Finding a property

Not sure where to start when it comes to finding a property? Read our handy guide to get yourself started.

Getting started

When starting out with your search for accommodation it is important that you take your time and choose the right type of accommodation for your needs. Before you can start looking for suitable accommodation there are a few things to think about.

Your home will impact on your wellbeing, relationships, lifestyle and health so make sure you take your time and make an informed decision.

Who do you want to live with?

Start by deciding whether you want to rent in a group or if living with a resident landlord would benefit you more:

Resident landlord Houseshare
  • You are a lodger and do not have tenant rights
  • No requirement to give notice to end the agreement
  • A resident landlord usually offers a more flexible contract
  • Only responsible for your own rent, guarantors often not required
  • Bills are usually included in the rent.
  • Covered by the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985
  • The landlord must provide written notice to end your tenancy (Section 21)
  • Often no option to end your tenancy or replace yourself
  • Jointly responsible for the rent of the whole property
  • Collectively responsible for the household bills.

When choosing who to live with make sure to discuss your schedules, needs, expectations and budget.
Work out your budget

When calculating how much you can afford it is advisable to use a budget calculator or speak to the Student Money team.

Take into account that utility bills are usually not included and you will have to take out content insurance to protect your belongings.

Plan your location

View our map of Guildford (PDF) which provides an overview of areas and rents in Guildford.

As Guildford is highly competitive area for student accommodation you should also consider nearby towns that all have good transport links to the University including:

  • Godalming
  • Aldershot
  • Woking.

Finding a property

Search for properties online and find out which lettings agencies we work with.

Useful websites

Landlords and lettings agents mainly advertise on:

You can also can look for available rooms on Easy Roommate or Spare Room.

Before you start looking:

  • Gather your references (this is the main reason students lose out on properties)
  • Understand right-to-rent legislation
  • View our flowchart so that you know what to expect.
Letting agents

With so many letting agencies to choose from, we encourage all students to ensure they have done sufficient research about what these agencies offer.

We advise students searching for accommodation to consider properties with these letting agents in the first instance:

Purpose-built student accommodation
Upfront costs and affordability requirements

Affordability requirements

  • UK-based, employed guarantor is required for all tenants (unless paying up front)
  • Guarantors are joint and severally liable
  • 6-12 months’ rent in advance in the absence of a UK-based guarantor.

Upfront costs

  • First month’s rent
  • 5 weeks' rent as a security deposit
  • Holding deposit equal to one weeks' rent per property, deducted from first month's rent.

Viewing properties

Read our guidance for viewing properties to ensure that your entry into the rental market is smooth. 

Be prepared

When going to view a property it is essential that you ask plenty of questions. Questions you may wish to ask include:

Around the property

  1. What transport links are nearby?
  2. Is there parking/bike storage?

Windows

  1. Does the property feel cold?
  2. Is there double glazing?
  3. Do the windows close properly and are they lockable?

Heating/ventilation

  1. What kind of heating is used in the house?
  2. Is there adequate ventilation in the kitchen and the bathroom?
  3. Ask for a demonstration on how the heating and plumbing work. Is it easy, does it work well?

Inside the property (rooms)

  1. Are there any signs of damp, mould or discolouration around the windows or on the walls or ceiling? (make sure you look behind furniture and curtains)
  2. Is the property furnished, if so what is included?
  3. Are there fire alarms and CO2 detectors?
  4. Does the house have fire doors?

Bathroom

  1. Is there a window, radiator or fan in the bathroom?
  2. Is the ceiling cracking and peeling?
  3. What is the water pressure like?

Garden

  1. What state is the garden in?
  2. Is it your responsibility to maintain it?
  3. Will it be in a good condition once you move in?

Financial matters

  1. What deposit protection scheme is the deposit held in?
  2. Are there any bulls or insurance included in the rent?
Other things to consider

Unable to view a property?

If you are unable to view a property in person, ask a trusted friend or family member to view it on your behalf. Make sure to provide them with a list of questions to ask and to take photos. If you are viewing with the landlord arrange a Skype or FaceTime call and ask them to show you around the whole house.

Talk to any current tenants

It is always worth talking to any current tenants that are around when viewing a property. They may be able to give you an insight into what the house and the landlord is like.

Get any verbal agreements in writing

If the landlord or agent makes verbal agreements with you such as 'new furniture will be put into the flat', or certain things 'will be fixed before you move in'. Make sure you get this in writing via email or put into the contract before signing it.

Securing a property

To fully secure a property, you must be completely referenced, the contracts should be signed and returned and all money that the landlord/agency requested must be paid. 

You are much more likely to be taken seriously and securing a house with less hassle if you are prepared.

References

All students looking to go into the private sector will require a housing reference. If you have lived in University accommodation and require this document, please contact the MySurrey Hive team.

Please note the lead time for this letter can take up to five working days during peak times.

There are two ways you can obtain a reference:

  1. If you would like to get prepared before starting your property search, why not ask for this letter today. MySurrey Hive can happily provide this document for you before you start your search. All you need to do is present this letter to your landlord or agent once you have found your property of choice.
  2. Sometimes Landlords or Estate Agents may ask for third party to obtain a reference check. This process requires consent. Please ensure you write MySurrey Hive details down as your point of contact when completing the paperwork and give consent to share your details. This will help speed up the process, so we can send the letter direct to the referencing agent without delay.

It is important to note, sometimes even by doing point 1, you may be required to complete point 2 as well.

Documents

Possible documents that you could be asked to provide: 

Passport

It is a legal requirement that they view your passport and visa (if required) in person or via video transmission.

Proof of current address

Usually dated within three months and would be one of the following:

  • Recent utility bill – gas, electricity, water, telephone (not mobile phones)
  • Current council tax bill
  • Tenancy agreement
  • House or motor insurance certificate
  • Current state pension notification letter
  • Bank/building society statement
  • Credit card statements from main provider
  • HMRC tax notification documentation (this does not include P60s)
  • Letter from the council confirming electoral roll listing
  • NHS medical card 
  • University enrolment letter
  • Employment reference confirming your time with employer and salary
  • Current or previous landlord reference confirming the period you rented, the rental amount and whether the rent was paid in full and on time
  • A credit check which confirms your address and also whether you have any county court judgements.
Contracts

Once you have found a property make sure to read your contract and that you understand it. 

We advise that you only rent through a landlord or letting agency which holds a professional accreditation. This ensures they uphold a code of conduct and helps if you need to escalate a complaint.

You can also carry out a Land Registry check to confirm you are dealing with the legal owner of the property, it may be the best £3 you spend.

Guarantors

Should your landlord or letting agent require you to have a UK-based guarantor, there are two options.

You will need to use a friend or family member who is willing to act as your guarantor. They should be able to demonstrate that they have sufficient income to cover your rent should you be unable to pay. They will also undergo referencing like yourself.

The University of Surrey has now partnered with Housing Hand to help UK, EU and International students provide a qualifying UK guarantor when renting in the private sector.

University of Surrey guarantor service in association with Housing Hand.

If you require general housing advice, please speak with the Surrey Students’ Union Housing Advice Service. 

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