Family Housing for Students with Children 

Housing Provision

As a not for profit charity Unipol specialises in providing houses for students who are not adequately catered for in the private rented sector. An important part of Unipol's housing is reserved specially for students with dependants.

Subsidy Arrangements

Unipol has entered into a number of partnerships with housing associations that enables some Government grant aid to subsidise the cost of refurbishing our houses. Unipol also subsidises the running costs of the houses which are all let fully furnished.

The partnerships are with: Shay Street/Holborn Terrace - The Ridings Housing Association. Woodsley Terrace - Leeds Federated Housing Association and Argie Avenue and Grayson Heights - Home Housing Association.

What is a Student with Dependants?

Family housing is available to students with children living with them, whether they are lone parents, co-habiting or living in an extended family.

Is there a Shortage of Housing for those with Dependants?

Because Unipol has made the provision of housing in this area a top priority, there is now less of a shortage than there used to be. It is important, however, that you do not simply "turn up" hoping that a house will become available because you may end up spending a lot of money on temporary accommodation, which can be very expensive.

It is better to come to Leeds alone first and bring your family when you have found suitable accommodation for all of you.

Special Arrangements for those Studying at the University of Leeds

Unipol has a special arrangement with the University of Leeds who are able to allocate 80 properties specifically for their students. These are to be found at Shay Street and Holborn Terrace, about 10 minutes walk from the University, Woodsley Terrace, on the University Campus and Grayson Heights located in Kirkstall.

Shay Street/Holborn Terrace has 56 three bedroomed family flats (for up to three children) and Woodsley Terrace has 24 two bedroomed flats (for up to two children). Woodsley Terrace also has 8 one bedroomed flats (with small study) for couples. Grayson Heights has 24 flats for students with 1 - 2 small children.

You need to contact The University of Leeds if you are interested in these properties. If these are full then you can apply direct to Unipol for the other housing.

How to Find a Family House and Join the Email List

All available properties are displayed on the Web site but you can also join an E-mail list and you will be notified when a suitable Unipol property becomes available. Many properties are occupied by older students, many of whom are undertaking postgraduate studies and some tenants stay for several years. Properties can become vacant at any time of the year and some turn over very infrequently.

We cannot hold properties for students for any length of time. If you are offered a property you will be expected to start a contract within a specified period, usually in the space of a few weeks.

Unipol will not let a property to a potential tenant without them viewing the property. You can join the E-mail list if you are not in the UK, but if you are offered a property, you will need to view it before you can agree to rent it. You will also need to be in the UK to sign a tenancy agreement and as these properties are very popular, they do let quickly.

Argie Avenue

Argie Avenue is a complex with 63 three bedroomed family flats suitable for families with up to three children.

Small Houses

Unipol has 32 small houses for couples and students with dependants. These are normally refurbished back-to-back houses that are comfortable and cheap to run. Unipol only has a few houses with four bedrooms which are suitable for large families of 4 children+: these are in very short supply and rarely turn over. We cannot "squeeze" a large family into a property that is too small.

Cost

All family tenants pay for their energy (gas, electricity & water) directly to the utility supplier. All properties are gas central heated with instant hot water and energy charges are low. All properties are let fully carpeted, with curtains and furnished. A cooker, large fridge/freezer and washer/drier are also provided in the rent. Woodsley Terrace and Argie Avenue also have a children's play area with dedicated equipment and Shay Street/Holborn Terrace, Woodsley Terrace , Argie Avenue and Grayson Heights all have car parking and gardens with perimeter fencing. The smaller houses often go directly off the street, some have a yard but most car parking is on the street.

The rent level for the academic year 2007-2008 is: (all rent are given per calendar month)

 

Holborn and Shay Street £367.00

Argie Avenue £354.97

Woodsley & Mount Preston £414.00

Grayson Heights £392.33   (includes energy)

*estimate as rent rises are linked to retail price rises, so this figure is subject to change

Family tenants are required to pay a double rent payment at the beginning of each tenancy, meaning the final month of the contract is paid for already. Smaller Unipol properties rent level vary from £300.00 to £400.00.

Private sector family houses can range from £400 - £600 per month and may have to be considered if Unipol do not have any vacancies. Cheaper and larger accommodation for families can be found further out of the City Centre.

Car parking

Woodsley Terrace at £90.00 per year (2007/2008).

Argie Avenue

Shay Street/Holborn Terrace

Grayson Heights at £100 per term (2007 - 2008)

Conclusion

There are a number of photographs and further particulars of each development available (simply click of the names above) to help you see what kinds of accommodation we provide.

We hope you will come to Leeds and enjoy staying and living in our housing, making friends, using local schools and becoming part of the community here in Leeds during your studies.

To be notified when we can offer you are suitable property, fill in our online form.

If you have a specific question, you can E-mail Unipol on families@unipol.leeds.ac.uk or to find out about Leeds University Accommodation accom@adm.leeds.ac.uk.

Related information

 

Visit the Student Parent Assembly on-line forum for more helpful information for students with dependants (click here).