives help break down barriers, challenge stereotypes, and promote mutual respect and acceptance.

Students don’t pay Council Tax, but they do have to pay: Gas, Electricity, Broadband, Water and a TV Licence of £145.50 per year if you have a TV and watch live TV. When looking for a home remember to check the energy efficiency score (EPC), the higher the score the lower the monthly bill; the orientation of the home also determines whether there is enough light in winter, which affects the indoor temperature; if the home has double glazing in the windows, it is more effective in keeping warm.

Fire and burglary prevention – lock your doors and open your windows. Some students have a rich lifestyle and often go out late at night, so places where students live can be easily targeted by thieves. Don’t forget to close the windows in your living room or kitchen after you go to bed.

If you are worried about theft, you can also buy property insurance for your laptop, mobile phone, iPad, etc. Chinese students like to cook over an open fire. Many UK houses have smoke and fire alarms in the kitchen. If the smoke is too thick or there is too much water vapour, the alarm may be triggered and you should open a window as soon as possible and press the alarm again. In some student halls and flats, once the alarm has gone off, everyone must go downstairs and gather in the courtyard and wait for the hostel staff to check for hazards before returning, so be careful!”