Myth Busters on Renting in London as a UCL student
Renting as a student can be daunting, as it is often the first time you are living away from home. With renting a property comes a lot of responsibility, but it needn’t be so overwhelming. To make all this simple, we’ve dispelled five common myths about renting in London. This will also help to alleviate any worries they may have about you living away from home for the first time.
1. Every landlord requires a guarantor
It is up to the landlord on whether their tenants require a guarantor. A household of students renting together need to be aware that the guarantor has the responsibility to guarantee everyone on the contract, and not just an individual. Landlords will usually want a guarantor who lives in the UK, as it is easier for landlords to take legal action against a UK resident if needed.
For overseas or EU students, this can present a problem, but we have some good news. We have been working to make some changes so the process is easier. The UCL Rent Guarantor Scheme assists eligible full-time UCL students to rent private accommodation that might not otherwise be available, UCL acting as a guarantor where the student is unable to secure any other UK-based rent guarantor. Rent must be no more than a maximum of £300.00 per week or £1300 per calendar month per UCL student.
If you can't get a guarantor who lives in the UK, you might be asked to pay up to 6 months’ rent in advance for every 6 months you prepare to stay. Apply for support via the UCL Rent Guarantor Scheme.
2. It’s best just to sign the housing contract without having someone look over to avoid delays
The competitive landscape of finding a place to call home in London can be overwhelming. It is important Finding a place to live in London can be overwhelming because there is a lot of competition. Understanding your contract can be difficult. Legal jargon and terminology can often be overwhelming, but that’s why our Advice and Support team are here to help. Having someone to read over the fine print and understand those key clauses and terms will reduce risk and increase the likelihood that your tenancy agreement is all in good shape. Without reviewing the contract, you run the risk of committing to obligations you can’t fulfil and making things difficult in the long run for both yourself, and your landlord. You can submit a request for your contract to be reviewed here or pop into the office – we are located on n the 1st Floor of 25 Gordon Street. Our reception desk is open between 10:00 and 16:00 every Monday to Thursday, and 10:00 and 13:00 on Fridays.
3. You have fewer legal rights as a student
It has been normalised that students have fewer legal rights, but this isn’t true. It’s all too easy for students and especially those who are coming over to study from abroad to be taken advantage of. It is therefore essential that when you move to a new country, you know your legal rights and what legal protections you have in the UK.
Hours you are allowed to work while studying: As an international student in the UK, you can only work for a limited time while studying. Non-European students are permitted to work up to 20 hours per week. On the other hand, they can work 40 hours per week during their vacation period. If you need additional information on your rights under the VISA you have, UCL’s Visa Advice Team can provide you with the answers you need. Visit their webpage here to find out more.
The London Living Wage: As of September 2022, the London Living Wage rate is calculated £11.95 per hour.However, organisations must choose to pay their employees the London Living Wage - higher than what they're required to pay by law. The London Living Wage is set to increase again in Autumn (2023/2024).
National Insurance: In order to work in the UK, international students must also have a National Insurance Number. Once they begin earning a living, they must also pay income tax. To get a National Insurance Number, international students must contact Job Centre Plus. You will have to provide the following information:
- Your residence in the UK (with postcode)
- Your contact number (landline/ cell phone)
- Your visa expiry date
- Place where the visa was issued (country or city name)
- Reasons for applying for the National Insurance Number
4. Landlords can take money from a deposit if they want to
When you rent a property, always ensure your deposit is put into a government approved tenancy deposit protection scheme by the landlord, or by the estate agent handling the tenancy. This will ensure that you do not run into challenges getting your deposit returned at the end of the tenancy. At the end of the tenancy, both the tenant and landlord must come to an agreement about any deductions that will be made. The landlord has no right to withhold any part of the deposit at the end of the tenancy unless there are issues with the property. For example, if rent was owed or the property was damaged, this would be cause for a necessary deduction to be made. Only once you have agreed an amount, if any deductions have been made, can the deposit be released.
5. As a student, you must put up with poor living conditions
Rodents or pests? Dampness? Lack of water or heating? Knowing your rights in your accommodation ensures you’ll live in a safe and comfortable environment and will be able to hold your landlord or agent to account if certain standards aren’t met. Don't put up with poor living conditions. Our guidance tells you everything you need to know. See our Standards of Living page for more information. If you are living in student halls and you are unsatisfied with your standard of living, contact your Halls Representative so they can help to resolve the issue.