Where can I find information about accommodation in the private sector?
Check out our dedicated online resource for students for all the information you need to rent in the private sector at community-living.org.uk/student-information.
Students have access to the free housing search engine Birmingham Studentpad, which is run by Living (Accommodation Services) and allows the user to search for all types of short or long-term accommodation.
Properties will only be advertised on Birmingham Studentpad if the relevant certificates have been presented. ALL landlords/agents are MLAS (Midland Landlord Accreditation Scheme) accredited and we can therefore guarantee at least a minimum set of accommodation standards.
What areas are close to the University?
Most students live in Selly Oak, Harborne or Edgbaston.
I have a room available in the private sector, can I advertise it?
Yes, you can advertise it via the Birmingham Sudentpad message board, but we will need to see the gas safety certificate first. You landlord should be able to provide you with this.
I haven’t got my deposit back, what can I do?
All deposits should be covered by deposit protection schemes. You’ll need to contact the relevant scheme and they can tell more. Your landlord or letting agent will be able to tell you which scheme your deposit was protected with. If you need any more advice please call into the Living shop in University Centre.
My deposit hasn’t been returned in full. Can I dispute this?
Yes, the deposit protection schemes all have dispute services where all issues can be resolved.
Where do I find the council tax exemption form?
You’ll find this at our Academic Services council tax page. Make sure you’ve registered your term-time address on the my.bham portal.
I need short-term accommodation, can you help?
It depends if we have any vacancies at the time you need, but we’ll do everything we can to source accommodation for you. We can also provide information on local guest houses and hotels.
Can you check my contract for me before I sign it?
We recommend that you get your contract checked, even if it’s from a reputable company. Just pop into the Community Living office at Bournbrook Pavillion to get yours checked for free. We’ll be able to point out any important information about charges, what’s expected of you as a tenant, and what rights you have regarding your landlord. We also recommend that you always view the property before you sign a contract. You can also use our new contract checking tool by clicking here.
What do I do if I have issues with my landlord?
When sorting out any issues yourself, make sure you put any requests/complaints in writing to your landlord. If you continue to have problems please come to the Living shop in University Centre and we can help you further.
I’m a landlord – how do I advertise my property to students?
First, you need to have been accredited by the Midland Landlord Accreditation Scheme (MLAS). Second, your property needs to have up-to-date gas and electric safety certificates and an energy performance certificate. Once these have been done you can advertise on Birmingham Studentpad. Details of charges and more information about the MLAS course can also be found at the Midlands Landlord Accreditation Scheme site.