Accommodation : Private Rented Accommodation

We're not able to arrange private rented accommodation on your behalf, but there are plenty of ways to find your accommodation. AUB Studentpad should be your first port of call. This site lists all student accommodation registered with us by local landlords who have been accredited by a national association. You can browse the site to see what kinds of properties are currently available.

We don't view properties listed on the AUB Studentpad website. Only landlords who are accredited with The Residential Landlord Accreditation Scheme, Private Rented Sector Accreditation Scheme or The National Landlords Association are registered.

When looking for accommodation, view as many properties as you can to help you make the decision.

For safety reasons, never go to view a property on your own.

Remember to consider the full cost of your accommodation, including bills, contents insurance, television licences and food. For more information, check out BCP Council's handy student guide to renting.

We accept no legal responsibility or liability to any party in matters of the provision of private rented accommodation.

There are many landlords and lettings agents in Bournemouth who'll have properties available for rent. If you wish to check if a landlord or letting agent is accredited or not, you can do so via the following links:

• National Landlord Association Accreditation
• Residential Landlord Association Accreditation Scheme
• Private Rented Sector Accreditation Scheme
• Arla
• The Property Ombudsman
  
• UK Association of Letting Agents

AUB doesn't recommend any letting agents or landlords above any other.

When moving into private accommodation, most letting agencies and some landlords will require a UK-based guarantor. This is someone who agrees to pay rent or cost of damages if you fail to pay.

If you can't provide a UK-based guarantor, you may often be asked to pay full accommodation fees in advance, or you won't be able to secure your accommodation.

AUB has partnered with Housing Hand, which can act as a UK-based guarantor for you. Housing Hand will normally require a co-signer to sign up with you, but for students who are eligible for the AUB Guarantor Award, no co-signer will be required.

What does Housing Hand do?

Housing Hand can stand as a UK guarantor for between 6–12 months. They cover the full amount of rent, as well as any damages, dilapidations, and professional eviction costs, if any, incurred during the tenancy.

What does it cost?

For AUB students, there is a discount of up to 50%, so the fee will only be 5.5% of annual rent on a monthly subscription, or 5% of annual rent with a full up-front payment, subject to a minimum fee of £295.00.

To be eligible for this award, you must be an Undergraduate student:

• Domiciled in England.
• Aged 18–25, studying for your first degree.
• Who has spent a minimum of three months in care, up to and including the period of GCSE/A level-equivalent study.

or

• Estranged from both of your biological or adoptive parents, and the situation is likely to remain permanent.

Students who are under special guardianship and kinship care during this period may also qualify.

You mustn't have any outstanding debts to the University and be enrolled full-time at the University for the duration of the guarantor agreement.

If you meet these criteria and would like to apply for this support, please contact studentservices@aub.ac.uk

You can also find out more about how we support care experienced, estranged and young adult carer students on our website.

Finance

There are financial costs associated with private rented accommodation that may not necessarily have been considered previously when living in Halls of Residence. It's important to ensure you are aware of all costs that could be incurred and budget accordingly.

• Council tax – you may be required to pay council tax once outside term time. Make sure to check and where possible register for an exemption.
• Insurance – consider purchasing contents insurance for your belongings.
• Utility bills – you'll need to set up accounts for household bills such as gas, electricity, TV licence, Wi-Fi, water, etc.

Location

Choose accommodation that provides the best location for your needs. Ideally, it should be convenient for campus, public transport, shops and essential services, while also feeling safe and well lit.

Condition of the building

The quality of the accommodation matters, including room size, furnishings, cleanliness and maintenance.

Security is a key issue that can affect both safety and peace of mind. Check important factors such as well‑maintained window and door locks, is there adequate outdoor and hallway lighting?

Safety is really important. Does the property have the appropriate amount of working fire safety equipment? (e.g. smoke detectors, extinguishers, fire blankets, etc.) You should be able to see up-to-date documentation including:

• Gas Safety Certificate
• Energy Performance paperwork
• Report showing condition of the property’s electrical installations

Check the inventory. What's included in the rent and is it good-quality? Is the shower pressure good and do the toilets flush properly? Does the washing machine and fridge/freezer work efficiently?

Check the quality of insulation. Does the property have double glazing and adequate heating. Check if there are signs of condensation, damp and mould. These can pose health risks.

Our top tip – talk to the current tenants. A good question is, “What are the best and worst things about living in this property?”