Unsafe Housing and Accommodation

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Accommodation and Housing Support

Finding safe and suitable accommodation is an important part of student life. Whether you are renting privately, living in shared accommodation, or experiencing housing difficulties, it is important to understand your rights and know where to seek support.

🏠 Before Renting a Property

Before signing a tenancy agreement:

📄 Read the agreement carefully.
💷 Understand how much rent and deposit you are expected to pay.
🧾 Check what bills are included.
❓ Ask questions about anything you do not understand.
🌍 International Students and Accommodation

International students can sometimes be particularly vulnerable to housing problems, especially when arranging accommodation before arriving in the UK.

Be cautious if:

💷 You are asked to pay money before viewing a property.
📄 The landlord refuses to provide a tenancy agreement.
📷 The accommodation looks significantly different from advertised photographs.
👥 The property appears overcrowded or unsafe.
⚠ You feel pressured into making a quick decision.
⚠ Unsafe Living Conditions

Everyone has the right to live in accommodation that is safe and suitable.

Examples of unsafe living conditions include:

💧 Damp or mould.
🔥 No heating or hot water.
⚡ Faulty electrics.
⚠ Gas safety concerns.
🚪 Broken doors, windows, or locks.
🐜 Serious pest infestations.
🔥 Fire safety concerns.
🏠 Overcrowded living conditions.
👥 Signs of Overcrowded Housing

Signs that a property may be overcrowded include:

🛏 Too many people sharing bedrooms.
🛋 People sleeping in living rooms or other unsuitable spaces.
🚿 Insufficient bathrooms or cooking facilities.
🔒 Lack of privacy or personal space.
🚪 Blocked fire exits.
💧 Poor ventilation, damp, or mould.
📚 Conditions that make it difficult to study, rest, or live safely.
🔧 Problems with Landlords or Letting Agents

Common disputes can include:

🔨 Repairs not being completed.
💰 Deposit disputes.
📈 Rent increases.
🚪 Landlords entering the property without notice.
🏠 Poor property maintenance.
📨 Concerns about eviction notices.
📞 Communication difficulties.

Keep copies of:

📧 Emails and text messages.
📸 Photographs.
📄 Tenancy agreements.
📋 Inventories.
🧾 Receipts and payment records.
💰 What to Do if Your Deposit is Unfairly Withheld

If deductions are made from your deposit and you do not agree with them:

📄 Request a written explanation.
📑 Review your tenancy agreement.
📸 Gather evidence such as photographs and inventories.
🧾 Keep receipts and payment records.
📧 Retain all communication with the landlord or agent.
⚖ Seek advice if you are unable to resolve the dispute.
📨 What to Do if You Receive an Eviction Notice

Receiving an eviction notice can be stressful, but it does not necessarily mean you must leave immediately.

You should:

📖 Read the notice carefully.
📁 Keep a copy of all documents.
💷 Continue paying rent where appropriate.
⚖ Seek advice as soon as possible.
🏛 Contact your local council if you are at risk of homelessness.
🎓 Speak to BPP if your accommodation situation is affecting your studies or wellbeing.
⚖ Challenging an Eviction

You may be able to challenge an eviction if:

❌ The notice contains errors.
📋 The correct legal process has not been followed.
⏳ You have not been given the required notice period.
❓ The reason given for the eviction is incorrect.
⚖ There are other issues affecting the validity of the notice.
🚨 What to Do if You Think Your Eviction is Unlawful

An eviction may be unlawful if a landlord:

🔒 Changes the locks without following the legal process.
📦 Removes your belongings.
⚠ Forces you to leave through threats or harassment.
🚪 Attempts to evict you without the appropriate court process.

If you believe your eviction is unlawful:

📸 Keep evidence, including photographs, emails, and text messages.
🏛 Contact your local council immediately.
⚖ Seek legal advice.
🚓 Contact the police if you feel unsafe.
🏠 Access support through the BPP Social Impact Housing Clinic.
🤝 Support and Advice

If housing issues are affecting your wellbeing, safety, finances, or studies, support and advice are available.

🏠 External Housing Support
🏠

Shelter

Housing advice, homelessness support, tenancy rights, landlord disputes, and eviction guidance.

Visit Shelter

📄

Citizens Advice

Advice on housing, benefits, landlord disputes, deposits, housing rights, and legal issues.

Visit Citizens Advice

🎓 BPP Housing Support
🛡

Safeguarding and Wellbeing

Support where accommodation concerns are affecting your wellbeing, safety, studies, or involve significant welfare concerns.

Contact Safeguarding and Wellbeing

🎓

Students' Association Independent Advice

Independent and confidential advice and guidance for BPP students experiencing difficulties during their studies.

Contact the Students' Association Advice Service

⚖

BPP Social Impact Housing Clinic

Free legal advice on housing problems, landlord disputes, tenancy issues, neighbour disputes, unsafe accommodation, eviction concerns, and related housing matters.

Access the Housing Clinic

📚 Sources and References

The information on this page has been adapted from trusted UK housing, tenancy and welfare guidance sources.

🏠 Shelter

Housing rights, tenancy agreements, landlord disputes, homelessness and eviction guidance.

https://www.shelter.org.uk

📄 Citizens Advice

Information on housing rights, deposits, renting privately, landlord disputes and eviction.

https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/housing/

This guidance has been adapted for BPP students and includes examples relating to student accommodation, private renting, tenancy rights, deposits, housing safety, and access to support services.