Your home should be a place where you feel safe, comfortable and secure. Whether you are living in student accommodation, private rented housing or with family, your home is somewhere to rest, relax, socialise and recharge.
In this article, you'll find information, guidance and support to help you find accommodation, understand your rights and responsibilities as a tenant, and keep your living environment safe and secure.
- Living in London
- Tips for Avoiding Rogue Landlords
- Lodging in London
- Checking a Landlord or Letting Agent
- Home Safety
- Protecting yourself and your property
- Living with others
- Keeping your home secure
- Fire Safety
- E-bikes and E-scooters
Living in London
Finding accommodation in London can feel daunting, particularly if you are new to the city or moving away from home for the first time. However, there is a range of support available to help you find suitable accommodation and make informed decisions about where you live.
The Academy's Accommodation Advice service can help you explore your housing options and access relevant support.
The University of London Housing Services also provides specialist guidance and support for students, including:
- Legal advice, including support with tenancy disputes, deposits and repairs.
- A contract checking service to help you understand tenancy agreements before signing.
- Guidance through the Contract Checking Guide.
- Advice and practical information in the Private Housing Guide.
You can also access guidance from Citizens Advice on a range of student housing issues, whether you live in halls of residence or private rented accommodation.
Top tip: Before signing a tenancy agreement, take time to understand the contract, your responsibilities as a tenant and any associated costs. If you are unsure about any aspect of a tenancy agreement, seek advice before signing.
Tips for Avoiding Rogue Landlords
Before renting a property, it is important to understand your rights as a tenant. These include the right:
- To live in a property that is safe, secure and kept in a good state of repair.
- To have your tenancy deposit protected in a government-approved scheme and returned at the end of the tenancy, provided the terms of the agreement have been met.
- To know who your landlord is and to enjoy your home without unnecessary interference. In most circumstances, a landlord should provide at least 24 hours' notice before entering the property and arrange a mutually convenient time.
- To be protected from unlawful eviction and unfair treatment.
When looking for accommodation, there are also some practical steps you can take to reduce the risk of problems:
- View the property before agreeing to rent it, wherever possible.
- Be cautious of deals that seem unusually cheap or too good to be true.
- Never pay a deposit or rent until you are satisfied that the property and landlord are legitimate.
- Check what is included in the rent and whether there are any additional costs.
- Keep copies of emails, messages, receipts and other important documents.
Finally, ensure that you have a written tenancy agreement with your landlord. This agreement sets out the terms and conditions of the tenancy and helps protect both you and the landlord. Tenancies may be for a fixed term, such as one academic year, or operate on a periodic basis, such as month-to-month.
Top tip: If you are unsure about a tenancy agreement or have concerns about a landlord, seek advice before signing or making any payment. Services such as the Academy's Accommodation Advice team, University of London Housing Services and Citizens Advice can help you understand your options and rights.
Lodging in London
If you are renting a room in someone's home and sharing facilities with your landlord, your housing arrangement may be different from a standard tenancy. In many cases, you may be considered a lodger (sometimes known as an excluded occupier), which means your rights and responsibilities may differ from those of a tenant.
Although lodgers generally have fewer legal protections than tenants, you still have important rights. Before moving in, make sure you understand the terms of your agreement, including notice periods, rent payments and access to shared areas.
You can find further information and advice from:
Checking a Landlord or Letting Agent
Before renting a property, you may wish to check whether a landlord or letting agent has been subject to enforcement action.
The Mayor of London's Rogue Landlord and Agent Checker allows you to search for landlords and agents who have committed certain housing-related offences or breaches. You can also use the service to report concerns about a landlord or letting agent.
Top tip: Before agreeing to rent a property, take time to research the landlord or agent, read reviews where available, view the property in person if possible, and ensure you have a written agreement setting out the terms of your accommodation.
Home Safety
Your home should be a place where you feel safe, secure and comfortable. Taking a few simple precautions can help protect both you and your belongings.
