Private accommodation options
Renting a shared or whole property
This is an option that many students choose, with four to five bedroom properties being the most common size. Studios and one bedroom flats are available but considerably more expensive.
Options vary, but you can expect a 11-12 month contract and an average rent of around £650 per person per month, before bills.
Landlords and agents usually look for groups of students, not individuals, so it is likely you will need to get together with a group you want to live with.
Read our guidance on finding family accommodation.
Purpose built student accommodation
The most similar option to University managed accommodation, but managed by a private company, usually including bills/utilities in the rent.
Rooms can be booked individually, and you’d live with other students, although they may not be from the University of Bath.
Several providers offer studios only, which can be expensive, so consider your budget before applying.
Renting with a resident landlord
Renting a room in a landlord or host family’s home is the most flexible option. Contract lengths are more negotiable, with no minimum length and rent is often more affordable. This makes lodgings a good option for those in Bath for a semester only.
When to start looking
From November onwards, agencies list properties. Studentpad lists properties from December. We advise aiming to have your accommodation sorted around March time. You can still find properties and rooms after this, but you are likely to have to make more compromises.
Accommodation contracts are legally binding, so it is important that you are well informed and make the choice that is right for you.
How to find private accommodation
Studentpad
Whichever of the options you think would be best, we recommend that you use Studentpad to start your search. This has a variety of accommodation types and we ensure that all properties listed have the relevant safety certificates and licencing.
We begin listing properties available for the next academic year in December.
Other search sites
You can also find private sector accommodation by searching on:
Wherever you search, be sure that the person you are dealing with is genuine before paying any fees or signing a contract.
Agencies
There are several local agencies in the area that specialise in student accommodation. They will have local landlords on their books and may be able to suggest a few options for you.
Always check whether the agency is registered to both a Redress Scheme and Client Money Protection Scheme.
What to consider when looking for private accommodation
Who to live with
You might choose to live with friends from your course, a club or society, current housemates, or people you meet at a housemate finding event.
Do not rush into decisions about who to live with, as you will entering into a legally binding agreement with them. A good housemate has a similar lifestyle to you, is trustworthy and isn’t afraid of some washing up.
There will be events throughout the year to help you find suitable housemates. We have networking sites available to students too:
- Roome - download the app to help find a place to stay and the right people to share it .
- ResLife programme - is a great way to meet other students and explore your new home.
- Students' Union events - the SU and our groups host events all through the year, such as music events, food fairs and cultural trips.
- Studentpad message board
- Discord Student of Bath Community - search for student flatmates with other students from University of Bath, Bath Spa University and Norland College.
Viewings
Before signing a contract or paying any fees, you will need to see the property. Contact the landlord or agency directly to arrange a viewing. This might be online or in person.
Viewings often take place months before you move in. It’s likely it will be your only chance to see the property before you live there, so it’s important that you know what to look for.
Some helpful guides are found on Save the Student and Studentpad.
Upfront costs
Before moving into private accommodation, you will need to pay:
- A holding fee, up to one week's rent
- A deposit, up to five week’s rent
- The first month’s rent
These vary but can total over £1,000 per person. Check what is refundable, know what you are paying for and get a receipt.
The Tenant Fees Act sets out limitations on what a landlord or agent can charge.
Be sure that the landlord or agency is genuine before handing over any money.
Checks made by your landlord or agent
Before you can rent a property, a landlord will have some requirements too. We can help you with these:
- Right to rent - checking you have the right to rent in the UK.
- Contact reslifesupport@bath.ac.uk with your room and student number for a reference statement. This email can be passed onto landlords or agents should they wish to contact directly.
The contract
Accommodation contracts are legally binding, so it’s important that you understand your rights and responsibilities.
The ResLife Team offers a free contract reading service. Arrange an appointment by emailing reslifesupport@bath.ac.uk.
You can also use our Housing Contract Helper, which helps explain common terms and clauses found in accommodation contracts.
Other useful information can be found at:
Studentpad – make sure that you understand all clauses, so there are no nasty surprises after you've signed.
Shelter – when you move in with other people, you may be offered separate tenancies, a joint tenancy, or a tenancy in only one person's name.
Guarantor schemes for private accommodation
Before you move into private accommodation, most landlords or lettings agencies will ask you for a UK based guarantor.
This is someone who will pay your rent if you fall into debt whilst studying at the University of Bath.
If you cannot provide a UK guarantor, you may be asked to pay a large amount, or all of the rent upfront.
To help you with this, professional guarantor schemes are available, although these come with a charge.
- Rent Guarantor. University of Bath students are eligible for a 7.5% promotional discount when using their services (using the code BATH75)
- Housing Hand
- UK Guarantor
What to be aware of when looking for private accommodation
It's important to be aware of improper rentals and fake agencies when looking online for private accommodation. Free advertising websites or social media are a common target for scammers.
A landlord or agent offering a property rental must have the following:
- Gas Safety Certificate (GSC)
- Electrical Safety Certificate (EICR)
- Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)
You can check the EPC yourself online.
Properties for five or more individuals need a House of Multiple Occupation (HMO) Licence. This should be sent to you also, but can be verified online.
Landlords must also provide the accommodation contract and other documents like the How To Rent Guide.
Avoid sending money before viewing a property. A 'holding fee' is common, but should only be asked for once you’ve seen the property and confirmed that the person you are dealing with is genuine. The most a landlord can charge for a holding fee is one week's worth of rent. The first month's rent and the security deposit will be payable upon signing the tenancy.
Looking for accommodation beyond Bath
If you struggle to find suitable or affordable accommodation in Bath it may be necessary to broaden your accommodation search.
You could use a property search tool, such as rightmove.
Below is a list of nearby towns with public transport links to Bath and the University.
- Keynsham - a small town located on the south east outskirts of Bristol around 10 miles from Bath
- Trowbridge - a town to the south east of Bath around 10 miles from Bath
- Frome - a town to the south of Bath around 12 miles from University of Bath