Protecting yourself and your property
- Make sure your accommodation feels secure and that you can lock your room. External doors, windows and entrances should also be secure.
- Always lock doors and windows, even if you are only leaving for a short period.
- Avoid posting on social media that you will be away from home for an extended period.
- Keep valuable items, such as laptops, tablets, phones and bags, out of sight from windows, doors and letterboxes.
- Consider registering valuable items on the National Property Register.
- Ensure expensive items are adequately insured. If you live in student accommodation, check what is covered by any existing insurance arrangements.
- Keep bicycles securely locked, including the frame and wheels. Where possible, store bicycles in a secure location away from public access.
Living with others
If you are moving into shared accommodation, take time to get to know the people you will be living with and trust your instincts if something does not feel right.
Keeping your home secure
You can help keep yourself and your living environment safe by:
- Being mindful of who you invite into your home or personal space.
- Not feeling pressured to share your address or invite someone back to your accommodation if you do not feel comfortable doing so.
- Politely declining offers to accompany you home if you would prefer not to share where you live.
- Considering being dropped off nearby, rather than directly outside your home, when travelling by taxi or minicab.
- Preventing others from following you into secure buildings, halls of residence or accommodation blocks without authorisation.
- Reporting suspicious activity or security concerns to accommodation staff, building security, the Academy or the police, as appropriate.
Top tip: Prioritise your safety and seek support or advice if you have concerns about your accommodation, housemates, visitors or security arrangements.
Fire Safety
Fire safety is everyone's responsibility. Whether you live in student halls, private rented accommodation or shared housing, understanding common fire risks can help keep you and those around you safe.
The London Fire Brigade (LFB) has produced a range of guidance to help residents reduce the risk of fire and know what to do in an emergency.
Reducing the risk of fire
Cooking and fire safety
Around 60% of fires in the home start in the kitchen. Never leave cooking unattended and take extra care when using oil, grills and ovens.
Batteries and chargers
Chargers, batteries and charging cables can pose a significant fire risk if they are damaged, faulty or used incorrectly.
To reduce the risk:
- Use the charger supplied by the manufacturer whenever possible.
- Avoid charging devices unattended or overnight.
- Stop using batteries that are damaged, overheating or showing signs of swelling.
Further information:
Cables, fuses and extension leads
Overloading electrical sockets can create a fire hazard. Check plugs, extension leads and cables regularly for signs of damage.
Further information:
- Cables, Fuses and Leads
- https://www.electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk/guidance/safety-around-the-home/overloading-sockets/Socket Overload Calculator
Smoking, vaping and e-cigarettes
Smoking remains one of the leading causes of fatal house fires. If you smoke or vape, ensure cigarettes, vaping devices and batteries are used and disposed of safely.
Further information:
Portable heaters and open flames
Portable heaters, gas fires and open flames can help keep your accommodation warm, particularly during winter. However, they should always be used safely and kept away from combustible materials such as clothing, bedding, paper and furniture.
Further information:
E-bikes and E-scooters
E-bikes and e-scooters are powered by lithium-ion batteries, which can present a fire risk if they are damaged, modified or charged incorrectly.
To help reduce risk:
- Use manufacturer-approved batteries and chargers.
- Never charge batteries near exits or escape routes.
- Avoid charging batteries overnight or while asleep.
- Stop using batteries that become damaged, unusually hot or swollen.
For important fire safety advice, visit:
Know your escape route
Wherever you live:
- Familiarise yourself with fire exits and escape routes.
- Make sure exits and corridors are kept clear.
- Do not tamper with smoke alarms, fire doors or firefighting equipment.
- Follow any fire safety guidance provided by your accommodation provider.
- If a fire alarm sounds, leave the building immediately and follow local evacuation procedures.
Top tip: Before settling into new accommodation, take a few minutes to identify the nearest fire exits, locate fire safety information, and ensure you know what to do in an emergency. A simple plan can make a significant difference if a fire occurs.